Laurette:

Our story started back in 1979 on Dewey Lake in Dowagiac, Michigan. We lived the cherished childhood of growing up at our family cottages, skiing all day. Our biggest concern was gas money to fill the tank. It was a whopping $1.00 per gallon. Deposits from $.10 cent pop and beer cans ruled our life. That’s how we earned our keep. The song “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock rings true.

My sisters met John’s siblings and his cousins and said, “You need to meet these kids.” I was shy. He wasn’t. Nor was his family. My first visit to the Irish Village across the lake changed me. My world opened up! These people are amazing! I felt immediately at home.

First, I met Peg and Lynn. They were a few years older and wiser. And amazing water skiers! Then…John walked in the room. Or rather, on the beach. “Who’s that?!!” I asked. "That’s our cousin. Don’t mind him." They responded. Well, I didn’t, until I was knocking on his window far too late at night to come out and hang. There’s that…

John and I formed a friendship as youngins. Us annoying younger siblings found solace in monopoly, card games and bonfires. My dad would whistle across the lake and the entire lake knew the Rondenet’s better get home. His brothers said, “Walk her home.” As he did, he gave me the first kiss I have ever received at 9 years old. I ran away. A wee bit scared. Yet excited.

I was always drawn to this man. I am so honored to marry him. Life has taken us down many a twisted road and we have found each other again. He has always been the man I longed for. The one who saw me with a pony tail, no make up and as the "lake girl". Our trials and tribulations have brought us together. He sees me for me. Nothing more, nothing less. The woman he adores and I feel he always has, as have I adored him. I can’t wait to be his wife and for all of you to join in this celebration.

“It’s all for you” Johnny Mac.

Let’s make this epic. It’s been a long time coming!

John :

Spending summers at Dewey Lake was a special gift we had growing up. One summer when I was 10 I met a girl. She was beautiful! She was around my age and stayed the summers at a house around the bend in the lake. My older siblings and cousins met her older sisters and started hanging out.

One night while at a bonfire on our beach she had to go home, my brother told me to walk her home, I did. While walking we talked the whole way to her house. I didn’t hear a word she said because in my head I was thinking wow she is so good looking. I don’t know how but I worked up the courage to kiss her at the fence to her house. I guess I surprised her and she ran into her place. Walking back i was thinking, "man I blew it."

Turns out I did not blow it. All that summer I would look at her house to get a glimpse, “there she is”, i would think.

She did the same. Each summer we would spend lots of time together as the little kids tagging along with the older siblings. I felt inexplicable draw towards her, deep down, getting excited just to see her. This magnetic draw never really left, each summer we would reconnect and hang out.

Life happens and we went down separate paths. That draw always remained. Just seeing each other we felt an unrecognized connection.

Life has brought us together again with a Love and connection I feel deep down in my soul.

Mo Anam Cara in Irish translates to soul mate. This connection we have always had, can only be described as just that soul mates.

In January my Mo Anam Cara said yes in front of the very same fence we kissed oh so many years ago!

Q + A

Can I drive myself and park at the venue?