Meaningful Memories
Wayzata wedding is wrapped in a couple’s classic aesthetic—with a bow
YEARS Est. 1951
Locally & Family Owned Since 1951 50th & France
◆
Highland Park
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RFMoeller.com
rose A
STORY
We work with Len Busch Roses to bring in these fresh blooms from Tessa, a globally recognized Ecuadorian grower cultivating more than 100 premium rose varieties. Along with unmatched color, size, fragrance and longevity, each rose is grown sustainably using irrigation systems designed to optimize water use and minimize waste. A single rose can speak volumes. Imagine the impact of a dozen or more. Find them at all of our markets.
1 1 T W I N C I T I E S L O C AT I O N S • K O W A L S K I S . C O M
MN LIC. BC627402 7 7402
CUSTOM HOMES | RENOVATIONS
MN LIC. BC627402
EXCELSIOR | 361 MORSE AVE
952.999.7739 | IspiriOntheLakes.com
STARTS & FINISHES — IN HISTORIC —
EXCELSIOR MINNESOTA
BRINGING A PIECE OF HISTORY BACK TO THE LAKE... AGAIN!
FEBRUARY 14, 2026 Original artwork from the 1973 Excelsior Derby Days, artist unknown
FRE E
ENT! V E
RACE DAY EVENTS 8 AM–6 PM | SHUTTLE SERVICE
10 AM | RACE START
WESTWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH Shuttles will be running from Westwood Community Church to the corner of Water Street and George Street throughout the day until 6 PM! Excelsior Shuttle Drop-Off/Pick-Up: George Street under the Oppidan sign
WATER STREET, EXCELSIOR Get ready to watch 35 teams of excited huskies tear down Water Street in Excelsior! Cheer on the mushers and their dogs (but be sure to leave your own canine companions at home; see our Pet Policies on our website). Race viewpoints will be on Water Street from 3rd Street down to the Port.
8:30 AM–4:30 PM | KLONDIKE VILLAGE 2ND STREET, EXCELSIOR Front row viewing! Beverages, bonfires and more! Race Info & Official Klondike Merch
8:30 AM–4:30 PM | THE MARKET
((APPROX)) | RACE VIEWING 10 AM–4:30 PM (APPROX
10 WATER STREET, EXCELSIOR Local vendors will share a variety of wares.
9 AM | MUSHER RACE PREP EAST PARKING LOT, EXCELSIOR Visit the “pit” and watch the mushers and their dogs as they get ready to hit the trail. Observe race preparation, mandatory “bag checks” where required gear is accounted for, and then witness the dogs getting harnessed and hooked up to run! Remember to always ask the mushers if it’s okay for you to pet their dogs (pre-race jitters!).
9:30 AM | OPENING CEREMONY WATER STREET, EXCELSIOR Celebrate bringing a piece of history back to Lake Minnetonka! Watch the Trail Crew head out, join in the national anthem, and listen to opening remarks.
KLONDIKEDOGDERBY.COM
New this year: Ralph’s Run! The 2026 Klondike lead team will be mushed by Ralph DeQuebec, a double amputee wounded veteran and two-time Paralympic Sled Hockey gold medalist. More about Ralph DeQuebec at klondikedogderby.com/ralphsrun
AROUND LOWER LAKE MINNETONKA Watch the sled dog teams along the 40-mile course as they race around lower Lake Minnetonka. Enjoy local retail, restaurants, Klondike Village and Market! Final trail route will be posted closer to race weekend. Please be mindful of private property!
11 AM–3 PM | DOG SLED RIDES EXCELSIOR COMMONS Take the kids (or yourself!) on a real dog sled ride around the Historic Excelsior Commons. Pre-sale tickets only at klondikedogderby.com ((APPROX)) | RACE FINISH 12 PM–5 PM (APPROX
WATER STREET, EXCELSIOR Cheer on the teams as they race back up Water Street and cross the finish line!
RACE DAY SCHEDULE AS OF PRINTING FOR UP-TO-DATE DETAILS, SCAN HERE
Lead Dog and higher sponsors at the time of printing. ©2026 Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
CONTENTS 12 The Perfect Palette Paint My Wedding Day creates a unique, colorful memory of special celebrations.
