Please join us

Theresa & Ryan

Saturday, the Fifth of December

12 · 05 · 2026

A winter evening in Muscatine — we joyfully invite you to celebrate

How we got here

Our Story

Ryan and Theresa sitting close on a grassy, sunlit hillside, both smiling at the camera

Ryan and Theresa met on the burn unit, where he was an intern and she was working as a nurse practitioner. What started as a professional connection quickly grew into something more as they spent time together caring for patients and getting to know each other.

Over time, they bonded over their shared love of caffeine, working out, and video games — and eventually, Theresa added a new little addition to her family: her dog, Kiera, who quickly became best friends with Ryan’s dog, Crixus. From puppy playdates and long shifts to lazy days at home with them, their relationship has been built on laughter, support, and plenty of coffee and energy drinks. They’re so excited to celebrate this next chapter with the people they love most.

Saturday Afternoon & Evening

The Day

Saturday Afternoon & Evening
12 ✦ 05 ✦ 2026
Muscatine · Iowa

Quarter Past Three

The Ceremony

The Merrill Hotel

Muscatine · Iowa

Please arrive fifteen minutes early to be seated

Five O’Clock

Reception

The Merrill Hotel

Muscatine · Iowa

Dinner, dancing & celebration to follow

The Evening

  1. 3:15 – 3:50 p.m. The Ceremony
  2. 3:50 – 4:50 p.m. Cocktail Hour
  3. 4:50 p.m. Ballroom Opens Guests are invited into the ballroom
  4. 5:00 p.m. Grand Entrance
  5. 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Reception Dinner, dancing & celebration

All events take place at The Merrill Hotel — no travel between venues.

Plan your stay

Travel & Lodging

The wedding will take place in Muscatine, Iowa. The nearest commercial airport is Quad Cities International (MLI), with The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) as an alternative.

The Merrill Hotel

A Tribute Portfolio Hotel · Muscatine

119 W Mississippi Dr, Muscatine, IA 52761

$179–$209 per night

Group rate for the Whalen & Watts wedding, available Friday, December 4 – Sunday, December 6, 2026

Book by Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Reserve Your Room

Need a night outside these dates? Call the hotel at (563) 263-2600 and select Option 1 for the front desk.

With gratitude

Registry

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. Since we’ve already built a home together, we’re fortunate to have many of the things we need.

We’ve included a small registry with a few items (because who doesn’t love opening a few presents?), but if you’d prefer, a contribution toward our honeymoon or future together would be sincerely appreciated. Most of all, we’re simply grateful to celebrate this special day with the people we love.

The Knot

Gifts for our home, along with our honeymoon, home renovation, and general gift funds — all in one place.

View Registry
Respondez s’il vous plaît

RSVP

Kindly respond by Saturday, October 31, 2026

Will you be attending?
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Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions
In case you’re wondering

Questions & Answers

What is the dress code?

Black tie optional. We encourage formal attire to match the elegance of the evening — think floor-length gowns, cocktail dresses, or dark suits and tuxedos. Deep jewel tones — navy, burgundy, emerald — and other elegant winter colors are especially welcome.

Can I bring a plus one?

Due to venue capacity, we are only able to accommodate those guests formally named on the invitation. If you received a plus one, it will be noted on your invitation.

Are children welcome?

While we love your little ones, our wedding will be primarily an adults-only celebration. Children who are invited will be specifically named on the invitation. If your child is not listed on your invitation, we kindly ask that you make other arrangements. Thank you for understanding!

Is there parking at the venue?

Yes! Complimentary self-parking is available at The Merrill Hotel, including both an outdoor lot and covered garage.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Please list any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you RSVP — you can see the full dinner menu here on the site. Guests requiring dietary accommodations will have an appropriate plated meal prepared for them.

Will the ceremony and reception be indoors or outdoors?

Everything will be held indoors at The Merrill Hotel — ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all under one roof, so there is no travel between venues and no need to worry about the winter weather.