Lake Bride Magazine - Issue 18

Love. It makes the world go ’round. It’s what flutters our heart and makes our palms sweat. It’s allencompassing and it can take our breath away.

Love is essential to living life to its fullest. And love can mean a great many things to many people, but one thing remains constant, at least in our minds – love is what drives life. Without it there is a void, an undeniable absence of feeling.

You could think of love as romantic love, love of your family and friends, love of nature and other species, love of learning, etc. Love can be a universal feeling but takes shape in many different ways.

At Lake Bride Magazine, we believe in the power of a good love story. But it’s not limited to the wedding day. It’s also the awkward first conversation and first date that follows. It’s when you meet their family and it’s the first time you realize you are in love. It’s the engagement and all of the magical memories that will last a lifetime. It’s preparing for the big day and, of course, the big day itself. But it’s also the days, years and decades that follow. It’s the life lessons you learn together. It’s the art of compromising and of arguing and coming out stronger – together. It’s learning each other’s family dynamics and adjusting expectations. It’s about professing your vows years later and celebrating anniversaries. It’s about a love that creates life and a love that lives long after we’re gone. And it’s about everything in between.

It’s about learning to be the best version of yourself through your experiences with whomever or whatever you love.

We strive to bring that inspiration to you on the pages of each issue of Lake Bride Magazine. We love to tell people’s stories. Authentic stories focused on human emotion and destiny. Your stories … because they serve as great reminders of the true power of love.

OWNER + FOUNDER

Megan Kellin

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Maria Hileman

DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS

Ashley Kirkman

RETAIL BUYER + MARKETING MANAGER

Maddie Young

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Isabelle Snyder

COPY EDITOR & PROOFREADER

Anne Kelley Conklin

COVER IMAGE

Chelsea Dobs Photography, @chelseadobs

EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICE 10 NW 3rd St. Grand Rapids, MN 55744

ADVERTISE

Contact: ashley@thelakeandco.com | (651) 315-2888

THE TEAM AT LAKE BRIDE MAGAZINE

BY Meredith Berg

Let'sSocialGet

Our goal at Lake Bride Magazine is to showcase the beauty and talent in the bridal industry. We want to share the best inspiration, fashion, weddings and planning advice.

Follow along for exclusive contests, trends, behind-the-scenes and more:

@lakebridemagazine

Submit a wedding, engagement or styled shoot to potentially be featured: lakebridemagazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS (TOP TO BOTTOM)

Kendra Lauck Photography @kendralauck

Jennifer Maren Photography @jennifermarenphotography

Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design @alexandrarobynphoto

Anna Marum Photography @annamarumphotography

Photo by Rachel Lahlum Photography | rachellahlum.com

FROM A SPARK GREW GREAT LOVE

Celebrate your marriage in the timeless elegance of Clyde’s event venues. Spaces created to dazzle and fit your style, catering that features wood-fired flavors, a new on-site brewery with unique flights, and an experienced event staff help to ignite a day to be remembered forever.

TO TOUR OUR VENUES, EMAIL EVENTS@CLYDEIRONWORKS.COM

WEDDING TIMELINE

12+ MONTHS 8-10 MONTHS 6-8 MONTHS 4-6 MONTHS 3 MONTHS 2 MONTHS

□ Create a budget and establish your priorities – where do you want to splurge/save?

□ Create an inspiration board and identify your style and color palette

□ Start planning a guest list – you’ll need that head count!

□ Choose a wedding date (keep a few options in mind and check with family and closest friends and your venue)

□ Select your ceremony and reception sites

□ Optional: Have an engagement party

□ Feeling overwhelmed? Consider hiring a wedding planner.

□ Ask friends and relatives to be in your wedding party

□ Select and order your wedding gown (if applicable)

□ Research your vendors: officiant, caterer, entertainment, photographer, videographer, florist, stationer (invitations, place cards, etc.), rental companies (chairs, tables, tent – if needed). Get details and contracts in writing!

□ Arrange accommodations and transportation for out-of-town guests, if needed

□ Make final selections and book your preferred vendors

□ Have engagement photos taken

□ Register for gifts

□ Select and order attendant dresses (if applicable)

□ Send save-the-date announcements

□ Research and book honeymoon (don’t forget to renew your passport!)

□ Finalize guest list, compile current addresses

□ Schedule tasting with caterer and finalize menu

□ Order invitations

□ Order wedding rings

□ Order guest favors

□ Attend prewedding counseling, if required

□ Book a rehearsal dinner location

□ Book rehearsal dinner vendors – entertainment, caterer, groom’s cake

□ Select and order/ rent wedding party's attire

□ Order wedding cake

□ Hire your wedding day transportation

□ Attend your bridal shower (host will determine actual date)

□ Mail your invitations

□ Write your vows

□ Choose ceremony readings and music

□ Begin wedding attire fittings and alterations

□ Touch base with all vendors to confirm dates, details and deposits. If they have special requirements for setup, send these to your venue.

□ Purchase gifts for parents, attendants and each other

□ Purchase guest book, toasting flutes, cake servers, unity candle and any other accessories

□ Book hair and makeup artists and schedule a trial run

Notes

1

MONTH 2-3 WEEKS

□ Apply for marriage license

□ Have final wedding attire fitting

□ Confirm attendants have their attire and alterations are complete

□ Create your ceremony program

□ Send rehearsal dinner invitations

1 WEEK 2-3 DAYS DAY BEFORE

□ Review RSVP list; call any guests who have not responded

□ Send photographer and videographer your must-have shots

□ Send your song list to your DJ or band leader. Include all special dances, schedule of speeches and your song requests/donot-play list.

□ Get your hair cut and colored

□ Attend bachelor/ bachelorette parties

□ Give reception venue/caterer final guest count

□ Plan reception seating chart

□ Print place cards and table number cards

□ Create a vendor list with contact information. Give copies to your ceremony and reception site managers, as well as your person of honor or personal attendant.

□ Male celebrant(s) gets his hair cut

□ Have bridal gown (if applicable) pressed or steamed, if necessary

□ Pick up groom and attendants' attire, if applicable

□ Determine wedding party positions and order of processional and recessional

□ Give place cards, table cards, menus, favors and any other items for table settings to the catering manager

□ Reconfirm arrival times and final details with all vendors – give a copy of the details to your person of honor

□ Write checks for any balances due

□ Enjoy a mani/pedi

□ Rehearse ceremony. Include wedding party, readers, immediate family and officiant.

□ Bring ceremony accessories to the site: unity candle, aisle runner, yarmulkes

□ Bring reception accessories to the site: décor, place cards, table number cards, guest book, cake server, favors

□ Attend and enjoy the rehearsal dinner!

□ Get your beauty sleep

□ Give gifts to parents, wedding party and each other

□ Give wedding bands to person of honor to hold during ceremony

□ Give person of honor the officiant’s fee envelope to be given after ceremony

□ Relax and enjoy!

When you’re planning engagement photos, deciding what kind of images you want can feel overwhelming. I encourage you to find a photographer who is genuine about wanting to capture you. The real you, not just the posed version.

Meet my clients Connor and Sydney. I’ve known Sydney for a long time, and she exudes fun. She’s always up for an adventure, goes along with crazy ideas and laughs the whole time she does it.

Every three months, I offer a limited number of adventure sessions, and Sydney and Connor got this one. They chose it because they felt it exhibited part of their relationship and who they are. I love capturing the kinds of images that make you stop and stare, that make you want to go do the thing you’re seeing in the picture. I especially love shooting in and around water. There’s something so whimsical, fun and timeless about it.

