Jen+Rylan

Groomsmen

Colby Rozell (Brother & Best Man) - growing up, I put this guy through the ringer but isn’t that what brother’s do? Our one and only fighting debut was over a picture of Jesus and ever since then we have gotten along great. All kidding aside, he is a great guy and i know that he would do anything for me and will always be there for me.

Aaron McHone - the sidekick on almost every mischievous endeavor until age 22ish…. the one that talked me into buying a dog (Stanley), and always there to provide a little more common sense in my life.

Brett Junvik - the roommate that let me decorate the dorm room with outrageous records and a giant stuffed fish and still loved me afterwards… 

Brian Douglas - the one who stood by my side through the ups and downs of several real estate endeavors and attempted to jump in the back of my truck in college and banged up the side of the truck bed… didn’t quite make it.

Eric Mizelle - my music buddy that over time transitioned me into liking country music. Traveled together to several states for some music gigs and had some really good laughs along the way.

Ryan Bumcrot - roommates for three weeks (I take full responsibility), enjoyed many great bowling nights together, and after taking a trip on a whim to New Zealand (exploring caves, cruising vespas, kayaking, etc.) I knew this guy was a ‘lifer’ and he also has a great tattoo.

Ryan O’Malley - the friend that got me into underground music and always has a good book for me to read (Jen hates that ‘type’ of music by the way, but I love it… haha)

Wedding Registry

Okay loved ones: We are not good bloggers. We are slacking on this blog and apologize.

But we have some exciting news! After hours of scanning items in store and adding others via internet shopping, we are registered for our wedding gifts! We are registered at the following places: Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, and Macy’s. If you are shopping online or in-store, you will need some basic information - our wedding date is September 24, 2011, and you can search for either the bride (Jennifer Billingsley) or the groom (Rylan Rozell).

We hope you are all well, and we are so excited for our quickly approaching big day!!

Honeymoon

It’s official: Our honeymoon is going to be incredible.

First stop: Fiji for romance. Oh yes…

Next stop: New Zealand (South Island) for adventure. Spelunking, jet boating, and lots of hiking are in the plans.

Last stop: Australia for tourism and relaxation. Checking out Sydney and then scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

I’d say we’re going to enjoy our first few weeks of marriage, yeah?

Did you know…?

We’re slacking on our blog. Enjoy these fun little facts!

The first conversation Jen and Rylan had on the phone, Rylan abruptly ended because a tire flew into his windshield. (He was fine, and called back minutes later!)

Before dating, they sent notes back and forth to each other through a waiter at Frugatti’s.

They got to know each other by e-mailing daily. It’s true.

The couple has two fox red labs, Stanley and Hudson.

They also have a tandem bike. That’s right, a bicycle built for two.

They enjoy doing adventurous things together, as well as just hanging around the house.

While taking premarital classes, they found out that they’re not just opposites - rather, “polar opposites.”

The couple is getting married five days before their five year dating “anniversary.”

Rylan asked Jen to marry him the same way he asked her to be his girlfriend: A note frozen in an ice chest. (There’s a lot more to that story!)

The couple is getting married in less than two months! Woooo!!

About the Bride

From the desk of Rylan:

Growing up, Jen was the child that every mother and father pictured having…. perfect, innocent, obedient, respectful, polite, and sweet. From the stories told, she rarely got in trouble and was an angel in the eyes of her parents and the Lord.

While I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Jen as a child, I did have the opportunity to capture this beaut at a ripe age of 18 years old and woo her with my irresistibleness.

The Jen I met was a bit shy, quiet, and sported short hair (work that up doo!)…. The Jen I know now has no problem expressing her opinion or speaking up for what’s right, and has long flowing locks of brown hair.

For me, I have watched Jen blossom from a flower bud to a beautiful gardenia (or your favorite flower of choice). I have had the great opportunity to stand by her side as she has completed college, faced challenges, and truly become the amazing woman she is today. Although we are complete opposites when it comes to personalities, I couldn’t envision a better fit for me.  Her sweetness softens my rough edges and her patience for me far exceeds that which my parent’s expressed in my childhood.. haha.  

Jen always puts other people first, loves the Lord, and is truly compassionate for the lost and hurting… I could not imagine a more complete package.  I am a blessed man.

Next chapter… the journey of marriage.

Bridesmaids

I am so blessed to know each of these girls and to call them my best friends. As with Rylan, I could write paragraphs about each of them, describing their personalities and how much they mean to me, but I’m sure you’d rather know the basics and get to know them for yourself!

If you asked me to describe them in three words, I would say…
Marissa Billingsley (Maid of Honor): caring, ambitious, and genuine.
Juliana Mizelle: thoughtful, Southern, and rare.
Madison Hunt: fun, genial, and supportive.
Megan Lillie: sociable, generous, and big-hearted.
Megan Mickelsen: precious, authentic, and encouraging.
Amanda Lawson: spontaneous, strong, and admirable.
Carly Rozell: silly, kind-hearted, and loyal.

Each of these girls is incredible, unique, and special to me; I am so thankful that they’re joining me on my big day. I love you girls so much!

About the Groom

As told by Jen:

Rylan was born in Texas and moved to Bakersfield, CA at the age of two. He grew up to be a mischievous, good-hearted guy who gave his mom and dad a run for their money. He left Bakersfield for college in Southern California, and graduated from Vanguard University with a degree in Business Administration. Since graduating, he’s obtained his MBA and is currently working on his CFP. He works as a financial advisor and real estate investor, and leads worship most Sundays at church. During the week you can find Rylan running around like a crazy man, tidying up the house, playing soccer, slappin’ the bass, brainstorming his next big business venture, complaining about living in Bakersfield, or enjoying a chai tea latte with a friend.

On to the fun, mushy stuff: Rylan’s the kind of man I’ve always dreamed of but didn’t think existed. He is really the ultimate man in my opinion… He is a hands-on, creative, and hard working business man, and ALSO an outdoorsy, dog loving, spontaneous, adventurous, active man. Not only does he have a wonderful sense of humor and can make me laugh until my sides hurt, but he is also incredibly romantic when he wants to be. And to top it all off, Rylan loves God with all of his heart. He challenges me daily (even when he’s not trying to) and has shown me a deep, true love that I did not know existed. Yep, I’m truly marrying the man of my dreams.

I could go on, but I’ll spare you. Basically, I cannot put into words all that Rylan means to me. He’s my complete opposite and my very best friend. I feel so blessed to share the rest of my life with him!