Wedding Day

Commellini Estate

Ceremony & Reception

Our Wedding

Date 1: It's as Good as Our Song

From a small and trivial swipe right on tinder, love befell on two highly energetic and passionate individuals. Imagine if one of them had not been paying attention to those they were swiping on - things might be a little different in the world today. Things might be so different that in an alternate universe you would not be reading this page right now, and instead be on Tik Tok sending your friends videos that they don't care to watch. Luckily, we have saved you from that harsh reality! Here lies the true love story of Ryan Johnson and Tracy Cresta. On December 4th, 2021, (Happy Birthday Grandma Linda!) Ryan and Tracy met at their first meet and greet in the frigidly windy 10 degree Fahrenheit weather that Downtown Spokane hosted for the night. Tracy dressed in dark black boots zipped up to just below her knees, blue jeans, and a long blue winter jacket looking like Ryan's dreams had come true. She was real! The nervousness rushed through Ryan's aura. Unfortunately, the first spot they attempted to go had a wait for the table that even a bodybuilder couldn't lift. They immediately made other plans. Both their minds thought: SUSHI! They agreed upon the new spot. The two shivered as they walked. Neither of them showed their pain to the other. They both were unknowingly showing off their inner Capricorn. They arrived at the new spot for Sushi named Nudo. The waitress greeted them effectively and directed them to their table into the back right of the restaurant which was about 7 steps from the bathroom. They read through the menu. There was not one mention of Sushi. Ryan was discontent on the inside, but nonetheless, opted for Phad See Ew. Tracy went for another dish, Ryan finding his dish unpleasing. Ryan wanted this new girl to see the real him. He wanted to see if they could get along together and maintain strong conversation even when he was off the P.E.D.s (some call this alcohol, Ryan opts for the former). To keep Ryan's mind relaxed (él es un culo inquieto), he drank water faster than it could be produced by the arctic glaciers during really severe global warming. He must have put down 20 glasses of water in fewer than 30 minutes, and with that, he also went pee at least 20 times. Tracy was on edge. She wasn't sure if Ryan was enjoying the date. Nonetheless, Ryan quickly found that this was the girl for him. She ran track in high school and college, coached track for high schoolers within the last year, and stated she loved to run. Ryan tested her with questions. Ryan asked: so do you think you could beat me in a race right now? Tracy responded: No! Ryan laughed: I thought you ran track, you don't think you could beat me? Tracy responded: Not in these boots! Tracy was quick! Ryan laughed. He enjoyed her. So what did he do? He continued swallowing his water through to quell nervousness. Tracy kept the conversation going. She filled the space with stories that interested Ryan and showed genuine interest in him. Ryan had not felt this way throughout his dating life. In previous relationships, Ryan always felt he had to have a gimmick to keep a girl impressed. He was determined to do it differently this time. He was going to show her the real him, and that's exactly what he did. Ryan spoke of the books he read, how he had always wanted to go to Peru, how he loved learning Spanish, and was impressed that she was a Spanish speaker. She showed prowess in navigating the conversation to the correct things. Everything she had been doing over the past couple years aligned with the things that he had been doing and/or things he wanted to do. It's quite amazing that they lived in the same small city for almost 2 years together and this was the first time they had met. As they left the warm restaurant and walked a couple horridly cold blocks back to the downtown Spokane mall, both continued with their inner Capricorn. As they walked, Ryan kept thinking: don't mess this up, don't mess this up, don't mess this up. He never thought he could meet a girl so beautiful and intellectual. She talked of how she had never been ice skating at the Downtown Ribbon. Ryan didn't want to seem too invested, so he only gave a slight hint that he was interested. As they got inside the Spokane Mall prior to parting ways, the two walked about 30 steps towards the escalator. Ryan's thoughts protruded: don't mess this up, don't mess this up, don't mess this up. He went in for a hug and as they pulled back from the hug there was a very small moment left for a kiss. Ryan did the very thing he kept telling himself not to do. He messed this up! He didn't want to come on too strong, and possibly get rejected by such a magnificent girl on the first date. He stuck with safety and didn't kiss her. Ryan thanked her for the date, and told her to text him when she got home. Ryan then walked away with jitters pulsing through his body. The lyrics of Our Song by Taylor Swift started playing over, and over in Ryan's head: The first date, ‘Man, I didn't kiss her, and I should have’ And when I got home, 'fore I said, ‘Amen’ Asking God if he could play it again. Ryan didn't want to wait until he got home. As soon as he got in his car, he immediately texted Tracy showing his interest. He took the risk of coming on too strong. The risk paid off. She texted him back right away.