XO, Anna Marum Photography

Pretty Pastels

AFamily Affair Event Styling was the visionary for this shoot. The bright and airy pastels paired with the natural touches like rattan, seagrass and leather complement one another perfectly for an effortless spring vibe. We love that the combination gives an updated feel to a couple’s wedding day while being fun and playful. All the details, both small and large, come together to create a beautiful, dreamy, pastel aesthetic.

VENUE Woodhaven at Gopher Hills Golf Course | PHOTOGRAPHY Kendra Lauck Photography | PLANNING, STYLING + RENTALS A Family Affair Event Styling FLORAL 651 Studio Floral | CAKE Emily Grace Cakes | MAKEUP Madds Aesthetics | HAIR Michelle Dunlap Design | BRIDAL DRESS Midwest Gowns GROOM’S SUIT Stitch & Tie | STATIONERY Meghan Rust | MODELS Brooke Elizabeth + Dev Alger

Garden Greens

There’s beauty around every twist and turn at Trellis Weddings. The way they’ve maintained the gardens and pathways provides a truly unique and magical experience for guests, and their ceremony space is something out of dreams! The space is wedding-ready as is; all we did to spruce it up was add a small bit of greenery to the draping white canopy. We kept other details like stationery/ menus, desserts and decor minimal. This let the venue shine in all its natural beauty while including small touches of added elegance and personality.

VENUE Trellis Weddings | WEDDING DRESS Raffiné Bridal | RINGS Wedding Day Diamonds | FLORAL Shara’s Floral Designs | PHOTOGRAPHY Jagger Rose Photography

DECOR & STYLING Jagger Rose Photography | HAIR Wildflower Beauty Co. | MAKEUP Mastered by M (Marilyn) | MOBILE TAP Piccadilly Pours | STATIONERY Mori & Co. CAKE St. Croix Baking Company | COUPLE Kaecey & Ryan Kingdon

Farmhouse Fresh inspiration

The Redeemed Farm is the perfect backdrop for an elevated and elegant wedding, proving that farm weddings don’t have to be rustic. This wedding showcases unique details such as a floral wall for displaying name cards and a pleated veil for a gorgeous bride. The stunning combination of soft pinks and bold burgundy were featured in the florals, the stationery and other details to highlight a nontraditional, sophisticated color inspiration. All of this is proof that a farm wedding can be over-the-top gorgeous if the venue is thoughtfully chosen and the details are beautifully executed.

PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Maren Photography | FLORALS Nalias Flora | VENUE Redeemed Farm & Vineyard | HOST Styled Shoots Across America

PLANNING Heather Benge Events | ASSISTANT A Modern Fête | HAIR AND MAKEUP Sunkissed & Made Up | STATIONERY Art by Ashley Triggiano CAKE Profile Cake | STUDIO LINENS Nüage Designs | RENTALS Intemporelle Rentals | WHITE GOWN The White Room Minneapolis | RING BOXES Lovely Ring Boxes

Velvet Romantic inspiration

With its sumptuously moody theme and touches of different classic styles, this winter wedding lays out what it means to be “romantically sophisticated.” The combination of timeless luxury touches and bold, modern design creates an atmosphere that is intimate yet welcoming, mature yet contemporary and dark yet debonair.

PLANNER AND COORDINATOR New Paige Planning | PHOTOGRAPHER Lindsay Elaine Photography | VENUE Pinewood Weddings & Events

CINEMATOGRAPHER Wildwood Films | RENTALS The Fond Collective | FLORIST 651 Studio Floral Design | HAIR AND MAKEUP Pure Beauty Hair & Makeup

BAKER Hey There, Cupcake! | COFFEE CART She Brews | CALLIGRAPHER Penned by K | ACRYLIC SIGN DESIGNER Kulgra

BRIDAL GOWN Annika Bridal | TUX RENTAL Stitch & Tie | COUPLE Lexi & Kevin Johnston | JR. BRIDESMAID Emi Smith

• Creating a timeline to send to your wedding party?

• Ensuring you have meals for your weddingday vendors?

• Making sure someone gets your gifts to your room at the end of the night?

• Getting a pretty hanger to use for your dress for photos (if applicable)?

• Getting your bus or limo driver’s direct phone number and not just the dispatch number?

• Getting babysitters for your friends with kids?

• Pre-portioning your tips and final payments out into labeled envelopes for easy distribution on your wedding day?

• Sending your DJ or band a 'Do Not Play' list for those songs you just can’t stand?

• Putting together a small amenities kit for the bathrooms?

• Bringing your engagement ring in to your jeweler to be cleaned before your wedding so it is at its sparkly best for photos (if applicable)?

• Leaving your itinerary with the hotel’s frontdesk staff so they can be prepared to answer guests’ questions?

• Rubbing the soles of your new shoes with sand paper to make sure they aren’t slippery on the dance floor?

• Getting a case of bottled water and some snacks for your attendants between photos and the ceremony?

• Having a portable steamer to steam out any wrinkles in your dress or your wedding party's dresses (if applicable)?

• Packing up an emergency kit full of things to solve those last-minute mini-emergencies?

• Making sure one of your attendants knows how to bustle your dress so they aren’t scrambling to figure it out the day of?

Have youthought of?

• Giving your phone to someone to take photos and videos for you?

• Packing a pair of backup shoes in case your killer high heels become too unbearable?

• Asking your hair and makeup artists for a touch-up kit before they leave?

• Appointing someone to be in charge of making sure things are wrapped up at the end of the night?

Photography

Lindsay Elaine Photography

Images By Nic

Blue Mae Studio

Annie Wells Photography

Uniquely Chic inspiration

When thinking of a visually stunning wedding venue, a yurt is unlikely to top the list, but with the right attention to details it can be transformed into a uniquely elegant backdrop. The gold plates on black linen provide stark contrast, while romantic floral bouquets and the delicately beaded handmade dress soften the overall look. Top it off with greenery-adorned bar and food stations, and the yurt has been transformed.

WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER Laura Ann’s | DÉCOR AND STYLING The White Brick Company | VENUE Hotel Rapids | PHOTOGRAPHY Leann Amelia Photography FLORAL Saffron & Grey | HAIR AND MAKEUP Salon Rosé | MENSWEAR Celebrations Bridal and Formal Wear, St. Cloud

IN THE PINES

Our wedding day was truly the best day ever, and it was exactly how we envisioned it: focused on our love for each other while celebrating with our closest family and friends. Our love story started when I saw my husband in a college lecture class of over 150 students. I spotted him across the room and for some reason I knew I was going to marry him. I called my mom after class and told her that I just saw the guy I was going to marry but couldn’t explain it, and all these years later I still can’t quite explain it. One day after class, Brad asked me to get lunch with him and the rest is history! We both knew early on that we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.

Six years later, our wedding day was nothing short of perfect. We love being outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing and enjoying Minnesota’s many lakes, so we knew we had to get married outside. We got married on a beautiful June day under the canopy of towering pine trees, and it was magical.

We are also big dog people and love supporting dog rescues, so we knew we had to have dogs involved in our wedding day. We had an amazing local dog rescue, Ruff Start Rescue, come to our cocktail hour with adoptable rescue puppies so people could make a donation and cuddle or even adopt the puppies. It was so fun and memorable!

The rest of the night was spent dancing barefoot and celebrating big with the people we love most. It truly couldn’t have been a better day. The next day we took a mini-moon to Madeline Island and spent our time enjoying Lake Superior while we reminisced about our “best day ever.”

