Ryan and I met originally online. Neither one of us was looking for a date, but happened to like what we saw in our profiles and decided to meet. After talking online for a while, we found that I knew his sister in law, Megan real well. That was all it took to convince us to continue seeing each other. We decided to meet in person, going to a movie and dinner in Lakeville. Originally we had planned on getting together for the state fair after Labor Day, but it's still up to debate who couldn't wait until then! We still got together after Labor Day and have obviously continued seeing each other since.

About 10 months into our dating adventures, it came time for my annual all important waterski trip to Hoyt Lakes, MN. There were several other options for Ryan to attend that weekend as well and I encouraged him to go since we had spent a lot of time together and I knew we'd spend more as time went on. He insisted on coming up with me though. I have made it tradition to stop by my parents' home in Herbster, WI on the way to Hoyt Lakes. This time was no different. We got up to my parents' and it wasn't 5 minutes after we got there that Ryan wanted to speak to my dad. Well, my dad happened to be fixing the toilet at the time, but Ryan knew he couldn't wait and had to ask my dad for permission to take my hand. So he did and when my dad started crying, Ryan knew it was now or never. He very hurriedly asked me if I'd like to take a walk on the beach. I found it kinda weird as it looked like it would start raining at any minute. But I said sure just let me finish talking to my mom. So, Ryan, Kodak, and I went for a walk on the beach. We didn't get more than a few steps when he turned and said he had a present for me and asked me to hold out my hand. This was no surprise as he had been doing this for weeks before. Ryan would always say he had a present for me and ask for me to hold out my hand. I would and he would give me quarters for "rent" money since he was moving in. Well, this time was no different. Sure enough, he gave me two quarters (which I will keep forever!) and then he said he had another present. I held out my hand again and that's when he pulled out the ring box. I didn't even open it, but just hugged and kissed him for a while. Neither of us really knew what to do. I asked what he was doing and he got down on one knee and said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. I said I had to think about it, then of course said yes! I just had to give him a bit of a hard time!

Our wedding will be at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN. We're thinking about a 5:00 start time for the ceremony. The ceremony will be held in the Nelson Shrub Rose Garden. YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE A SHUTTLE TO GET THERE, SO PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ARRIVE AS EARLY AS YOU CAN!!!!!!!!!

Reception will be at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum as well in the MacMillan Auditorium. Start time is at 6:00. The shuttle will bring you from the ceremony site to here as well.

It is so amazing for us that you have taken time and money out of your day to spend this special day with us! We can't thank you enough for all the love and support you have shown through the years!