Wedding Day

Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

We found love in a hopeless place

A lot of things happened in 2020. The world was fraught with uncertainty, fear, and COVID-19. James and Gina miraculously stumbled upon each other at a time when isolation and social distancing were widespread public health necessities and the world, generally speaking, looked grim.

James and Gina met on OKCupid (a dating website) in November 2020. He lured her in with a picture of his dog, Eddie, ultimately securing a first date. Little did he know it would be the first date of many.

James picked Gina up at her apartment and they got sushi to-go from Katsu-Ya in downtown Appleton. While waiting for their food, the masked couple locked eyes and frankly discussed how incredibly sweaty they were finding themselves, both clad in their perhaps unnecessary winter coats and (necessary) Covid-19 masks. They were absolutely roasting together in the lobby of the restaurant.

James was well prepared for the first date, equipped with a Sake set he had purchased for the occasion. The sushi was delicious (Katsu-Ya makes a tasty scorpion roll). The conversation flowed into the wee hours of the morning. Over time, a strong connection blossomed into love and continues to grow every day. James and Gina look forward to a lifetime of love and sushi dates.

Our Story

Photos

Joan was Gina’s mentor at ThedaCare. She hails from Freedom, Wisconsin. Joan worked for the ThedaCare cancer registry for 20+ years, and Gina was lucky enough to learn from Joan and her wealth of experience. Joan is a proud mother of two and grandmother of three! Outside of her busy family, Joan makes an excellent old fashioned beverage, perfect for nights in watching "The Bachelor." She has an outstanding knowledge of all things Wisconsin and knows exactly where to find the best fish fry.  

Joan LaCroix

Jenniece is Gina’s best friend from high school (and present day). She hails from Fort Atkinson, WI but grew up in Menasha, WI. Gina and Jenniece met in the 5th grade band, both being aspiring flutists. They continued growing and playing music together throughout middle school and high school. Jenniece is a proud dog mom of two and an even prouder auntie of three. When she isn't cooking healthy and delicious food for hospitalized patients, Jenniece is incredibly creative and loves to dabble in arts and crafts -- she runs a small business through Etsy called "Jenniece's Pieces". 

See her evolving collection of items here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JenniecesPieces

Jenniece VanDinter

Lex is James’ younger sister. She hails from Bloomington, Illinois. The proud mother of four, Lex is a puzzle aficionado, an expert mashed potato maker, and a lifetime member of the Hogwarts house of Slytherin. 

Alexis (Lex) Gooderham

Jinx is James' nephew and Alexis’s first born. He is currently in the 7th grade and is gearing up to be a high schooler soon! When he’s not busy with school and helping to take care of his younger sisters, Jinx enjoys anime, art, and a good bowl of ramen. 

Jinx Morales

Brett is James’ cousin. He hails from Urbana, Illinois. Brett and James are cousins and they spent many formative years growing up together. In his spare time, Brett enjoys the finer arts of marksmanship, video games, and spending time with his son. 

Brett Dunlap

Albert "Chile" Correa is a fellow army veteran who got his start in the same basic training company as James. They managed to get stationed with the same squad at Fort Drum in New York, and even got sent to Afghanistan together with other guys from basic. Now Chile passes his time playing games and working when he isn't being a fantastic son, loyal husband, and thoughtful guide for those in his church.

Albert “Chile” Correa

Rennee Gooderham, mother of James, hails from Bloomington, Illinois. She is the proud mother of two and even prouder grandmother of four. In her (rare) spare time, Renee enjoys knitting, reading mystery novels, and chasing after her kitties. 

Renee Gooderham

Wedding Party

Q + A

Room rates are currently set to be $299/day in anticipation of a Packer homegame occurring that weekend. The season schedule should be confirmed by April and this site will be updated soon after. Please RSVP with the hotel by October 4th 2026.

Wyndham Garden Appleton

Lodging

The Hearthstone mansion was the first home in the world to be lit with hydroelectric energy. Take a tour and check out the history! ***There is a bicycle in the basement that generates electricity when you pedal***

Historic Hearthstone Mansion

Also known as “The Houdini Museum” due to the extensive amount of permanent Houdini related exhibits, this attraction is interesting and fun for all ages. 

The History Museum at the Castle

Weathervane is one of our favorite places to get breakfast and it also happens to be where we got engaged! 

Weathervane

The Fox River Mall is the shopping hub of Appleton!! Grab an Orange Julius and shop till you drop. 

Fox River Mall

Funset Boulevard raises the bar for fun. In addition to a huge arcade, they also offer laser tag, bumper cars, carousel rides, and lots of good times. 

Funset Boulevard

This is where we had our first date! The food is delicious.

Katsu-Ya of Japan

The Trout Museum is a community focused art museum with rotating exhibits, programs, and events. A cultural must-visit, conveniently located downtown Appleton. 

James & Gina

James & Gina

Registry