PHOTOGRAPHY Mads Lizotte Photography | WEDDING VIDEO Harvest Wedding Films | VENUE Pinewood Wedding and Events | FLOWERS 651 Studio Floral DJ Midwest Sound | DRESS The Wedding Shoppe | SUITS Milbern Clothing | PUPPIES Ruff Start Rescue | BRIDE'S HAIR Chris LaRue Hair

BRIDESMAIDS' HAIR Chris LaRue Hair and Array Salon & Spa (Nancy Storms) | MAKEUP Joy Beauty | FOOD Donatelli's

DESSERT Muddy Paws Cheesecake | TRANSPORTATION Lorenz Bus Service | COUPLE Rachel & Brad LaRue

wedding in the pines

How to: Make your wedding unique to you

Where did you two first meet?

tip: consider getting married here

Where was your first date?

tip: host your rehearsal dinner at the same restaurant

What did you eat during your first date?

tip: re-create this meal for your wedding menu

You’re at the grocery store and on a whim you decide to get your fiancé/fiancée a surprise treat – what would the treat be?

tip: assemble a welcome box for your out-of-town guests and include this treat inside

What is your favorite cocktail? What is your fiancé's/fiancée's favorite cocktail?

tip: make these your signature craft cocktails for social hour

What is your favorite late-night snack?

tip: have it brought in for a late-night snack at your reception

What is your favorite thing to do together?

tip: consider basing your engagement photo shoot around this activity

What is your favorite band?

tip: choose one of their songs as your first dance! Think outside the box – not all first dances have to be “traditional.”

What is your favorite food?

tip: build your wedding menu around this

Do you have a favorite hot sauce or condiment that you put on everything?

tip: put a bottle at each table for your guests to enjoy

What is one of your favorite vacation memories?

tip: incorporate a taste of that into your reception

Did you and your fiancé/fiancée write love letters to each other?

tip: pull from those letters and write your own vows or have excerpts included in your programs

Do you and your fiancé/fiancée have a catchphrase or funny thing you say to each other all the time?

tip: include it on custom cocktail napkins that you can use during cocktail hour and at your cake table

Do you and your fiancé/fiancée travel together?

tip: instead of using numbers, think about naming the tables after places you’ve traveled to together or that have special meaning to you

What are your favorite sweet treats?

tip: eat dessert first! It’s your wedding – you can do what you want!

Do you and your fiancé/fiancée have a pet?

tip: include your furry friend in your big day, at least in some photos!

Who is a friend or family member who has had a big impact on your relationship?

tip: ask them to officiate your wedding

AsharedLove of Nature

One of our favorite parts of our wedding day was the five minutes our photographer left us alone in the middle of the woods to enjoy a moment with each other in nature. This is because exploring nature together has been the heartbeat of our relationship from the beginning. Robb and I met less than a month before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We spent the first year of our relationship checking out state parks in Minnesota and bonding over our shared love of nature — mostly because we love that kind of thing, but partially because there was nothing else we could do!

Our first date was a winter hike at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, so it only felt right that Robb proposed on a crisp fall day at another state park — Savanna Portage. This is what inspired our table assignment paintings. Each painting/table was based on a state park we had explored together during our relationship. It was important to us that our closest family and friends could enjoy those personal touches on our wedding day. We wanted to

provide our guests with a unique wedding favor, so Robb compiled a list of our all-time favorite hikes, along with short descriptions. I can’t wait to hear what our family and friends think of these beautiful places we have recommended!

Our dog, Diggity, has happily joined us on all of our outdoor adventures, so it only felt right that she would be our flower girl. She was on her best behavior during our ceremony and even joined us during our grand entrance into our reception! She was also featured on top of the charming coconut wedding cake my mom lovingly baked from scratch. Robb’s favorite toys as a child were Playmobils, so my mom and I surprised him with doppelganger cake toppers! I painted some distinctive details on the figurines so that they mirrored us on our big day.

My engagement and wedding ring is a gold band cast from a dainty twig. To me, it symbolizes the simplicity and inherent beauty of nature — which was the foundation of our love for each other.

theVENUE

Robb and I chose to have our reception at Camp Fire Minnesota, a place where he had many fond memories as a child. This sweet camp is tucked into the woods on a beautiful lake, and it embodies the vibe we dreamed of — warm and welcoming. Our loved ones walked the winding paths and enjoyed exploring the woods around the main lodge in the afternoon sunlight. Tall stone fireplaces, cheerful hanging lights and cozy little cabins surrounded our guests on the gorgeous autumn evening.

Our hand-painted invitations and wedding program: I have always loved watercolor painting, so when Robb and I visited our venue for the first time, the adorable little camper cabins sparked an idea! I thought it would be fun to paint one on our wedding invitations so that our guests could get a feel

for the rustic and earthy atmosphere they would experience on our wedding day. It took several attempts, but the final product is something I am really proud of and enjoyed creating. I want other brides to follow their creative compass and put their own spin on wedding day details, whether it be their signage, invitations, program or favors. Your guests will appreciate the personal touches and your wedding will be one to remember!

The process of painting and handwriting our wedding program was one of my favorite aspects of planning our wedding. I chose to paint a picture of our fuzzy four-legged flower girl, Diggity, on the bottom of the program. It was so much fun making it exactly how I had envisioned it!

PHOTOGRAPHY Devin Hill (Super Cooper Media) | VENUE Camp Fire Minnesota |

CAMPER PHOTO BOOTH Northerly Photo Booth | DRESS Flutter Bridal Co. HAIR Joy Beauty Company | MAKEUP Bree Weller (Pre’mo Salon, St. Paul) & Miranda Jo Simmons | FLORIST A Gift to Gab | COUPLE Maria & Robb Papas

KristineAnna Photography

Samantha Burke Photography

Geneoh Photography

When planning your wedding, it’s essential that you check all the boxes. Do you have everything you need for the best adventure of your life? A rock-solid wedding registry? A killer bach party? Our team at Lake and Company has you covered.

FLOAT-EH

The Party Moose

Keep your crew floating with you and stick out from the crowd. FloatEh’s premium unique floaties and floating mats vibe with the northern outdoors from coast to coast. Grab a drink and crank the tunes the northern way! @float.eh

INDOSOLE

Men’s Slide & Women’s Flip Flop

With a clean and minimal style, Indosole can be your essential sandal from the mountains to the ocean and everything in between. These sandals are good for your feet and the earth; each sole is made out of waste tires found in landfills.

@indosole

BECCA’S MN PET CARE

If you dream of having your best “fur-end” by your side at your wedding but want to partake in a responsibility-free day, Becca and her consultants are thrilled to make your dream “pawsible.” With Becca’s MN Pet Care, you can expect a personalized care service that allows your pup to share the joy of your milestone moments.

@beccas_mn_petcare

FARIBAULT

MILL Cabin Wool Blanket

Give a gift that gives back! For every bed blanket sold, Faribault Mill will donate a high-quality blanket to a young person experiencing homelessness. Shop their selection of made-in-the-USA wool and cotton blankets, and sleep better knowing you’ve made a difference. Learn more at faribaultmill.com/spreadthewarmth.

@faribaultmill

BAJA LLAMA

Experience what the White Hot Tropics can do for you and your crew. Outrageously soft, breathable and ready for a good time, each NightHawk™ viscose button-up features custom prints and a secret side zipper pocket with a perfect true-tosize fit.

@bajallama

OPTIC NERVE

Optic Nerve exists to create a clearer view of what matters. We work hard to deliver the finest affordable eyewear because it’s always worth it to explore the outdoors. See the love and grab a pair of sunglasses for you and yours.

@opticnerveyewear

BAREBONES LIVING All-In-One Cast Iron Grill

We’re about food, nature and the pull of the fire. We supply the inspiration, goods and guidance to help you revel in them. Celebrate love with a gift that elevates your outdoor experience.

