Title

Ray and Suzy’s Wedding Fund. Help Us Start Our Marriage the Right Way

Story

Instead of a traditional wedding registry, we decided to create a wedding fund. Our hope is to start our marriage focused on building a strong life together rather than beginning it under financial stress.

On June 13, 2023, I walked into La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant with my daughter Kinsley to celebrate my birthday. I just wanted tacos and a margarita. I had no idea that night would change my life.

Suzy was our waitress.

The host sat us at her biggest table in the restaurant. It is usually the best tipping table, so seeing a guy and his little girl sitting there was probably not the plan for her night. Things got even funnier when she accidentally sang Happy Birthday to my daughter instead of me.

But from the moment I saw her, I knew there was something special about her. She was beautiful, but more importantly, she was incredibly kind and sweet. Before we left, I told her she was beautiful and asked if I could have her number. She was so giddy and elated causing her to accidentally give me the wrong receipt when we paid.

A few days later, we met again with our dogs at the park. We talked about life, the good and the bad, and were very honest with each other. At the time, it almost felt like we might just become really good friends.

Then we went on our first real date.

We decided to go kayaking at Milford Lake. We paddled out together to a small island in the middle of the lake.

That day is when I really started falling for her.

After we swam, she got extremely cold even though it was June. Goosebumps covered her arms. I wrapped my towel around her shoulders and kept my arm around her so she could warm up. Sitting there next to her, I realized I had a serious crush.

So I asked her a question.

“Would it be ok if I kissed you?”

She smiled and said yes.

After that, the weather turned. A storm rolled in and we had to paddle almost a mile back across the lake in strong wind. Somehow we made it back just before the rain really started.

I took her back to her car, stepped on her toe while trying to kiss her goodbye, and then made the most awkward exit possible. I drove away thinking I had completely ruined it.

Three weeks later, she met my daughter Alexis. Not long after that, she became my girlfriend. A month later, she moved in. Three months after that, I deployed for seven months.

That season of our relationship was not easy. Many couples do not survive something like that, especially when the relationship is still new. Somehow we did. Looking back now, it made us stronger.

Since then, life has only gotten better.

Suzy has become such an amazing part of our family. She spends hours making bracelets with Kinsley, talking through middle school drama with Alexis, helping with hair, playing board games with all of us, and bringing so much joy into our home.

She is the sweetest person I have ever met. She is funny, kind, and has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know. Most importantly, she is my best friend.

She says she loves me because of the way I treat her and others and because I make her feel safe and cared for. Hearing that means everything to me.

On May 29, 2026, we will be getting married at Homewood Suites at the Waterfront by Hilton surrounded by about 100 of the people who mean the most to us.

Instead of creating a traditional registry, we thought this would be a more meaningful option.

If you were planning to give a gift, this wedding fund helps us cover the costs of the celebration so we can focus on building our life together instead of worrying about financial pressure.

How the funds will be used

• Venue and ceremony space

• Catering for our guests

• DJ and music for the celebration

• Officiant for the ceremony

• Decorations and event setup

Goal: $7,500

If you feel led to contribute, we are incredibly grateful. If not, celebrating the day with you is what matters most.

Thank you for being part of our story and for supporting the life we are building together.

With love and gratitude,

Ray and Suzy