It’s happening!

We are looking forward to embarking on this new adventure together and so excited to share our special day with you all! We’ve decided to create this page for you to find quick answers to the most common questions you may have regarding our big day, to have any easy place to RSVP, and also to have a place to share pictures and fun facts about us and our wedding party. Counting down the days till we say I Do!

It was about 10 years ago when Dougie and Vanessa’s mutual friend hosted a big house party for her birthday. She asked Dougie to bartend since he was fresh out of bartending school. The birthday girl had given a handful of her closest friends special wristbands that meant they could go to Dougie and get free cocktails all night. Since there was a continuously long line, Vanessa took it a step further and used her wristband to also cut to the front everytime she wanted a drink (because why not?!). Dougie thought Vanessa was hilarious for doing this, and she made him laugh every time she went up for a new drink. Whenever their group of friends got together after that, he teased her about that night. Soon they became best friends and talked to each other about anything and everything.

Their great friendship eventually lead to love long after that initial first meeting. But as some stories go, it just wasn’t their time to be together back then, so they went their separate ways, as hard as it was on both of them. Then, by chance, one night Vanessa ran into an old friend who invited her to play softball on Sundays. After a few games, she was invited to a party. Low and behold, a few minutes after she arrived, Dougie walked in. It was the first time they’d seen each other in years, so of course, they tip-toed around each other for a while. Finally, Dougie worked up the courage to say hi and ask if they could talk. Vanessa was a bit reluctant at first, but agreed. They had a deep, heart-felt talk, and he told her after all that time he'd always felt she was the one that got away. Vanessa was a little hesitant to believe what he was saying — after all, it had been years since they’d talked and did they really even know each other anymore? They continued to talk and after a while, rejoined the party. They had a great time, making each other laugh and reminiscing about the past. After that night, they started off as friends again, talking and spending a lot of time with each other. They reconnected and once again their connection grew to love. This time nothing was in their way, their timing was finally right, and Dougie asked Vanessa to be his girlfriend!

Fast forward 3 1/2 years — years filled with travel, fun, tons of laughs and as Dougie and Vanessa like to say, "cheeseball" moments. The opportunity to apply for a duplex fell into their laps unexpectedly one day. Vanessa picked up the phone and called Dougie at work to see if he wanted to jump on it. Without hesitation, he said yes! So, they put their application in and crossed their fingers. They heard back a few weeks later that they got the place and they were so excited to move in together! Of course, they wanted to celebrate with their closest family and friends, so the plan was set in motion for a housewarming party. The day of the party, was a bit hectic for the couple, but they were enjoying everyone’s company and had a great time showing off their new place. After a while, Dougie suggested they say a speech to their guests. He started the speech by thanking everyone for coming and special thanks were given to those that helped make the day happen. Then he began to shift the speech and talked specifically about Vanessa and their journey as a couple. Before anyone knew what was happening, Dougie was down on one knee, ring in hand! Everyone cheered and screamed with total surprise and joy! Vanessa was so filled with overwhelming happiness, she couldn’t even work out the word yes! It was one of the best and most perfect moments shared with all of their loved ones!