@barebonesliving

b o h e m i a n

Our first “trip” together was a weekend getaway up to Duluth in 2015. We fell in love with the adventure and scenery of the North Shore, along with each other. It’s the perfect distance from the Twin Cities for a peaceful escape encompassing the vibes of Lake Superior. This turned into an annual trip for us, exploring the shores all the way up to Grand Marais. We love to climb rocks, admire waterfalls and enjoy the waves crashing on the shore as we look for driftwood and agates.

We got engaged at a cabin in Two Harbors in 2019 overlooking the lake at sunrise, drinking coffee in our pajamas — it was perfect. When it came to deciding where to get married, we started in the Twin Cities to see if anything fit “us.” Nothing felt completely right, and in our hearts we wanted to be in our favorite place with our favorite people. We also needed the convenience of a nearby hotel for family members with disabilities. Grand Superior Lodge had it all for us — the view, the food, the experience and convenience.

The planning process took place during the hot times of COVID, giving an interesting twist on things. We knew we wanted the season for our wedding to be fall, for the colors and relatively

warm weather. Our October dates ended up being perfect. I made the centerpieces, with driftwood we collected on our trips, along with the rest of the decor. I knew the boho look I wanted and made the pieces that I could with a lot of hot glue, patience and toasted fingers. The pampas grass aisle pieces were my favorite and were repurposed inside after the ceremony.

Our wedding day started with a misty morning, having our first look out on the rocks. It was a moment we will cherish forever, reciting our vows to each other over the quiet lake. The rain provided beautiful puddles, giving us amazing reflection photos. The rain was sporadic but stopped at the best times.

PHOTOGRAPHY Chelsea Dobs Photography | VIDEOGRAPHY Jasper Meddock Productions | VENUE Grand Superior Lodge by Odyssey Resorts | FLORAL Flora North PLANNING, STYLING + RENTALS Decor/style by the bride; Setup by Northland Special Events; Boho chair rentals from The Vault | CAKE How Sweet It Is Cakes | BRIDAL DRESS Lulus GROOM’S SUIT Knights Chamber | MAKEUP & HAIR Courtney Nelson of Salon 507 | STATIONERY Designed & printed by the bride | COUPLE Kristie & Tyler Kordosky

We were able to hold our ceremony outside, and toward the end, as our ordainer read the section “as the rains fall soft upon the field,” it started sprinkling lightly. Our guests were all able to make it inside for cocktail hour when the rain started to come down harder. Later that night, our amazing videographer pulled us aside, gave us a see-through umbrella, played a favorite song of ours on his phone, and captured our solo dance in the rain under the patio lights — a perfect moment.

We stayed through Sunday into Monday, which was the best idea. Spending time in our little cabin reminiscing about our amazing day, eating leftover cake and watching the Vikings play. We could not have pictured a better wedding to celebrate our love.

north shore bohemian

C USTOMIZE YOUR WEDDIN G

By Lex Lazarewicz

The wedding cup project came about out of foolishness, climate change and the desire most people have to incorporate the things that matter most to them into their wedding. Foolish because creating 200 cups is a massive first project to take on while working full time, planning a wedding and starting a business.

Climate change came into play because we wanted to reduce how much trash we produced. We wanted to stay away from plastic bottles of bubbles or other party favors that might end up in a landfill. So along with compostable flatware and plates, I made each guest a unique cup to use at the wedding and to take home as a gift. I used three types of clay and countless glaze combinations, cup shapes and styles.

Starting a ceramics company was my dream job, and the year of our engagement was the year we decided to go for it and set up Buttermilk Ceramics. Incorporating pottery into the wedding was a no-brainer for me because I got to share something I’m passionate about with every person I know and love. It was fascinating to see which style or color people gravitated to as they scanned the table of cups. It was also extremely encouraging to get nothing but positive feedback and find out the next morning that people were hoarding cups to take home to their families.

We put a lot of ourselves into our wedding, and looking back, there isn’t a single thing I would change. Our friends and family helped us sew linen tablecloths, design floral arrangements and build tables, and my husband made 20 unique cutting boards, also hoarded by loved ones. But what do people remember the most? Wedding cups. To this day, friends and family will tell me about the wedding mug they use every day, and then we get to reminisce about one of the best days of my life. If you’re interested in a totally unique touch at your wedding, reach out to me through my website, buttermilkceramics.com, and follow me on Instagram: @buttermilk_ceramics.

OSCAR WILDE

LocaLLy Grown

More and more brides and floral designers are turning their focus toward using locally grown blooms in their wedding designs. And with more weddings being held outdoors due to health and safety concerns, we think that embracing and appreciating the natural beauty that is surrounding you will pay off in big ways. No sense in competing with Mother Nature!

Aside from some potential cost-saving benefits (no expensive shipping fees!) and minimizing negative environmental impacts (fewer harmful chemicals used to grow and preserve!), there are many other reasons to consider sourcing your blooms from a local grower. Abra Hawley, owner of Hawley Hill Gardens, is one such grower, located in the Brainerd Lakes area. Emotional connections and aesthetic appeal are two benefits of locally grown flowers that she highlights in her floral design work.

RESOURCES FOR LOCAL FLOWERS

TWIN CITIES FLOWER EXCHANGE tcflowerexchange.com

SLOW FLOWERS slowflowers.com

MINNEAPOLIS FARMERS MARKET mplsfarmersmarket.com

“Many flowers that are incredibly gorgeous and useful in event design can be difficult to find through traditional wholesale sources, either because they are too delicate to hold up in shipping, don’t like cold storage or are not desirable for mass production for some other reason. When you work with local floral ingredients, you’re likely to find a whole new world of flowers and foliage that simply aren’t available as imports.”

It’s important to be flexible, considering a shorter growing season this far north, but don’t let that deter you. That’s where working with a professional can help, as they’ll be able to educate you on what is in season when, and what substitutes can be made when necessary.

“It does require a degree of flexibility in the planning and design process, but the payoff, to me, is worth it,” says Hawley. “When you are able to add those special touches of local and seasonal flowers, they are a tangible piece of a moment in time, that day in that year when that couple chose to marry, and it’s a beautiful thing. When you source more unique locally grown ingredients for your wedding day, the results are bespoke floral pieces that are individual works of art and seasonality, a beautiful tribute to the time and place two people chose to unite in marriage.”

Locally grown floral materials have many benefits in terms of environmental factors and carbon footprint, but also in terms of aesthetics,” Hawley says.

Floral Design HAWLEY HILL GARDENS Photography AIMEE JOBE PHOTOGRAPHY

Considering your own floral design for your wedding?

Use these broken-down and then reconstructed arrangements and bouquets by Hawley Hill Gardens as inspiration for creating your own floral stunners focusing on seasonal, locally grown blooms.

1 | Wild fern

2 | Acidanthera

3 | Figwort

4 | Sunflower, “Sun-Fill”

5 | Delphinium

6 | Dahlia, “Orsett Beauty”

7 | Celosia

8 | Zinnia, “Golden Hour”

9 | Scabiosa, “Fama White”

10 | Zinnia, “Oklahoma Ivory”

11 | Dahlia, “Sugar Daddy”

12 | Snapdragon, “Costa Apricot”

13 | Calendula, “Ivory Princess”

14 | Scented geranium

1 | Baptisia foliage

2 | Hanging amaranthus

3 | Gomphrena

4 | Baptisia seed pod

5 | Chocolate Queen Anne’s lace seed head

6 | Dusty miller

7 | Chocolate Queen Anne’s lace

8 | Foxglove, “Dalmatian Peach”

9 | Dahlia, “Cornel Bronze”

10 | Dahlia

11 | Ornamental kale, “Crane Pink”

12 | Dahlia, “Jowey Winnie”

13 | Dahlia

14 | Hydrangea paniculata

15 | Dahlia, “Iced Tea”

16 | Nicotiana, “Marshmallow”

17 | Salvia, “Lancelot”

18 | Ornamental oregano, “Kirigami”

19 | Dahlia, “Koko Puff”

20 + 21 | Zinnia, “Little Flower Girl”

22 | Peony foliage

23 | Gomphrena

24 | Wild raspberry foliage

25 | Salvia, “Lancelot”

Jewelry that transforms imperfect, sustainable materials into meaningful and timeless designs to last a lifetime.

