MIC, Sudbury, ON, Canada

Welcome Party

Fielding Memorial Park 

Wedding Day

Wedding

Hellenic Centre 

Reception

Our Wedding

Leo and Kasandra met while in Denver, Colorado, at a Chiropractic seminar. They had a couple of mutual friends, Brianna Erdmier and Vince Bertolini that introduced the two at the beginning of the weekend. In fact, Leo arrived to Colorado late in the evening and as he went to open the door to his hotel room, Kasandra surprisingly was on the other side! It was an awkward meeting as Kasandra was half asleep, but that did not interfere with the spark between the two!

The Beginning

Since the seminar in May, the two had been FaceTiming for HOURS every night. They were both Chiropractic students at the time and had little to no time for leisure. But they still found time to converse and gaze into each other's eyes over video chat for 3 whole months. Leo finally decided to fly down to Florida for a week vacation, and their story was history from there!

The Dating

Although the two knew they were soulmates much before the proposal, New Years Eve day was when Leo popped the big question! Kasandra had just returned from visiting her family in Canada for Christmas and was happy just to spend the holidays with her lover. He told her that he had a surprise planned for the day, and drove her blind-folded to the Botanical garden in Des Moines! He wanted to re-create the tropical environment from Florida where they had fallen in love. Kasandra thought that the outing was the whole surprise, and she had no idea what was yet to come. After exploring the garden and having a beautiful lunch in the solarium, Kasandra ran to the bathroom. When she returned, there stood Leo with a dozen of red roses. As she approached, Leo got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. She was shocked, and obviously said yes! Their friends, Tyler and Amanda Davis were hiding behind some tree's to capture the moment! Leo had already planned a celebratory dinner at Splash Seafood and an evening of fun with Tyler and Amanda. Needless to say, it was an engagement to remember!

The Engagement

Our Story

Places to Eat

Tha Laughing Buddha

This is Kasandra's favorite local restaurant/bar with the most unique plates! It has a great atmosphere and the BEST patio! Sit outside if you can and try some of Sudbury's best craft beer! 

"Global beers, creative pizzas & bar bites are offered at this chill eatery with a lively patio."

194 Elgin St, Sudbury, ON P3E 3N7, Canada

<a class="fl" href="http://laughingbuddhasudbury.com/beer-menu/">laughingbuddhasudbury.com</a>

Deluxe

This is the greatest local burger gig in town!&nbsp;Surrounding towns all travel to Sudbury to indulge at this restaurant!&nbsp;They are known for the gravy and their "Chicken on a bun". Don't expect anything fancy, but arrive hungry and you'll be more than impressed!

1137 Kingsway, Sudbury, ON P3B 2E7, Canada

Video's of Sudbury

Sudbury, Ontario

If you are wanting to check out the city beforehand, watch these short videos on YouTube to get a better idea of where you'll be staying!

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-ucC7AwiXE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?...</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bnvDyk6PLQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?...</a>

Details

Chris and I met in first trimester of the doctor of chiropractic program. He approached me while we were studying in the lab. We introduced ourselves and started talking about Chiropractic. The connection was made. From that day on we started hanging out more, continuously talking about chiropractic and hockey. Our friendship grew quickly until we eventually became best buds. We spend most of our time studying the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic because we both share the deep passion to become great Chiropractors. This passion that we share together created a very strong bond for Chris and I. We also enjoy watching and playing hockey together, drinking a little craft brew here and there, and just talking about life. Chris is an incredible guy with a massive heart for serving others. He's the type of guy everyone needs in their life. & I'm beyond thankful to call him my best man. The future is very bright for this guy.

Christopher Cucullu 

Growing up, Kasandra always looked up to her big, beautiful sister Tiffany. They've shared the best of times together. Kasandra can deeply remember their sleepovers every Christmas eve while the girls would tell stories and giggle all night. Although the girls were similar in age, they also had their fair share of sibling rivalry! (Kasandra apologizes for knocking out her tooth and regrets her biting phase ;) ). With their childhood shenanigans behind them, the sisters share a deep, honest &amp; loving bond. They stick together no matter what and Kasandra appreciates Tiffany's outlook on life. She is always the party in the room, lives life to the fullest and seizes every opportunity there is! 