Date #2: The Real Thing

The second date, the one which they call their first real date, came around the following weekend at Riverfront Park, Spokane. It was an ice skating date! Ryan, nervous as possible, but still holding the last bit confidence he could muster, took Tracy's hand within the first 5 minutes of skating. With Tracy's grasp he felt her attraction. He took risks. He trusted she would reciprocate if he went back in after they left a hand lock. She built his trust with each touch. Meanwhile, Tracy was excited Ryan took this initiative, but she was afraid she'd fall and bring him down with her - and she did fall! Fortunately Tracy didn't bring Ryan down with her. As they zoomed around the rink, the skates continually rubbed pain on Tracy's ankles producing scars she still flaunts to this date. Scars that didn't stop her from enjoying her time with Ryan in the moment. After the couple finished skating, Ryan suggested Flatstick Pub in Downtown Spokane for mini golf. The two talked of playing Catan, family life, and their pasts. Ryan hit 4 hole in ones. Tracy was impressed. Ryan noticed how well she took the loss, and invited her back to his house to play Nintendo Switch's Super Smash Brothers and Mario Party. Ryan beat her at every game played. What a gentleman! After Tracy continued her losing steak, she invited Ryan to her old law school bar to keep the date going at Logan Tavern. They played billiards, and still no win for Tracy despite her best efforts. They then moved to the shuffle board where Tracy was up 20 points to 11 points on a game to 21. The last game of the night. Tracy needed to win. Ryan showed no mercy. He made the comeback! What a terrible date Ryan was right? WRONG. Ryan had found in the past that he often times would have too much energy for the girls he would date when it came to his need to keep playing, moving, exercising, and/or improving his life. Conversations would often stop when he spoke of running 7 miles a day, reading 1 hour a day, or working hard on himself. He wanted a girl that could keep up with him. Tracy kept up. She impressed him so much that he was scared he might fall behind. And how could he not? She was a beautiful, newly graduated law school student working as a prosecutor, who runs, coaches, learned how to love from her parents, has her head on her shoulders, and who showed she could continue competing even when she had lost over 20 games in one date. This girl was the one for Ryan. All his waiting had paid off. All the awkward dates were worth it. He knew that one day, fate would finally find him. That fate was here. Her name was Tracy Cresta.

