Roni & Rick’s Wedding

Roni was working the box office at IO (formerly Improve Olympic) when Rick came in and tried to finagle a free ticket (which he claims he should have received). He never got past the entrance mainly because he spent the entire night talking about everything with Roni.

At the end of her shift, she asked him if he wanted to finish the conversation over coffee and cake at the Pick Me Up. At 3:30am, they were asked to leave. But that didn't stop the two from moving the conversation to their car. Eventually, all good things must come to an end. And they said their goodbyes. No kiss. No numbers were exchanged. The two just hoped they would see each other again around IO.

When Roni returned home, she was pleasantly surprised about how comfortable she felt while chatting with Rick throughout the night.  However, she was startled about the age difference as well as Rick not being an Israeli. Or Jewish. Or able to speak Hebrew.  Obviously, Roni move beyond their differences pretty quickly.  

Rick and his previous girlfriend ended their relationship a few years prior, but Rick had always hoped things would resolve at some point.  However, he realized something was brewing with his feelings toward Roni when he realized he was no longer thinking about his ex girlfriend, but only this new gal.    

Seven months later, they spent the day wandering around Chicago.  Both had openly expressed to one another about how much they were resisting the urge to propose to the other.  Roni said, "When you find the one, you want the 'happily ever after' to start immediately... and so…"

That night while laying in bed talking about their excursion Roni blurted out some gibberish in Hebrew. Rick asked, "What did you just ask me?" Roni blushed.

Rick asked, "Did you ask me if I want to get married?" Roni kept blushing.

Rick said, "Do you want to get married?" Roni said, "Yes" (in a squeak).

The next morning as they walked to get their breakfast at Kopi, Roni whispered to Rick, "Does this mean that we're engaged?" and Rick whispered back, "I think so... Is that okay?" and Roni whispered back, "Yes!"

And then there were some "fierce" hand squeezes. 

This story is truly indicative of the bond between the two, and the type of foundation they have built for their relationship, and family.  While I am a ‘tad’ conservative about the length of time a couple should date before tying the knot, I whole heatedly believe in Roni & Rick's relationship.

No doubt.

Roni & Rick

August 23, 2006
Ceremony: Independence Grove; Libertyville, IL
Reception: Independence Grove; Libertyville, IL

Ceremony: On the patio at Independence Grove Forest Preserve; Libertyville, IL
Reception: Audubon Hall at Independence Grove Forest Preserve; Libertyville, IL
Caterer: Catering by Michael's, Independence Grove Forest Preserve; Libertyville, IL
Music: Spinnin' Discs DJ
Flowers: Alice Scott at Kabloom in Libertyville
Makeup: Mark Valerio
Hair: Mark Valerio
Rabbi: Eitan Weiner-Kaplow from Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue
Videographer: Chris Chibucos at FurlaVision in Bannockburn, IL
Desserts: Sweets Table including Fresh Fruit Cheesecake Tarts, Tiramisu Tarts, Key Lime Tarts and Lemon Meringue Tarts; Chocolate Dipped Tuxedoed Strawberries; Chocolate Mousse Layered with Fresh Raspberries, Fresh Sliced Fruit, Miniature Molten Chocolate Cakes with Vanilla Ice Cream
Invitations: DIY by the Bride & Groom
Program and menus: DIY by the Bride & Groom
Dress & Designer: Jim Hjelm Occasions (oh yes, a bridesmaid dress!)
Your Shoes: Born Wedge Espadrille Sandals
Suit: Joseph Abboud from Nordstrom
Shirt & Tie: Nordstrom