Wedding Guide Spring 2024

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SPRING 2024
YOUR DAY, YOUR VISION, CHECK OUT OUR CATERING, BAKERY, & FLORAL DEPARTMENT! OPEN 8 AM - 4 PM MON - SUN FREE CONSULTATIONS OurExpertise DOWNTOWNFLORAL@ELDENS.COM OPEN 6 AM-10 PM MONDAY - SUNDAY JEREMY.GERIS@ELDENS.COM 707 3RD AVE EAST, ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308 320-762-7292
Amenities Contact Legacy Gardens at Legacy of the Lakes Museum Two acres of gardens Available June-September Paved Patio and walkways Shaded Stage Perfect for large or intimate ceremonies 320-759-1114 events@legacyofthelakes.org 205 3rd Ave W/PO Box 1216 Alexandria, Minn.
Arts Photography
Marshall Marshall Arts Photography Marshall Arts Photography Tonya Hjort Photography

WWe hope

elcome to the 2024 Echo Press winter wedding guide. We hope this publication will be a helpful reference guide for planning your
marriage.
2024,
to
wedding day and preparing for
Inside you’ll find articles highlighting wedding dress colors for
how
select the right officiant and tips on planning the perfect honeymoon.
It also contains information on many businesses that specialize in wedding-related services or products, giving you a look at the excellent opportunities that the lakes area has to offer for your wedding.
this
handy reference
help
plan your
day! A Publication of the Echo Press www.echopress.com (320) 763-3133 Celeste Edenloff, Special Projects Editor Amy Skarka, Advertising Director Lori Mork, Layout & Design Cover photos courtesy A’BriTin Catering & Hospitality Inside this issue Sponsored content 611 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.4940 • hedinejewelry100years@yahoo.com Bringing Couples Together... For 100 Years! Farwell Norwegian Lutheran Church, Creamery & Garage for your magical wedding! 320-259-5762 • FarwellChurch.com • Farwell, MN Twice the Experience at Half the Expense! All-inclusive wedding venue, where we do all the work! 12839 County Rd 7 SW • Farwell, MN • 320-259-5762 RendezvousFarm.org edding Gown Cleaning & reservation Since 1928 American Cleaners has been a familiar sight on historic Broadway Street in Alexandria. State-of-the-art moisture and oxygen control technology. This advanced system guarantees that your gown will be as good as the day it was worn. 401 BROADWAY, ALEXANDRIA, MN 320.763.4800 4 The Wedding Guide 2024 Trendy wedding dress colors for 2024....................................................... 5 How to find the right officiant for your wedding 5 Songs tailor-made for father-daughter dances ................................. 6 Make memories with mother-son dances ............................................. 6 Tips to plan the perfect honeymoon 7 Questions to ask when vetting wedding vendors 11 A versatile event center ............................................................................................. 7 A’BriTin uses mobile kitchen to cook right on site 8 Perfect place to book your stay ........................................................................ 9 Great place for rehearsal dinners ................................................................... 9 Elden’s Fresh Foods florals and food for your wedding 10 Legacy of the Lakes Gardens offers beautiful backdrop for wedding ceremonies .................................................................................................12 Country backdrop offers perfect setting for weddings ............ 13 Questions to ask your wedding caterer 15
guide serves as a
to
you
most important

TRENDY WEDDING DRESS colors for the 2024 season

When it comes to choosing a color for your wedding dress, brides have myriad options. Traditional off-white, pure white and ivory remain popular choices, but modern brides are opting for statement colors.

In 2024, wedding dress trends are embracing a departure from tradition with an array of captivating colors. Here are four wedding dress colors to consider. Pink is a standout choice for brides who want to radiate romance. From blush and champagne to dusty rose, pink wedding dress-

es bring a soft, ethereal charm to the aisle.

Purple wedding dresses, particularly in shades like lavender and lilac, are becoming increasingly popular in bridal fashion. This color exudes elegance and sophistication, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere on the big day.

Blue wedding dresses are ideal for brides who want to add a touch of serenity and tranquility to their big day. From pale aqua and steel blue to deep navy, blue wedding dresses evoke a sense of calmness and depth.

Black wedding dresses are making a statement in 2024. They exude an air of mystique and modernity, making them perfect for brides who dare to defy convention. A black wedding dress creates a dramatic and unforgettable bridal look.

