First Dance

About the Couple
Bride: Corin Friesen (née Heinrichs)
Groom: Ryan Friesen
Occupations: Student and sales representative.
How they met: “Through friends on a camping trip in St. Malo, Manitoba.”
Fave date: For Corin it was bowling and a movie when Ryan held her hand for the first time. For Ryan it was going to Rumours Comedy Club and The Keg for his birthday.
What attracted her to him: “He was well-spoken but still relaxed and easygoing.”
What attracted him to her: “She was a runner, which said she was health conscious. She was also outgoing and intelligent.”
Engagement story: “It was our six-month anniversary, and I knew that Ryan was preparing something for me, but I never expected a ring. When I arrived at his house, he had bought me tulips and made me my favourite meal. After the meal, Ryan said he had one more surprise for me and led me to his basement where he made me close my eyes before entering. When I opened my eyes, the entire basement was lit up with candles, and he had a stereo set up to play music.  He said that we had not yet had our first slow dance, and he thought it was time for that. He then told me he had one more surprise for me and made me close my eyes once more. When he let me open them again, he was on his knee holding the ring. My mouth dropped to the floor and my heart leapt into my throat. I was so choked up I could barely say yes, but I did.”
Words they live by: “Never forget to respect or appreciate each other.”

The Wedding Day:
Wedding date: August 31, 2008.
Guests: 250
Wedding theme: Autumn colours.
Her best moment: “Our first dance as a married couple. I felt that the entire day was so busy and such a blur that this was the first time we could really talk to each other.”
His best moment: “Seeing Corin walk down the aisle and wiping her tears away.”
What they would have done differently: “If we could control the weather it would have been a little less hot and a lot less windy, but other than that, nothing.”
Advice to others: “Planning a wedding is stressful—remember that your bridezilla will return to her regular lovely self when everything is over.”
Wedding song: “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban. Corin has been infatuated with Josh since high school and always knew he would be a part of her wedding.
Most unexpected moment: “My father’s speech. He was incredibly nervous, and he is not a natural public speaker, but he started his speech by describing my birth like a ‘football through a cup.’ The entire room was in stitches. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard at a wedding in all my life.”
Fave wedding detail: “My dress.”
What made her day: “Being overwhelmed by how many friends we have.”
What made his day: “So many people stayed late and had a great time at the reception.”
Honeymoon: Halifax, Nova Scotia and St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Vendors:
Ceremony and reception: Minnewasta Golf and Country Club (golfminnewasta.com)
Gown: L.A. Collection (lacollection.ca)
Hair and makeup: Kathy Guenter
Music: DJ Russ, Morris
Registry: Sears (sears.ca)