Our story began in the spring of 2008 at the end of our freshman year of high school in Mr. Reitter’s history class. We sat on opposite sides of the classroom, at that time the only thing we shared in common was that class but had no idea eventually we would be sharing our lives together. We talked throughout the summer and eventually Nina asked Ryan to go see Brad Paisley as our first actual date.

In the fall we went to homecoming together being our first of eight Brooke High School dances together. The rest of our high school years flew by and off we went to college.

In 2011 Ryan attended Mount Union and Nina went to nursing school at WVNCC. Little did we know this was a huge challenge for us. The 3 years seemed to last forever only seeing each other on limited weekends as our academic and athletic schedules allowed.

By the grace of god we made it through the 3 years of college. Nina started her career as a registered nurse in July 2014 and Ryan graduated in December. In February 2015 Ryan started working as an IT Analyst at Bayer. That same winter we moved in together on Yankee Street in Wellsburg.

In our first home, we added two fur babies to our family. Leo, our first born, is now a 3.5 year old Bernese Mountain Dog / Golden Retriever mix. Remy, our second born is a 3 year old Shitzu / Yorke mix.

In November of 2016 we bought our first home together in Weirton. Shortly after that in December was our most recent milestone, on our third trip together to NYC Ryan proposed to Nina on December 11th in front of the LOVE sculpture.

Through our 10 years together we attended 25+ concerts, we have been to 12 states, and been outside of the country 7 times together. These few short paragraphs only give you the shell of our last ten years together, but this is only the beginning of our lifelong journey.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you all on our special day.

Q: What are my next steps after RSVPing?
A: After August 1st we will have a headcount of how many will be attending, at this time we will lock in a discounted group rate and secure our room blocks. At this time we will have a more accurate price and our own travel agent for everyone to contact to help with the booking process/flights/prices/dates/and further questions for every individual. After August 1st we will have her name and contact information available for everyone to start the process. The reason for after August 1st is because flights are not available for booking until 330 days prior to departure.

Q: What are the ball park prices?
A: It's definitely subject to change but a safe “ballpark guess” would be between $1000-1100 per adult for all week (7 nights), and that’s flight, hotel, all you can eat/drink/alcohol, and professional transportation to and from airport. After that all you’d need would be souvenir/tip money if you prefer.

Q: Do I need passport?
A: YES! You can't get on the plane to leave the country without a passport NO EXCEPTIONS and please do not wait last minute as it takes a few months to process. Please go here if you have any questions. You can go to your local post office, apply by mail or apply at a passport agency.

• Adult New (16 and older): $145
• Adult Renewal (16 and older): $110
• Child (Under 16): $115

Q: How soon should I make a reservation?
A: As soon as you can. The deadline for reservations is August 1st that way we can get a head count and our rooms blocked for a group discount.

Q: When do I have to have my deposit down and how much?
A: $100 per person is needed to confirm your reservation. The $100 deposit is needed by January 30th, 2019

Q: Can I make payments for my trip?
A: Absolutely. After depositing $100 down you can call and make payments however you would like. You are allowed to pay in full at time of deposit. The entire trip must be paid in full 90 days prior.

Q: Where are we going?
A: The Riu Bambu in Punta Cana, Domican Republic. You can view their website here. You can view their website here.

Q: The resort is all-inclusive what does that mean?
A: Once you are paid in full; your airfare, transportation, hotel, all meals, drinks and most activities will be included. This includes unlimited breakfast, lunch and dinner at their 5 restaurants; unlimited drinks all day and night at their 4+ bars; Free activities such as volleyball, water polo, windsurfing, kayaking and snorkeling.

Q: How far is the airport from the resort?
A: The airport is 19 miles from our resort for a quick transfer from the airport

Q: Is airport transfer included?
A: Yes. Everything is included with what you pay before we arrive. The resort will provide free transportation to everyone to and from the airport based off your flight schedules.

Q: What is not included at an all-inclusive resort?
A: This that are not included:

• Some off-resort tours and excursions
• Items sold at gift shop and stores on the resort
• Spa services
• $10 tourist fee when entering the country at the airport.

Q: Is the resort kid friendly?
A: Absolutely! We would not of picked a resort where some of our favorite kids couldn’t have a good time. There is also a waterpark that all of the Riu Resorts share that is in walking distance and free of charge to all guests. There is a RiuLand Kids Club for ages 4-12, and babysitting services can be arranged.

Q: What other amenities does the resort include?
A: This resort has it all! There is a gym, tennis courts, casino, night club, daily yoga and zumba.

Q: How long is the flight?
A: Direct flights from Pittsburgh are around 3 and half hours.

Q: Do I have to go for a full week?
A: No. Ryan and Nina highly recommend to stay the full Sunday-Sunday to take in all of the activities and time with family and friends. However we know not everyone can stay the full week, the minimum is 3 nights for guests at the resort. June 14th is a Friday so we would recommend doing Thursday June 13th - Sunday June 16th if you can only stay 3 nights.

Q: Are medical facilities provided?
A: The resort has a nurse on duty during the daytime hours and an on-call doctor if needed.

Q: Is there a safe place for my valuables?
A: Yes. Each room has its own safe.

Q: Are there activities at All-Inclusive Resorts?
A: All All-Inclusive Resorts have organized activities during the day and at night. You can participate in these activities if you choose or you can do nothing at all, it’s your choice and all resort activities are included at a true all-inclusive resort. This also includes the Kid’s Clubs with organized activities.

Q: Is there a charge for entertainment at the resort?
A: At a true All-Inclusive Resorts there is no charge for any on-site entertainment or activities.

Q: What about tipping?
A: Tipping is not required and at some resorts it is prohibited. At resorts where it is not prohibited tipping a few dollars can go a long way.

Q: What should I pack?
A: Pack as you would for any vacation. Most All-Inclusive Resorts have a casual dress code with the most strict dress code being for dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, a collared (golf) shirt and a pair of slacks for men and slacks and a shirt or a summer dress for women.