June 9, 2007 Burlington, Vermont At the Hilton Burlington (formally The Wyndham)
How we met
In May 2002 Justin turned to his dad at the University of Vermont ROTC ball, and said “Dad, see that girl across the room, she is going to be my date next year.” Justin had no doubt in his mind Jen would be his date, and hopefully much more. Little did he know Jen was sharing the same thoughts.
It was not until a ROTC field trip to Quebec, Canada that sparks really flew. The two walked the cobble stone streets of Quebec getting to know each other while the fresh February snow fell. The next spring Jen and Justin did indeed attend the ROTC ball together.
Jen continued her education at Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont and Justin continued his at UVM in Burlington, Vermont. Upon college graduation Jen and Justin were commissioned as Second-Lieutenants into the United States Army. Jen was stationed at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, and Justin at Ft. Hood, Texas. Despite the many miles constantly keeping the couple apart, they managed to see each other during long weekends.
How we got engaged
Justin got down on one and knee and proposed on New Year’s Eve, 2005 at the stroke of midnight. The waiter of Primavista Restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio popped the champagne cork and Jen replied with a “Yes” while others dinning clapped and cheered. They welcomed in the New Year by watching the fireworks display over the city.
Word soon came that Justin would soon be deploying to Iraq for 12 months. Jen was in Egypt participating in a joint military exercise when she called home to tell her mother the wedding date had moved and was now only six weeks away.
The Wedding Day
On November 24, 2005 on Thanksgiving Day Jen and Justin were married by a Justice of the Peace at the Inn at Essex in Essex Junction, Vermont. Justin wore his military Dress Blues and Jen walked down the scarlet carpeted stair case wearing an ivory, strapless “princess” gown, and said their vows under an arch way decorated in bright foliage-colored Vermont Maple leaves. Jen’s brother gave her away and her sister stood by her side as her Maid of Honor, while Justin’s father stood by his side as his Best Man. The couple were surrounded by 30 close friends and relatives, and then enjoyed a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner that the Inn prepared. Fresh snow fell the entire day adding that magical touch to such a special occasion and completing the most perfectly quaint Vermont wedding.
Justin deployed to Iraq three weeks later. While Justin was deployed he conducted numerous missions as a Tank Commander often being outside the wire for weeks at a time. Justin later earned a Bronze Star for bravery and acts of merit.
Meanwhile Jen continued efforts to getting reassigned at Fort Hood to be with Justin upon his redeployment. On December 6, 2006 Jen welcomed home Justin as she wrapped her arms around him and of course a few tears fell, but this time they were tears of pure happiness; not only had Justin returned home safely, but Jen was reassigned to Fort Hood.
Jen and Justin soon bought a gorgeous house in Harker Heights, Texas and stayed busy making it home. Their wedding on November 24, 2005 was irreplaceable, but had also dreamed of a Catholic ceremony with all their friends and family.
On June 9, 2007 Jen and Justin said their vows once again at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Winooski, Vermont. They had an exceptional sunshine-filled day with around 165 guests coming from all across the country. From the champagne popping in the black Excursion limousine with the bridal party, to the beautiful long stem Calla Lilies, pictures on the Lake Champlain waterfront, and Tiffany Inc. inspired wedding cake, memories were truly created until they danced the night away at the Wyndham Hotel in Burlington.
Our Future...
Jen and Justin are both deploying to Iraq this coming December. Following redeployment they are both going to say goodbye to the Army, and move back home to New England to start a family.
Words of Advice for Future Brides
Do not focus on what does not go as planned, but what does; enjoy the family and friends that have come to celebrate with you and make the most of it!
The Particulars
Reception Venue - Hilton Burlington [ www1.hilton.com ] (formally the Wyndham Burlington) Photography - Mager Studios [ www.magerstudios.com ] Tuxdoes - Needlemans Bridal & Formal [ www.needlemansbridal.com ] Ceremony - Saint Francis Church, Winooski, VT Ceremony Musicians - Peggy Lesage, guitar and singer and Ryan Johnston ( brother of the bride) Decorations & Favors - The Party Store [ www.thepartystores.com ] & Linens-n-Things [ www.ltn.com] Transportation - Limo's for Less [ www.limosforless.com ] & Ethan Allen Coachworks Florial Design - Sally's Flower's
Cake - Trapp Family Bakery(Stowe VT) Entertainment - Top Hat Attendants Gifts & Grooms Ring – Perrywinkles Jewelry [ www.perrywinkles.com ]