Patterned wedding dresses are also gaining in popularity. Whether adorned with delicate floral patterns trailing down the skirt or intricate bodice overlays, these gowns infuse individuality into the bridal ensemble.

How to find the right

Deciding on a wedding officiant is one of the tasks couples will have to address in advance of their big day. There’s no shortage of officiants, from religious leaders to people who specialize in nondenominational ceremonies. As couples begin looking for a wedding officiant, they can keep these strategies in mind to ensure they find the right fit for their wedding.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect wedding dress. However, there are local bridal stores that can help you find the dress of your dreams. Take your time and enjoy the process of selecting the perfect wedding dress that reflects your unique personality and style.

officiant for

Determine the location and type of ceremony you want to have. Before searching for an officiant, engaged couples should discuss the place and type of ceremony they want to have. Ideas may differ, as one person might prefer a religious wedding in a house of worship while the other might want a secular ceremony outdoors or in another location. The requirements to get married in a house of worship differ by faith, and restrictions may dictate who can officiate a wedding in a church, synagogue, mosque, etc. Couples should figure out the qualifications to get married in a house of worship before hiring a wedding officiant.

Take your time and meet with various officiants. When the time comes to interview officiants, speak with as many as possible. The interview process can give couples a feel for what’s out there and help them identify the type of officiant they want. If a rapport develops between a couple and a particular officiant, that can make for a better ceremony.

Consider a friend or family member. Couples have increasingly looked to friends or family members to officiate their weddings. A friend or family mem-

your wedding did you know?

Approximately 25% of couples surveyed said that a friend or family member served as their wedding officiant.

2017 Wedding Report survey

ber serving as an officiant can lend a more personal feel to a ceremony, but couples should first confirm a loved one is willing to take on the responsibility, which will require the individual to become licensed. Couples should confirm the person is comfortable doing so and should not pressure someone into performing the task.

Ask around. Couples who don’t know where to begin when looking for an officiant should not hesitate to ask around. Wedding vendors, including representatives at the location where the ceremony will take place, may be willing to recommend officiants whose work has impressed them in the past.

2024 The Wedding Guide 5
Photo courtesy of Newspaper Toolbox
Metro Creative Connection
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection Photo courtesy of AdobeStock

Songs tailor-made for father-daughter dances

Weddings can be as novel or traditional as couples prefer. Couples who go the traditional route will undoubtedly include certain spotlight dances in the reception.

The father-daughter dance is a staple of a wedding reception. According to the experts at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, the history of father-daughter dances can be traced back decades. The dance once was one last nod to Dad before the bride’s husband became the most important man in her life. Now it’s more symbolic of general love and affection.

Despite what the name may imply, father-daughter dances needn’t take place with a father at all, especially if he passed away or is not in the bride’s life. She can choose any special person, whether a father figure, uncle, brother, mentor, etc. to honor during the dance.

Traditionally the father-daughter dance (and mother-son dance) takes place immediately following the newlyweds’ first dance together. However, some opt to have it after the toasts or before the cake cutting. Couples can make their preferences known prior to the reception and schedule these dances any time they desire, especially since they are frequently preceded by a special announcement.

While many brides prefer to dance to a slow-paced, heartfelt song, this

doesn’t always have to be the case. In recent years, some daddy-daughter duos have opted to put on shows with humorous dances or even entertaining showcases of fancy footwork to songs of all types. The song should match the vibe of the wedding. That said, certain songs seem tailor-made for the times during the reception when love and gratitude are expressed during these bittersweet dances.

Here’s just a few:

COUNTRY

The Man Who Loves You the Most – Zac Brown Band

My Little Girl – Tim McGraw

Just Fishin’ – Trace Adkins

BIG BAND

Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra

Swinging on a Star – Bing Crosby

INDIE/SINGER-SONGWRITER

You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor

Let it Be Me – Ray LaMontagne

Father and Daughter – Paul Simon

Wildflowers – Tom Petty

Constellations – Jack Johnson

ROCK

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses

When You Need Me – Bruce Springsteen

Scarlet Begonias – Grateful Dead R&B

Ain’t that Love – Ray Charles

Daddy – Beyoncé

Dance with My Father – Luther Vandross

Love of My Life – Brian McKnight TRIED AND TRUE

Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle

Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Hero – Mariah Carey

You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker

Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) – Billy Joel

Metro Creative Connection

Make memories with mother-son dances

There is nothing quite like the love a mother has for her children. When it comes time for a son to get married, Mom has already seen him through plenty of milestone moments like birthdays, proms, graduations and other achievements that showcased his transition from boy to man.

