Farmette Grangette

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Lino's

Catering

Our Wedding

To Ryan and Caitlin it was just another ordinary April day, until they first met the person they would spend the rest of their lives with. Ryan and Caitlin had both worked at the same bank, Ryan in the Stillman location, and Caitlin in the Rockford location. As Ryan traveled to the Rockford office one April afternoon to meet with a client, he began talking with Brittany, a fellow co-worker. While catching up on life, Brittany mentioned she knew someone who was single and thus introduced Ryan to Caitlin for the first time. Now is the point, where you expect to hear that they hit it off, well…that is not the case. Ryan, standing as nervous as could be wondering how a girl as beautiful as Caitlin could ever be interested in himself, kindly said "hey, how are you?" and exited as quickly as possible. A few days after their first encounter, Ryan gathered enough courage to add Caitlin as a friend on Facebook, and she accepted! They began messaging back and forth getting to know one another and enjoying the conversation. Caitlin at the time was on a trip in Iowa, while Ryan was in Alabama on a work trip. Caitlin asking her siblings during the whole process "What do I say? What do I do?". Whatever they told her must have worked, because things progressed to a first date on April 15!

On June 4, Ryan and Caitlin were on their way to dinner having a normal conversation and Ryan, thinking he would be slick, says "I am so excited that tonight I get to have dinner with my girlfriend." That went about as well as you can imagine. Either way, it worked! Ryan and Caitlin officially became a couple. They spent the next year getting intentional about one another, finding what makes each other's hearts beat, and having a great time doing so.

In June 2017, they made their way to Colorado for a week long adventure. Ryan planned a hike to Blue Lake, where he would propose.On the day before, they went on hike at Longs Peak (total 7.5 mile hike ONE WAY!) and after about 3 miles, the "I am not in shape for this" thoughts crept in for Ryan head. The Blue lake trail was a 9 mile round trip hike with breathtaking views along the way. Ryan changed his mind however, knowing he couldn't make that hike again LOL! So plan B came into play, Beirstadt Lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park. While on the hike, they began talking about life, the past, present, and even the future. Halfway through the walk, Caitlin made the comment "Someday Ryan, we will be on vacation as a married couple." Little did she know within the next hour she would be engaged! They pulled up to one of the most breathtaking spots either of them had ever seen. Caitlin, cool as a cucumber, enjoying the wildlife and views, Ryan, nervously setting up his camera for "the shot". They had everything in position, and they begin posing for a "picture". As they finish the picture, Ryan turns and gets down on one knee. While on his way down Caitlin proclaims, "You're joking!" Ryan proceeds to ask that four word question, "Will you marry me?" Her response was delayed with a kiss, and then followed up with a resounding "YES!" and even a review of her new ring, in Caitlin's words, "woah, this thing is honkin'!". Join us as the rest is history in the making.

How we met

Our Story

Details

Photos

Matt is Ryan's brother from another mother. A former U.S. Marine and trainer. Matt now is pursuing his dream in mechanical engineering. The bond between Matt and Ryan has always been strengthened by their accountability of each others faith. Matt has been a life long friend of Ryan's and we are honored to have him along side us at our wedding.



Matt Koehler

Brandon and Ryan grew up going to the same school together. It was not until sophomore year in high school during accounting class that they began to build a life long friendship. Roommates for three years and gym partners for life. Brandon is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a current trainer. We are honored to have Brandon share in our big day.

Brandon Box

Brandon and Ryan are business partners along with having a great friendship. The bond is unordinary as they began calling their group of friends the Crazy Wildcat Pack (came from Disney's High School Musical). Always able to have a good time, even through the stress of a business start up. Brandon is a cnc machinist and entrepreneur. We are honored to have you share in our big day.

Brandon Masso

Ben has been a role model for Ryan to follow for many years. Ben began serving as a leader during Ryan's tenure in a high school youth group. Ben always put the group first and made huge strides to get involved in our lives in a big way. Ryan has benefited greatly from Ben's role in his life both as a friend and a mentor. We are honored to have you as a part of our big day.

Ben Striker

What can you say about Andrew other than he is a genuine, happy go lucky guy. Andrew and Ryan met at a pick up basketball game a few years ago and Andrew was admiring a custom shirt Ryan was wearing and the next week when they played again, Andrew had one just like it. Thus began a friendship full of laughs, faith, and basketball. We are honored to have you share in our big day.

Andrew Brown

Squid has been a life long friend to Cait, from the wild child age, to the awkward teenage years. Sydney has been that friend Cait can confide in and laugh with. We are very excited to share our big day with you!

Sydney Hooker

Tabby has been a best friend since the age of 3. Cait and her share memories filled with laughter, cookie dough, and romance movies. We are ecstatic to spend our special day with you!

Tabitha McCall

Cait and Sarah have always had a special- Big sis, Little sis-bond. She's taught cait how to swing dance, play twinkle twinkle little star on the piano, and showed her a great work ethnic.  We are happy to have you share in our big day!

Sarah Keith

Heidi has always had a special place in Cait's heart. Heidi has filled Cait's life with love and protection. We are honored to have you share this day with us!

Heidi Wendt

Just like any typical sister relationship, Cait and Maddie argue one minute but make up the next. They've always had a fun sister bond. We are excited to share this day with you!

Ryan & Caitlin

Ryan & Caitlin

Things to Do

Anderson Japanese Gardens

CherryVale Mall

Volcano Falls Adventure Park

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Chicago, IL, United States

Earl F Elliot Park and Golf Course

Edwards Apple Orchard