The Proposal

The first complete holiday season was here. Ryan and Tracy were getting ready to go to the West Side to spend Thanksgiving with Ryan's dad and his family when, unfortunately, Ryan's dad came down with Covid-19. Ryan was scrambling to take Tracy out of town for a few days. He suggested going to Banff, Canada, for the weekend just to have a few days out of Spokane, which Tracy loved. Yet, Ryan and Tracy decided to stay home for the holidays and enjoy a weekend to themselves. On Thanksgiving Day, Ryan and Tracy went to the gym in the morning. While Tracy was on the treadmill, she teased Ryan for being a slow poke on the stair master. Little did she know that during this time, Ryan was planning their weekend getaway so he could propose to her. That evening, Tracy went to the store to get the ingredients she needed to prepare her favorite Peruvian meal for the evening and Ryan stayed home. During that time, Ryan scheduled some dog sitters for Halle Berry for the following two days. While Tracy was cooking, Ryan suggested that they go ice skating at the rink in Coeur d'Alene the next day and then go for a walk around the floating dock there. Tracy loved the idea but didn't think twice about it since Ryan is always coming up with exciting outings. Since their first real date started with ice skating at the downtown rink in Spokane, this seemed like a fantastic idea. Ryan and Tracy had already decided to go skiing that Saturday, so it was going to be an exciting weekend. For months, Tracy had been teasing Ryan that he needed to bend the knee and propose. Now that their first year anniversary was a few weeks away, she was suspicious that Ryan was going to propose on that day. So, Friday, November 25th (Black Friday) came around and Ryan and Tracy got up to do some shopping. The thing was, Ryan, being himself, was pushy to get Tracy to get out of bed and going, causing Tracy to stress. It got so bad on her end, that right before they left the house, she fell to the floor like a child and said she wasn't going anywhere since her boots wouldn't zip up. Ryan sweetly knelt down beside her and helped her zip up her boots. He was smiling so sweetly that Tracy couldn't help thinking he's going to be an amazing dad some day. When Tracy got in the car after their last errand, she noticed that some of her ski clothes were already in the car and asked Ryan why he did that. Quick on his feet, Ryan replied that it was because he was too excited to go skiing so he decided to pack their clothes ahead of time. The problem was, Tracy had to remind him that she needed to leave the house with those clothes on as they were her undergarments! She laughed so hard thinking Ryan was being “blondie” again. Ryan took it like a champ and also laughed as hard as Tracy, grateful she didn't catch on. (The reality was Ryan was trying to pack their clothes so they could go skiing the next morning after staying at the CDA Resort.) Ryan blasted Christmas music and other songs that made both Ryan and Tracy sing aloud and dance in the car. They made it to CDA with enough time to get some coffee at a local coffee shop and then walk down to the rink. This time around, Ryan skated circles around Tracy like a madman, but both of them sang along to the great playlist the DJ was playing. At one point, they both somewhat recognized a country song, but they realized that it was the original version to the sequel country song they both really loved singing. It was Heads Carolina, Tails California by Jo Dee Messina. Not long after, they were both tired out and Ryan told Tracy he wanted to surprise her with a new place for lunch. Not thinking this was anything out of the ordinary, Tracy went along with Ryan's adventurous side. Tracy loves that life never gets boring with Ryan by her side. They left the rink to go to where Ryan had his surprise set. On the way, Tracy wondered if today would be the day Ryan proposed, but she didn't think too much of it. She was sure it would happen whenever he was ready. Then they arrived at the golf course at CDA and marveled at the sight ahead of them. Lake Coeur d'Alene with the world's only floating green in the middle. Tracy once more thought that would be a spectacular place for a wedding, but kept these thoughts to herself. Then the first red flag happened. When they got to the club house, Ryan had his jacket bundled up in his hands and claimed he needed to use the bathroom, so Tracy offered to hold the jacket for him. Ryan responded, “no,” so flatly that Tracy was taken aback. What was his problem? She then decided it might be a good time to use the restroom herself, but when she came back out of the restroom, she was greeted with red flag number two. Ryan wasn't waiting for her as he usually does. That's when she turned to find Ryan talking with the waitress, but he gave Tracy a sudden look like a child who just got caught doing something wrong. Now, Tracy was suspicious that something was weird. Ryan and Tracy took their seats, ordered lunch, and enjoyed each other's company. While they were taking in the views, red flag number three happened - Ryan suggested that after lunch he and Tracy could go outside and have the waitress take pictures of them. They had never needed anyone to take pictures of them before so why now? This was it! Ryan was definitely going to propose today! On their way out, Tracy questioned whether she should try to stop Ryan from being able to get the ring out just to mess with him, but she didn't. Emotions racing and hands trembling, Ryan quoted “Love Story” by Taylor Swift and then asked Tracy to marry him. Tracy didn't hesitate and said yes as soon as she could! The surprises didn't end there. Ryan told Tracy that because he knew she had always wanted to spend a night at the CDA Resort, he reserved a room for them there and a dog sitter so that they could spend the day out in CDA without worrying. That night was also the Chistmas lighting ceremony so Ryan and Tracy got to enjoy a Christmas parade along with caroling and a wonderful fireworks show! They decided not to go skiing the next day and to embrace the weekend to themselves, which was full of so much love and excitement knowing that Ryan and Tracy are going to spend the rest of their lives together.

