At her family Christmas Eve party, Jan Rulli was given the ultimate gift. She was with her family singing Christmas carols when the music suddenly shifted to "We've Only Just Begun" by the Carpenters. Her boyfriend of many years, Rick Hasings, got on one knee and proposed to her in front of the entire family.
Jan and Rick met three years ago at Starbucks. Having crossed paths many times at various book signings and wine tastings, the two introduced themselves to each other and made a true connection.
June 14, the couple were married in Longboat Key, FL during an intimate beach ceremony with 45 guests in attendance. Two bridesmaids, Jan's daughter and granddaughter, and two groomsmen, Jan's son and Rick's son, stood around the couple at the outdoor alter as they exchanged vows by the shore. "My favorite moment of the wedding was the actual exchanging of vows," Jan recalls. "I felt so fortunate to have so many of our family members and good friends share our happiness and celebration."
Jan says that another one of her favorite parts of the wedding was "walking along the beach hand in hand after the ceremony and watching the waves roll while the sun reflected on the water."
The couples close friends and family danced the night away and enjoyed beach themed decorations at the reception. Guests enjoyed starfish favors, a cake adorned with sea shells and music everybody could get up and dance to. "Our main goal was to have an amazing memory-filled event and we did," says Jan. "We created lasting memories both on the beach and on the dance floor."
The couple honeymooned at St. John in the Virgin Islands. They could not imagine a more perfect wedding and the two are happily married living in both Cincinnati and Longboat Key.