Ruffolo’s 2

Rehearsal Dinner

1841 Farms and Vineyard

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Becky’s SideBefore Dante, I had stopped searching for “the one.” After spending so much time hoping to find the right person, I decided it was time to focus on myself on growing, healing, and building a life I loved on my own.Then came that girls’ night out.My friends Liz and Angie from work, lovingly known as The Meatballs (a nickname Dante gave them that somehow stuck), and I had planned an evening that started with axe throwing and was supposed to be just us girls. But in true Meatball fashion, they had also invited Dante to meet up with us but he couldn't met up until later. He was able to join our little group once the bar hopping had begun and met us at the first bar after axe throwing. By the time we arrived at the second bar, the night took a turn I never expected.While I was chatting with my friends, I kept stealing glances at the TV. Notre Dame was playing, and though they were down by two touchdowns in the third quarter, I was still cheering like they had a chance. That’s when I noticed Dante watching me. He caught on quickly and started giving me grief about my team’s performance. Saying that they are trash and never play any real teams. I shot right back with my own comebacks, and just like that, our banter turned into real conversation.The spark between us was obvious especially to The Meatballs. After that night, they kicked their matchmaking into high gear. They planned a marathon celebration at Ron’s Place for Dante, then organized a beer bingo night the following week… and suddenly couldn’t make it. It wasn’t exactly subtle.Soon after, Dante, with a little encouragement, asked me out on our first real date, to see Halloween, his all-time favorite movie, on October 30th. That’s when things really began.Some might’ve said we were moving fast, but it never felt that way to us. He introduced me to WWE and took me to my first live event Survivor Series in Chicago and I found myself enjoying it even though I had no idea what was going on. We began training for the Disney World Marathon together in early 2024, moved in together that March, and spent the summer traveling nonstop. We went to Tennessee with my parents, cooled off in the Dells, explored Cleveland for Summer Slam, caught a few Cubs games, and ran races all along the way.Then in January 2025, we flew to Florida for the marathon, and for a moment I’ll never forget. With Cinderella’s Castle in the background and help from his best man Kevin, Dante got down on one knee and proposed. What I didn’t know was that he had asked my parents for their blessing months before. He picked the perfect ring all by himself, and I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better. Dante’s SideBefore Becky, I had completely made peace with being alone. I wasn’t jaded I just genuinely thought relationships weren’t for me. I liked my routine, my independence, and the idea of living life solo.That changed on a night I wasn’t even supposed to be at.The Meatballs, my hilarious, slightly chaotic coworkers and their friend had planned a girls’ night that started with axe throwing. They invited me to join them but I wasn't able to meet them until after the axe throwing, so I joined them at the first bar along their post-axe-throwing journey. It was nothing special at first just a casual hangout.Then we got to the second bar.I noticed Becky from across the table, multitasking like a pro, chatting with her friends while constantly glancing at the TV. Notre Dame was down by two touchdowns in the third quarter, and she was still cheering like it was a tied game. I couldn’t help myself. I started trash-talking her team immediately. She fired right back, and I liked it. A lot.She was sharp, passionate, and funny. The conversation just clicked. And from the look on The Meatballs’ faces, they weren’t surprised in the slightest.Once my marathon was out of the way, the girls set their plan into motion. Ron’s Place for a casual “celebration,” then beer bingo night the following week… which they “suddenly” couldn’t attend. They weren’t even trying to be subtle anymore.Their efforts paid off. I asked Becky, with "a little" encouragement from "The Meatballs", to see Halloween with me, my favorite movie of all time, on October 30th. After that night, I knew she was someone I didn’t want to let go of.We started dating and quickly realized we made a great team. I introduced her to WWE, and to my shock, she enjoyed it! We started training for the Disney World Marathon in January 2024, moved in together that March, and spent our summer hitting the road Tennessee, Cleveland, The Dells, Cubs games, and race after race. It was the best kind of chaos.And then came the moment I had been planning for months. With Kevin’s help and Cinderella’s Castle sparkling behind us, I got down on one knee and asked Becky to marry me. She said yes. What she didn’t know was that I had already asked her parents for their blessing, and picked out her ring all on my own. She says it’s perfect, and I believe her. Our Story TogetherWe weren’t looking for love when we found each other. In fact, we were pretty set on not finding it at all. But sometimes, life has better plans.It took a night of axe throwing, a football game comeback that never happened, and two mischievous friends with big hearts and bigger ideas to bring us together.From football trash talk to finish lines, Halloween scares to wrestling rings, road trips to late-night laughs, we’ve built a story we never expected, but always needed. And now, surrounded by the people who’ve supported us from the start (especially The Meatballs, who take full credit), we’ll begin our next chapter. On September 20, 2025, we say “I do.” To each other. To the love we didn’t see coming.And to every adventure still waiting for us!