14 Two to Tango From ballrooms to classrooms, instructor helps couples perfect the dip and dazzle.
16 Signed, Sealed, Delivered Epitome Papers turns celebration stationery into a fully custom experience.
18 Something Blu Couple ties the knot with a vintage bridal gown, frozen custard and their pooch.
24 Meaningful Memories Wayzata wedding is wrapped in a couple’s classic aesthetic —with a bow.
35 Top Tier Baker creates gourmet cakes that defy expectations— and sometimes gravity. Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance
Photo: Zoe Yates Photo
8 10 38 40
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lakeminnetonkamag.com
5875 Highway 25, Mayer $3,900,000
5470 Carrie Lane, Shorewood $1,299,000
5150 Meadville Street, Greenwood $5,999,000
20390 Linwood Road, Deephaven $2,299,000
• Top Lake Minnetonka–Excelsior realtor with 20+ years of experience • Specialist in listing strategy, staging, relocation, and lake homes • National top 1% Coldwell Banker realtor with concierge-level service
KR IST I W E IN STO C K
Something Blu, page 18
REALTOR® C. 612.309.8332 kdweinstock@cbrealty.com weinstockgroup.com
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2025 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 25ZEF0_CBR_1/25
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F R O M T H E E D I TO R
Even after all these years, the moment is saved in my heart. As I stood that afternoon at the bottom of the church stairs, leading up to the narthex, I told myself to be in the moment. Release the nerves; let in the joy. And walk. Just walk up those stairs, take my father’s arm and go up the aisle to my future husband who was waiting for me—and our new beginning—at the altar. I listened to myself and took it all in: the look on my father’s face as he escorted his fifth daughter up the aisle; the rows of beloved guests there to witness our vows; my childhood church decorated with bouquets of white tulips and a Claddagh banner, blending our Dutch and Irish heritages; and my groom, looking properly handsome (and shyly nervous) in his tailcoat tuxedo. There were other memorable moments from our beautiful April wedding day, and I’m grateful that we had the foresight to capture those in our memory banks to replay over the years. And now, I love hearing how other couples create their own memory photo albums of their special day. Lilli and Kieran Knightly recall their most treasured moment of their Wayzata wedding. Their wish to spend some time alone between the ceremony and reception speaks to their desire to make their celebration uniquely their own. While no two weddings are the same, our other featured couple shares something in common with the Knightlys. The St. Peters were whisked away after their vows for a few quiet moments. And each wedding was guided by special, familial officiants. Curious? Visit pages 18 and 24 to peek into our featured celebrations. Readers, I hope you find inspiration and joy within our annual wedding issue. And it’s never too early to extend a “save-the-date” message. Watch for details coming soon about when and how you can submit weddings for consideration for our February 2027 wedding issue. Until next month,
Renée Stewa r t- He s te r renee@localmedia.co
Best of Lake Minnetonka We moved! Welcome, Readers, to the annual Best of Lake Minnetonka readers’ choice poll’s new February home! While the voting month has changed, we continue to celebrate life in and around your community. And isn’t the month of love the best way to show support and appreciation for local businesses, service providers and much more? Our contest is live now the entire month of February at lakeminnetonkamag.com, where you can vote for your “best of the best” in a number of categories. Many of your favorite selections return for another year, and our Editorial Team has included a few more categories, including our special wedding section. Now’s your chance! We’ll meet you at lakeminnetonkamag.com where you’ll find additional voting details and view our updated, voter-friendly ballot.
On th e Cove r: Meaningful Memories, page 24 Ph oto by : Anna Ko Photography
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Photo: Chris Emeott
C E L E B R AT I N G T H E L A K E M I N N E T O N K A A R E A S I N C E 2 0 0 5 .