TAMMY AARON & a

love story

Tammy: “Aaron and I met in math class at North Dakota State University our freshman year in 2008. We started dating shortly after New Year’s in 2009. We cheered for the Bison at football games, ran a couple of half marathons together and helped each other navigate undergrad. Just prior to our senior year of college, we went our separate ways when I moved to Minneapolis for an internship and Aaron stayed in Fargo, pursuing pharmacy school.

“About three years laters, we met up again in spring 2014 after I finished physician assistant school and moved back to Minnesota. When we got back together, I knew he was the one. We spent two years in a long-distance relationship between Duluth and Stillwater prior to moving across the country to Portland, Maine, in 2016. Our love grew over cooking at ‘Aaron’s Place’ (the nickname of our unofficial in-home underground restaurant), hiking in the Appalachian Mountains and sailing in Casco Bay of Maine. It was fitting for our wedding to be set on a hiking trail on the shore of Lake Superior when we spent so much time chasing sunsets on the beaches in Maine.”

Tammy and Aaron had always wanted a small outdoor wedding, so the restrictions set in place due to COVID-19 weren’t really issues to them at all.

PHOTOGRAPHY Kellie Rae Studio | CINEMATOGRAPHY Jasper Meddock Productions | VENUE The Mayhew Inn | FLOWERS Afloral | BRIDAL GOWN SHOP BHLDN BRIDAL GOWN DESIGNER Jenny by Jenny Yoo | BRIDE’S EARRINGS JR Designs LLC | GROOM’S ATTIRE Suitsupply | RINGS Continental Diamond

FOOD James and Christy Marshall of Double D’s Catering | LIQUOR Cold River vodka (wild blueberry vodka from Portland, Maine); wine (Total Wine); local MN beer

RENTALS Trailer from McDowall Company, St. Cloud, MN | INVITATIONS Botanical Paperworks | BAND/DJ Bump, local Grand Marais musician | ACCOMMODATIONS The Mayhew Inn

Tammy: “Lake Superior and the beauty of northern Minnesota is always so enchanting and beautiful. We have traveled there to ski and camp many times, and we scoped out a part of Lake Superior on the Superior Hiking Trail that was perfect for our ceremony and family time on the beach.

“Part of my vows included just some of the reasons I love, and will continue to love, Aaron:

You bring me joy and put a smile on my face when I wake up in the morning.

You make me laugh with your witty jokes. You almost never say no to my many, many ideas. You aren’t afraid to set out on an adventure with me. You support me on my never-ending, always-changing journey to achieve my goals.

You sit with me and listen when I’m having a bad day. You show me kindness, compassion and respect. I am home when I’m with you.

“I truly am at home when I’m with Aaron, and the comfort he brings me is calming.”

When planning their wedding at a relatively remote location, they knew they were going to have to think outside the box to get it done. Luckily for them, that’s something Tammy and Aaron have been doing for their entire relationship.

Aaron: “One of the things that make our relationship and wedding so special for me is Tammy’s relentless pursuit

of doing things our way. I included a line in my vows that said, ‘We have never been a fan of manufactured happiness, or manufactured love, and we get to do things our way, sampling little intricacies of life along the way.’ The concept here is that we don’t need other people to tell us how to feel or how we’re supposed to express our love together. We don’t need a Disney fairy tale, rom-com, Instagram version of love. We do things on our own terms.”

Tammy: “There were many elements of our day that we did ourselves, or had family contribute. We had homemade beer and cider, family musicians, trivia, homemade açaí bowls, repurposed windows for signs, handmade benches and arbor. We had dried flower arrangements that I created and that now decorate our home.”

Keeping things simple allowed them to focus on spending time with the people who mattered most to them, in a place that held special meaning to them.

Aaron: “We have our own way of trying things that fit for us, and that is why so many details of our wedding were DIY. Obviously, we had to accommodate our unique setting that forced us to think outside the box. But it was also an opportunity to focus on what was really important to our day. Sometimes it is easy to be lost in meaningless details that ultimately can be a source of stress. We eliminated much of those ‘that’s just what you do’ tasks, thereby removing stress, mistakes and frustrations. For me, this is one resounding feature of our relationship, our wedding, and something that makes our day so special.” ♡

We’re about food, nature and the pull of the fire – and we supply the inspiration, goods and guidance to help you revel in them. Whether you’re cultivating, cooking, camping or exploring, our products will elevate your outdoor experience.

ERIN GABE & a

love story

Erin and Gabe grew up in the same small town in northern Minnesota. Childhood friends but then went their separate ways and didn’t reunite until their late 20’s. Erin was in real estate in California, and Gabe was copping in Minneapolis. Who would have known a simple social media conversation would lead to possibly the longest first date in history.

It was a crazy four days that built the foundation. Gabe picked Erin up from the airport, where their sushi date night turned into a three-hour drive to their hometown, followed by a weekend with Erin’s entire family at an ‘under-construction’ Little Lazy Lodge. In Gabe’s words, he couldn’t get enough of Erin’s family. It was an immediate connection — before Erin left to go back to California, Gabe was already looking for a way to get her back to Minnesota for the holidays.

They got to be together for their first holiday, surrounded by more family. It became very apparent that the “feels” were happening. And that’s when they knew — Gabe and Erin became inseparable and the rest is history. They set up multiple visits, flying back and forth to be with each other. The one thing they wanted with each trip was an adventure — something

memorable to leave each other with until the next time they got to be together. The ‘twinkle in their eyes’, as Erin puts it. It wasn’t long and Erin was packed and headed back to Minnesota, with Gabe’s help of course. The road trip was followed by five days canoeing in the Boundary Waters. The true test. This was it — moving it all back and then decompressing in some of the “darkest skies in the world.” Gabe and Erin sat each night on their own claimed island and watched as shooting stars riddled the sky.

Months later Gabe and Erin stood in the same spot where they launched their canoe for that trip, the end of the Gunflint Trail. On a cold January day, at the end of the trail, both of their families gathered on the frozen lake to watch the next chapter be added to their love story. With a fire lit on the lake and surrounded by family, Gabe proposed to Erin.

The fact that they were surrounded by family during this time meant everything to them. Family IS everything and they both share the belief that it’s family that allows them to love and share the experiences they hold in their hearts.

What was the moment you knew you loved each other?

Gabe: There were several moments when I fell for her. They all involved her forcing me out of my comfort zone. She set up a sailing trip in San Francisco Bay with a guy she really didn’t know, who invited us to stay on his boat. I’m all about adventure, but staying with a stranger on his boat at sea had me wondering … She knew the way to my heart was to sail to a sushi spot; then life was good.

Our next trip involved her picking me up in San Diego and driving to the Baja peninsula in Mexico and going off grid with zero plans. We spent five days driving and exploring, not knowing what adventure each day would bring. We found this amazing restaurant and sat oceanside till the sun disappeared. I fell in love at that moment without a doubt.