A wedding is a momentous occasion in a family’s life. During a wedding, couples opt to show their love and gratitude to their parents or guardians in many ways, including through traditional dances.

The mother-son dance gives the groom an opportunity to honor the special woman in his life who saw him through thick and thin. Much like the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance traditionally takes place during the reception after the newlyweds take their own first turn around the dance floor. However, this spotlight dance also can occur at other times during the festivities.

Typically the groom chooses a song with the right sentiments, but the decision also can be a joint effort. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to song selection. However, for those who

need some inspiration, certain songs are tried-and-true options.

Here are a few:

How Sweet It Is – James Taylor

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban

Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

Letter to My Mother – Edwin McCain

Mother Like Mine – The Band Perry

God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

Beautiful Boy – John Lennon

Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

The First Lady in My Life – Paul Todd

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

You’re My Best Friend – Queen

Thank You Mom – Good Charlotte

The Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

Forever Young – Rod Stewart

You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins

Metro Creative Connection

6 The Wedding Guide 2024
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection Photo courtesy of AdobeStock

Tips to plan a perfect honeymoon

Though the wedding day is the focal point of couples’ planning efforts, the honeymoon also merits ample consideration. As couples pore over the details of wedding planning, they may want to consider these tips to ensure their honeymoon is a trip to remember for a lifetime.

IDENTIFY YOUR DREAM TRIP

There are no rules regarding honeymoons. Though couples’ budgets and professional obligations factor into where they can go and how long their honeymoon can be, couples can discuss and then determine if they can make their dreams come true.

STAY UP ON CURRENT EVENTS

Knowledge of current events can be vital when planning a honeymoon. Far-

away and exotic locales may seem tailor-made for a honeymoon, but only if such destinations are not plagued by civil unrest, conflict, natural disasters or other events that can affect how safe it is to visit. The U.S. Department of State maintains a free, easily accessible list of travel advisories at travel.state.gov. Couples are urged to visit these sites before booking their honeymoon, particularly if they hope to travel internationally.

CONSIDER AMENITIES AND ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES

All-inclusive packages can be a great deal, particularly for couples who want their honeymoon to be all about relaxing at a single resort destination. All-inclusive packages cover the cost of food and most beverages, making these options both convenient and budget-friendly. When going this route, couples also should decide which amenities they want to access on their trip.

COLLABORATE

A honeymoon may be the first trip couples take after tying the knot, and it can lay the foundation for future collaborative efforts. Planning travel is not always so easy, so couples can work together and make any necessary concessions so each person gets what they want out of the trip.

Newspaper Toolbox

A versatile EVENT CENTER

Broadway Ballroom’s versatile event center offers seating for up to 500 guests and is the perfect place for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, gift openings and much more.

Located in the heart of Alexandria, Broadway Ballroom is easy to find, being conveniently located next to the Hampton by Hilton.

Inside the ballroom, lighting can be adjusted to the desired atmosphere, and the facility’s one-level floor makes it easy to access for all guests.

Additionally, the space can be divided into three sections or opened up into one large room. Don’t forget Broadway Ballroom’s catering, which offers a wide vari-

ety of delicious menu options to choose from, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizer and dessert menus. Both plate service and buffet style options are available.

As a licensed caterer, Broadway Ballroom can serve food and beverages off its premises. However, some premises, such as city parks, do not allow alcohol or may require special event permits to cater on their property.

With more than 60 years in the food and beverage industry, Broadway Ballroom’s experienced event staff will help to make sure your event goes smoothly from start to finish.

