One of our first weddings of 2013 was that of Danielle and Tyler. Their January 5 wedding at Holman Ranch had 160 guests and was a lovely day. We caught up with them to find out a bit more about them, and some of their memories of the happy day.
How did you meet?
Danielle: The first time I noticed Tyler was my fourth day of grad school in a Human Resources Development class at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. His red keyboard cover, scruffy beard and thoughtful responses were hard to ignore. It was not until weeks later that we were actually introduced. So began an intense chemistry and an amazing friendship. We were completely in tune and nearly inseparable. It was only a matter of time before we were able to evolve our friendship/professional relationship to include our intense love and adoration of each other. Tyler began his daily regimen of casually suggesting we marry, while I feigned sheepish resistance. He was diligent, and I finally yielded to the barrage of love.
How, when and where did you propose? Why there?
Tyler: The 2011 holiday season we had the good fortune of traveling to Egypt to spend quality time with Betsy & Brad Steer. On Christmas day, I proposed to Danielle.
Danielle: On our final day of touring while aboard the Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury cruise ship sailing the Nile, we were set up for a long day of touring magnificent temples, awe inspiring tombs, and mysterious relics. The weeks leading up to Christmas had been filled with touring, golfing, shopping, pyramids, walking, touring, sun-bathing, shopping, and touring. While on the Nile, not only were we surrounded by other tourists, but also the pushy vendors who follow you for blocks in an attempt to make a deal. After visiting Queen Hetshepsut’s Temple (the Queen has always been Tyler’s favorite powerful ancient Egyptian Pharaoh), Tyler requested that we walk back to the car rather than taking the adorable tram provided to shuttle visitors from temple to the overwhelming shopping tunnel.
Wanting a little space, we walked back, letting the beauty of our surroundings soak in while we walked arm in arm, completely relaxed for the first time since breakfast. As we neared the looming tunnel of expecting vendors, Tyler stopped me suddenly and (quite nervously) said, “Do you want you to ask me to
marry me…right here, right now?”
Fully aware of what he intended to say, I replied (equally excited and nervous), “Do you want me to you to ask?” We looked at each other, laughed, I screamed “YES,” and Tyler proceed to pull out what he thought was his ring box. It was my lip balm. He quickly reached back in his pocket and pulled out the cutest little plastic box safe-guarding a shiny plastic ring and said, “Will you marry me?”
My proposal ring, costing a grand total of $3.95, was so perfect and meaningful that I will forever cherish and keep that ring to remind me of the man that knows me all too well, yet still holds to the tradition of chivalrous love. Of course we have new wedding bands….but that’s a whole different story.
What are the top 3 reasons why you chose to have your event at Holman Ranch?
Danielle: Holman Ranch was the first venue we toured after getting engaged and every other venue paled in comparison in so many ways, we couldn’t choose any where else! The location was absolutely perfect in terms of the style of the ranch, the flow of the venue, and the beauty of the area. It incorporated all of our criteria including the flexibility of the planning options, the packages we could purchase, and the vendors we could choose.
What family, cultural or other traditions did you honor on your wedding day?
Danielle: Tyler and I tried to incorporate personal touches in every aspect of the wedding, even on some of the more traditional areas. I wore a birdcage veil and my father walked me down the aisle, we wrote our own vows and family friends did our decor and flowers. Our best friends from graduate school were the DJs and the officiant. Our parents and wedding party gave the most amazing speeches and ended with all 160 attendees doing a Gangnam style flash mob.
If there is one thing you know you’ll never forget about your wedding day, what would it be?
Danielle: We will never forget how our day was made possible with the intense help of our friends and family. It was incredibly collaborative and as I mentioned before, we had family and friends involved in every aspect. Having so many collaborators helped us make sure that it was a fun and memorable event for not only us, but also for all of our guests, friends and family. Everyone says “it’s your day,” but we felt it was an opportunity for all of our loved ones to celebrate our new life together.
Is there something you would do differently that you can share with other couples?
Danielle: Not one thing. It even rained after the cocktail party, but we had been advised wisely by the Holman Ranch events team to tent the Rose Patio for dinner and the rain drove all our guests (comfortably) into the barn for dancing. No one even noticed the rain! It was perfect!
Where will/did you go for your honeymoon?
Danielle: Tyler and I will be heading to my home state of Alaska this summer to enjoy the amazing and beautiful outdoors that it has to offer and hoping to bring back some delicious fresh caught salmon!
If you’re planning your own wedding, get in touch today to find out why Holman Ranch is right for you.
