Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

Our Engagement Story

In her words I woke up the morning of February 24th preparing to host Garrett's best friend, Alex Toger, and his fiancé, Sarah, for a visit, as they live a couple hours away. I got in the shower and when I came out, I discovered a card, cash, and disposable camera. Missing, was Garrett and my phone.

Absolutely overjoyed &amp; excited, I cued Alexa to play all wedding related songs while I continued to get ready. Just as his note said, my best friend, Silvanna, arrived with my favorite breakfast &amp; said we are leaving to go shopping. We shopped for some engagement day outfit options &amp; all Silvanna would tell me was that we need to be somewhere at 11:30am. When that time came, I really couldn't figure out where we were headed until we arrived -- the nail salon. (I mean, he really thought of it all). I walked into the nail salon and standing right inside are some MORE of my very best friends - Gretchen, Ingrid, Ali, Sam, Cydney, and Allyson. I can't stress how incredible &amp; how BIG of a surprise this was. After hugs, tears, &amp; some yapping (as we do), we all sat down to get our nails done. After, we headed to Wealthy St. to walk around the shops, which is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. We went to my favorite jewelry store, Dime &amp; Regal, (which, happens to be where my ring is from!) and then Donkey Taqueria for some margaritas. While there, Silvanna told me it was time to say goodbye to the girls because we had to head to my next stop.

We walked about a block away to my favorite restaurant, Zivio. At this point, I've had my fun - it must be proposal time, right? I walk inside the restaurant (prepared to see Garrett) but spot my dad, my sister, Erica, my niece, Audrey, Ann, my Uncle Mike, &amp; Aunt Cindy. After saying hello &amp; sitting down, my dad handed me his phone, which had my Aunt Kathy &amp; Uncle Kent on Facetime. I chatted with them for a moment when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around… &amp; it was them! This got me good - Aunt Kathy and Uncle Kent live in SC &amp; had flown in for this special day. Again, the surprises continue &amp; my chills haven't gone away since. All of us enjoyed our meal until my dad said it was time for him to take me to my next stop.

It's around 4:30p now &amp; I'm in the car, nervous, thinking NOW must be engagement time. My dad pulls the car up to Garrett &amp; my favorite date night location - House Rules, which is a board game bar. I laugh internally, thinking, "of course he would do it here." My dad, Ann, &amp; I walk inside &amp; the host tells us we are the first of the group to arrive. This made all too much sense a few minutes later when all of my (notoriously fashionably late) Grand Rapids friends - Claire, Aleks, Gaspo, Affer, Grant, Logan, Tony, Silvanna - arrived to join me. Yes, STILL, no Garrett. We played board games for a whopping TWO hours, knowing what I know &amp; had a blast. Promptly after, we all loaded up in Logan's car to go to my "next stop."

It's around 6:45pm &amp; I'm dropped off at the Chop House in downtown GR. Garrett MUST be waiting at the table the host is walking me to. The host signals that we arrived to my table after turning a corner - but it is not Garrett. Sitting there is none other than my mom &amp; Grandma. Talk about tears. For those that don't know, my mom lives in Phoenix &amp; Grandma, across the state. It had been on my mind throughout the day that it was too bad my mom wasn't going to be present for the day, but no, not even thousands of miles kept her from being there! After the shock, the water works, &amp; a toast, we had the best meal &amp; conversations that I will cherish forever.

My Grandma got a head start to coat check when we were finished with dinner &amp; by the time my mom &amp; I got to the front of the restaurant, she was gone. Mom said, "she must have started walking to the car." I immediately started panicking, thinking my Grandma is walking in the cold, dark streets of GR ALONE. My mom &amp; I hustled about a block away to Rosa Parks Circle when I saw my coworkers, Rachael &amp; Sierra, across the street. Immediately, I notice that behind them, I recognize just about EVERYONE who is standing across the street. (Grandma included, phew!) Formed in a perfect lane are all of the people I saw that day &amp; more. After crossing the street, my mom nudged me to walk through this aisle of loved ones, so I did. Passing through, saying hi, &amp; getting high fives along the way, I near the end &amp; I finally see Garrett. The next thing I know, he is on one knee, asking to grow old together. Easiest yes of my life!

Our Story

Photos

Board Game Connoisseur, Sign Language Enthusiast, and a heck of a German Dancer. The person to make sure everyone is feeling included and having fun!

Watch for him to light up the room on the dance floor and during his speech.

Michael (Two Ton Tony) Ritterhaus

As older sister, Erica has been been many things to me - a role model, a teacher, & sometimes, an arch nemesis...  but most importantly & most recently, a best friend. Erica is the smartest and the most thoughtful person I know, while somehow also being the most humble. There is no better person to assume (yet another role as) Matron of Honor!