Tiffany Rose Miles

Ruthie and Kasandra met at an evening college gathering where they spent the  night giggling and bonding. Shortly after, the girls we're connected at the hip! With weekly sleepovers, scheduled study dates, weekend outings, Montreal trips and music festivals behind them, Ruthie and Kasandra continue their journey with phone calls, facetimes, and annual visits! Ruthie has always been an inspiration to Kasandra. She is the most loving woman, a great listener  and always gives the best advice! 

Ruthie Cooper-Simpson

Kevo, as we call him, is the best brother a guy could ask for. We've been close our whole lives, spending most of our time playing and watching sports. We used to have the best times during summer break as kids, where we would spend all day outside with our neighborhood friends playing backyard baseball, football, night tag, building our 3 story fort and shooting airsoft guns. Now we play ice hockey together and watch the Chicago Blackhawks, our favorite team. Kevin is an incredible man with a huge heart. If I ever needed anything, I know I could count on him to be there. He has always supported me in the things I love in life and I'm very thankful for that. I'm very excited to see what the future holds for him.

Kevin Ruettiger 

Although Taylor and I are first cousins, our bond is more like brothers. Over the years we have grown super close to each other even though we can still drive each other super nuts. We loved hanging out together as kids - having sleepovers almost every weekend if we could. Taylor was included in the mix of neighborhood kids that were always outside playing sports or goofing around. We absolutely loved it. Today, he is one of the most positive and supportive people that I know.&nbsp; He has the best attitude about life, enjoying every minute of it. He's going to graduate from Southern Illinois University with an engineering degree in May of 2018. He has already&nbsp; lined up an incredible position in a very good company upon graduation! I'm super proud of him and I know he's going to enjoy the journey. I can't wait to see how he changes the world.

Taylor Breen 

Kasandra met Natalie while she was in her first year at Laurentian University. Although originally from different groups, once these girls connected, their whole worlds intertwined. Natalie and Kasandra were inseparable. The girls always knew how to enjoy life together, if Ms. Natalie could stay awake, that is! Although life has separated them a couple thousand miles, the two besties still manage to stay connected! Natalie is the biggest sweetheart, with a big heart and her goofy moments, she will always put a smile on your face! 

Natalie Clizia

Madalyn was Kasandra's better half through their time at Palmer. Although they only met half way through the program, it was as if the girls had been best friends for life. They were inseparable! Spending most of their time binging on Netflix series or studying at the beach, the girls would not be found without the other! In fact, when Leo first visited Kasandra in Florida, the two would fight over spending time with her! Madalyn is an incredible lady, and Kasandra doesn't know what she would have done without her by her side. 

Madalyn Turner

Jim Jernigan is just like me and it was God's plan for us to cross paths. I met Jim when I started the undergraduate program at Palmer College. Let me tell you, I thank God I did. Over the last 3 or 4 years, Jim has been an incredible inspiration to me. He showed me the way in chiropractic, but more importantly in Jesus Christ. Jim discipled me after for about 3 months over one trimester and it truly opened my heart. I can't explain how thankful I am that he asked me if he could do that for me. It was life changing, let me tell ya. Since then, our bond has grown around chiropractic and our faith. We've watched each others journey grow tremendously in both areas. It has been amazing and I can't wait to continue living life with him. Once you meet Jim, you'll never forget him. 

Jim Jernigan 

Pryor and I go way back. We grew up right down the street from each other. As kids we would spend our days on the baseball field playing pick up games, and our nights running around the neighborhood playing night tag. We also dominated in backyard football, always making sure we were on the same team. We had some pretty unbelievable chemistry on the sports fields. We always made each other laugh in school, and loved hanging around each other. It's still the same today. He's one of my best buddies and always will be.

