The Wedding Story of... Ashley & Andy Misner

THE WAY TO A MAN’S HEART

Ashley Ganz and Andy Misner met as sophomores through mutual friends at Ball State University. Although at first they engaged in just friendly banter, Ashley soon set her sights on becoming much more than just friends. As she recalls, “It took me awhile to get his attention... actually, a whole semester to win him over.” Ashley quickly learned that “in the game of love, sports is a major player.” Born in Mishawaka, Andy grew up with a passion for pigskin while rooting for the beloved home team, Notre Dame. Coincidentally, Ashley’s family also shared a love of the Irish and had tickets for the 2006 fall football season. Ashley shrewdly mentioned her family was planning a trip to South Bend to see the Fighting Irish take on USC, and, to her delight, Andy begged her to take him on the trip.  

Not long after in January, 2006, the two officially started dating and would later graduate from Ball State as a committed couple. They moved to Indianapolis together as Andy worked toward his doctorate in Physical Therapy through IUPUI.  

THE PROPOSAL

As the weather started warming in May, 2009, Andy expressed interest in traveling to South Bend for a special football dinner honoring the Notre Dame team. Although reluctant to make the two-hour drive from Fort Wayne, Ashley agreed to go. Once they arrived on Notre Dame’s campus, Andy suggested they go for a stroll and soak up the evening atmosphere. Across from the famous, secluded ND Grotto, next to the picturesque Our Lady of the Lake, the couple relaxed on a bench to rest. Reaching into his pocket, Andy unexpectedly revealed a mysterious letter and handed it to Ashley. Curiosity piqued, Ashley began to read Andy’s loving sentiments, detailed memories of their relationship, and a foretelling statement; “I just want you to know our time is coming…”

As she finished the letter and brushed the tears from her eyes, Ashley realized Andy had taken to bended knee with a small box extended in the palm of his hand.

Just one day after the proposal, the couple dove headlong into wedding planning. Meeting with friends for lunch the couple began to discuss their wedding day festivities and followed lunch with a tour of area celebration venues.  

They wanted an elegant, inviting reception setting. Touring the Fort Wayne Marriott’s beautiful Marquis Ballroom was enough to convince the couple. Next, a meeting with Armstrong Flowers proved to be extremely beneficial and helpful. Just like that, the date, venue, and floral studio were secured.  

The rest of the planning came naturally to Ashley. After all, she had planned so many details over time in preparation for their engagement.

To their credit, there wasn’t much to argue over. Ashley notes, “We calmly compromised on a lot of decisions,” and “Andy was very supportive, saying, ‘I want you to have what you’ve always dreamed of.‘”

A LITTLE HELP FROM FRIENDS

The morning of the wedding Ashley awoke with unnerving chest pains. “I wasn’t afraid or scared,” Ashley points out. “It just hit me that a whole year had passed. It was hard to believe the day was finally here.”

With her friends’ encouragement during a short walk, a cup of joe and a little TV, Ashley’s nerves began to settle. The group then shared doughnuts and mimosas while getting their hair styled, which transitioned Ashley’s anticipation of the day to excitement and joy.  

“It took twenty minutes to get me into my dress,” Ashley mentions. “My mom and all my bridesmaids had to help!”
 

MR. AND MRS. MISNER

Seeing Andy, her love, before the ceremony erased any traces of Ashley’s nervousness. To mark the arranged meeting, the couple exchanged cards, which preserved their personal “day-of” sentiments. Ashley reflects, “Seeing him and knowing in a short while he would be my husband was a great comfort.” In what seemed like a blink of the eye, Ashley was soon led down the aisle by her father with a classic white miniature Calla Lily and Stephanotis bouquet in hand.   

As the wedding transitioned into the celebratory reception at the Marriott, Ashley’s “fun-loving uncle,” in an antique silver Jaguar with a personalized newlywed license plate, escorted the newlyweds there. Later, described by guests as “gorgeous and timeless,” the ballroom was filled with Stargazer Lilies, Ashley’s favorite, which impeccably complemented the black, white, and raspberry pink color palette.  

LIKE SANDS THROUGH THE HOURGLASS

In lieu of a unity candle lighting during the ceremony, the Maid of Honor, Ashley’s sister, and Best Man, Andy’s brother, poured white sand into a glass vessel. Next, Andy added black sand and Ashley topped the vase off with pink.

It has been said, “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” Preserving the emotions shared during the wedding, Ashley and Andy’s hourglass is filled to the brim with love in colors representing the day they committed a lifetime to each other.