Erin asked a group of musicians to sing “Despacito” to us, and that will forever be engraved in my mind. The third would be our canoe trip into the Boundary Waters. We both got completely lost in the moment of what we had in front of us. Days of not seeing another person. No cell service. Just us. Deep conversations while cooking over the fire. Side note: I forgot the bug spray in the truck and she still talked to me, so I knew it was real. I had found my best friend, and I continually fall in love with her.

Erin: Of course, I loved and still cherish all these trips Gabe mentioned and more, but to me it’s the small things that matter most. It’s showing up and being consistent on a day-to-day basis. It’s his willingness to go along with both my small daily adventure and my grand adventures, however outlandish. It’s him saying yes to my plethora of waterfall excursions because he knows it’s my favorite thing to do on a trip. Gabe knows how to blend in and become fast friends with anyone, even if he’s just in his “man thong.” He always keeps me laughing and makes life light and fun.

How did you know your spouse was the one for you?

Gabe: After our four-day first date at Little Lazy Lodge, I was hoping she’d still be interested in me when she got back home. So I saved up money and brought her back to Minnesota soon after that for Thanksgiving to keep the flame going. I gave her three weeks to think about our time. I knew I wanted to keep her around, so I was doing everything I could to see her. I knew from the beginning that she was special to me, but I felt like I had to pass the test for her. The subsequent journeys solidified that I needed to be with her.

Erin: I have to agree; it was our first date that willingly never ended. It set the wheels in motion, and both of

us knew there was something special happening. In our wedding speeches, my family also stated they saw love brewing on that chilly November weekend. For the deerhunting opener, I invited him to meet my whole family, including my cousins and their boyfriends. I had not been the best at picking guys in the past. So I figured if he could survive a couple of days with my family and he didn’t hate them, or vice versa, he might not be so bad. By the end of the weekend, I was pretty sure Gabe and my family loved each other more than they loved me! And the rest is history.

What is the best marriage advice you’ve received so far?

Do the “things”! Always just go for it. Book the trip! I always hear people say they are waiting for the right time to go — I say pull the trigger and go! I guess I always see it as “life is too short, so go make memories.” Include your friends and family in everything you do, because they become your best support system when you both need it.

Do you have any special traditions that you incorporated into the wedding?

Fur has always been an Erickson family traditiongenerations of ‘grandma’s fur’. It wasn’t really planned, more of an unspoken. Always wear the fur!

Were there any other special touches or details from the day?

We felt super fortunate to have a close friend’s band travel from Minneapolis to play at our wedding. JRD & The Big Mistake went above and beyond. It was so

special have a close friend and super talented group of musicians take the stage and entertain our entire wedding party. It gave more meaning and connection than we could have ever imagined.

What is your favorite wedding-day memory?

Gabe: Obviously, it is marrying my favorite person and best friend. After that, it was seeing all the different walks of life come together in one place and celebrate our love. We got to observe love being shared among all friends and family, and that’s what made my heart so full. Seeing everyone talk, laugh, hug one another and meet new people still gives me all the feels. It’s the way it should always be.

Erin: One of my favorite things about our wedding day is that I had my two sisters and cousins as my bridesmaids. A whole family of strong, smart and independent women who would stand by my side through thick and thin. To have these people — my people — stand up at the ceremony in love and support

COUPLE Erin Erickson-Wood & Gabe Wood | REHEARSAL DINNER PHOTOGRAPHY Aimee Jobe | WEDDING DAY PHOTOGRAPHY Kimberly Williams

CINEMATOGRAPHY John Scarr | VENUE Little Lazy Lodge | FLORIST Aimee Jobe + Jennifer | BRIDAL GOWN DESIGNER Eddy K Milano | BRIDAL ACCESSORIES Erin’s family

heirlooms — a turquoise ring of Aunt Terri’s lent for the night by the Shelton cousins; Grandma Sally’s earrings; a bracelet given by Gabe; White high-heeled closed-toed ankle boots

BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE Velvet dresses and heirloom fur | GROOM’S ATTIRE Atmosfere, Minneapolis | GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE Atmosfere, Minneapolis

FOOD AND LIQUOR Hotel Rapids Bar + Bistro | CAKE/DESSERT Family friend | BAND/DJ JRD & The Big Mistake | PARTY BUS Joyride

ACCOMMODATIONS Little Lazy Lodge + Hotel Rapids | OFFICIANT Angie Erickson

meant the world to me and brought a deeper connection to the day.

What did you learn from planning your wedding?

We planned our wedding in less than three months, and we could not have done it without the help of our family. Erin was given a wedding dress by her cousin, and it set the whole wedding planning in motion. We set a date at Little Lazy Lodge and it was off to the races. We lived off of organized chaos for that time being. It was exciting and challenging – we always had faith it would all come together perfectly.

What is your best advice for others who are planning weddings?

Just do what makes you happy. Every single person has an opinion on what should happen, but remember that this one day is about you. Also, allow yourself a 20-minute break from it all leading up to the ceremony. Take it all in before it happens.

We decided to do a receiving line at the wedding, where we greeted and thanked everyone as they walked back from the ceremony site to the venue. This helped to not put so much pressure on checking in with every single person before and after dinner. It also allowed us to sit at our ceremony site for a few minutes and take it all in and embrace the moment. We will cherish this time forever.

LODGE: SLEEPS 25

VENUE: 300

ACRES: 160

CEREMONY IN THE PINES

DANCE FLOOR + STAGE HOT TUB

GIANT BONFIRES

SABRINA NICK & a

love story

Nick: “Our love story began on just an ordinary night out with each of our friends, and has turned into an extraordinary life together. Since we first met at Whiskey Row in Scottsdale, I knew there was just something special about her. She had that quick wit and an amazing smile that I just couldn’t get enough of.”

Sabrina: “I walked into a bar with some girlfriends and immediately spotted Nick dancing the night away (as he frequently does). A few drinks later and I got up the courage to approach this dancing machine. It wasn’t long before we realized we were both from Wisconsin, sharing a mutual love for cheese curds, old-fashioneds and of course the Green Bay Packers! Our first date was just a few days later at a Mexican restaurant, where we shared lots of laughs and margaritas during a nearly three-hour dinner. The conversation was so easy, and he ate my leftover tacos right from my plate — I knew he was a keeper!

“I fell in love with Nick very quickly, as most people do when they meet him. He has every quality that I was looking for in a partner, and more than that, he is my favorite person to spend time with. He is the kindest, most selfless and genuine person I know, and I feel so blessed that he’s my husband and best friend. Over the last six years we have made some amazing memories together, including flipping our first home in Arizona, adopting two fur babies, Bo and Harper, moving back to Wisconsin, and

traveling to many beautiful places around the world. Now we have been married for just over one year and I am still discovering more and more reasons to love him. This is just the beginning of our love story!”

Nick: “She has been my captain on our many boat adventures together, she is an incredible mom to our two dogs, and there isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t have me busting at the seams in laughter. I feel blessed every day that she is my partner, my best friend, and I cannot wait for our next adventure together!”

Just like many brides and grooms in 2020, Sabrina and Nick had to make some big decisions regarding their original wedding plans. Due to concerns for their and their guests’ health and safety, they had to cancel their Mexico destination wedding and start planning a more intimate and closer-to-home “destination wedding.”

