The Pavilion at Vida Bela

Rehearsal + Dinner

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Day after lunch + pool party

Golf Outing

Fall

Our Wedding

Ryan and Sidney met in December of 2019 on Christmas! Sidney was about to enter her last semester of graduate school at Drake University and Ryan had just graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Ryan had moved back to Adel, Iowa after finishing school and before starting an internship. Sidney and Ryan immediately bonded over her dog (now their dog), Bentley. Sidney was drawn to Ryan from his sense of humor and ability to make everyone feel included. Ryan then dropped the BOMB and told Sidney he was actually moving to Dallas, Texas in a few weeks. Sidney and Ryan decided to do long distance until she was finished with school, but due to the pandemic, Sidney moved to Dallas in April of 2020. They have lived in the Dallas area since then and Ryan has gone on to complete his graduate degree from Southern Methodist University. In the fall of 2022 Ryan proposed to Sidney with his mother and father present. It was perfect, and they hope to have all of you there to celebrate in November of 2023!

Our Story

Photos

Kaitie and Sidney met after high school when working at Four Oaks. They bonded through this very challenging position, and have remained best friends for the last 7-years, supporting and helping each other through the highs and lows! Kaitie currently lives in Cedar Rapids, IA with her boyfriend, Tyler.

Kaitie Wade

David and Ryan met in college at Iowa state in 2014. David has visited Ryan in every city he has lived in! They talk on the phone at least 5 times a day. Highlights of the conversations include Iowa state athletics.



David Wielinksi

Alyssa and Sidney have known each other since Sidney was 14! Sidney knew immediately that Alyssa and her then boyfriend (now husband) were genuine and kind people. They were roommates in college and have been attached the hip since the day they met. Alyssa currently lives in Atkins, IA with her husband, Declan.

Alyssa Harbach

Ethan and Ryan met in middle school and became best friends in high school. Ryan frequently visited Ethan in Iowa City while he was attending college. Ethan currently lives in Sarasota, Florida with his girlfriend Kasey and their cat, Badger. He enjoys playing frisbee golf on the weekends and wrestling alligators.

Ethan Eckhoff

Brittany and Sidney went to elementary, middle, and high school together. They have been on countless trips and family vacations together. They have helped each other through the cringiest fashion trends! Brittany currently lives in Waterloo, Iowa.

Brittany Theis

Robert is Ryan's cousin from Urbandale, Iowa. They grew up spending most summers together. Unfortunately, Ryan stopped speaking to Robert in 2015 because he decided to attend the University of Iowa. Robert is now a physical therapist, living in Des Moines, IA.

Robert VanderLinden

Lizzy is Ryan's sister and has been a good friend since the beginning of Sidney and Ryan's relationship. She has been an integral part of planning and maintaining sanity through wedding planning. Lizzy currently lives in Houston, TX with her husband, Shane.

Lizzy Christenson 

Ryan and Shane met in 2014 at VEISHA. Ryan's sister Lizzy, introduced Shane as her boyfriend and the rest is history! Lizzy and Shane got married in 2018 and have recently moved to Houston with their two cats.

Shane Christenson

Kayla is Sidney's cousin. They have been very close since they were tiny and spent most summers together! Whenever they get back together, there is always so much to talk and laugh together about.

Kayla Hahn

Joey and Ryan met in 2017 at University of Nebraska. They were both enrolled in the professional golf management program and have spent MANY hours on various golf courses. Joey currently lives in Aspen, Colorado and works as a golf professional. 

Joey Chandra

Delaney and Sidney met when Sidney moved to Dallas in 2020. Delaney was Sidney's first EVER intern, who turned into a very close friend after Sidney switched jobs. Delaney recently passed her exam, and is a BCBA as well! Delaney currently lives in Seattle, WA with her boyfriend, Logan.

Delaney Pinion

Ryan and Daniel met at their apartment in 2017. They were matched as random roommates while attending the University of Nebraska. They quickly became good friends and have continued this friendship since then. Daniel currently lives and works in Lincoln, Nebraska!

Daniel Arroyo

Kamryn is Sidney's oldest cousin and they have been attached after spending many summers reenacting Hannah Montanas various musical sets! Kamryn currently lives in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Kamryn Hahn

Ryan and Jordan met in 2nd grade at Adel Elementary. They grew up playing various sports together through middle and high school. Jordan now lives in Kansas City with his wife Hannah, and golden retriever, Molly.

Jordan Grove

Katherine and Sidney met in graduate school. They immediately bonded over the best hobby (HAPPY HOUR) and have continued this tradition ever since. Katherine currently lives in Ames, Iowa and works as a BCBA. 

Katherine Oberman

Ryan and Caden met in 2021 in graduate school at Southern Methodist University during orientation. They became fast friends over their love of big 12 sports. Although be careful, because Caden is a KU fan! Caden is our number 1 dog sitter for Bentley and Winnie.

