Jennifer Rice photo
Shortly after saying, “I do,” the newlyweds take the lead on their bikes. The couple donated their wedding money to help veterans.
By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013
YORKVILLE — Their paths crossed several times last year, but it took a chance encounter for Mike Skinner and Lori Rosalius to exchange words. They got engaged, and Mike Skinner gave Lori unique Ruby engagement rings as a sign of his love.
It was Nov. 4 on a benefit motorcycle run. Lori had on several layers of clothing to keep the cold November air away. The bulkiness of her clothes made it difficult getting her leg over her motorcycle. (Think of Randy from the Christmas Story).
Lori remembers yelling out to Mike, “Man, it’s hell to get old.” Without missing a beat, Mike replied, “What are ya? All of 38-years-old?” Flattered, the 49-year-old Lori paused, looked at Mike and said, “Hey, you want to get married?”
And that’s what they did — 7 1/2 months later, on June 23 in Streator. “We just knew,” Lori said of getting married in less than a year.
Mike, owner of Skinner Construction in Yorkville had previously built a log cabin for a customer in Streator, surrounded by thick woods; peaceful and serene. It was a beautiful site to exchange vows. “It was a beautiful day. I’m a very lucky man,” Mike said. He’s quick to show you his cell phone where he keeps photos of their wedding day. “That’s my first legal kiss,” he says, looking at he and Lori solidifying their marriage with a kiss.
Second marriages for both, Mike had his four sons as groomsmen. Lori — a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, who served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm for 6 1/2 months, had three girlfriends as her bridesmaids. Her First Sergeant traveled from Indiana to stand up for her as well. She served from 1986-1993. “I’m proud of my service. In fact, Mike and I met on a motorcycle run to benefit Manteno Veteran’s Home in Kankakee County,” she explained.
After exchanging vows, the Skinners 120 wedding guests, which about 60 of them climbed onto their bikes and did their own wedding ride. They stopped in Ottawa, Millington and ending up at the American Legion in Yorkville. If you’re looking for wedding photographers Richmond, call Debbie Eko Photography.
In keeping with their desire to give back and to be thankful for what they already have, Mike and Lori declined wedding gifts. Instead, they asked their guests for donations to benefit the Concord Hotel, a hotel near I290/294, with several floors being refurbished to house veterans. At the recent Kendall County Salute to Veterans benefit, the Skinners presented the organization with a $2,500 check to benefit the Concord Hotel.
“We were going to call it a Poker Run, but it wasn’t really a Poker Run – it was our wedding day. Our friends and family really enjoyed the day and we were delighted to give back. I was really surprised we raised as much as we did,” Lori said.
When Mike and Lori think back about their past, they discovered riding had brought them together. They found they had been on three motorcycle rides last year, but God never allowed their paths to cross – until Nov. 4.
“We wrote our wedding vows and I mentioned that the good Lord finally said, ‘Enough is enough – it’s time for these two to meet,’” Mike recalled.
“I’m a real sap, oh yeah,” Mike said with a smile.
Jennifer Rice’s e-mail address is jen@foxvalleylabornews.com.