Sabrina: “We always knew we wanted to have a ‘destination’

PHOTOGRAPHY Madeline Miller for Kiley Marissa Photography | VENUE The Barn on Madeline Island | FLORIST Wild Hollow Farm | BRIDAL GOWN SHOP Bucci’s Bridal BRIDAL GOWN DESIGNER Stella York | BRIDAL ACCESSORIES Etsy | GROOM’S ATTIRE Macy’s | RINGS Kesslers Diamonds, Madison, Wisconsin FOOD Farmhouse on Madeline Island | CAKE/DESSERT Farmhouse on Madeline Island | RENTALS Lace & Brass Events | INVITATIONS Etsy WEDDING PLANNER Emily at Lace & Brass Events | ACCOMMODATIONS The Barn on Madeline Island, The Inn on Madeline Island | OFFICIANT Marieke van Donkersgoed

wedding because travel has been such an important part of our relationship. We did some research and found the picturesque location of Madeline Island. After seeing photos of other weddings on the island, we immediately knew it was the place we wanted to be married. We loved the idea of getting married on an island surrounded by our closest friends and family. So we moved our wedding date up two months, hired our amazing wedding planner, and got to planning an entirely new wedding celebration in a location we have never been … all during a pandemic. It was quite the adventure!

“Our favorite wedding-day memory was our first look. We decided our first look would also be the time that we would share our personal vows to one another in private. We always knew we wanted to write our own vows; however, neither of us loved the idea of saying them in front of a crowd. Having that time together at the beginning of the day to share our most intimate promises to one another was so amazing and definitely a highlight to our perfect day.

“It was such an amazing experience to be married in such a gorgeous location, but the best part was celebrating up north all weekend with our friends and family. It truly felt like a ‘summer camp’ getaway for everyone.” ♡

The annual Stillwater Wedding Experience is back this spring! Experience "SWE" on March 12th at JX Venue in downtown Stillwater.

• For couples tying the knot in Stillwater or surrounding cities!

• Local vendor showcase

• Design & decor ideas

• Bloody Mary & Mimosa specials

• Giveaways throughout the event

• Grand prizes totaling over $8,000!

BUY TICKETS MARCH 12

Photo: Third West Studio; Lace & Brass Events

Photo @whitneyabrahamson

Photo @Jennifer.sanders.photography

CARLY COLLIN & a love story

When Collin and I started planning our wedding, we knew it was going to be a small, intimate affair. We had been together for 10 years by this point, so the idea of having a huge wedding was just … not us! When it came time to plan the event itself, we knew we wanted a gathering where everyone could share in the celebratory atmosphere.

We also knew we wanted an event that reflected who we are as individuals and as a couple — and what could be more authentic than a winter wedding on the day of our 10th dating anniversary?

We narrowed down our options by choosing a town that holds a personal connection for us — Stillwater — as well as being convenient for our guests to travel to. Stillwater was an

easy destination for our celebration because Collin’s family lives right across the border, while my family is from Stillwater itself. The beautiful landscape complemented its wintry charm perfectly!

We toured two venues with One23 events: The Loft and JX Venue. Ultimately, we chose The Loft for its cozy setting — it really felt like home away from home. The venue staff made it a seamless experience to select vendors to bring our wedding plans to life.

A fresh blanket of snow coupled with a warm winter day made for the most beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and pictures. Neither of us can imagine a better wedding day!

VENUE The Loft at Studio J | DJ/ENTERTAINMENT Adagio Djay Entertainment | HARPIST Harp by Denise | FLORIST Abloom | BRIDE DRESS The Wedding Shoppe

PHOTOGRAPHY Skylar Rae Photography | MAKEUP Hey Girl Beauty Co | HAIR Sam McCabe | TUX Atmosfere | BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES Shop Revelry

WINTER Elopement Tips

By XSPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

STYLISH LAYERS

Find a flowy dress that allows leggings underneath, preferably nude, and some warm fuzzy boots big enough to fit over thick wool socks. Send your groom to Halberstadt’s and let the experts there layer him up in this unique and snazzy outfit (above). (I’m seriously in love with this look!) Hats, mittens and a jacket are a must and can easily be taken off during the photo shoot.

FLOWERS THAT LAST

1. 2. 3.

Fresh flowers don’t agree with freezing temps, but these beautiful dried flowers (above), created by Project Celebration right here in Minnesota, can outlast all of us. They also give an organic feel to the whole look, which I imagine the tough, outdoorsy couple willing to adventure out in the cold would be going for.

COZY ESSENTIALS

Don’t forget to keep your fingers and toes toasty and warm. Hand and foot warmers are practical tools to slip into your mittens and boots, but think about ways to add to the photos as well. Bring along a thermos filled with hot cocoa and some peppermint schnapps for a toast!

Winter can be a chilly time to elope, but look no further for some inspiration to make it happen, and happen beautifully! These winter elopement tips and inspiration will help make your day seem as sweet and warm as the feelings churning inside you right now.

BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

Winter has a calming presence. It seems to be the time of year when everyone works at a slower pace, allowing us the opportunity to pause and reflect on life and, yes, love. If you choose this magical time of year to exchange vows, don’t let a little chill in the air steal all your fun!

PLANNING, PHOTO AND VIDEO Xsperience Photography

VENUE Rice Creek Weddings, Little Falls, MN

OFFICIANT Liz Reis-Merten, available within U.S.

FLOWERS Project Celebration

HAIR PIECE Green Alaska

SUIT Halberstadt’s, Crossroads Mall in St. Cloud, MN

DRESS Lulus

CALLIGRAPHY VOWS Tiger Lily Invitations

HAIR AND MAKEUP Nikki Popp, Royalton

MINNESOTA MODELS Jenna Klein & Kyle Boser

OFFICIANT JOURNAL Rustic Journals, Etsy

HEAT UP THE SPACE

Plan to keep yourselves and your guests comfortable by renting one or two outdoor heating elements to warm up. A campfire in a firepit or electric patio heaters are easy options that won’t take away from the ambiance.

EXPERT PLANNING

4. 5. 6.

Don’t hesitate to use professional planning services like those provided by Xsperience Photography to help you find the perfect location, whether it be a local destination in Minnesota or in the mountains somewhere out West.

A BREAK FROM THE COLD

Consider a place with indoor and outdoor options so that you and your guests can escape from the cold if needed, or maybe even snuggle up by the campfire after the sun sets. The mountains can be a bit trickier with unpredictable weather and unreliable driving conditions in the winter, but there are some pretty amazing Airbnb options and lodges with views right off the deck if travel is limited.

WHITNEY HEIDI & a

love story

Heidi: “I grew up in a small town in westcentral Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities for college. I had been accepted as a walk-on on the Gopher softball team, and after a few years of playing, I had the pleasure of meeting Whitney when she joined our team before my senior year. We met late summer of 2009 when I was hanging at my teammate’s apartment. We were waiting for the arrival of the ‘new transfer’ who would be living with them for the year. I will never forget the first day we met; I knew there was something special about her, even before we met, because her name on the ‘new players’ list always stuck out to me. It was definitely a sign.”

Whitney: “We immediately clicked — on and off the field — and I found myself always wanting to be around her. The more time we spent together, the more I started to realize my feelings were more than just friends. By the end of that first semester, I knew I wanted to date her. She was kind, compassionate, funny and athletic, and shared similar interests as me — and I could tell

that our values and morals aligned, which was important to me. We spent a lot of time together that semester — and I vividly remember her driving me to the airport to go home to California for Christmas break. I was hoping she’d FINALLY make a move and just kiss me already … she didn’t. I told her she was a chicken — she told me I could have made the first move. But we went on to spend all Christmas break talking to each other, and by the end of the next semester, we were officially dating. Heidi hates this, but I practically forced her to properly ask me out. She was so cute and actually planned a date for us and ‘officially’ asked me out on May 16, 2010.

“I’d like to say the rest is history, but life changes when you get out of college. After I finished graduate school in May 2011, I accepted a job with PepsiCo and had to move to Southern California. By this time, I was already in love with her, so it was excruciating to move across the country and be apart. We tried long distance for 10 months and it really took a toll on me. I knew I couldn’t leave California at that time if I wanted to continue building my career, but it was also creating a lot of tension in our relationship. I knew something had to change. I didn’t want

to make Heidi choose between me and her life in Minnesota, so as much as I didn’t want to, I told her we should break up.”