Erica Dowdall

For a low rate of a hungry howies pizza, this groomsman will turn your lackluster fantasy football team into a contender.
Need a movie recommendation? Joey is your guy.
Need a teammate for a video game? Joey's your guy.
Need a legendary cookie recipe? Joey will never tell.


Joey (Bruteabaga) Dowdall

As my future Sister-in-law, Ciara is an amazing bonus sister to look up to. She is intelligent, a world traveler, former D1 Hockey player, & all star mom of 3. Oh, and she's Catholic -- something that scored her & I points with Omi early in our respective relationships! Ask Ciara about her travels!

Ciara Lee Ritterhaus

Jonny is such a nice guy. So nice that he will be the first person to laugh at a joke... especially the ones that he tells. A friendly, funny, California living, world traveling, music making, groomsman.

Subscribe to his Jonny Rocket Music

Jonny (Rocket) Dowdall

Being the high school sweetheart to Jonny, Haley has been like another sister to me for nearly 15 years! She's ambitious, adventurous, thoughtful -  & the type of go-getter that just makes you want to go-get alongside her! If she's not traveling, she's exploring her home in Northern Cali. Ask Haley about her incredible photography!

Haley Dowdall

This man is a LEGEND in Fantasy Football and comedy. His humor is only outshined by his dancing ability.

Avondale High School Lip Sync Performance (seen 2 minutes in)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apQGr-z8rCo&t=34s&ab_channel=TinyGFV 

Nic (Olo) Schaub

Silvanna, often nicknamed "Silly," (which is fitting -  because it is also in her nature) has been my best friend since before my memory begins. Silvanna is just as happy reading a good book as she is being front row at a concert, & this is just one of many reasons we are friends. Silly: yes, but unwaveringly kind hearted: most definitely. Ask Silvanna about her new nephew!

Silvanna Mancini

A childhood friend, expert "little tyke" rim dunker, lifelong pilot, and the best dang harmonica player I know (I don't know many).

This groomsman heard "Airplanes" by B.O.B. one time and took it literally.

Alex (Alert T) Toger

Erica is the type of person who is so authentically herself, she brings out the truest & best version of those around her. This is exactly what I felt when meeting her in my junior year of college. Our instant friendship quickly turned into a sisterhood that has taken us all over the world; it only makes sense that she’ll be standing by my side at the altar. Ask Erica about real estate or her life in San Diego!

Erica West

What needs to be said other than he's the life of the party? A one of a kind friend and dancer. If you haven't met him yet, don't worry, he will introduce himself in between dance moves over some tequila shots.

Aleks (Papi Chulo) Silva

Gretchen is another lifelong friend of mine & a core member of the infamous BRAT PACK. Gretchen can make you laugh till you cry & she can make you laugh when you’re crying.  A die hard Lions fan, a shot-gunning champion, & a world class friend. Ask Gretchen about her recent wedding in December!

Gretchen Shirar

This gentleman has known me longer than I have been alive. Someone who has always been a constant in my life and someone I can pick up right where we left off. He is an expert in all things Tigers, Red Wings, and WOLVES related and shows promise with numbers... Legend has it he has counted to 100 multiple times on his own. *Unverified*

Jimmy (Mimmy) Marx

This heart-of-gold friend of mine. If she had a catchphrase, it would be "you can always count on Claire" -  to be up for an adventure, to have something you need (think Mary Poppins), & to always have kindness to share. If we aren't doing yoga or pickleball, we are finding some other way to hurt ourselves. Ask Claire ANYTHING!

Claire Snyder

Wedding Party

We will be doing a golf outing the morning of Friday, September 5th. Please reach out to Garrett Ritterhaus, Ernie Ritterhaus, or Dan Dowdall to RSVP. Location and cost TBD.

Q + A

A huge thank you to Aunt Joanne for researching and coordinating the hotel blocks for our guests. Your time and effort have made this part of our wedding planning so much easier, and we’re grateful for everything you’ve done.

2.8 miles from venue $41 for self parking and $45 for valet.*There are other parking structures a short walk away*

Amway Grand Plaza

3 miles from venue $29 for self parking *There are other parking structures a short walk away*

Courtyard Grand Rapids Downtown

4 miles from venue *Non-downtown option

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Rapids-North, an IHG Hotel

Travel

Board game bar

House Rules Lounge 

Pickleball Courts

Belknap Park 

Both of our favorite restaurant - try the cheesesteak!

Živio 

Mojo's Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant

The speakeasy in the Amway with great drinks &amp; a beautiful view of downtown!

Amy & Garrett

Amy & Garrett

A&G

Wedding Day