WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!!! and trying to make arrangements for the wedding and our future living together. We're are doing the reception in the fall for our friends and family so we can save up and plan things.

We found a beautiful venue that we loved immediately and I managed to put the down payment and book it. Its less than half what all the other local venues cost, but unfortunately is still not cheap. We want to celebrate with our families and friends and that means a place to do it is pretty important.

This year has been a whirlwind of ups and downs. My fiance, Danyale, and I both have chronic health conditions that have required a lot of Dr's visits, medications, and in Dany's case a couple of surgeries.

Dany is battling an autoimmune condition we're still trying to diagnose (probably MCAS), as well as POTS, Degenerative Disk Disease, and several other diagnoses that prevent her from working regularly.

Any of you who have known me for the last 10 years know I have struggled with severe joint pain since I was a young man, and unfortunately have a passion and talent for very physically demanding work in metal fabrication. I'm apparently riddled with bone spurs, missing 30% of my expexted lung function, and having a CT scan of my heart, MRI on my lower back, and we're both doing a sleep study in a couple weeks. Its a lot! But progress, however slow, is being made.

I have started my own business, Arda Atelier LLC, following 10 years of work that I love with Darkwood Armory, but needed room to grow and earn more to start our family. Its very difficult, however, to build a business with no disposable income or capital, and my used equipment (and vehicle) have been breaking down constantly. I'm spending money fixing things faster than I can use them to make money. I have just sold my truck to help with expenses.

We're asking for whatever you feel lead to give to help with wedding expenses. Neither of our families are able to help much in that way, and we're trying to keep it simple, but man this stuff is expensive! Any amount you can give to help us will be gratefully accepted!

All our love,

Rock and Dany