Caden Ford

Morgan and Sidney met through Morgan's fiance, Hayes. Morgan and Sidney immediately bonded over moving to a new city. They went on to spend countless weekends together brunching, happy hours, and dinners! Morgan lives in Dallas, Texas, with her fiance, Hayes.

Morgan Terranova

Hayes and Ryan met in graduate school at Southern Methodist University. They have become good friends and enjoy spending weekends together watching UFC fights, basketball, and football! Hayes is finishing his graduate program and lives in Dallas, Texas, with his fiance, Morgan!

Hayes Schmitt

Kiaya is Sidney's cousin. Kiaya and Sidney grew up together and Sidney spent many summers bossing Kiaya around! Kiaya currently lives in Marion, IA!

Kiaya Hahn

Cole and Ryan met in 2017 and the University of Nebraska. They ended up living together throughout most of college. Cole currently lives in south Florida and works as a golf professional.

Cole Meschede

Wedding Party

Q + A

Airports

Guests can fly in Thursday or Friday morning. If you are invited to rehearsal dinner, please arrive Thursday afternoon. There are two airports in the Houston area. Please see below.

United offers a direct flight from Des Moines to George Bush International. This is the best option if you are wanting to fly in Friday. This is the closest airport to the venue, and about 25 minutes from The Woodlands Downtown Area (where the hotel block is). You can use uber/lyft or rent a car to get from the airport to the hotel. Unfortunately, there is not a shuttle. Guests can fly out Saturday or Sunday depending on preference. We will be having a day after-lunch at Ryan's parent's house that everyone is invited to at 12PM on Saturday.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Allegiant offers a budget direct flight from Des Moines to Houston. Although the flight price is lower, the Hobby airport is about 45-minutes from the hotel and the flights are more likely to be delayed or canceled.

William P. Hobby Airport

Hotels

We recommend staying in the Woodlands area which is 20 minutes from our wedding venue. Near the Waterway, Market Street, or Hugh's Landing (scroll for hotels).There are so many things to do in this area, including water front and wooded walking trails, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the Woodlands Mall. The Downtown Woodlands Trolley is free, and makes everything conveniently accessible. (https://thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/358/Town-Center-Trolleys)

Conveniently located 20 minutes from the Venue but right near the heart of the Woodlands. We have secured a room rate of $109 a night! Please visit the link to book: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1671460497716&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink There is a shuttle that will transport guests back and forth from hotel to venue on Friday for the wedding. If you choose to stay at another hotel, you can always meet at the Springhill Suites to catch the shuttle. Please see below for more information on the shuttle service. It is important to book your hotel ASAP so you are able to secure the special room rate. The latest you are able to book with the room rate is 3-weeks before the wedding.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Houston The Woodlands

Located in Hugh's landing, waterfront property, surrounded by shops and restaurants, and directly on the free trolley line.

Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands at Hughes Landing

Just 0.5 miles from market street and one of the free trolley stops, this hotel is a great value.

Hilton Garden Inn Houston/The Woodlands

There will be a shuttle bus that leaves from the SpringHill Suites at 4:00PM. Guests can utilize the shuttle, ride share or use a rental car to get the venue. There will be a returning shuttle that starts at 8PM and will run back and forth from the venue to the hotel until 10:30PM. All guests should be able to take the returning shuttle back.

Shuttle Bus to Venue

The Downtown Woodlands Trolley is free, and makes everything conveniently accessible.Trolley InformationCost: FreeTotal Passengers: 35 people per trolleyEach trolley is ADA compliantHours of OperationMonday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Getting around the woodlands

Travel

If you're native to Texas, or ever visited, you know how spread out things can be! We often refer to distance by time traveled, "only 20 minutes away," and some of the best surrounding attractions are no exception. In the Woodlands itself, there are lots of things to do in walking distance or on the trolley line, but if you have a car while you're here, check out some of these "nearby" attractions as well!

The primary green space is an 11,500-SF event lawn that can seat 1,000 people for festivals or other occasions. A pavilion sits on a 2,500-SF plaza and accommodates events and community gatherings both large and small. The boardwalk was designed to follow around the lake and includes benches, public viewpoints, and connectivity to the Woodlands trail system.

Botanical Garden Park

Shop the brands you love at the best shopping mall in The Woodlands. Visit&nbsp;The Woodlands Mall&nbsp;for shopping, dining, and entertainment activities.

The Woodlands Mall

Open-air, discount shopping complex offering apparel for men, women &amp; kids, plus home goods &amp; toys.

Outlets At Conroe

Located North of The Woodlands and Conroe. Expansive, wooded recreation &amp; wildlife area featuring hiking trails, hunting, campgrounds &amp; more.

Sam Houston National Forest

A bit of a drive, but definitely worth it! Space Center Houston is a leading science and space learning center, the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston and a Smithsonian Affiliate museum. While you are down at NASA you may want to check out Kemah Boardwalk - see below!

Sidney & Ryan

Sidney & Ryan

S&R

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Day after lunch + pool party

Golf Outing