The Love Story We Never Saw Coming

Our Story

Photos

The man of the hour! The other half that makes this whole day possible. The guy who once swore up and down, “I’m never getting married!", and yet, here he is, proving that love has a funny way of changing everything. The legend himself, the one and only… Trottamania!

Dante Trotta

The leading lady of the day! The other half that makes this day even possible. The one they said was too independent, too strong-willed for love. But here she is—walking proof that the right person doesn’t dim your light, they shine with you. The future Mrs. Trottamania!

Rebecca (Becky) Gordon

The day-one, the ride-or-die. He and Dante go way back to their Menards days, where a job turned into a lifelong brotherhood. From wrestling debates to real life tag-team moments, Kevin has been in Dante’s corner through it all including the proposal. If there’s anyone who knows Dante like family, it’s this guy right here.

Kevin Christensen

Becky’s sister by heart. Their story goes all the way back to middle school, when each other’s families became second homes and their friendship turned into something unbreakable. From summer adventures to a little harmless mischief, they’ve shared laughs, tears, and everything in between. No matter the miles or the years, their bond has only grown stronger. She’s not just a friend she’s family!

Christina Link

The longtime friend, and certified high school throwback. He and Dante go way back to their school days, surviving awkward teenage phases together and coming out the other side with plenty of stories (and probably a few inside jokes no one else gets). Mike’s quirky, unforgettable, and maybe still stuck in his glory days just a little, but don’t be fooled, he can still own the volleyball court like a pro. He’s the kind of guy who grows on you, and once he does, you’re glad he’s around.

Mike Leuck

The very first friend Becky made in Kenosha. She’s the one who made this unfamiliar place feel like home and became the best friend Becky didn’t even know she needed. Loyal to the core, Elizabeth will stand by your side no matter what, even if you're totally in the wrong because for her, loyalty runs deeper than blood. She’s also one-half of the dynamic meatball duo that helped bring Becky and Dante together… so let’s be honest, without her, this wedding might not be happening at all!

Elizabeth Murillo

 Golf buddy, and longtime friend turned family. He and Dante first crossed paths at Menards, where Jeff technically worked for Dante, but don’t worry, he doesn’t hold it against him. Now married to Dante’s cousin, Jeff’s got the official family title, but the bond was there long before the wedding. Whether they’re out on the golf course pretending to suck or teaming up in life, Jeff’s been by Dante’s side through it all.

Jeff Johnson

The bridesmaid who almost stood on the groom’s side. One of Dante’s best friends and now one of Becky’s too, Stacey is the kind of friend everyone wishes they had. She’ll listen without judgment, offer a shoulder to cry on, and then, just when you’re feeling safe, she’ll hit you with the truth straight up, no chaser. Like a shot of whiskey, her honesty might sting at first, but it’s exactly what you needed. Becky jokes that if she and Dante ever split (which, let’s be real, isn’t happening), they’d need a shared custody agreement for Stacey. Because once she’s in your life, she’s there to stay.

Stacey Motion

former coworker, and now brother-in-law (yes, that brother-in-law). He and Dante first met at Menards, where John still claims Dante was the best boss he’s ever had, even if Dante’s people skills were… a work in progress. These two have always had a brotherly bond, built on constant banter and never-ending sarcasm. Which is fitting, since they really are family now. Funny enough, Dante once told John it’d be over his dead body if he ever got with his sister, and yet here we are, Dante very much alive and John still around to remind him of it.

Jon Fenske

Dante’s sister, Jon’s wife, and a force to be reckoned with. She’s the type who tells it like it is and doesn’t care if it ruffles a few feathers along the way. Fiercely loyal, she’ll go to bat for her friends without hesitation and always comes out swinging. Beneath that tough exterior, though, is a heart of gold especially when it comes to animals (seriously, she’s a softy). Michelle’s the kind of friend everyone thinks they want… but let’s be honest, not everyone can handle the real deal.

Michelle Fenske

 Becky’s brother, smartass extraordinaire, and a true hopeless romantic (one might say it runs in the family). He always believed in love but had a hard time finding the one until... he met Norma. Now, he’s a devoted husband and an incredible dad to little Maddie. Stephen’s a man of few words in a crowd, but mention sports and you’ll see just how much he has to say. Though take fair warning once he gets to know you he is not afraid to bring out the smartass comments. Growing up, he and Becky had the usual sibling dynamic perfectly civil until they had to work together, then the bickering began. What else would you expect from two natural-born leaders with just a "hint" of hot-headedness? These days, their bond is stronger than ever. They've learned to work together better… though let’s be honest, it’s still safest to have a buffer nearby when things get tense.

