Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Gondola Ride to Wedding Venue

Ceremony

Reception

Oktoberfest ~ Wedding Party Stein Holding Competition

Oktoberfest

Our Wedding

Jillynn's Love Story of How We Met

It’s common these days to meet people online these days.&nbsp;I would say most people that are single are on an app or two.&nbsp;I admit I was on a few apps back in 2022.&nbsp;Did I meet my future husband via Bumble? No. Our love story starts with an unusual predicament with a broken hot water heater and a coworker that knew just the perfect guy for the job to help me out. In December of 2022, I was having a normal day.&nbsp;That day, I was onsite at a commercial real estate property for a walkthrough with our facilities team for work. In casual conversation, I told my coworker Noah that I hadn’t showered in a few days because my hot water heater had gone out.&nbsp;Since my tank is in the crawl space where all the spiders also live, I was resistant to checking it out myself. Noah immediately said he had a “guy” for the job.&nbsp;He proceeded to tell me that this guy’s name was Jared.&nbsp;He was a divorced single dad and was a really nice guy.&nbsp;He was really talking up this guy for the job. I was thinking that a single person couldn’t possibly change a water heater if it came down to it, and was reluctant to use his guy, but ultimately thought it couldn’t hurt to see what this guy thinks. I got Jared’s contact information from Noah. His contact was listed as GS Jared Ruge, a name I kept in my phone until the day we got engaged. On my way home from the property, I call this guy and asked if he was able to head to my place today to look at the water heater.&nbsp;This guy said yes. Jared showed up at my house after work. I had recently just gotten my second dog Winnie and she was not so certain about this man coming into the house. In contrast, my older and wiser dog Mazy was 100% on board with Jared from the start. Getting past the dogs, I took Jared into the backyard and down into the crawlspace of the house.&nbsp;He looked at the heater and immediately told be the pilot light was out.&nbsp;Out of all the possibilities, I thought I was not going to be that lucky that it was only the pilot light out with such an old house.&nbsp;That day I lucked out in more way than one. He lit my pilot light and proceeded to show me the different temperatures I could have it on.&nbsp;Thinking of all the spiders that were probably crawling all over me, I stopped listening and started to leave the space to let him finish up.&nbsp;He quickly started looking around and asked me if he wanted to change the filter for my HVAC unit.&nbsp;I said yes but told him I didn’t have any extra filters in stock at the house but said we could go to Home Depot and get some. He offered to drive, so I got into his blue Subaru, and we went on a mini-trip to the store. While on our mini-trip, hindsight our first mini-date, we grabbed filters and while walking around Jared became so quiet.&nbsp;I thought I had done something to freak him out. I paid and we got back in his car to head to my place.&nbsp;On the drive, he talked about having three kids and going to his friend’s party to celebrate him getting a black belt, opening up about his personal life. When we got back, he swapped the filters but refused payment for only lighting my pilot light and swapping a filter.&nbsp;This was a very sweet gesture since I know time is money, even if nothing is technically broken. After he left, I immediately text my Peloton group. We had been doing a month-long challenge and they had been riding my wave of not having any hot water for the last several days.&nbsp;I told them that I had found a plumber earlier that day but after Jared had left, I text them “my plumber is hot.”&nbsp;As a barrage of texts came my way with questions and comments, I get a text from GS Jared Ruge. He said he was crushing on me and wanted to know if I would go to dinner that Saturday.&nbsp;Obviously, I immediately text the Peloton group for advice.&nbsp;As a frenzy of texts went back and forth from the girls, I responded back to Jared saying yes.&nbsp;That Saturday we met at a small Indian place for late lunch and then went to this cute nursery to look at plants.&nbsp;That was the beginning of it all.&nbsp; Fast forward to the present, Jared and I moved in together in April of 2024 and got engaged in January of 2025 (another love story). Noah has become known as our matchmaker with a 100% success rate (1 out of 1). Winnie has warmed up to Jared and sometimes she goes to him for pets instead of me. My hot water heater is still working but also still has all the spiders protecting it. Jared admitted that while at Home Depot, he was starting to have feelings and it was hitting him all at once and that was why he got so quiet. Turns out I freaked him out in a different way. 😊 And best of all, I have since changed his name in my phone from GS Jared Ruge to Fiancé Jared Ruge and I am very excited to ultimately change it to Husband Jared Ruge.

