Warmth in the Winter

by Laura Vietmeyer

 

A meeting through mutual friends led to a glittering, winter wonderland wedding for Nicole and Ryan.  The couple celebrated their nuptials during the coldest of Wisconsin winters, surrounded by the warmth and love of their family and friends.  Through remembrances of those who are gone, touching moments, and the perfect details, the couple celebrated their love with the people who helped make them who they are today.       

 

Q  How did you meet?

I was at Carroll University to become an elementary school teacher and Ryan was pursuing a degree as a civil engineer at Marquette. I spent a lot of time visiting friends at Marquette and we met on a crisp fall night.  After lots of weekends of hanging out, lunch dates at Ma Fishers, and walks on the lakefront, Ryan asked me to be his girlfriend. 

 

Q  How did he propose? 

I was a competitive figure skater growing up, so Ryan decided to propose at Red Arrow Park.  He wanted to watch the skaters from the viewing balcony above the rink. Seemingly nervous, Ryan decided to break the ice and got down on one knee and asked me if I would spend the rest of my life with him.  He presented me with the most beautiful, sparking ring. Without missing a beat, I said yes! 

 

Q  Did he ask permission from parents before the proposal?   

Yes. Our parents mean the world to us.  I’m the only daughter, so asking for my hand in marriage meant the world to my dad. 

 

Q  Who were the first people you told?  

Our parents. Ryan proposed the day before Christmas Eve, so we were able to share the exciting news first hand with family that Christmas. 

 

Q  What was the length of your engagement?  

About a year. We love everything about winter. Christmas, snow, winter sports, snowmobiling… everything!  Little did we know, the winter of 2014 was on its way! We were blessed to have a day that was not below zero and sunny with a light flurry and a fresh coat of powder white snow on the ground. 

 

Q  When did you know he was the one? 

Since the first time I saw Ryan dance. He’s a responsible guy, but also knows how to have fun.  He said that he had those feelings since he met me, and each day he falls more and more in love with me. 

 

Q What was the first detail that you knew you absolutely had to have at your wedding?

Glitter and lots of sparkle! It fit with the winter wonderland style of the wedding.

 

Q What was the most important item for your wedding that you knew you just had to splurge on?

As much as our wedding day was about us, we really wanted to celebrate all of the amazing people in our lives. So the venue and music were definitely at the top of our list. We wanted everyone to eat good food, cheers to good drinks, dance the night away with an awesome DJ and take home many happy memories. 

 

Q What was your biggest surprise when planning your wedding? 

Ryan’s grandfather (who has passed) was an incredible role model to him and someone who has made a tremendous impact on the man he is today. I had the honor and privilege to be able to surprise Ryan by presenting him with his gold wedding band, which was once his grandfather’s. His grandmother graciously passed it on to Ryan. The original engraving still remains on the ring “You have my whole heart darling. I love you.” I added their wedding date and ours.  He found out moments before the wedding, when I had my bridesmaid hand him a note from me explaining the significance of his wedding band. It made our exchange of rings something we’ll never forget.