GARDEN CENTER LANES, FAT DADDY’S BAR & GRILL BROADWAY BALLROOM ALL UNDER ONE ROOF! 115 30th Ave. E. • Alexandria, MN 56308 Email: events@broadway- ballroom.com 320.763.6565 BROADWAY THE PERFECT LOCATION! Ballroom Receptions, Dinners, and Special Events Let our chefs and event staff help you plan for every occasion for groups up to 500 guests. Let Kyle Serve You 111 6th Avenue West, Downtown Alexandria, MN 56308 We offer 10% discount-cash or credit card diekmansjewelry.com • 762-0309 • 800-568-5336 Diekman’s Jewelry Mon-Fri. 9am-5:30pm • Sat. 9am-5pm Let Kyle Serve You! Let Kyle Serve You!
2024 The Wedding Guide 7
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A’BriTin uses mobile kitchen to cook right on site

Most catering companies make their food and then bring it wherever the event venue is. But not A’BriTin Catering.

What is unique about this catering company, which opened a branch in Alexandria recently, is that they use a mobile kitchen and cook everything fresh on site. The owners, Seth and Dawn Brittain, said the food is so much more delicious and guests can really taste the difference.

A’BriTin has three different brands, but one mission – to create unforgettable corporate, wedding and private event experiences. Brands include Apples 2 Apples Catering, This Little Piggy Catering and Hitch & Sip Bar Service.

Apples 2 Apples Catering offers organic, locally sourced and farm to table food. It offers more of a seasonal menu, but also offers custom items, as well.

The Hitch & Sip is a mobile bar on an old horse trailer. Because the company has a catering liquor license, it can provide this service on or off premise. The mobile bar can go anywhere in Minnesota, which is perfect for weddings.

This Little Piggy Catering was the company’s first catering business. It is Minnesota’s premiere pig roast catering company roasting pigs since 1979.

All three of those brands make up A’BriTin. The A in the name was taken from A This Little Piggy Catering, while the Bri is taken from the first three letters of the owners’ last name. The Tin comes from a catering company in Baltimore, Martin’s Catering. It is a nod to the company because the owners served as mentors for Seth and Dawn. Seth said the company was such an inspiration to them, they wanted to include them in the name.

A’BriTin caters in the Twin Cities metro area and now, the Alexandria area. They can go anywhere in the state of Minnesota, but typically go within a 90-mile radius.

Whether a laid-back, rustic barbecue buffet or an elegant and luxurious plated dinner, the team at A’BriTin can cook on-site so your cuisine is freshly chef-

prepared. Life’s special events deserve this level of detail and attention. And don’t miss our mobile bar experience that stylishly elevates any event.

In the lakes area, contact them at 612-339-0222 or send an email to info@ abritincatering.com. More information can be found on their website, https:// abritincatering.com/.

8 The Wedding Guide 2024 SPONSORED CONTENT

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Perfect place to BOOK YOUR STAY

Conveniently located next door to the Broadway Ballroom and Event Center, Alexandria’s Hampton by Hilton is the “exclusive hotel” in the Lakes Area because it’s the perfect place to book your stay for a wedding or other event.

The 80-room hotel offers standard rooms along with upgraded king studios that are designed with you in mind. From a comfortable bed, highspeed wireless Internet and hot breakfast, Hampton Inn wants you to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Other amenities include microwaves and refrigerators

in every room, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, business center, guest laundry and of course the Hilton Honor Rewards program.

The bride and groom are eligible for a complimentary room once wedding block criteria is met.

Group wedding rates are also available and vary depending on the time of year.

Along with the guest rooms, the hotel also boasts a Town Square conference room, which is 650 square feet and is perfect for bridal showers and gift openings. To make those arrangements, call 320763-3360.

Great place for REHEARSAL DINNERS

Drawing inspiration from Minnesotan lake shores and coastal beach staples, Lure Lakebar brings you and your taste buds on a journey from Minnesota comfort to coastal Influences.

With a design that combines the Minneapolis Warehouse District with an up-north cabin, guests come both by land and lake to enjoy a delicious house-made lunch, dinner or a hand-crafted cocktail.

It is the perfect place to host grooms/rehearsal dinners

or any other large event or gathering. The beautiful lakeside restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating that features an outdoor bar.

Lure Lakebar is open daily at 11 a.m. and it also has a happy hour Monday through Friday. The restaurant is located at 2800 N. Nokomis Street NE in Alexandria. For more information, give them a call at 320-219-7755.

