Pala Mesa Resort

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Danielle and Pat first ran into each other December 23rd, 2011. They were both attending a holiday party at the Red Dog Tavern in Milford, MI. Danielle was there with her cousin Lauren, whom Pat was really good friends from college. The night was amazing. Pat had won the ugly mustache contest and their friend Shawn, Lauren's boyfriend at the time walked away winning the ugly sweater contest. It was during their victory celebration that Danielle and Pat locked eyes for the first time. Danielle was sitting at a table with her mother, brother, and a few other family members but later in the evening Pat and Danielle ended up sitting on the edge of a pool table, discussing some pretty deep topics ;). Before they knew it, the bar was closing which was sad because they did not know if they would ever see each other again....It was on December 27th that the stars aligned and Pat and Danielle's paths crossed again. It was the Motor City Bowl football game in which Western Michigan University (Pat's Alma Mater) was playing. Danielle's cousin Lauren was traveling on a charter bus with all of her college friends to the game and asked Danielle to join. Danielle was hesitant to go but eventually gave in and tagged along. When they arrived to catch the bus, much to Danielle's surprise she saw, "the guy from the bar". It wasn't until after a few cans of liquid courage that Pat finally went and sat next to Danielle on the bus. From that point on, for the rest of the night, they were inseparable. During the game, Pat was sitting a few seats behind Danielle and was playfully throwing popcorn towards her. It was at this point that Lauren nudged Danielle and said "I think that's his way of flirting". After spending the whole game together, and enjoying all of the shenanigans on the bus ride, they soon found themselves in the same spot they were in when the Red Dog was closing. The night was ending and they had no idea if they would ever see each other again. One thing was certain, they both felt something for each other. As the night ended Danielle's cousin was searching for her because they were about to leave. Pat and Danielle were standing outside, freezing, trying to keep each other warm cause they did not want to say goodbye. Danielle realized she wanted to see where things could go so she got the courage and asked Pat for his number (something she had never done before). From then on Pat and Danielle have not gone a day without talking.

How we met

The day I proposed to Danielle is a day I will always remember. I had spent a lot of time planning and trying to make it a day that she would never forget. Danielle and I had planned for her to visit Michigan just before Christmas. One of Danielle's favorite days out of the year is Christmas and I knew of a place that would be full of Christmas spirit that we both have yet to explore together...Chicago. The time was approaching and I was getting extremely excited, nervous, and anxious to ask the biggest question I had ever asked in my life! I reserved us a room, right near the magnificent mile, at the JW Marriot. The room was unbelievable and the city was spectacular with every one getting ready for Christmas. We spent the first day in Chicago just exploring the city, going from shop to shop and checking out all of what the city had to offer. I honestly could not have imagined a more perfect day. It was brisk, but not too cold, it was cloudy but the sun popped out here and there. We were just having so much fun exploring. After walking all over and as the evening approached, we headed back to the hotel to relax before we had to go out. Danielle did not know what the plans were for the evening, but the planner in her kept trying to snoop and ask questions about what we were going to do. Little did she know our dinner reservations were on top of the John Hancock building at the Signature room at the 95th restaurant. I figured it would be a place Danielle would love because it overlooked the city and she would be able to see (one of her favorite things) all of the city lights while we had dinner. But before the reservations I had planned a little detour through Millenium Park. Once we were both ready we started making our way through the streets of Chicago.It was chilly, and starting to drizzle and I was getting extremely nervous. I had arranged for one of my best friends, Steven, who lives in Chicago to hide out at Millenium Park and take pictures of us when I popped the question. As we got closer, I began to walk faster and faster. Danielle knew something was going on because (as I recall) she said, " Okay Speedy Gonzales, why are you going SO fast!?" Steven was hiding out near the silver "Bean" in the middle of the park.This location is usually very busy so I was nervous that there were going to be a lot of people around. As we approached the "Bean", I spotted my friend Steven and to my surprise, there were very few people around. Luckily, Steven was someone that Danielle had heard a lot about, but had never actually met so she did not recognize him. As Danielle and I walked around the "Bean", I made eye contact with Steven as we passed, just to let him know that I was about to get down on one knee. Danielle was looking at all of the wonderful lights around the city and it was a perfect opportunity for me to reach into my coat pocket and grab the ring. At that moment, the feelings that overcame me were indescribable. I got down on one knee, and I asked the women of my dreams to marry me. When Danielle said YES, she made me the happiest man in the world. I am so happy I was lucky enough to have my good friend Steven there to capture the moment that we will both cherish forever. It was not over yet for Danielle. After we returned from Chicago back to Michigan, my cousin Jan was throwing a Christmas/ surprise engagement party for us. To much of Danielle's surprise all of her relatives that live in Michigan came over and Danielle's mom, Cyndi (the great mother she is) got on a plane straight from work and flew across country from California to Michigan to also surprise Danielle! Needless to say, Danielle was speechless! To what was already a wonderful surprise in Chicago. She couldn't have thought of a more perfect ending.