Our Story

Photos

Groomsmen

Connor Bennett, Best Man Connor and I met during freshman baseball in high school, becoming best friends towards the end of high school. We were roommates throughout college. While many stories could be shared, they are better left for in-person conversation. Zane Mccannless Zane is the second best friend I ever made. We grew up three houses from each other and he's been like a brother to me. We are always finding ways to trash talk each other and have a rowdy time. Colby Foss Although we did not become true friends until college, Colby and I were always around each other since elementary school. Throughout college summer breaks, we would hang out daily, freestyle rap, record rap songs, and play video games together. Doren Berg Doren and I met during our freshman year of high school at baseball. Becoming best friends back then, we always get deep into introspective conversation. Adam Render Adam was my best friend since first grade. We also grew up 3 houses away from each other. Adam has been a trusted friend of mine this whole time. Michael Leverenz I met Michael in 7th grade when our dads coached our baseball team. We have both always been very competitive; however, Mikey usually wins all the bar and golf games. Pabi Dhaliwal During junior year of high school, we became amazingly close. Throughout college, we lived in the same house together. We have always had a special bond in how we are always looking for exciting things to do.

Bridesmaids

Burt Cresta, Man of Honor Burt is my younger brother, though some would consider him to be the older one. He has always been there for me. In high school, he became my all-around best friend, through thick and thin. My favorite thing about him is his contagious laughter. Mariana Henry Mariana and I met in junior high at a track meet getting ready to run the 800. I followed her to the same high school, where we became track and cross country teammates, trip roommates, and best friends. Rachel Peters I met Rachel at one of my high school football games as we went to different high schools. Over the years, she became one of my best friends and we constantly keep in touch. Emily Millspaugh We met at a beach gathering in 2013 shortly after graduating high school and we found out we were on the same camping trip at the Channel Islands, where we bonded closely. We eventually became roommates and have continued being best friends since then. Brittany Barkley Brittany and I met in March last year. She and Ryan are energetic and fun, especially when they join forces and I am so excited to become her sister in law!

Wedding Party

Q + A

Book your travel at Ruby River Hotel for 20% off! This is a beautiful well-priced spot near downtown Spokane on the river and it is a 20-minute drive away from the wedding venue. Directions:1. Go to https://rubyriverhotelspokane.com2. Hit "book now"3. Enter PROMO CODE: wed2023 for 20% off

Travel

If you like drinks and mini golf-style games, you'd really enjoy this spot downtown. It's near the River and the Cenntennial trail.

Flatstick Pub

Take a ride in the downtown Spokane Falls gondola! Adults are $12.95. It is said that sunset is the best time.

Numerica SkyRide at Riverfront Spokane

Wine tasting with a fantastic view of Spokane at a historic site!

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Quality beer and food with a view! They recently opened a bier hall and have plenty of games to keep you busy!

No-Li Brewhouse

Standing Paddle Board or Kayak the Spokane River and rent your supplies through this website!

Fun Unlimited

This place has a lot of fun things to do and its not far from the wedding venue! The following things are available: -Batting Cages -Go Karts -Bumper Boats (yes it’s on water) -Indoor Mini Golf Course (18 Holes) -Outdoor Mini Gold Course (18 Holes) -Arcade Games -Laser Tag

Wonderland Family Fun Center Pizza - & Local brews

Roughly 40 minutes east of Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is a beautiful spot to visit. The Downtown area has bars and great restaurants. You can visit the world's longest floating dock that goes around the Coeur d'Alene Resort and go for a walk on it. There are hiking trails that wrap around the lake. You can also rent boats or find a spot to go for a swim in the lake.

Tracy & Ryan

Tracy & Ryan

T&R

Wedding Day

5:30 PM–11:30 PM

Ceremony & Reception