Kevin Pryor

Andrea was Kasandra's first friend when she crossed the country to pursue her dreams in chiropractic. The girls quickly bonded on orientation day and just happened to be in the same labs! Although the girls held hands through the academic side of chiropractic school, Kasandra has always looked up to Andrea. Andrea is the perfect example of success in her personal life and her career life! She has always been a huge help to Kasandra, even if it meant taking her grocery shopping every week when Ms. Miles only had a bike in Florida! 

Andrea Sylvester

Tyler and I were first introduced by my best man Chris while in Chiropractic school. Tyler has been an incredible friend since we met. We have had some amazing times on the golf course, talking about life, chiropractic, and our bright futures. I was blessed to be a gromsmen in his wedding a few months ago. His wife Amanda and Kasandra are good friends and we absolutely miss hanging out with them. Tyler and Amanda have a beautiful little baby on the way and I am so excited for the joy they are about to get in their lives. I love them both and I cant wait to see what the future holds for them and their beautiful family!

Tyler Davis

Kasandra met Carly about a year into chiropractic school at Palmer. Although from different classes, the girls lived in the same apartment complex and spent a lot of time together soaking up the sun at their pool, or taking Miss Lily Pad for walks! Carly has been a breath of fresh air for Kasandra. With the stress of grad school and student debt, Carly would always lighten any situation with her optimistic perception of life. She has been a blessing in Kasandra's life. She is not sure what she would do without their cherished, insightful beach walks!

Carly Klaes

Mary-Kate is Leo's youngest sibling, and most appreciated sister! She is an adorable, loving and cheerful young lady and Kasandra can't wait to become her sister! Although still unofficial, the two girls already have the sisterly bond! With planned Easter egg hunts, black Friday shopping, and tailgating at the Cubs game behind them, Kasandra is so excited for what is yet to come! 

Mary-Kate Ruettiger 

Matt and I first met in high school. He was dating my cousin Mallory at the time and he was always joining our family gatherings on holidays. This really allowed us to&nbsp;grow our friendship. We became close over the last 5 years playing hockey and watching sports. Matt has always been a phenomenal friend to me, always reaching out and seeing how I was doing. I'm blessed to have him in my life and I'm excited for what the future holds for us both.

Matt Blackmore

Oh Abbie! THE sweetest little pup you'll ever meet. She's got an amazing personality and just loves to cuddle. Abbie wouldn't stop begging Kasandra to be a part of the wedding, so the ring bearer she is! Let's hope she can follow the trail of treats ;)

Abbie Girl

Leo's cutest little cousins will be laying the flowers down the aisle before the bride walks down! We are so thrilled to have these girls be a part of our special day!

Carson & Ellie Ruettiger

Cole is the most caring, kind and fun young man. Leo has always had a great bond with his cousin and we are proud to have him as our usher!

Cole Ruettiger

This little boy is the newest addition to the family. The couple was blessed to save him from an unwanted home, and couldn't imagine marrying without him by their side!

Tucker

Andrew is one of Leo's most cherished youngest cousins! They always enjoy their annual Indiana Beach get together's and bonding over their love for the Chicago Cubs! We are so thrilled that Andy can be a part of our big day!

Andrew Vessel

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Gifts

Sudbury Airport is approximately 30 minutes from your hotel - Hampton Inn. For those traveling internationally, you will most-likely have a layover in Toronto ON as Sudbury is not an international airport. From the Sudbury airport, your options are as follows: Rent a car for the weekend, call Lockerby taxi or use Sudbury airport shuttle service to your hotel for approximately $54 CA.