Proposal

Our Story

Details

Proposal- Downtown Chicago

Engagement Pictures

Photos

John, Johnny, clown. He is a man whom I have called many different names throughout our life together. Some endearing, some....not so much. One thing I know for sure is that when it came to picking my best man, there was no question that it was going to be John. John is my twin brother. We came into this world together (well, I entered 5 minutes before him), and although as we have gotten older we have often found ourselves living very far away from each other, we have a bond that can never be broken. I have had him as a best friend, literally my entire life. No one knows me better than him. Obviously when you have a bond like I have with Johnny, I couldn't help but be a bit nervous when I first introduced Danielle to him. It was very important to me that one, Johnny liked Danielle, and two, that Danielle could get a long with Johnny. To be honest, I couldn't have imagined it going any better than it did.  I am very excited to take this next step in my life with Danielle and to have Johnny, my best man, by my side.   

John Maino

My friendship with Danielle thrived in high school, but little did we know we were friends since we were about 3 years old. We danced together in our first tap dance," Me and My Teddy Bear." We both had the same passion for dance and always saw eye to eye when it came to choreography, costumes, and ideas. Our friendship grew stronger and stronger over the years especially because of dance. I always looked up to Danielle and her strong ambition for dance. She always challenged herself with new tricks, turns, and leaps. She inspired me to always push myself and grow not only as a dancer, but as a person. We spent 3 years together on the Westview Dance Team where we built unforgettable memories and fun. When Danielle left for college that was not the end of our friendship. She kept dancing in college and I continually supported her though we were not dancing together. What I admire most about our friendship is that no matter how long we go without seeing each other, we always pick up right where we left off. She has been the only one I have kept a strong bond with ever since high school. Danielle has always been a phone call away when it came to anything. I am so thankful for our friendship that has stayed consistent throughout all the hard times we both have been faced with. No matter what we go through, we will always be there for each other. I am proud of everything Danielle has accomplished in her life. She will manage to balance so much and do it with a smile on her face. I look forward to celebrating her special day with Pat. And I look forward to many more memories together!

Tina Reyes

 Danielle and I have known each other for over 20 years. We met when we were kids at our dance studio in Mira Mesa and have been great friends ever since. Our moms are even best friends! Growing up we always shared our passion of dance: from competitions, to Jennifer in Disneyland, to Showstoppers weekend.. Some of my greatest memories in life I have shared with Danielle. I do have to say though, it's in the recent years that we have grown the closest- from working together at Body Gestures and CCA, to our bowling nights (and many shots later), to our Christmas lights tradition, Del Mar fair trips, going to six flags with the Maino twins, being a special person in my sons life and so much more I couldn't be more honored than to be her maid of honor. From the first time she told me about Pat, I knew that he was the one for her. I am so thankful that he has come into her life and made her so happy! Both Pat and Danielle are my dearest friends and I am so blessed to be able to share their special day with them :)

Amanda Clark

Greg is my oldest brother and I am very proud to have him stand by my side on my wedding day. I have looked up to him as an older brother my entire life. I find myself often wishing I was doing what Greg was doing weather it be mountain biking, kayaking, ice climbing, or skiing...up hill. Yes, Greg spends much of his winter skinning up the mountains in Vermont and earning his turns. Greg and his wife Mari have recently welcomed to the world, their first son, and my first nephew, Anik. Although Greg has less time now to play around on the mountain, I have never seen him happier and it is very contagious. Anik is an amazing addition to our family and I cannot wait to spend our wedding day with Greg, Mari, and Anik!

Greg Maino

Eric is the second oldest our of all of us boys. I look up to Eric very much 

Eric Maino

I have had the pleasure of having known Danielle my whole life. Growing up, we lived across the country from each other, but that didn't stop us from being close. Whenever we got to visit during our childhood, our time was filled with laughter (one night we spent creating funny puns and jokes about the 50 states - Miss-you-again ;) ) and putting on musicals for our families with all of the cousins (Annie and Grease were our best productions). As we got older, our relationship grew from cousins to friends, and while we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like, we have a special treasured bond that allows us to always pick right back up where we left off. Danielle is very important to me, and I couldn't be happier for both her and Pat! 

