Keely and Preston Wetzel Wedding Story
Wedding Date
Saturday, July 7, 2018
We got married in Fargo at the Sanctuary Events Center- July 7th. We had a rather big bridal party of 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen. We knew we needed to have all of our special friends and family beside us to help us celebrate one of the most important days of our lives. I don't know if I have a favorite part. But, the most special was definitely the ceremony. Preston and I wrote personal vows to each other and it was very sentimental. I remember the moment when I looked out at all of our guests and realized how many loved ones were there to support and celebrate with us. It was a true blending of two sets of families and friends...all because two people fell in love! My second favorite part would be our dance. We took a few dance lessons and then decided to choreograph our own dance. Those were both very sweet moments that I will forever cherish.
How We Met
Preston and I both grew up in the little town of Beulah (Western North Dakota). We didn't know each other growing up because Preston was about 4 years older than me. We didn't officially meet until our town's Centennial Celebration in 2014. Preston's uncle Marvin was actually the one to introduce us, so he was given the name Marvin the Matchmaker. Preston was living in Indiana and I was in ND. We became such great friends that we realized that we needed each other closer and that's when I had the courage to move my life to Indiana to be closer to him. (This was about 3 years after we first met at the Centennial).
We got engaged in Phoenix, Arizona. Yes, we are all over the place!! His parents retired from ND and wanted to move somewhere warmer. Preston proposed to me when we were celebrating Christmas with his family (Immediate AND extended).... Preston and his family do a white elephant gift exchange as a tradition every Christmas. He rigged the entire game so that he stole my gift and I had to go get a new one under the tree, which so happened to be a gift of old man cologne....Then I dug a little deeper and out dropped a little ring box. that's when he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. We celebrated with a glass of champagne, that ended up spraying EVERYWHERE in the kitchen! It was definitely a night to remember.
Planning for Our Day
We had about 6 months to plan our wedding. I am a teacher so I knew I wanted to get married in the summer. We researched a few venues and heard many great things about the Sanctuary Events Center. They were very helpful in helping us plan our wedding as we were states away. The most helpful tool I used was Pinterest. I think every bride could say that. It definitely helped give me inspiration on what I was wanting from decor to the small details.
Hint for Brides
My best advice is to not let the planning become something that is overwhelming, it's supposed to be something you enjoy. It's very important to stay organized, so keeping a binder is very helpful. I used my notes app on my phone for my to-do list. That way no matter where I was, I could quickly add it to the list and not forget what it was later. It's also very relieving to delete it once the task is accomplished.
Also, don't be afraid to ask others for help/advice. At first I felt bad asking, but I learned that others want to help you and be a part of your day.