LAKE LE HOMME DIEU 2800 N NOKOMIS NE, ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308 OPEN DAILY AT 11AM | 320.219.7755 East Coast Casual Meets Midwest Comfort Great space to host a grooms dinner or large gathering! 2705 S. Broadway • Alexandria, MN 56308 320-763-3360 • 800-HAMPTON www.alexandriasuitesmn.hamptoninn.com for your wedding party! Premiere hotel
Photo by Dan Francis
2024 The Wedding Guide 9 SPONSORED
CONTENT

Elden’s Fresh Foods your go-to for flowers, desserts and more

Elden’s Fresh Foods grocery store is unique as it offers a full-service floral department within its store – Elden’s Downtown Floral.

For the best and freshest flowers in the area, Elden’s Downtown Floral has what you are looking for, especially when it comes to weddings.

Sherri Myers, manager and Lori Fahey, designer, can work with brides and grooms for all their wedding day floral needs. They keep a lot of inventory in stock to work with and although it is better to book with them sooner rather than later, they can work their magic in a short amount of time.

They can build custom arrangements catered to any wedding style. If a bride wants something out of the ordinary or something a little more unique, no worries, Downtown Floral can take care of that – but with a little more leeway so items can be specially ordered.

For summer weddings, floral arrangements could include roses, sunflowers, Asiatic lilies, gerbera daisies, peonies, stock, delphiniums, irises, calla lilies or lisianthus.

In the fall, arrangements and floral decorations could include roses, gerbera daisies, hydrangea, delphinium, amaryllis, carnations, viburnum, irises, narcissus, autumn leaves or pumpkins.

Winter wedding florals include roses, tulips, hydrangea, amaryllis, lilies, orchids, stephanotis, ivy or evergreens.

And for spring weddings, floral decor and bouquets could include roses, tulips, peonies, anemones, calla lilies, hyacinths, irises, daffodils, hydrangea, lily of the valley, sweet pea or delphinium.

Whatever the arrangement, call on Elden’s Downtown Floral for all your wedding needs.

BAKERY AND DELI OPTIONS AVAILABLE, TOO

Catering options, as well as dessert options are available from the bakery and deli at Elden’s Fresh Foods.

Snack trays like meat and cheese trays and/or veggie trays are great for the bridal party to have on hand when hunger strikes before the ceremony and reception.

Or another great option could be donuts, rolls or muffins in the morning while the bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen are getting ready for the big day.

Jill Lorsung and her bakery team can prepare delicious desserts for any size wedding – whether that includes a beautiful wedding cake, cupcakes, bars, cookies or any other sweet treat the bride and groom are looking for.

The buttercream frosting used for wedding cakes and cupcakes at Elden’s Fresh Foods bakery is made daily onsite from a recipe handed down from the previous owners, Elliot and Dennis Christensen. It is well-known for its great taste!

Whether it’s florals or deli and bakery items, you can count on Elden’s Fresh Foods and Elden’s Downtown Floral for all your wedding needs. Just give them a call at 320-763-3446.

10 The Wedding Guide 2024 SPONSORED CONTENT

Questions to ask when vetting wedding vendors

Planning a wedding involves the coordinating many different components, including people. It may be tempting to simply sign on the dotted line when hiring wedding vendors and hope for the best. But the process can prove more fruitful when couples prepare for it by compiling a list of questions designed to ensure they know what they’re getting before they enter into a contract.

Is the date available?

The most important question to ask is whether the vendor is available on the day you have chosen to get married. The house of worship or place where you will be exchanging vows should be set first, and then additional vendors can be interviewed to confirm their availability and the scope of their services.

How long have you been in business?

How long a company has been in business and how much experience they have with weddings can be a telling detail. Experience is not always indicative of ability, but vendors with long track records of success may prove easy to work with.

Are you insured?

Check if the vendor is insured. It can be a risky proposition to work with vendors who are not insured.

Will you be on site to oversee things?

From florists to private caterers to specialty performers, it is acceptable to ask vendors if they will be there the day of the wedding to manage things or if it will be a third party or another representative. Confirm all pertinent details, including who will be there on the day of the wedding, in advance.

What is your payment schedule and cancellation policy?

Understand how the vendor expects to be paid. Many businesses require a deposit up front to book the date. Some may want payment in full a week or so before the wedding day. Others may enable you to make monthly payments for a set period of time. Ask how the vendor handles cancellations, and whether any deposit or portion of the money already paid will be refunded.

When is the last possible date for making changes?

Know how long you have to make any changes to your plans, colors, music choices or other details.

Are there any additional fees?

