Meadow ridge farm

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Holbrook Hollows: Lodge

4th of July Picnic and Fireworks - rain or shine!

Punderson Manor Resort

Rehearsal Dinner

Our Wedding

Lee here, Katie will be chiming in with her comments in (parentheses). Thank you so much for taking the time to read about us! We’re big fans of each other and we hope you enjoy our love story. (Fair warning... we go waaaay back so this story has some girth to it.)

Katie and I were born less than a month apart, and while she started life off in Chicago & I in Kent, we soon came to find ourselves forever in each other’s lives. (Slowly at first!)&nbsp;





In the summer of 1995 Katie moved with her family to Chagrin Falls, OH and started 1st grade at Gardiner Elementary. Katie was a cute blonde package of bubbly energy; obviously not much has changed for her. Katie loved Horses, her dog, her little brother Bryan, her best friend was a make-believe alien, and her favorite activity was collecting salamanders in the woods.





I (Lee) moved to Auburn Twp, in the summer of 1996 and started 2nd grade at Gardiner Elementary. I was a cute (taller) blonde bundle of energy who loved his dog, swimming, and looked up to his 4 older brothers.





First day of 2nd grade, I saw Katie and literally thought she was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Being a shy elementary school boy, and feeling like the new kid, not much materialized out of this other than utter shock whenever Katie would speak to or look at me. ( I was quite the opposite child, getting sheer enjoyment chasing and getting chased by boys around recess and in the halls - who doesn’t love coodies?!). In elementary school I joined choir, because Katie was in choir. I also joined band - I legitimately really wanted to play saxophone, my father David is a world class Jazz Pianist - but was truly motivated because Katie joined band, and played flute. Eventually, in 5th grade, I got up the courage to talk to Katie Sickling and let it be known that I did in fact really, really like her. (Not sure if this is the message that was portrayed...)





It was the last day of elementary school, we were about to embark on a new chapter as middle schoolers and there was an end of the school year party with a prize raffle. There I decided that whatever I won I would find Katie, and give it to her letting my feelings be known.&nbsp;





I won a&nbsp;101 Dalmatians&nbsp;Picture frame with a heart in it. Better prize options existed I knew, but this is what I had to work with. As awkwardly as possible I walked up to Katie and said “hi, I got you this” and proceeded to sprint away from her as fast as possible. ( he is not joking folks.. literally no interaction aside from shoving the gift at me and running! I didn’t exactly know how to interpret it or react, nor could I, given it was the last day of school..)





Then came middle school. Katie played volleyball, soccer, basketball and track. I played football, basketball and track. I got nervous and excited when Katie would walk by me in the hall, and I used to take the long route to my bus so I could walk by her’s and maybe get a glimpse of her through the window. ( it was really cool back in the day to chat with a girl or guy from your bus window... think tossing rocks at a bedroom window just middle school style ) It was a hard core grade school crush - she was and still is so beautiful, inside and out.





Next was high school. In 2003 I got the nerve to finally start talking to Katie like a normal human - my childhood best friend Mike Sawayda had some classes with Katie, and I totally used that connection ( for the record...no connection needed! I was not some scary standoffish girl! I was friendly with everyone although it was quite a shock when Lee confidently strolled over and asked if I wanted to hangout with him and his friends- given our last conversation, if you can call it that, was the 101 Dalmatians incident!) I asked her to come play poker at my friend Ben’s house. She had fun, so then, I asked her to homecoming. Unfortunately for me though, not long after that she started dating one of my best friends, Kris. (Kris and I dated the remaining high school years until we both went off to college in different states).





Being a good friend, I tried really hard to put Katie in my own kind of “friend zone”, even though I knew it was me that was put in the zone. However, our relationship really grew strong during high school. Hanging out with all our friends in my basement, bonfires with scary stories from Chad, swimming at Twin Lakes, all sorts of fun rural Ohio high school shenanigans. ( running man! Now banned in all of Geauga County thanks to our crew) Although we were best friends, Katie still held a very special place in my heart.





College came and off I went to The Cradle of Coaches, Ohio’s Public Ivy, the University that was chartered when Florida belonged to Spain: Miami University. Katie went to the University of Miami - a small private school in southern Florida. ( Whoa Whoa Whoa! I went to a school where most people chose to vacation - when you hear Miami you don’t automatically think of JCrew & corn fields - you think of palm trees and football: Go ‘Canes!) She enrolled as a Varsity Track athlete and marine biology major. My Miami is the original Miami. Love and Honor.





