Stephanie and ronnie’s Michigan Love Story
Tomorrow, on January 12, 2021, Stephanie and Ronnie will gather before a few loved ones to commit their lives to one another. While we had hoped to have this wish later this week at the Great Lakes Culinary Center, Ronnie has suffered some significant health setbacks in the past two weeks, forcing us to move the wish to the couple’s home.
Stephanie and Ronnie first met in 2007 at a mutual friend’s house. As the two describe it, it was love at first site. They fell for each other immediately and moved in together the following week. Three years later, they welcomed a baby boy. While they have had their share of ups and downs, like all couples, Stephanie and Ronnie’s love has grown and deepened throughout the years.
In 2014, Ronnie’s life took a drastic turn when he inexplicably collapsed on the floor of his apartment. When Stephanie’s mother found him, hours later, he was disoriented and didn’t know who he was. She rushed him to the hospital where a cat scan revealed a softball sized tumor on the left side of his brain. Ronnie immediately underwent a complicated brain surgery. While the surgeon was able to remove 98% of the tumor, the tests were devastating. He was diagnosed with brain cancer. He spend the next year undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, therapy and rehab.
By 2015, Ronnie’s health had returned and he was given a clear report. He spent the next five years loving life with his little family. In February of 2020, however, he suffered a grand mal seizure while commuting on a bus home from work. He had to be resuscitated and spent the next week in a coma. Ronnie’s tests revealed the worst. His cancer had returned and his tumor had multiplied, leaving him little hope of recovery. He immediately began chemo and radiation and was able to shrink the tumors but they quickly grew back. He experienced another seizure this fall and spent four more days in coma. Sadly, Ronnie is suffering from an incredibly aggressive form of cancer and is fighting for his life.
We have been so moved by this beautiful couple and are honored to grant their wish for a wedding. We found a wonderful new friend in Nicole Wanitshka of 23 Eleven Events and have been touched by her generous heart, her thoughtful direction and her joyful flexibility throughout this journey. Nicole brought on an incredible crew of wish granters, and while they all will not be able to attend due to Ronnie’s health, we wanted to publicly thank and celebrate them. Thank you sweet friends.
Planner: Nicole Wanitshka, 23 Eleven Events Planning & Design
Cake: Great Lakes Culinary Center
Beauty: Gals and Ghouls
Video: Mike Staff Productions
Photo: Brittany Emerson Photography
Floral: Petit Fleur Events
Dress: David’s Bridal - Taylor, MI
Stationer: Designed with Amore