It’s important to determine if gratuity, travel, overtime charges, cleaning fees or any other charges are included in the contract or if it leaves room for additional expenses.

Is mine your only wedding that day?

How do you handle conflicts?

Figure out if the vendor handles just one wedding per day or if they have staff to cover multiple weddings on a given date.

Do prices differ depending on time of day, month or year?

Certain dates are busier than others. Find out if the vendor charges a premium for holidays or particular times of the year.

2500+ Items Available | Full Service Event Rentals www.jseventrental.com | 320-391-5368 JS EVENT RENTAL Arches AV & Lighting Bars Canopies Catering Equipment Chairs & Tables Chargers Dance Floors & Stages Glassware, Plateware, & Flatware Linen Restrooms Yard Games & Entertainment AND MUCH MORE!
Metro Creative Connection
2024 The Wedding Guide 11
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

offers beautiful backdrop for wedding ceremonies legacy of the lakes gardens

The Legacy of the Lakes Gardens is the perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony – gardens, fountains, gazebo and more. It is situated on a lake, too, so there are ample places to capture beautiful memories of your day.

And although it is located in downtown Alexandria, it still feels private.

There are a multitude of options, whether having a small, intimate ceremony or a larger ceremony with dozens of guests.

The Gardens offer several different locations for wedding ceremonies, including the following:

Paved patio and stage – 250 guests (theater style seating)

Bursch Pier – 40 guests

Boathouse – 200 guests (theater style seating)

Rooftop deck – 40 guests

One thing to note about the boathouse is that it can be used for the wedding, but not the reception. Other events it can also be used for include bridal showers, rehearsal dinners or other related smaller bridal events.

Brides and grooms, along with their bridal and groom parties, can prepare for their day in the bridal suite and groom’s lounge, which is on-site and included in the ceremony venue rental package.

If a wedding is booked in the Gardens, The Legacy of the Lakes offer discounted pricing for the use of the Boathouse.

For the 2024 wedding season, the Gardens and Boathouse can be booked starting June 15 through the end of the September. Anything October through May can only take place in the Boathouse.

The Legacy of the Lakes Gardens is also a great space to capture wedding photos, even if your wedding is not held there. There are options available to use the Gardens for your wedding photos. The annual flowers are bright and colorful, plus there is a beautiful willow tree, pier, bridge, gazebo and more. It is a stunning and peaceful backdrop for any bride and groom and their bridal party. There is also ample parking in the well-lit parking lot for your guests.

What does the ceremony package include?

The 2024 ceremony venue rental package includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Four hour rental of venue space

Bridal suite and groom’s lounge

White padded resin folding chairs (200)

Photography permit

One hour rehearsal evening prior to ceremony

There are plenty of optional add-ons, including the use of the Boathouse for the groom’s dinner, bridal shower, engagement party and more.

2024
12 The Wedding Guide

Country backdrop offers perfect setting for weddings

Twisted Oaks is a unique wedding venue in the heart of central Minnesota. A quiet, rustic setting featuring modern amenities, a destination with a unique blend of vintage flair and upscale elegance.

Located just outside of Sauk Centre, you’ll love the country backdrop and several acres to entertain. A fresh open-air pavilion for large gatherings to a unique twist from a time gone by in the gentleman’s suite and bridal parlor to enhance your experience and provide fabulous photo opportunities.

Twisted Oaks is owned by Jeff and Stacey Otte, who were married on the property in 2000. They love sharing the property with others and recently built the Pavillion to accommodate a larger reception area, along

with handicapped accessible restrooms.

Two-day packages include access to the Pavilion, Gentleman’s Quarters, Bridal Parlor and Barn. You may want to have your groom’s dinner on Thursday evening and the wedding on Friday, or possibly your wedding on Saturday and gift opening on Sunday. Your rental also includes chairs, tables and white table linens.

The wedding venue also offers onsite camping with water and electric hookups. There are also microwedding options in addition to the two-day rentals. They can accommodate intimate settings and smaller parties to large gatherings as they are suited to seat up to 350 people.

This allows them to truly meet the needs of all our wedding couples.

Wedding couples are allowed to pick their own vendors and bring in their own alcohol.

Twisted Oaks also has a “Town and Country” package that allows wedding parties to use their vintage 1937 Dodge grain truck that seats up to 18 people for a fun addition to any wedding.