Greater Sudbury Airport

We will have a block of rooms under "Miles-Ruettiger Wedding" reserved for all of our beloved Americans and those traveling for our special day! This reservation entails a special wedding rate of $142 CA per night, valid for July 13th and July 14th. Reservations must be made by May 29th, 2018 to take advantage of the room block rate. This hotel offers complimentary breakfast and is in close proximity to both the ceremony and reception (8 minutes). It is located centrally with many restaurants, bars and a grocery store nearby. Here is the direct link to get the special rate! <a href="http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/Y/YSBRYHX-MRW-20180713/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/Y/YSBRYHX-MRW-20180713/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id%3DPOG&source=gmail&ust=1501629929983000&usg=AFQjCNHVrY3UpG-GGxRmwFJi2THo0Ovszg">http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/Y/YSBRYHX-MRW-20180713/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG</a>

Hilton - Hampton Inn Sudbury 

Traveling guests may also choose to fly into Toronto International Airport and rent a vehicle to drive up to Sudbury for the weekend. The commute is approximately 4 hours. This may be a cheaper option as most Sudbury flights can be a little pricey. Not to mention, for those hoping to experience Canada at it's best, downtown Toronto & the CN tower offer just that!

Toronto Pearson International Airport

As the hotel, ceremony and reception are all within 10 minutes from each other, lockerby taxi is the way to go. With service throughout all of Sudbury, this company will make sure to get you where you need to be!

Lockerby Taxi 

For those of you flying directly into Sudbury, ON and wish to rent a car for the weekend, this would be your best option. The company is right out of the airport which makes it much more convenient for you. Give them a call to reserve a vehicle or just reserve on the spot!

Sudbury Airport Car Rental

For those of you flying in to Toronto and wishing to rent a car for the 4 hour commute up to Sudbury, there are many car rental options right at the airport. Check out this website to view and your options and reserve ahead of time, or just rent directly upon your arrival!

Toronto Pearson Car Rentals

Here is the google maps route for those of you wanting to drive up from Channahon!

Channahon, IL, United States

Travel

This is Sudbury's largest municipal park!&nbsp;Not only are there several different beaches within, the park is also known for their board walk which circles Ramsey Lake. It is a beautiful scenic park in Northern Ontario and a must-do if you have a free afternoon!

Bell Park

The Big Nickel is an exact replica of the 1951 Canadian nickel. It was built in 1964 and symbolizes the wealth that Sudbury has contributed to the Canadian economy through nickel production. The base enables the public to walk around the Big Nickel and under it. Access is barrier-free. It is part of the Dynamic Earth and is located right in the heart of Sudbury!

The Big Nickel

Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction 
and an educational resource for children and adults across the province.
 Science North maintains the second- and eighth-largest science centres 
in Canada:
Science North, featuring an IMAX® theatre, digital Planetarium, butterfly gallery and Special Exhibits Hall, and
Dynamic Earth - Home of the Big Nickel, an earth sciences centre.

Science north

This exhibit is part of the Science North - but one of the bests! If you plan ahead, you can actually schedule a tour underground of where all of the mining happens!&nbsp;It is quite the experience.&nbsp;

Dynamic Earth

The Inco Super Stack is located right in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Sudbury" title="Greater Sudbury"></a>Sudbury with a height of 380 metres (1,250&nbsp;ft), is the tallest chimney in Canada a<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimney" title="Chimney"></a>nd the 2nd tallest <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_chimneys" class="mw-redirect" title="List of chimneys"></a>freestanding chimney in the world! All you need to do is drive by and you'll be able to say that you've seen it!

The Inco Stack

Things to Do

--Registry--

All we ask for a wedding gift is that you find the time to celebrate with us! A gift is not expected, but if you wish to contribute, we would like to explain our request.&nbsp;

 

Leo and I are so excited to get married and finally move in together! However, with the current living situation of us each having a fully furnished and stocked apartment, a gift registry just did not make sense. 

 

As both of us have massive student debt and plan to open our very own private practice in South Carolina in 2019, a financial gift would be an extremely helpful boost to begin our lives together. We realize that this is not traditional and may be uncomfortable for some, but we just wanted to be as transparent and honest as possible. We greatly appreciate any gifts and we love you all so much! Thank you for being here on our special day!

Kasandra & Leo

Kasandra & Leo

Photos