Find us o nl in e: Lake Minnetonka Magazine @lakeminnetonkamag @lmtkmag
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VOL. 20 NO. 10 February 2026
PUBLISHER Susan Isay EDITOR Renée Stewart-Hester MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Stewart-Hester MANAGING EDITOR Hailey Almsted DIGITAL EDITOR Madeline Kopiecki COPY EDITORS Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt STAFF WRITERS Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Jennifer Pitterle, Alexandra Tostrud and Paige Udermann CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andrew Akhaphong, Hollie Blanchard, Emily Carriveau, Alison Feik, Stephanie Herrick, Jessica Hilde, Lynette Kalsnes, Emily Maxson, Spencer Olson, Rima Parikh, Molly Rivard, Raela Schoenherr, Lisa Stevens, Katie Tomsche and Mariah Wise DIGITAL INTERN Claire Krieger EDITORIAL INTERNS Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Mary Cornelius, Minnetonka Schools; David Decker, House Novel; Sue Gartner, Crown Warehouse & Delivery Service; Kelly Olsen, Olsen Global; Michele Phillips, blogger, writer and photographer; Anna Skemp, Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce; and Amanda Zielike, House Novel SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Sarah Dovolos ART DIRECTOR Allison Nolden ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Jamie Klang GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yaz Lo LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Emeott PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Brittni Dye PRODUCTION MANAGER Lisa Stone PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mimi Coz SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann
PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson To subscribe to Lake Minnetonka Magazine, please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2026. All rights reserved.
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N OT E WO RT H Y
Showered in Flavor Who says cake can only make an appearance at the wedding reception? Fresh lemon and almond flavoring marry to create this heavenly cake, which is rich, dense and amazingly light. With simplicity and beauty, it’s perfect to serve at an engagement party or wedding shower celebration. Lemon-Almond Ricotta Cake » ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature » 1 cup granulated sugar » 2 Tbsp. lemon zest » 3 large eggs » 1 tsp. almond extract » 15 oz. whole milk ricotta » 1 ⅓ cups unbleached all-purpose flour » 2 tsp. baking powder » ½ tsp. salt » fresh raspberries, for topping For the glaze: » 2 cups powdered sugar » 3 Tbsp. lemon juice » 2–3 Tbsp. milk Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com for the complete recipe.
Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.
While the title and book cover suggest lighthearted reading, Cara Bastone’s romance novel is beautifully written with plenty of emotional depth about friendship, family, becoming a parent, growing up and embracing change. When a 20-something woman finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, every relationship in her life begins shifting in ways she never expected, and she must come to terms with
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what her life will look like with a child in it. Bastone wrote this novel while she was expecting, and all the emotions of that moment in time come to life in ways that will leave readers laughing, crying and falling in love alongside and with her heroine.
Raela Schoenherr works in marketing at a publishing company and is a lifelong lover of books and reading.
Photo: Lunds & Byerlys
Ready or Not
Hannah and Brady Rein
Minor Emergencies, Big Solutions Accidental spills, dress snags, lipstick smudges, unwanted headaches—the list of potential wedding day kerfuffles goes on. Whether before or during the festivities, a well-stocked emergency kit can answer most SOS calls. Consider it a Mary Poppins bag filled with items needed for most types of mishaps. Here are some items to consider. —Hailey Almsted
» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »
Photo: Riley Rae Photography
A Solid Foundation Talking about money isn’t always easy, especially when a couple is juggling the excitement and expenses of planning a wedding. Hannah and Brady Rein understand it all too well. The accountantsby-day created Financially Engaged, a platform designed to help partners, including those in this area, navigate financial conversations. “Life experiences lead to how you see money as an adult,” Hannah says. “I think it’s really tricky for couples to get married
lakeminnetonkamag.com
and suddenly have to combine finances and money strategies. It’s just the perfect environment to create tension and make it difficult for people. So that’s why we have really honed into this audience and niche because it’s such a common struggle we see across so many different couples.” Through financiallyengaged.com and social media, the Reins share approachable and real-world advice about budgeting for weddings, investing, merging finances and paying off debt. —Avery Vrieze
» » » » » » » » » » » » »
Bobby pins Breath mints Cotton rounds or swabs Dental floss Deodorant Dry shampoo Eyelash glue Fashion tape First-aid kit (including bandages and blister balm) Hairspray Hair ties Jewelry cleaner Lint roller Lotiona Makeup wipes Medications (including allergy medicine, antacids and pain relievers) Menstrual products Mini sewing kit Nail clippers Nail glue Oil blotting sheets Portable phone charger Safety pins Scissors Stain remover Static guard Sunscreen Super glue Tweezers
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The Perfect Palette Paint My Wedding Day creates a unique, colorful memory of special celebrations.
