A local couple, Steve J. Larsen and Marley Jaxx approached Theo and Kim Hanson, owners of the Stella's Ice Cream North Meridian location in June 2025 to cater their unorthodox concept of a wedding. The couple explained that they had experienced "sticker shock" when receiving quotes for their wedding. Instead of a gift registry, the couple was planning to set up a site to charge admission for a weekend experience and wanted to bring in Stella's Ice Cream as a sponsor along with a variety of other vendors.

Guests had the option to buy a basic $57 ticket for admission to the wedding day or a three-day experience for two tickets valued at $997 which allowed access to the rehearsal dinner, wedding day and bio-hacking brunch the following day. What could have been a one-day event had turned into a pitch for the ultimate health and networking experience. The couple planned to break even before donating the remainder of the proceeds to Village Impact to help build a school and support initiatives such as access to clean water and feminine hygiene products.

Since taking over this franchise location in March of 2024, Theo and Kim had been looking for ways to grow their business and give back to the community. This wedding truly seemed to help them work on both goals simultaneously. While the couple was met with some resistance to their idea online, many praised them for their spirit of entrepreneurship and creative approach to a common problem many newlyweds face: financial burden due to the cost of achieving their "dream wedding". The couple visited their location at 1492 N Webb Wy #150 in Meridian to taste-test their favorite flavors, including non-dairy and gluten-free options. After hearing their story, Theo got to work and surprised the couple with a one-of-a-kind experience, smoked-salted caramel ice cream inspired by the future groom's favorite movie, The Greatest Showman. 

The couple was married on August 22nd, 2025 and raised approximately $132,550 to build classrooms in Kenya through Village Impact. Sponsors and vendors such as Stella's Ice Cream North Meridian, Goodwood BBQ,  Michelle Sohan (world-renowned luxury cake artist), and more helped raise awareness for their cause but make it an unforgettable night for the couple. Their story was featured in People Magazine, New York Post, The Sun, and more.

For questions and catering inquiries, contact northmeridian@stellasicecream.com