Heidi: “This is the moment I knew I absolutely loved her and I was going to do whatever it took to keep us going. I quit my job, got another job set up in California, packed my tiny car and drove 30 hours across the country to be with her and save what we had created. She was my person and I could not let distance destroy what we had.”

Whitney: “For the next four or so years, she took different jobs in Southern California and Chicago to support me in building my career. I was in a rotational program where I had to move based on where the opportunities were for the first four to five years, so we had agreed that once I finished that program, I’d do what I could to move us back to Minnesota so she could pursue her lifelong dream of going to nursing school. Thankfully, in 2015, that happened: I secured a job in Minnesota that allowed me to move us back and support her.

“Throughout the years, Heidi and I have been able to experience so many incredible things together:

We’ve traveled the world together (and can’t wait to continue doing so, hopefully soon!). We’ve purchased our first and second homes together We’ve navigated cross-country moves, new degrees and several job changes. We’ve celebrated big moments — and we’ve been there for each other in times of sorrow. We’ve grown our family by adding our two dogs, Fozzie and Fletcher. We’ve made new friends and experienced the loss of old friends

“But through all of these life events, one thing has remained consistent — and that’s that Heidi and I remain a team. We don’t always agree — we fight just like the next couple — but we love each other deeply and we genuinely want to support each other’s dreams. To this day, seeing Heidi graduate with her nursing degree is one of my happiest moments — because it was a moment where she achieved a dream, and I got to support her in that endeavor and be a part of her journey.”

whitney + heidi

PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Theisen of Lite Creatives | MINI RECEPTION VENUE Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery

FLORIST MinneSola Designs | WHITNEY’S DRESS BHLDN | HEIDI’S SUIT Indochino | RINGS Brilliant Earth | CAKE/DESSERT Dorothy Ann Bakery HAIR SM Hair & Makeup (Megan) | MAKEUP SM Hair & Makeup (Sarah) | BUS Renee’s Limousines

After nearly 10 years together, Heidi asked Whitney to marry her and their wedding planning commenced.

They hosted their small wedding in the beautiful scenic backyard of their new home, hand-making their wedding arch and many other décor elements.

Heidi: “It was a beautiful ceremony led by our good friend Justin. The weather was absolutely perfect (I mean, who doesn’t want 70s and sunny with no wind on their wedding day?). After our ceremony, we had a light lunch and then took our small group to a local winery/ brewery. We had dinner and drinks there, and just hung out outside for the rest of the evening. At the end of the night, we all took the transportation back to our house (rocked out to music the whole way back), and hung out at our house for the rest of the night.

“Considering we finalized the entire day just two weeks before our wedding, we are still amazed with how perfectly it turned out. It was intimate and special — and we were elated to share in the moment at that time. Especially after all the stress of replanning and adjusting, it felt great to just relax and enjoy each other in the company of some of our closest friends.” ♡

Adventure Elopements

Why Planning a Two-Day Elopement Is So Awesome

By NARROWLEAF PHOTOGRAPHY

Elopements are intimate, intentional and freakin’ EPIC! They are absolutely NOT about running away from family and eloping in a shameful or selfish way. Quite the opposite, actually.

Often elopements have guests too! They are just smaller, more intimate celebrations that bring a wedding day back to simply you and your partner celebrating a commitment to each other in a way that 100% reflects YOUR relationship. It is a celebration of two people, versus two people hosting a ballroom full of guests.

We love when couples plan an epic two-day elopement experience, and we’re here to tell you why you should too!

You can fully immerse yourself in the experience. When you choose to plan a two-day elopement, you have a much better chance of fully experiencing the place you are eloping in. If you have a long list of things you want to do and places you want to see on your wedding day, traveling from place to place takes time, whether you are on foot or in a vehicle. Not to mention that if you want really epic photographic images to go with your truly badass day, you are going to want to plan all your “important stuff” (i.e., ceremony, portraits of the couple, favorite activities) for either sunrise or sunset, to take advantage of the best light. While I can easily photograph at any time of the day and produce high-quality images, there really is no comparison to good-quality lighting — it sets the mood of an image. If it’s a super-clear sunrise with huge rays backlighting you, the images will feel warm, romantic and bright. So having two days to plan around can make doing all the things in the best lighting much more plausible without having to literally get up before the sun rises and end your coverage after the sun sets.

You get to have a totally chill experience, with ample time to slow down, soak it all in and truly enjoy your day. Plus do all the cool stuff you wanna do! Trust me, you are going to want to give yourselves time to process and feel every moment instead of cramming all the things into one huge itinerary — I mean, a major benefit of eloping is that you don’t have to stress or follow a specific timeline, right? Breaking it all up over two days is the perfect solution.

You have an easy badweather backup plan.

Anyone who plans an outdoor event knows one of the biggest questions is “What will we do if it rains or storms and we can’t safely be outdoors?” If the original plan was holding the ceremony on day one and the climbing adventure on day two, and there is a safety warning for day one, we can flipflop them and do the ceremony on day two, with day one being the adventure, and then switch gears to either indoor climbing instead or something completely different, like a stormy sightseeing adventure.

You don’t have to compromise on adventure. Say you want to have some family and friends support you while you say your vows to each other. Maybe you need something easily accessible for your grandparents, but you also really want to hike somewhere secluded with a 360-degree view of mountains. Oh, and you really want to kayak in your wedding clothes on an alpine lake. This is all absolutely possible! You can do day one with your family in a beautiful setting that’s accessible to everyone. Then day two is all about the two of you on your first big adventure as a married couple! There’s no need to give up the adventure when you have two days.

You get to choose your adventure.

What if you are having no guests? What do you do then? Now the true adventure planning begins. You could do a full two-day glacier trek/climbing adventure with a guide, camping out on the ice. Or a two-day backpacking adventure somewhere deep in the wilderness to a spot that feels completely yours. Or even day one is your wedding celebration and day two is your honeymoon adventure! The possibilities are truly endless.

Wisconsin

Hiking

Backpacking

Kayaking

Canoeing

Paddle boarding

Pack rafting

Whitewater rafting

Climbing

Ice climbing

Glacier trekking

Snowshoeing

Skiing

Snowboarding

Hot-air ballooning

Heli hike + tour

Jeep, ATV, UTV tour

Biking

Check Colorado

Camping

Bonfire

Hot springs

Sightseeing

Cliff jumping

Swimming

Fishing

Train

Chair lift

Boat excursion

Hammock hang

Stargazing

Horseback riding

Picnicking

WHAT MAKES A WEDDING unforgettable?

Breathtaking scenery? A distinct venue?

Luxurious lodging? Award-winning cuisine? At Grand View Lodge, you can have it all. We offer a variety of unique venue options on beautiful Gull Lake to suit weddings of any size. Indoor, outdoor, with a lake view or in a charming chapel, the choice is yours.

With two championship golf courses, a world-class spa, deluxe lodging, 3,000 feet of shoreline and several renowned dining venues, your guests will be having the time of their lives as you celebrate with them.

We’ll make sure your wedding flows seamlessly from check-in to catering, entertainment and more, to meet your needs so you can focus on making memories that last a lifetime with your loved ones and friends.

Imagine the joy you’ll experience starting your lifetime of memories with your new spouse at Minnesota’s best resort wedding venue, surrounded by those you care about most and the peaceful north woods.

Choose a venue that provides you with peace of mind and the ability to have it all.

That’s Grand View Lodge, where you’ll find the best of everything, including yourself.