I made sure to see Katie whenever I could, and I loved every time Katie would call me to talk or “poke me” on Facebook. Katie was excited to hear about my first girlfriend, (and all the “maybe’s” before her) and I hated hearing about all the weird dudes in Florida that liked her. (We would spend hours chatting with each other about the most recent school party or football game and it was always nice having someone who had known me so well to talk with while I was so far from home)&nbsp;





After college came Chicago for Katie - via some time in Colorado - and Kentucky for me. Katie came to visit, conveniently right after we were both recently single. We went to my school Halloween party, a basement bar concert, and Keeneland. I wanted to kiss her so bad but I couldn’t. Here was this woman I have loved my entire life, who looks at me, listens to me, and truly cares about me like nobody else ever has and yet I just knew the timing wasn’t right. I couldn’t do it. (meanwhile my mom was so excited to hear I was going to visit Lee. She even came to watch my newly acquired puppy at the time, Bella, just so I wouldn’t have any excuse not to go. We even giggled like girls before I left wondering if maybe, surely, Lee would finally kiss me) She went back to Chicago, and I made every dental convention excuse I could muster to get time off of school to go visit her, where we made even more memories. (While Lee was studying at Kentucky we would write pen pal letters to each other and he would draw me pictures of teeth and even seal the letters with the wax he used for tooth modeling. It was romantic while at the same time just us being friends. An extension of our long college chats where we would share about the most recent significant - or not so significant- person in our lives and all the things we were experiencing in our respective cities.)





In 2016 Katie and Becca came to visit me in my new home during my dental residency, Seattle. She couldn’t understand what I liked about Seattle except it sounded kinda cool that I described the Forrest and mountains as “Fern Gully”. On that trip we hiked, we ate, and we laughed. Little did I know that this trip would turn into a Seattle interview as Katie had the opportunity to apply for an internal promotion at work that would take her to Seattle doing sales. She was offered the job, and she said yes.&nbsp;





Flash forward through life a couple years, and nobody else ever came close to Katie. It had become painfully evident that she was my person, that I would love her forever. It felt like fate that someone I knew so well and cared for so deeply was living less than a mile from me almost 3,000 miles away from “home”.





In April of 2018 after barely 6 months of dating, Katie and I boarded a tiny float plane in South Lake Union and flew to Orca’s Island, a small island in the Puget sound some 50 miles north of Seattle. Katie had never been to the San Juan Islands, and this weekend was a surprise. We landed in Deer Harbor, and went to our cottage for the weekend. The evening of April 20, 2018 I asked Kathryn Marie Sickling to marry me. She said yes, and I am confidently the luckiest man in the world.&nbsp;





Katie, Bella, and I are so happy to know each and every one of you and feel so overjoyed to have so much love in our lives. We can’t wait to say “I do”, and we hope to see you this July, where it all started, in Cleveland, OH.

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Our Story

Details

Photos

Christy and I have been friends forever,&nbsp;and we will surely be friends for life.&nbsp; We grew up in Ohio together with our houses being only minutes apart (even so, my Dad would often miss her street on the way to our house&nbsp;leading to just a longer hang out session!)&nbsp;Whether it is walking&nbsp;though the woods looking for salamanders, jumping on her trampoline performing&nbsp;love songs or dancing our hearts out we always have a great time together.

Christy Hoffman

Chad&nbsp;is the big brother everyone wants to have. As much as he may try to make you think otherwise this dude is grounded in himself and his family and always someone I know I can look to for advice and fun. People love being around Chad, including Chad.

Chad Marn

Cristin and I&nbsp;were inseparable growing up as I practically lived at her house most weeks.&nbsp; We rode horses together, played basketball and volleyball together, and even swam across a freezing alpine lake aboard a unicorn together! Anything we do together involves way more laughter than our abs can handle&nbsp;and even though we live in opposite sides of the country we keep our friendship strong!

Cristin Moone

Shawn is one the best Dads, and hardest working dudes I know. He's also a pretty rad older brother to look up to. From Ocean City, to Sanibel, to Sedona we've built some pretty awesome memories over the years.

Shawn Marn

My oldest big brother Jared started College when I started Kindergarten, but we've always been close. Dude used to bench press me in the basement, and I was known to fall asleep on top of him on the couch. Excited for many more memories.

Jared Marn

Kelly and I met in college at the University of Miami (the better Miami, of course) and lived together our Junior year.&nbsp; I have created so many wonderful memories with her exploring National Parks, rollerblading around Miami, laying on the floor just spending time,&nbsp;and traveling to new places together.&nbsp;&nbsp;She continues to be a very big part of my life today.