Lauren Steckroth

Zach Maino

Melissa Henry

Brandon is Danielle's brother and my future brother-in-law. He may not remember this but I remember the first time I met Brandon. It was the first time I met Danielle coincidentally, at the Red Dog Tavern in Milford, Michigan. I was delivering shots of fireball to the table after I had won the ugly mustache contest. I had made my way to the table, mostly just to initiate conversation with Danielle, but also to offer up the shots before I made my way to our group of friends where the shots would seemingly vanish. I couldn't help but notice protective demeanor that Brandon had as he sat next to Danielle. I think he knew I was attracted to her, and I appreciate the fact that he allowed me to get to know his sister. I do not have any sisters, but I know how protective I am of my brothers. I can only imagine how it is to have a sister. I am excited, and proud to add another brother to my family. I can't wait to have Brandon by our side when we get married this August. 

Brandon Fowler

I met Danielle 8 years ago when I made the CSUF dance team. We were together almost every day for dance team practices, games and competitions but also in class where we both studied health science. We quickly found out how much we had in common and always enjoyed hanging out together. Danielle and I then decided to share an apartment near college with my friend Melissa. It was not long until the three of us not only became close roommates but best friends. Together we went on many adventures, celebrated holidays and found ways to prank each other at our apartment. Some of my most favorite times with Danielle include going to dance competitions in Florida, dancing on The Jay Leno Show and in the movie "Easy A," camping in San Clemente and being there to watch her graduate from college. I am so lucky to have Danielle in my life and I know that we will always stay close. I can't wait to watch her walk down the aisle and be by her side as she marries the man of her dreams!!!

Sarah Ellman

Brad. What is there to say about Brad. Other than Johnny, Brad is my best friend in the world. No matter how long it has been since we have seen each other, we always pick up where we left off. That usually starts with cracking a beer and then catching up on everything that has been going on in our lives. This is one of the things I love about our relationship. It is very low maintenance. We can literally go months without speaking and then one day just pick up the phone and call each other to bounce whatever ideas we have going on in our heads off each other like we had just talked yesterday. This is why Brad is in my wedding party. We started hanging out freshman year of high school and have been best friends ever since. We have endless amounts of stories of our adventures together. All you have to do is ask after a few drinks at the wedding. Truth be told, I love this guy like a brother. Which means a lot coming from a guy with 4 brothers. I couldn't imagine getting married and not having Brad by my side. 

Brad Poling

Lindsay Taylor

Dylan Dennison

Alex Clark

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

San Diego International Airport

Pala Mesa Resort has the wonderful option of having hotel rooms on site. If you do not wish to travel post reception, the hotel rooms will be steps away. :)We will be reserving a block of rooms for Thursday August 4th-Sunday August 7th, 2016. Please call to make reservations for blocked rooms at 1(760)-477-7243. Please ask for Lorena and Identify "Fowler-Maino" Wedding Block to receive the group rate

This hotel is about one mile from the resort.

Quality Inn

John Wayne Airport

This casino is within 8 miles of the pala mesa resort.

Pala Casino

This resort is about 10 miles from Pala Mesa Resort

Welk Resorts

Travel

Temecula Valley Wine Country invites you to savor the hundreds of award-winning wines offered by our member wineries while enjoying the irresistible charm of our friendly tasting rooms. Although times may vary, most of the wineries are open daily for visitors from 10a to 5p. Monto De Oro Winery and Wilson Creek Winery are two of our favorites. It is where we shared our first date on a hot balloon ride :)

Temecula Valley Wine Country

Sea World

San Diego Zoo

The best way to start your time in Balboa Park is with a stop at the Balboa Park Visitors Center. Located across from The Prado Restaurant in the House of Hospitality, the Visitors Center has the most current and comprehensive information about the Park's activities and attractions. The Visitors Center offers brochures, maps, audio tours, free guided tours of the Park, transportation information, dining advice, and more.Hours: The Balboa Park grounds are open 24 hours a day, the Visitors Center is open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, and museum hours vary by institution.

Balboa Park

Seaport Village: A 14 acre waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex recreating a harbor side setting of a century ago. Includes 54 one of a kind shops, 13 casual dining eateries, 4 fine dining waterfront restaurants, and located in close proximity to local hotels. Opened in 1980.USS Midway: Down the waterfront you will find the USS Midway. Exhibits range from the crew's sleeping quarters to a massive galley, engine room, the ship's jail, officer's country, post office, machine shops, and pilots' ready rooms, as well as primary flight control and the bridge high in the island over the flight deck. Especially popular are the museum docents you'll meet throughout the ship. Each is eager to share a personal story, an anecdote, or amazing statistic, adding to your amazement throughout your adventure.

Seaport Village & USS Midway Museum

Acres of oceanside trails for exploring and exercising. One of our favorite places to go hiking!

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Check out the food and beach scene here at beautiful La Jolla while watching the seals on the shore.

Danielle & Patrick