Wedding Ceremony

The Social at the Avalon

The Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

It all began on Bumble. I had just expanded my distance when William’s profile popped up. What caught my eye? Not his looks (though I’ll admit those helped), but it was his family’s picture in his bio.&nbsp; We hit it off with messages and calls, hopped on Zoom, and quickly realized we had something in common: our love for Jesus and our families! That shared foundation made our conversation flow so easily. By our second week of talking, William told me he wanted to meet me in person. I had already begun growing feelings for him, but I chose to place them in God’s hands, trusting His perfect plan. Two weeks later, he actually drove 8 hours to meet me! We were super nervous, but it turned out to be one of our best days ever! He stepped right into my world as a teacher, did a laboratory activity, and walked the places that were part of my everyday life.&nbsp;The next day, at the church’s parking lot, we became official!&nbsp; Soon after, I got to meet his family, and the more I got to know William and the life he came from. Our bond only grew deeper each day. On my last day in the US, as I prepared to fly back to the Philippines to spend my summer with my family, William said he wanted to visit me there. And for two months straight, almost every single day, he reminded me of that. True enough, he renewed his passport, booked a flight, and traveled 25 hours across the world just to be with me.&nbsp; In the Philippines, William blended right in. He bonded with my family and friends, enjoyed the beaches, and tried different Filipino dishes. But beyond the food and travel, he had another plan in mind. On the beautiful shore of Boracay, William got down on two knees and asked me to be his wife.&nbsp; And from that moment on, everything has been nothing but short of wonderful. What began with faith and distance continues to be a story written not only by us but by the Author of Love Himself.

Through Genesis’ Eyes

On and off dating apps for the winter months - I was about ready to throw in the towel when my mother prompted me to try again, "Don't give up!" I told myself I'll pay for just one more month of Bumble and then resign from the swiping contest.***So, spring 2025, I redownloaded Bumble for what I was hoping to be the final time. I scrolled through that familiar list of women I saw on all the other applications - noticing the same story... all these looked and sounded identical, and I was getting increasingly disappointed. So I extended theapps range from 100 miles to 500 for kicks.***An extraordinarily pretty science teacher from the middle of North Dakota appeared at the top of my list. I had a dream I met a girl from North Dakota months before that which was QUITE specific - and this profile produced a degree of Deja Vu in the best way. I sent her my usual cheesy message as a litmus test to see the quality of her response.***Our messages were brief but her values matched mine flawlessly. And she was a quick communicator! Having worked with women in the past who spend 8-9 hours to reply to my messages, it was a breath of fresh air getting texts back under 10 minutes. GREEN flag.***Fast forward. I'm driving 8 hours too see if she is in fact as flawless in person as her profile reads. Am I getting scammed? Is she an organ harvester and I'm about to disappear off grid forever? Well - thankfully she was none of that, she was a Jesus-loving, well-educated Filipino with strong family values. And she commented that she was into me too. What?!***Not long after we are walking up and down a beach in Boracay, PH and I'm proposing. When you cross paths with that 1 in a billion, you need to man-up and lock her down for life &lt;3 Not controlling, but in the way that says I'll provide, protect and care for you in every way. My autonomy is dead, I want to build something bigger than the both of us on our own.***The Rickers are excited to include you on our first day together as a married couple &lt;3 And we'll do our best to update you on our adventures - to show you how God is at work in and through our little family.

Through Williams' Eyes

Our Story

Jay Cooke Park

Questions & Answers

This hotel is more up-scale, with larger one and two-bedroom suites with kitchens, including basic pots/dishware, a small stove, a full-size refrigerator and dishwasher. Staybridge also has a nice full breakfast buffet included, and a grocery store is right across the street.

Staybridge Suites Rochester West, an IHG Hotel

This hotel is mid-range, with reasonable rooms &amp;amp; rates. You won’t have a kitchen but will have a mini refrigerator and a microwave to keep and reheat leftovers from any local restaurant. Every morning you will have a hot breakfast, with fewer options.

Comfort Inn & Suites West - Medical Center

This hotel has clean and basic rooms, for the budget-minded person. Breakfast is closer to a continental breakfast.

Sleep Inn & Suites West-Near Medical Center

Other Hotels in RochesterThe hotels we recommend (above) are close to the church and the reception venue. There are other hotels, as well as AirBNB and VRBO lodgings. But if you choose to stay in other places, we recommend not being very close to downtown or the Mayo Clinic as parking and downtown traffic can be frustrating due to construction of the new several block Mayo Medical Center in Rochester.

It is the closest and most convenient option, located just 10 minutes from the venue. It’s ideal for guests who prefer a shorter drive and a smooth arrival. RST offers daily flights through major airlines with easy access to local hotels and transportation.

Rochester International Airport

It is a larger airport with more flight options and typically lower fares. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from the venue and may be a better choice for guests traveling from farther distances or internationally. Car rentals are readily available for the drive to Rochester.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

Enterprise has multiple locations at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and in Rochester, making it easy to rent a car upon arrival. A rental car is a convenient option for the drive to and around Rochester and for getting around during your stay.

Car Rental – Enterprise (Minneapolis and Rochester)

Travel

You’ll have a couple of hours to relax or explore Rochester before the reception. Here’s how to make the most of it:

On Sunday, May 31, after attending church together, Dwight and Cheryl are excited to host an open house for all travelling friends and family attending the wedding. We will have food, refreshments, fellowship, games, worship, prayer, and an outdoor BBQ, starting around 1:00pm and ending with a campfire in the evening. We would love to have you come for all or part of the fun! (507) 261-6047 Cheryl or (507) 405-9645 Dwight

-- Open House --

On Monday, June 1, travelling family and friends are welcome to join us in Stillwater, Minnesota (about 90 miles away). We will be browsing quaint shops, crossing the lift bridge, strolling along the riverfront, and punctuating the fun day with a 11:15AM public luncheon cruise on the St. Croix River ($41.95 per person). We hope to see you there :)

Stillwater River Boats

Sip a latte, grab a snack, and recharge for the evening.

Café Steam

Indulge in some sweet, homemade goodness—you deserve it!

Flapdoodles Ice Cream

Wander downtown, snap a few pics, or do a little window shopping.

Peace Plaza

Take a relaxing stroll, enjoy the scenery, or snap some photos.

Central Park

Enjoy the view, and maybe feed a friendly duck or two.

Genesis & William

Genesis & William

Jay Cooke Park