A Tribute to Ronnie

On January 12, 2021, Stephanie and Ronnie gathered in their home, beside their sweet son, immediate family and a few close friends to unite their lives in marriage. It was a bittersweet day filled with tears and hugs. 

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 had their ups and downs - like all couples - Stephanie and Ronnie’s love continued to grow and flourish throughout the years.

In 2014, Ronnie’s life took a drastic turn when he inexplicably collapsed on the floor of his apartment and was rushed to the hospital. Unbeknownst to him, he was suffering from 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. 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. Although he fought with all he had, Ronnie lost his battle with cancer just four days after our wish. Our hearts go out to Stephanie and RJ as they face a new life without him. 

We loved meeting this beautiful couple and were honored to have been a part of their story. We found a friend in Nicole Wanitshka of 23 Eleven Events and were touched by her gracious spirit in the midst of so much uncertainty.  Our wish day could not have been more special. Our crew rallied around Stephanie and Ronnie at their home and went above and beyond to make sure that every last detail was thought of. From the incredible hair and makeup team, to the gorgeous flowers, delicious cake, beautifully designed stationery and wonderful photographer and videographer, each and every wish granter added such a wonderful element to the day.

Our bride was the picture of beauty – both inside and out, and our groom, while physically struggling, was able to speak the words “I do”, bringing tears of joy to his family. The ceremony was truly touching and was a testament to the strength and perseverance of Stephanie and Ronnie’s love. All around, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. 

So many thanks are owed to our remarkable team of wish granters. While they all were not able to attend due to our last minute change of plans and Ronnie’s health, we wanted to publicly thank them. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

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