There are also several Instagram worthy backdrops and special spaces, nooks and flower beds to capture memories from the day.

Twisted Oaks is a venue that is vintage, chic and elegant with plenty of amenities for all guests to enjoy.

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Vendors

Accommodations

• HAMPTON INN & SUITES

270 S Broadway St, Alexandria 320-763-3360 | examdroasuitesmn. hamptoninn.com

Bakeries

• ELDEN’S FRESH FOODS

Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria 320-763-3446

Catering

• BROADWAY BALLROOM

115 30th Ave E, Alexandria 320-763-6565

• PIONEER GRILL BY KNUTE NELSON

4403 Pioneer Rd SE, Alexandria 320-759-4608 | knpioneergrill.com

• A’BRITIN

THIS LITTLE PIGGY CATERING APPLES 2 APPLES CATERING 320-313-6090 abritin.com

Diamonds & Wedding Sets

• DIEKMAN’S JEWELRY

111 6th Ave W, Alexandria 320-762-0309

• HEDINE JEWELERS

611 Broadway St, Alexandria 320-763-4940

Dry Cleaner

• AMERICAN CLEANERS & LAUNDERS

401 Broadway St, Alexandria 320-763-4800

Floral

• ELDEN’S DOWNTOWN

FLORAL

Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria 320-763-3446

Rehearsal Dinner

• LURE LAKEBAR

2800 N Nokomis St, Alexandria 320-219-7755 | www.luremn.com

Rental

• JS RENTAL 320-391-5368 | www.jseventrental.com

Venues

• BROADWAY BALLROOM

115 30th Ave E, Alexandria 320-763-6565

• TWISTED OAKS EVENTS

41582 393rd Ave, Sauk Centre 320-492-5146 | twistedoaksevents.com

• RENDEZVOUS FARM 12839 County Rd 7 SW, Farwell 320-259-5762 | remdezvousfarm.org

• LEGACY OF THE LAKES MUSEUM & GARDENS

Alexandria 320-759-1114 | legacyofthelakes.org

caterer Questions to ask your wedding

Ask these questions to ensure a flawless catering experience

Selecting the best caterer for your special day is easier said than done. With so many options to choose from, how can you be sure you’re making the right decision? That’s exactly why our team at the Pioneer Grill has compiled a series of key questions to ask your wedding caterer in advance.

Which geographic area(s) do you support?

The last thing you want is to fall in love with a wedding caterer only to find that your venue is outside of their range. Before diving into the details, we highly recommend asking about location. The Pioneer Grill offers wedding catering within 20 miles of Alexandria, MN.

Are your menu options made with fresh ingredients?

In the world of wedding catering, there’s a big difference between fresh and frozen meals. Before exploring the menu or pricing, we recommend asking this simple yet essential question. At the Pioneer Grill, we pride ourselves on using fresh ingredients across our entire menu.

Do you offer menu tastings?

Before serving guests, you may want to ensure the flavor and quality of the food is up to your standards. You may also want to try a few different menu options before making the final selection.

Will you be catering other weddings or events on the same weekend?

We recommend asking about your wedding caterer’s schedule on the same day or weekend. While this question may not be a deal breaker, it can give you peace of mind knowing that your caterer won’t be spread too thin.

How do you price your wedding catering services?

As always, your wedding budget gets a say. While our pricing at the Pioneer

CateringYourHappilyEverAfter

CateringweddingsintheAlexandriaarea, ourunwaveringcommitmenttocustomerservice andexceptionalqualityguarantees aseamlessexperienceonyourspecialday.

Requestacomplimentaryquotetoday!

Grill is on a per-person basis across the majority of our menu, other caterers may have set packages or minimum spending requirements. Accurate estimates are also helpful to compare caterers.

BEGIN YOUR WEDDING CATERING SEARCH WITH THE PIONEER GRILL

With your wedding day on the horizon, our team at the Pioneer Grill is here to ensure a smooth and tasty celebration. Visit knpioneergrill.com or call (320) 335-8949 to request a complimentary quote.

Congratulations on tying the knot!

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2024 The Wedding Guide 15
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From l aid - back to eleg ance and c asu al to form al , A’ B riTin is Minnesot a ’ s best in c atering. No m at ter what your appetite is , we bring it to t he t able .

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