Kelly Costello

Jackie is my awesome cousin who I have looked up to ( literally! ) all my life.&nbsp; I&nbsp;grew up wearing her clothes and learning from her about sports, music, makeup and friendship&nbsp;as if she was an older sister I never had. &nbsp;I love that we continue to get closer as we get older together.&nbsp;

Jackie BonSalle

I've known Bryan most of my life, and excited I'm getting to add him to my family! Bryan and I played football together for a year in high school and Bryan always used to talk so much trash to me during practice&nbsp;that he was never able to back up, haha. Katie loves her younger brother so&nbsp;incredibly much, and&nbsp;I'm excited to get a new bro to hang with.

Bryan Sickling

One of my best friends since 2007 when we met as roommates for pre-season football&nbsp;camp at Miami. We were roommates in some capacity every year at Miami. Memories are endless&nbsp;including two a days, our game at the Big House, general Miami Shenanigans, Steve's wedding, and countless others.

Steve Bray

Friends ever since he moved to our district in middle school Chris is my go to guy I can count on for anything. Over the years he has grown to be one of my best friends. Chris is one of those guys when he sets his mind to something, its done - especially having massive traps.

Chris Fox

Judgemental Josh as he is known&nbsp;is really a good dude. One of my best friends since we met in residency at UW, Josh and I share memories of shucking teeth in the UW Emergency Room, and fixing grills for sick patients&nbsp;listening to surf rock in the hospital OR. Also lots of sendy mountain stuff.

Josh Heimerdinger

I've been close with my cousin Ben our whole lives, and its been awesome to see our relationship go from cousins to one of my true best friends over the years. My go to "yes man" Ben has never been shy to jump in on my cross country road trips, run off trail solo&nbsp;in search of marmots,&nbsp;or fly to Alaska and sleep in tents and cars with me&nbsp;for a week.

Ben Taylor

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

A magnificent wooded setting with decks and patios offers travelers a pleasant alternative in lodging. Twelve richly appointed rooms are surrounded by a lake and 18 hole golf course. All twelve rooms offer the comfort of a fireplace, Jacuzzi, and kitchenette. Quiet charm and outstanding accommodations promise discriminating travelers a memorable stay at Bass Lake Inn. Queen rooms for $130 King Rooms for $150 Airport to Bass Lake&nbsp; 50 minutes. Bass Lake to Punderson 15&nbsp;minutes. Bass Lake&nbsp;to Meadow Ridge 15&nbsp;minutes.

Bass Lake Taverne & Inn

$139 per night + tax King bed ( 2&nbsp;double beds by request) &nbsp;Must book by June 1, please mention the Sickling/Zamos wedding for room block rate. Airport to Quail Hollow - 40 minutes Quail Hollow to Punderson - 26 minutes&nbsp; Quail Hollow to Meadow Ridge - 23 minutes

Quail Hollow Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham

$109 + tax Please mention Zamos/Sickling block when you reserve.&nbsp; This is the closest option to our home town: Chagrin Falls.&nbsp; Lots of amenities for kids&nbsp;and indoor/outdoor pool! Airport to Bertram - 33 minutes Bertram to Punderson - 26 minutes Bertram to Meadow Ridge - 41 minutes

The Bertram Inn & Conference Center

Punderson Manor is a cozy English Tudor-style manor, complete with beautiful architecture. The surrounding natural beauty make its Ohio setting all the more charming, and gives you plenty to do while you’re here. At Punderson Manor, you’ll have a 150-acre glacial lake in your backyard, miles of beautiful trails, and nothing but time to explore it all.

$224 incl taxes and fees for Lodge rooms with two double beds and no rollaways. 



$284 incl taxes and fees for Cabins with queen bed and two sets of bunk beds. <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://11" dir="ltr" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors-result="11">Two-night</a>&nbsp;minimum; &nbsp;no block. 



Airport to Punderson 48 minutes. Punderson to Meadow Ridge 24 minutes.



