The Wedding Story of... Andrew & Stephanie Harman

Stephanie and Andrew, next-door neighbors, both attended Elkhart Memorial High School where the two became good friends. They parted when Andrew took on studies at Purdue while Stephanie headed off to Indiana University. No longer the "boy next door," yet remaining close, Andrew shared rides home with Stephanie from their respective campuses for holidays and summer vacations. But one fateful trip home proved to be different and somehow, someway their feelings changed toward each other. After seven years of friendship, a relationship blossomed.

The couple had only been dating a mere seven months before taking a summertime vacation together, accepting Andrew's uncle's offer to visit his lodge in Bozeman, Montana. On the morning of July 14, 2006, Andrew suggested an adventurous trip to the top of Ibex Mountain via four-wheeler. Always ready for a thrill, Stephanie enthusiastically agreed, and the two made their way to the summit. Reaching the lofty destination, the couple stood atop Ibex soaking up the miles of wilderness below them. Sensing the perfect opportunity amidst the serenity of the open air and breathtaking view, Andrew took a knee, surprising Stephanie with ring in hand. She was literally and emotionally on top of the world.

The celebration outlasted their descent with a rafting trip down the Yellowstone River, followed with a romantic dinner at a five-star restaurant. Stephanie nor Andrew could have imagined a more perfect day.

Soon the celebrating gave way to reality as the couple began preparing for their May 2007 nuptials. With only ten months left and still finishing school, both took on many responsibilities to complete their degrees all the while checking off wedding "to-do's." Stephanie was so thankful Andrew enjoyed being involved with the wedding plans as most of her time was dedicated to student teaching during the spring semester.

Months prior, the couple easily agreed the ceremony would be outdoors, selecting the beautiful grounds of Elcona Country Club in Elkhart, IN as their picture perfect setting. Come wedding day, May 27, 2007, the Spring scene was ideal despite the drizzle of rain. But Stephanie's attitude was always positive; she had promised herself to not let any detail or blunder, big or small, get the better of her mind-set. "After all," she said, "I'm going to be Mrs. Harmon!"

The ceremony was slated to begin at 2 pm that Saturday afternoon and even at 1:30 pm as the rain continued, Andrew remained insistent on having the wedding outdoors. He just knew the rain would stop in time. Perhaps it was good karma, because the rain fortuitously cleared five minutes before Stephanie's walk down the aisle at approximately 1:55 pm. From that point forward, the clouds gradually disappeared and the sun shone, eventually leaving no trace of gray. As close family and friends looked on, the couple exchanged vows and, sure enough, Stephanie became Mrs. Harmon in proper and perfect fashion.

At 6:30 am the next morning, the couple took off for the much awaited two-week honeymoon. And where else would they travel but to the serene wilderness of Bozeman, Montana. "There wasn't a question as to where we'd go!" Stephanie reflects. This time, however, an unexpected snowstorm greeted the newlyweds with two feet of snow. As no surprise, Stephanie's attitude couldn't be depressed. "The snowstorm was our favorite part of the trip!"