Jillynn's Story

Jared's Love Story of the Proposal

Honestly, it was at her sister’s wedding that all the pieces fell into place. We had such an adventure getting to the wedding. We climbed down crumbly canyon walls in the badlands. Got soaked to the skin by a sudden wind and rainstorm. Sampled almost every walleye recipe that Minnesota had to offer. Met all her wonderful people the aunts, uncles, cousins nieces, nephews &amp; friends. Played mini golf on a pool table, stayed in a hobbit house &amp; a haunted house. Took a picture with a 15’ tall chicken, went to the Museum of Illusion. It all seems a bit like a dream, now. At her sister’s wedding, I remember hearing the song “Marry That Girl” for the first time. We were dancing to it and I was like YEAH! All my long-considered thought and feelings settled into one moment, I looked into her eyes, and I saw our future! Later, in Denver, I began planning for the proposal. I had to get a ring! I went surfing through the internet looking at different rings, I settled on about 10. I printer out my top 3, all had a ruby (her birthstone). I finally settled on one ring, and I had the taglines of “sleek,” “modern” &amp; “magical.” Getting the ring sized without drawing suspicion was very difficult. When she was out of town going to Havasupai (once down there, she didn’t get to go that year due to flooding). I went to Jared. Jared wouldn’t help me with ring sizing, but they directed me to Costco (they have everything even ring sizes).&nbsp;I was over the moon when it arrived at my PO Box, specially purchased for that reason! Planning the proposal was tough! I originally planned it for the sky lantern festival, invited friends &amp; family. I planned to smuggle champagne in for a toast &amp; have Melissa take pictures of us with the fiery lanterns floating in the air! -CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER- moved to November. I again tried to hype it up &amp; reorganize it. -CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER- moved to December. UGH! After that they canceled it again and moved it to April…too far away. Luckily, Jillynn had planned an event that just might work. 😉 Jillynn had planned a short trip to Aspen to watch the X-games, go on a short hike and take a horse-drawn sleigh to a very fancy restaurant. I couldn’t believe my luck! I called them ahead &amp; asked if they could do anything special? Leading up to the hike, after the X-games, I was sooooo nervous. Carrying the ring in my jacket was like holding a hot coal, I was worried that she would find it. As we hiked, I kept dropping hints like “these mountains have been here forever, forever is sure a long time.” She started to feel odd and quizzical. After the sun set, we were outside in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, and we saw all the bright stars &amp; planets.&nbsp;She got out her star map app and we found out that we came to be there at a rare planetary alignment called the “planetary parade!” The cowgirl pulled me aside and told me that she had arranged for us to have a private ride, just the two of us! The cowgirl had a fictional party “running late,” then never showed up. We rode in the sleigh and the cowgirl stopped and said&nbsp;“you can do this” very lightly. In the sleigh I got down on one knee and I said, “Jillynn would you marry me?” She looked at me baffled &amp; smiling, she said “really?” I said nervously, “I REALLY need to know.” She said “Yes, of course.” On the way to the restaurant our faces were cold, our heads hurt from laughing and crying at the same time. 😊

Jared's Story

Photos

Jillynn Lubenow

Jared Ruge

Pammella Lubenow

Ginny Ruge

Cali 

JJ, Toby & Danny

Jessica Grauer

Noah Catalfomo

Jake Ferguson

Wedding Party

Vail Lionshead Parking: Click <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Cucina,+Gore+Creek+Drive,+Vail,+CO/39.6429191,-106.3883018/@39.6429587,-106.3882761,77m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m10!4m9!1m5!1m1!1s0x876a706c3396c149:0x14718badc53a1a14!2m2!1d-106.3748323!2d39.6403011!1m1!4e1!3e3?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDMxOS4yIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a> for directions.

