Rice Engineering Inc in Luxemburg, Wisconsin, drafting manager Vickie Schampers and structural engineer Matthew Gonzagowski chose Konoko Falls and Park in Ocho Rios, Jamaica for their wedding destination on Thursday, January 11, 2018. Vows follows them to the aisle.

How they met…

Vickie and Matthew met in 2014 at Rice Engineering Inc, where they both work. Matthew was a new engineer and Vickie was a drafter for the past year. They both ended up in cubicles right next to each other. Their relationship started as friends talking and joking together at work. They began spending time together outside of work hours as friends; the relationship deepened as time passed.

The proposal, as told by Vickie…

Matthew proposed to me on Saturday, September 23, 2017. We were in Northern Wisconsin at my family’s cabin in Athelstane to celebrate my birthday with my family. After everyone left for the day, Matthew called me outside, got down on one knee and proposed in front of the screen porch. My parents, both deceased, loved to spend time together on the swing in the screen porch. Matthew said he picked that spot so my parents could watch from the swing. The cabin holds great memories from my childhood and holds a special place in my heart; Matthew has grown to love it as well, and now it has a special meaning to both of us.

Special moments leading up to the big day…

The engagement was short, but I had fun planning a destination wedding in the few months; it all came together beautifully. I was able to have my three sisters and my future mother-in-law with me as I found my wedding dress.

The ceremony…

The exchange of vows took place on the lawns at Konoko Falls, Ocho Rios, St Ann, where the theme was simple elegance in the presence of close families and friends. Event planner Nichelle Thompson from Designs by Nishy used shades of grey, and deep red and blue to decorate the area. The start of the proceedings was signalled by the arrival of the maid of honour, who wore a grey floor-length A-line chiffon halter dress from Kevin’s Bridal. She was escorted up the aisle to The Grateful Dead’s Box Of Rain by the best man clad in a grey suit with a deep red paisley vest and tie. With the melodies of Johnny Cash’s Rose Of My Heart as backdrop Rickie made her way up the aisle. She was beautiful in a strapless ivory gown with sweetheart neckline from David’s Bridal in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Plus, something used: a red flannel shirt heart pinned inside the dress that was cut out of her dad’s flannel shirt; something borrowed: her mother’s pearl necklace which was borrowed from her sister; something blue: garter. The groom, debonair in a blue suit with white paisley vest and tie, awaited his bride’s arrival. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Ranford Thompson.

The reception…

Formalities aside, it was time for the celebrations to begin. Moving to the gazebo, the live band Leviticus kept things light and the mood festive playing some of the couple’s favourite songs by Bob Marley, The Grateful Dead and Phish. The newly-weds’ first dance as husband and wife was to John Prine’s In Spite Of Ourselves featuring Iris Dement. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and witnessed the cutting of the two-tiered black forest cake by Fine Ideas Caters.

The honeymoon…

With their wedding being a destination wedding it was a mix of wedding and honeymoon in Ocho Rios. The newly-weds are considering going to Australia for a separate honeymoon.