Wedding Day

Cocktail Hour

Schwarz Barn

Reception

Ceremony

Winter

Our Wedding

Our Story 

<p>Ryan and I met in 2015 at Lake Land College. We had our first date at Niemerg's Steakhouse who will be catering our wedding. On December 6th we made it official. Ryan and I spent the next 4 years being long distant. He transferred to Illinois State while I stayed back at Lake Land traveling for livestock judging. I then transferred to Iowa State still traveling often. We would go months without seeing each other. After college, I accepted a job 3 hours away from Highland, where Ryan was working at Top Ag. I finally got a job back home in 2020 where we could finally be together. After searching for houses for a year we finally bought a house in the metropolis of Grantfork, IL. We got engaged in Novemeber of 2021 and will be tying the knot in January of 2023! It's been a long and hard road, but the wait and all the miles between us have all been worth it! Ryan and I have grown together as a couple and are so ready to begin this next chapter of our lives. Our love story is one that has made us strong and patient with one another and we can't wait for our special day!</p>

Our Story

Photos

My sister. My best friend since 1997. No one else I'd rather have standing next to me on my special day. We share countless memories together growing up. From using me as a personal bridge over a ditch as a small child, rolling me down the stairs in a laundry basket, multiple arguments in the cattle barn, private talks in the camper about mom being mad at us, giving me boy advice, my shoulder to cry on when I needed you more than ever, and just laughing together about anything under the sun. You support Ryan and I's relationship and love him as much as I do. I love you and so glad you are my sister!

Katie Wollerman

Oh shish. Where to begin. I still remember writing reasons in the Ag building at LLC and having our first heartfelt interaction. We became roommates our sophomore year of college and had a bit of a tiff. We mended what now is one of my most genuine friendships to this day. "How to Save a Life" will forever be our song. We shared so many memories traveling the country together that year and you made me hug you until I liked it. You helped me get through long distance with Ryan, by being there for me when I couldn't be with the one I loved most. I will never forget that state fair when Ryan had to deal with our cackling laughs and save you from a stall where you were yelling "Halp me!" We live 700 miles apart, but our friendship remains strong. I couldn't imagine this special day without you there on my side. Love you Margaret! 

Maggie Sweppy

I'll never forget that day on the Kaskaskia river where your beloved finance introduced us. I don't think I've ever called someone as many times as a call you in a day. But for good reason. Everyone needs a Paige in their life. You are always there for me and will answer the phone on the first ring every time. I can't explain how much that means to me. You support me through whatever this life throws at me. One vivid memory was new years day when you, me, and Ryan had a group hug in our living room as you were drunk crying. You support my shopping habits almost too much, but that's just what we do. You have listened to every detail of this wedding probably more than what you ever needed to know. I am so glad we have each other through both of wedding planning seasons. Love you Paige!

Paige Faircloth 

Mel Bag. The theme continues of the storm before the rainbow. Everything is always better after a few glasses of wine .That day on the boat you busted your ass really set the tone for the time we would spend together until this day. The laughter, the memories in the Giger house will forever be ones I cherish. You are the voice of reason I never knew I needed. If I ever got in a fight I'd want you on my side. Your strength and loyalty as a friend is unmatched. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have you as one of my bridesmaids and best friends standing next to me on Schu and I's big day!

Melissa Bagnell

Maurer's garage. What a magical place to meet someone that would soon be one of my best friends. I don't always connect with other women, but when I do, it's someone that has the "one of the guys" attitude like you! I love how we support each other and I appreciate how low maintenance of a friend you are. One of my favorite things to do with you is make fun of Paige! What a trio we have there. The sarcasm never stops and I hope it never does. I can't wait for you to be there with me in January in the barn! 

Jordan Medina

There's nothing like coming home and having someone to vent about work to and sit in absolute silence while we watch the Great Brittish Baking show with. I have known you since I first started to come around Highland, but our friendship grew over quarantine in the Giger house over the 2020 pandemic. That's when I really started to see how competitive you can be over a game of cards! You are the life of the party and always someone I can depend on to make sure I have a good time. You are also the only female I know that can finish a case of Stag or whoop anyone in shot gunning. You are one of a kind and mean so much to Ryan and I. Look out Schwarz barn this girl knows how to move her arms when dancing! 

Brooke Hustedde

My stock show gal. I've always known you as the girl with shorthorns that stalled across from us at the Bond County fair. But, the summer before college we finally started talking and becoming friends. Who knew we'd end up living so close together and become so close! We share a love for cattle and stock show fashion. I don't think I've laughed as hard as the night me, you, and Maggie were riding the golf cart years ago at the state fair. You are a sincere friend that will listen and be there no matter what. I am so lucky to have you in my life and as one of my bridesmaids!

Lacey & Ryan

Lacey & Ryan

Registry