Ryan and Dina Hembree

?September 2, 2007 Written by: Bobbi Powell Photos by: Studio 51 Photography

Ryan and Dina Hembree, were married September 2, 2007 at Hawks Memorial Stadium in Boise. These two baseball fanatics had a truly memorable Wedding. This was a sponsored wedding that was planned in part by the fans of the Boise Hawks, and took place immediately following a Sunday afternoon game. They chose not only to share their special day with the fans but to include them in the actual decision making for the wedding day. Each Wednesday home game was "Wedding Wednesday" at Hawk's Stadium throughout the 2007 season. To the surprise of many baseball fans, the usual promotions that occur between innings were suddenly transformed into wedding related events. Floral arrangements were cast into the stands as an opportunity to catch the bouquet. Wedding dresses were worn by fans as they raced the bases hoping to be the first to reach home plate. The bride and groom were assisted on field by crowd participants that would help them toss their invitations into giant mail-boxes. Onlookers watched three men go face first in the cake dive competition, and thanks to The Pearl Strand, they all found pearl ear-rings hidden inside.

On the final night, four vocalists entered the wedding singer competition, each hoping to be chosen as the guest entertainment. Each of the five "Wedding Wednesday's" showcased a particular element of the wedding. Game attendants were given the opportunity to vote on the dress, invitations, photographer, and the cake being provided for Dina and Ryan's big day. At least three professionals from each of the five categories were given a chance to showcase their talents and creativity with hopes of being chosen as an official sponsor of "Baseball Bride". Voting was done by ballot at the stadium, or by logging to www.baseballbride.com, a site created by Rocktek Web Design. When asked about handing over this kind of control to the fans, Ryan said, " It was a bit scary at times, but the sponsors and fans came through to give us everything we were so happy with". With the intrusion of crowds, marketing, and web access on most every detail of this wedding, the Wedding Planners from ZWeddings.com went to great lengths to create "Baseball Bride" as a process that provided never before seen opportunities for both the wedding industry, and a lucky bride and groom. Nicolle Foster of Amour Custom Ceremonies, has worked with many brides and grooms, and usually officiates at the ceremony. As a consultant to the Wedding Planners on this project, she was given an opportunity to not only help with vows and ceremony planning, but also to showcase the many other talents her company offers. Nicolle said she was "happy to help with setting up tables, moving chairs, and even placing favors as a finishing touch..... it was a lot of work, but came together beautifully" Always at the fore front of this event was Ryan and Dina's happiness, and making sure that the day would be just as they had dreamt.

This entire event was truly a team effort, with many members of the Hawks organization taking part. Even the mascot, Humphrey Hawk, served as an escort to the ring bearer. Dina and her attendants were respectively known as the home team, while Ryan headed up the visiting team. All attendants were announced in baseball fashion and would make the walk from their dugout to home plate where they would meet their opponent and proceed together to line each side of the pitchers mound. Dina wore a simple white dress, provided by Studio 51 Bridal Design. It sparkled with bead accents placed tastefully throughout. Galen Kasel, owner of Studio 51, and winning photographer for Baseball Bride said "this has been a wonderful experience working with such a great couple, and just the excitement of not knowing how the votes would add up kept me on my toes and created a fun element of competition." The bouquet, a floral creation by Kabloom in Eagle, was a bright accent for the Baseball Bride, as she made her way to the alter. Gerber Daisies were the flower of choice for the couple. They were first used to adorn the invitations designed by The Greeting Card Village, and would be used to add color to the reception area. The invitations have since been added to a collection at Fenway Park in Boston, MA.

? Ken Hyde, marketing director for the Boise Hawks organization, and ceremony officiant, suited up to umpire. He reminded Dina and Ryan to "always be ready for whatever life can throw at you", and that "Life is like a baseball game.... Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains". Ryan and Dina exchanged vows that were appropriately written by the two of them. As they stood on the pitchers mound surrounded by friends, family, and fans alike, they were witnessed promising to "adhere to a strict no trade clause", and "forgoing free agency now and forever". Tom Byers, Team Manager presented Dina with an official baseball for a ceremonial first pitch to mark the start of a life together. He then brought out his players that would stand in formation on both sides of the aisle with bats crossed for an honorary baseball recessional.

For much more than a ballgame, the area of the stadium referred to as the Hawk's Nest was transformed in white by Bliss Event Decorating and included a large monogram to celebrate this union.
It proved a perfect place to host an elegant, yet fun reception. Guests feasted on a delightful cuisine
catered by the Hawk's establishment. Then enjoyed a cake, as unique as the wedding itself. This masterpiece was compliments of Cakes by Jeanette. it was edged in black and red, had pillars made of baseball bats, and featured balls placed elegantly atop. The party danced to live music by Rockhouse Entertainment as well as DJ selections provided by Aardvark Entertainment.

In true rain or shine fashion, the spirits and dancing went long into the night. At last it seemed a perfect way to end the night, for they had celebrated the beginning of their journey as husband and wife in the same fashion they had begun just two years before. It is safe to say that dancing, friends, and truly enjoying the company of each other will be the essence of what is now Ryan and Dina Hembree.