Couple moves up ceremony to share with groom's mother

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BY JOE DUGGAN / Lincoln Journal Star

Garrett Schweitzer cut a handsome profile in a brown tuxedo as he escorted his mother down the aisle.

But Lisa Schweitzer couldn’t link arms with her son on Thursday,  his wedding day  — she was in a wheelchair.

The accident happened Nov. 17 on a gravel road near her family’s farm in Fillmore County. She’s still recovering in the inpatient rehabilitation unit at BryanLGH Medical Center West.

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Lisa Schweitzer starts to tear up as her son Garrett married Katie Lautenbach at BryanLGH Medical Center West on Thursday. Garrett's brother Luke was the best man; sitting next to Lisa is her husband, Steve. (Ted Kirk)

For a while, Garrett and his fiancee, Katie Lautenbach, weren’t sure what to do about their wedding, which they had set for Friday.

“We were praying about it a lot,” said Garrett, a 23-year-old  from rural Strang who is taking classes at Southeast Community College in Lincoln.

“Family is really important to us,” said Katie, a 19-year-old cosmetologist who grew up in Omaha but now lives in Lincoln. “We couldn’t imagine getting married without her.”

Then Katie’s mom, Kelly Lautenbach, suggested moving the ceremony up a day and having it at the hospital so the groom’s mother could attend. They’ll still have the church ceremony and reception in Omaha on Friday.

“We’re calling it two weddings and a party,” said Tori Fulton, the bride’s 11-year-old cousin.

So that’s why, at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, a small gathering of family and friends took seats in a sun-splashed room that looks out onto the Arlan Stromberg Memorial Healing Garden.

After helping his mother get situated in the front row, Garrett took his place next to the minister. A few moments later, Katie walked in wearing a lovely white dress and a lovely smile, her father, Scott, at her side.

Everyone stood, including Lisa Schweitzer, with help from her husband, Steve.

The Rev. Pat Blewett, a friend of the bride’s family who traveled from South Carolina to officiate, said a hospital is a wonderful place for a wedding. He explained how young couples often focus on the “better” as they embark on a marriage, but it’s the “worse” that will truly bind them together.

“Marriage is a gift from God to comfort the sorrows of life and magnify its joys,” he said.

Then Garrett and Katie held hands and exchanged vows.

And tissues went to work in the small congregation.

Afterward, the couple posed for photos and laughed with their guests. The city girl said he’s taught her how to drive a stick while the farm boy said she’s taught him how to drive in city traffic.

Despite growing up in different environments, they share a strong devotion to family, Katie said.

The mother of the groom couldn’t agree more.

“They included me,” said Lisa Schweitzer, her voice trembling with emotion. “That’s what made it special, they made me a part of their day.”

Reach Joe Duggan at 473-7239 or jduggan@journalstar.com.