<h3>Recreation activities available:</h3>



<ul><li>18-hole championship golf course</li><li>18-hole disc golf course</li><li>Indoor & outdoor pools</li><li>Sandy beach</li><li>Fishing</li><li>Boating and sailing</li><li>Tennis</li><li>Basketball</li><li>Volleyball</li><li>Shuffleboard</li><li>14 miles of hiking, walking, and running trails</li><li>Bird watching</li><li>Archery range</li><li>Outdoor bonfire pit</li><li>Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding hill (in season)</li><li>Outdoor children’s playground</li><li>Family and children’s programs</li><li>Movie rentals</li><li>Complimentary board games</li></ul>

 <a href="http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/punderson" dir="ltr" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="12">http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/punderson</a>

Punderson Manor Resort & Conference Center

Travel

For those craving adventure on the water, your self-guided tour of East Branch Reservoir starts at the Headwaters Park Boathouse, first come, first served.

Each loan can last up to two hours, available Wednesdays through Sundays 1 to 8 p.m. Please call 440-279-0850 to confirm hours before your visit.

Once again, Geauga County residents can borrow the park’s limited number of kayaks and canoes for free; out-of-county residents must pay $5 per hour for adults, $3 per hour for kids 12 and under, and $8 for tandem (credit card only, paid onsite). Provided life vests must be worn at all times, and a driver’s license will be held as a security deposit for each loan. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Free Canoe/Kayaking at Headwaters Park

This is a fun place to explore especially with children!&nbsp;Additionally, if you have a Merrill Lynch or Bank of America credit or debit card you get free general admission the first weekend of the month by presenting your card.

Great Lakes Science Center

in 2016,&nbsp;Business Insider magazine ranked the Cleveland Museum of Art 2nd best museum in the nation behind only the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Well known independent &nbsp;Cleveland craft brewery - one of Lee's favorites

Great Lakes Brewing Company

The West Side Market opened&nbsp;in 1912 and is known as one of the "10 Great Public Places in America" by the American Planning Association.Its really close to Great Lakes Brewing!

West Side Market

Visit Middlefield Amish Country!Nestled in the northeast region of Ohio is the fourth largest Amish community in the world and a great place to enjoy a one day trip. &nbsp;For the shopaholic, there is plenty of shopping. &nbsp;Antique stores, farmers markets, Amish-owned businesses, and more. &nbsp;The area is also home to Punderson State Park, &nbsp;Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park, and the Geauga Barn Quilt Trail.

Middlefield, OH, USA

If you love stars and planets,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.geaugaparkdistrict.org/parks/observatorypark.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Observatory Park</a>, is a wonderful place to star gaze. This 1,100-acre park which is located in the Geauga County Park District, and is considered one of the few regions left in northeast Ohio not affected by light pollution. &nbsp;The Oberle telescope is open, weather permitting when a naturalist is on duty.

Observatory Park

One of the best amusement parks in the world is just 60 miles west of downtown Cleveland on Lake Erie's beautiful waterfront.

Cedar Point

Picturesque midwestern&nbsp;town near&nbsp;where Katie and Lee grew up. Great date spot and window shopping!Recommendations: Popcorn Shop and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams for&nbsp;ice cream. Paris Room, M Italian, Umami Asian Kitchen

Chagrin Falls, OH, USA

Sunset dinner cruises and other cruise excursions from Downtown Cleveland

GOODTIME III

Cleveland has some wonderful restaurants and a fun bar scene.

Iron Chef&nbsp;Michael Symon has some great restaurants&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.michaelsymon.com/bio/">http://www.michaelsymon.com/bi...</a>



"The Flats" have&nbsp;been recently rebuilt with some fun restaurants and bars. Regular Tristan Thompson and Kardashian&nbsp;sightings around here haha.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flatseastbank.com/">http://www.flatseastbank.com/</a>



Jack Casino Cleveland&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jackentertainment.com/cleveland/">https://www.jackentertainment....</a>



East 4th street and West 6th street Bar and restaurant scene



House of Blues Cleveland - iconic music venue where Lee saw his first Bone Thugs and Harmony Concert, and Katie saw her first concert ever - the Goo Goo Dolls&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.houseofblues.com/cleveland">http://www.houseofblues.com/cl...</a>



Boat rentals!



Pier W restaurant. Beautiful waterfront restaurant on Cleveland's west side. One of Lee and Katie's favorites. The Oysters&nbsp;Rockefeller are the best in the&nbsp;world&nbsp;<a href="http://pierw.com/menu/">http://pierw.com/menu/</a>

Downtown, Cleveland, OH, USA

Established&nbsp;in 1983, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a world famous destination located on the shores of Lake Erie.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

60 miles south of downtown Cleveland lies the Pro Football HOF in&nbsp;Canton, OH,&nbsp;the birthplace of the NFL. Ohio is home to some of the most storied&nbsp;high school, college, and professional football teams in history&nbsp;such as the Miami University RedHawks.