Pelican Grand Beach Resort

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

Our journey began on June 26th, 2017, when we started dating between our junior and senior years of high school. From that moment, we have discovered new adventures and created unforgettable memories together. Our adventure continued at Florida State University from 2018 to 2022, where we made some of our best memories. From hanging out on campus to just enjoying each other’s company, those years were all about making the most of every moment. We also welcomed two adorable cats into our lives, Chungus and Moira, who are the perfect (and sometimes mischievous) additions to our little family. On December 28th, 2023, Chris proposed in Grand Cayman, adding another special moment to our story. Currently, we are residing in Gainesville, where Chris is pursuing his JD at UF and Kaylee is working on her DPT at USAHS. But as much as we love this chapter, we’re excited that we’ll be moving back to South Florida in the summer of 2025. We look forward to new beginnings and creating even more memories in a place we both hold dear. As we prepare to celebrate our wedding, we’re thrilled to share this next chapter of our lives with you. Thank you for being a part of our story and for all the love and support you’ve given us along the way.&nbsp;

Over the years :)

Our Story

Photos

We’re thrilled to introduce you to the wonderful people who will be standing by our sides on our special day. Each has been a significant part of our lives, and we’re so grateful for their love and support.

Sydney White 

Isaiah Perry

Bella Griffith

James Lochrie

Katie Stone

Chris Adams 

Harper Stone

Gavin Stone

Brandon Stone

Wedding Party

If you’d like to send a note or card, please use the address below:Kaylee and Chris Ruckdeschel9864 W Tree Tops Court Davie, FL 33328

Q + A

Check-in at the venue is available from 4:00 p.m. As the ceremony will begin promptly at 5:00 p.m., we recommend that out-of-town guests either arrive in their wedding attire or consider booking an additional night to ensure a relaxed and timely arrival

Here is another option to stay that is .3 miles from the wedding venue.

Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach

This is another less expensive option that is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Riverside Hotel Fort Lauderdale

Travel

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a charming beach town with a relaxed vibe. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the ocean breeze. Anglin's Fishing Pier offers a great spot for fishing or a leisurely walk over the water. The town's main street, Commercial Boulevard, is lined with casual restaurants, ice cream shops, and boutiques.&nbsp;

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach

If you're looking for a fun place to shop, eat, and explore, you’ll love Las Olas Boulevard. It’s packed with cute boutiques, art galleries, outdoor cafes, and great restaurants. Whether you want to grab brunch, do a little shopping, or just wander around and people watch, Las Olas has a little bit of everything. Plus, it's super close to the beach if you want to make a day of it!

Las Olas Boulevard

The Beachfront Promenade is a fun spot to walk around, right across from the beach. It’s lined with shops, beach bars, and tons of restaurants where you can grab anything from a quick snack to a full dinner with an ocean view. Whether you want to pop into souvenir shops, grab a drink at a beachside bar, or sit down for fresh seafood, there’s plenty to do. It’s a great area to hang out and people-watch.

Beach Place

For something a little different, hop on the Jungle Queen Riverboat! It’s a classic Fort Lauderdale experience where you cruise along the river and check out all the amazing waterfront homes and scenery.

Jungle Queen Riverboat

Looking for a fun and scenic way to explore Fort Lauderdale? The Water Taxi offers a hop-on, hop-off experience along the city's waterways, making it easy to visit popular spots like Las Olas Boulevard, the Galleria Mall, and various waterfront restaurants. Operating daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, boats arrive at stops every 35 to 45 minutes. It's a relaxed and enjoyable way to see the city from a different perspective.

Water Taxi

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a hidden gem nestled between the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway. It's perfect for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or even a paddle through the park's freshwater lagoon. You can rent bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards right on-site. There's also a little café, The Grove, where you can grab a bite or a drink with a view. Plus, there's easy access to the beach through a pedestrian tunnel.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

If you’re looking for a fun night out, check out Mai-Kai! It’s a classic Fort Lauderdale spot that feels like a tropical getaway, with tiki drinks, waterfalls, and a cool Polynesian vibe. You can grab dinner, have some amazing cocktails, and watch their famous island show with hula dancing and fire performers.

MAI-KAI Restaurant and Polynesian Show

If you're in the mood for a sweet treat, Jaxson’s is a classic spot that's been around since 1956. They make all their ice cream in-house, and the portions are generous.The place has a fun, old-school vibe with lots of quirky decorations.Whether you're craving a sundae, a banana split, or just a scoop of your favorite flavor, it's a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you're feeling adventurous (or just really hungry), you can try their famous Kitchen Sink — a giant sundae big enough to share with a group.

Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant

Looking for a fun and unique way to experience Florida's natural beauty? You'll get up close with alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat with this airboat tour. They offer private and semi-private tours, so it's perfect whether you're with a group or just a couple of friends. It is a 45 minute drive from The Pelican Grand Hotel.

Everglades Swamp Tours - Airboat Rides Fort Lauderdale

If you’re looking for something a little different, iFLY is an indoor skydiving experience where you can float in a giant wind tunnel. It’s a fun way to feel like you’re flying, and no jumping out of a plane required. It’s great for all ages, and the instructors make it easy even if it’s your first time. A fun pick if you’re up for a little adventure during your trip!

iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Fort Lauderdale

If you’re up for some shopping, Sawgrass Mills is a huge outlet mall with pretty much every store you can think of. It’s actually the second most-visited spot in Florida, right behind Disney! You’ll find everything from designer outlets to everyday stores, plus lots of places to grab food or catch a movie. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours if you feel like exploring (and maybe scoring some deals).

Sawgrass Mills Mall

Things to Do

Registry

Joining us on our wedding is the greatest gift of all, but if you feel compelled to give us a present, we would be grateful if you contributed to our home fund so we can one day make our dream of buying a house a reality.

Venmo: Kaylee-WitschenZelle: kaylee.witschen@gmail.com

Kaylee & Chris

Kaylee & Chris

Registry/ Home Fund