Ceremony to Brunch: Click <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Eagle+Bahn+Gondola,+699+I-70+Frontage+Rd,+Vail,+CO+81657/Cucina,+174+Gore+Creek+Dr,+Vail,+CO+81657/@39.6421223,-106.3866083,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x876a706128def395:0xfc3e7f5a6d9d4e75!2m2!1d-106.3881114!2d39.6426836!1m5!1m1!1s0x876a706c3396c149:0x14718badc53a1a14!2m2!1d-106.3748323!2d39.6403011!3e3?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDIyNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a> for a link!

Will we be at a high altitude?

Yes! Vail is at a very high altitude. Many people can experience feeling light headed or out of breath. Some ways to navigate the altitude are taking it easy the first day up there to let your body acclimate, take breaks while walking, drink lots and lots of water and minimize caffeine. Caffeine can make your heart race at high altitudes so drink in small doses. Smoking is also not recommended. You can but oxygen in a can in most of the stores up there, if needed.

Can I bring a plus 1?

Unfortunately, we will be limited in the number of people for the venue. We would love for you to join the ceremony and brunch but may not have enough space for extra people. Any friends you would like to come can join Oktoberfest festivities at 3 PM!

Bus Lines in Vail

<a href="https://www.vail.gov/government/departments/transportation-services/bus-information/bus-schedules-summer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bus Lines</a>https://www.vail.gov/government/departments/transportation-services/bus-information/bus-schedules-summer

Concerns?

Please call this number for any concerns. (719) 266-2837

Q + A

There is a 20% discount off market rate rooms at these Vail Resort Hotels: The Lodge at Vail, The Arrabelle, and Ritz Residences. Vail Resort Room Information: Call to book a room at these three at (855) 953-0197. Hours of Operation are Monday - Friday 7am - 5pm MT and Saturday &amp; Sunday 8am - 4:30pm MT. Please refer to the group code: SVLLRW25 or the group name: Lubenow/Ruge Wedding

Near Vail Ski ResortMake yourself at home in one of the 165 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature bathtubs or showers, designer toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and complimentary newspapers, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at The Lodge at Vail, A

The Lodge at Vail a RockResort

Near Vail Ski ResortMake yourself at home in one of the 128 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring microwaves and Smart televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.With a sta

Evergreen Lodge at Vail

Near Vail Ski ResortMake yourself at home in one of the 37 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have bathtubs or showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.With a stay at Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer, you'll be centrally located in Vail, within a 5-minute drive

Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer

Near Vail Ski ResortMake yourself at home in one of the 35 air-conditioned rooms featuring espresso makers and Smart televisions. Your Tempur-Pedic bed comes with premium bedding. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hai

Sitzmark Vail

The Arrabelle at Vail Square

Hotels in Vail

Oktoberfest events will be located in Vail Village the weekend of the wedding. Please share a polka with us after brunch should you choose to attend. Bring, kids, dogs and friends to share in the festivities. Please see below for our Saturday schedule:&nbsp;Saturday, September 13th 202512:00pm Helmut Fricker &amp; The Rhinelanders12:00pm Average German Band (River Stage)1:00pm Alpen Auerhahn Schuhplattlers1:30pm Bavarian Costume Contest2:00pm Neue Polka2:30pm Helmut Fricker &amp; The Rhinelanders (River Stage)3:15pm Polidori Bratwurst Eating Competition3:30pm Blue Ox Boys (River Stage)3:45pm Alpen Auerhahn Schuhplattlers4:15pm Average German Band 4:30pm SPECIAL WEDDING SESSION - Stein Holding Competition (River Stage) 5:00pm Blue Ox Boys (River Stage)5:15pm Keg Bowling6:00pm Helmut Fricker &amp; The Rhinelanders7:00pm Stein Holding Competition7:30pm Neue Polka

SUNDAY FARMER'S MARKETVail Village | Meadow Drive | 9:30AM – 3:30PM The Vail Farmers Market and Art Show is entering 20+ years in Vail on Meadow Drive. The event started with a few tents and now has grown to over 148 tents for 16 Sundays of the summer. Our vendors have been handpicked with our guests in mind. We work to have the majority of our vendors having made in Colorado artisan items and food. Timing for the farmer's market may be impacted by Oktoberfest activities.

Jillynn & Jared

Jillynn & Jared

Things to Do

Oktoberfest

Sunday Farmer's Market