Stephen Gordon

Proud mom to Maddie, and Becky’s incredible sister-in-law. Quiet at first, but don’t be fooled she’s got a spark of sass when the moment calls for it (let’s be real, you have to when you're married to Becky’s brother). Norma is the kind of person who fits into the family so seamlessly, it’s hard to imagine life without her. She’s the beautiful surprise the Gordon family didn’t know they needed, and someone Becky is beyond proud to call not just a sister-in-law, but a true sister at heart.

Norma Gordon

Kelly Christensen

the flower girl, Becky’s niece, and quite possibly her tiny twin. At just two years old, she’s already full of personality and enough sass to keep everyone on their toes. She’s adorable (and knows it), clever beyond her years, and sometimes a little too smart for her own good. A true heartbreaker in the making, Maddie is equal parts handful and heart-melter a happy little ray of sunshine with a smile that can light up the whole room.

Madeline Joy

Wedding Party

Q + A

Featuring 3-star accommodations, Hampton Inn - Burlington is located in Burlington, 13 miles from Alpine Valley Music Theatre and 14 miles from East Troy Electric Railroad Museum. The property is around 21 miles from Black Point Historic Preserve, 25 miles from Carroll College Academy and 26 miles from Dinosaur Discovery Museum. The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. Carthage College is 27 miles from the hotel, while Tarble Center is 27 miles from the property. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 28 miles away.

Hampton Inn Burlington

Travel

🏞 1. Lake Geneva Day TripJust 30 minutes from Burlington, Lake Geneva offers charming shops, lake cruises, and beautiful walking paths. Rent a boat, stroll the Shore Path, or grab a drink by the water. 🛍 2. Explore Downtown BurlingtonSmall-town charm at its best! Stop by Fred’s for a burger and beer, grab a latte from The Coffee House, browse quirky antiques, or visit the Spinning Top &amp; Yo-Yo Museum (yes—it’s a thing!). 🎭 3. Catch a Show or Improv in MilwaukeeMilwaukee’s downtown theaters offer concerts, plays, and comedy shows year-round. Check out The Pabst Theater, Turner Hall, or ComedySportz for a fun night out. 🍻 4. Brewery Tour in MilwaukeeKnown as “Brew City,” Milwaukee is packed with breweries. Try Lakefront Brewery (fun tour!) or MobCraft for something creative and local. Milwaukee also has great distilleries too! Highly recommend Great Lakes Distillery drink are great and so is the food! 🦖 5. Dinosaur Discovery Museum – KenoshaPerfect for science lovers or families traveling without kids this time. Small but fascinating and FREE! Kenosha also offers lakefront walking trails and a public market. 🖼 6. Art &amp; Architecture in ChicagoIf you have the time, head to Chicago (1.5–2 hours from Burlington). Check out Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, or stroll Michigan Avenue for some serious sightseeing. 🎡 7. Old World Wisconsin – Eagle, WIStep back in time at this interactive historic village about 40 minutes from Burlington. You’ll find beautiful countryside, costumed actors, and fun for history buffs or casual wanderers. 🎲 8. Geneva Lake Distilling &amp; Studio WineryLocated in Lake Geneva this locally owned winery/distillery combo offers tastings and live music. A relaxing (and delicious) way to spend an afternoon. 🎯 9. PINSTRIPES – Chicago or MilwaukeeUpscale bowling, bocce ball, and amazing food all in one place. Great for groups, couples, or anyone who wants fun with a side of class.

Things to Do

Registry

✨A Quick NoteWe absolutely love your little ones, but this will be a kid-free celebration, with the exception of the children in our wedding party. We hope you enjoy a magical evening off! 👗 Dress CodeSemi-formal with a touch of enchantment ✨ Our theme is fairytale meets wizarding world, with wedding colors of royal blue, black, silver, and white. You’re not expected to dress in these colors, but if you love coordinating; we thought we’d share the vibe! 💒 4:00 PM — CeremonyPlease arrive by 3:45 PM, as we plan to begin promptly at 4:00 PM. The ceremony will be held outdoors (weather permitting), so come ready for a little fresh air and a lot of love. 🍹 4:30 PM — Cocktail HourEnjoy drinks, light bites, and mingling while we take photos with our families and wedding party. 🍽 5:15 PM — Dinner SeatingOur DJ will announce when it’s time to find your seats. Bar will pause briefly during dinner. 🥂 5:30 PM — Grand March &amp; ToastsWe’ll make our entrance, followed by a few heartfelt (and probably hilarious) words from our loved ones. 🍴 6:00 PM — Dinner is ServedHelp yourself to a delicious buffet-style dinner. Come hungry! 🍰 7:00 PM — Cake &amp; First DancesCake cutting followed by first dances. Then, dessert is all yours enjoy the cake and cupcakes! 🍻 10:45 PM — Last CallGrab a final drink and hit the dance floor one last time. 🕚 11:00 PM — Farewell!Thank you for being part of our day. We can't wait to celebrate this magical night with you!

Rebecca & Dante

Rebecca & Dante

Registry