Full names: Danny & Brandi (Denne) Hocken

Hometowns: Danny, Marion, Iowa; Brandi, Omaha, Neb.

Degrees/Jobs: Danny attended Iowa State for four years in civil engineering and two years in business and now owns a wedding photography business, Daniel Carl Photography. Brandi is a senior at Iowa State, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking, minoring in psychology.

How they met: The couple met at Disney World during a national cheer competition through Danny’s friend, who was also Brandi’s coach. They met again at the ISU cheer squad tryouts in April 2001.

First dates: The couple’s first unofficial date was at Taco Bell. Their second date was over dinner at Legends, when Danny asked Brandi not to date his roommate.

Engagement: Danny created a scavenger hunt for Brandi. She ended at Lake LaVerne, where the couple always fed the swans.

Wedding date: July 11, 2009

Wedding colors: Sage, ivory and chocolate

Wedding flowers: Lillies and roses

Guest count: 300 to 350 people

Reception: Dinner and dancing at the Quality Inn & Suites, Ames

Something “old, new, borrowed and blue”: The cake-cutting knife was old, while Brandi’s dress and attire were new. Her earrings were borrowed and the couple’s underwear was blue.

Special moments: The couple took pictures at Lake LaVerne, one of their favorite spots and site where they got engaged.

Hardest parts of planning: The couple had difficulty finding a venue that was both pretty and large enough to hold their guests. They also moved up their wedding date an entire year and were crunched on time.