Wedding days can be memorialized in countless ways, but paintings created on site have exploded in popularity as a unique way to commemorate the momentous life event. Leanne Larson, a Minnesota painter and founder of Paint My Wedding Day (PMWD), has captured couples’ special occasions for 15 years, including several in the Lake Minnetonka area. PMWD offers more than a finished work of art; guests can observe much of the painting’s progress in real time throughout the day and evening, and Larson becomes part of the occasion as an entertainment component as well as an artist. PMWD offers several packages, including the popular traditional and luxe portrait 12
collections. The traditional collection offers an oil painting of the ceremony, reception or cocktail hour on an 18-inch by 24-inch linen canvas in Larson’s trademark impressionistic style. The luxe collection additionally sharpens the features of the couple. The storytelling collection highlights special moments throughout the day on the same canvas in a cohesive narrative. “What I love about it is I can capture so much more than just their ceremony,” Larson says. “I can capture their first look. I can capture putting an earring on in the dressing room in the morning or all the way through to their dance or a cake cutting or a Champagne pour.” Caroline Byrd and Ryan Riebling chose PMWD because of Larson’s impressionistic
style for their reception on the shores of Lake Minnetonka at Caroline’s parents’ house, receiving the traditional package from Caroline’s mother, Joyce Byrd. Because the couple’s reception was separate from the ceremony, they wanted a final product that not only focused on them but captured the essence of the entire night in a single image. One element of the painting Caroline fondly recalls is the subtle tribute to her late father, David Byrd, which Larson suggested, with references to him in the constellations. “Her warm, energetic [personality] is part of the business,” Caroline says. “She’s just so easy to talk to … She was part of the atmosphere and environment and was chatting with people, and I think that played into what lakeminnetonkamag.com
Photos: Paint My Wedding Day; Ellen Gustafson Photography
By Alexandra Tostrud
Left: Painter Leanne Larson ensures wedding celebrations are beautifully reflected through her art. Right: Caroline Byrd and Ryan Riebling hired Paint My Wedding Day to capture memories of their Lake Minnetonka reception.
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we got out of it. You could tell she understood and knew what we were looking for.” Larson started her painting experience in 2010 after giving one as a gift to a friend. Today, though she’s painted upward of 72 weddings in a year, she focuses more on client experience than the number of bookings, averaging around 50. “I love to hop on a call with them right away,” she says. “I love to hear their vision. My biggest thing is I want to hear their story. I just think that really builds trust, and I’m a big part of that day. I am right there; I’m capturing all these moments.”
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Paint My Wedding Day paintmyweddingday.com @paintmyweddingday
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From ballrooms to classrooms, instructor helps couples perfect the dip and dazzle. By Mollee Francisco
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If anyone knows their way around a dance floor, it’s Monica Mohn. “I’m a performer at heart,” she says. The three-time USA Dance National Champion for ballroom dance has been dancing since grade school, and after a storied career as a competitive ballroom dancer, Mohn is dedicated to sharing her passion with others. “I want to take everything I learned and give back,” she says. Mohn competed in ballroom dance from the late 1980s into the early 2000s. After achieving her goals, including winning several national titles in nine dance styles, her favorite being the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers style of American Smooth, Mohn set
her sights on the next generation of dancers. “I volunteered with USA Dance to promote social dancing, and, watching the younger people, I realized I wanted to teach,” she says. For two decades, Mohn has offered classes, including couples and social dancing; foxtrot; line dancing; mambo; merengue; salsa; swing; tango; and waltz, for example. “Each dance has its own personality,” she says. “The waltz is romantic, Latin is sexy and jazz is flirty.” Mohn teaches dance classes through community education programs all around the Metro, including Minnetonka Community Education. “Watching people discover the joy of dance is amazing,” she says. “Hopefully, it lakeminnetonkamag.com
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Two to Tango
51 Years of Building Success: Consistent, Reliable, Exceptional
“There’s nothing like having the person you love in your arms and moving as one.” Monica Mohn, dance instructor
will stay with them for the rest of their lives.” One of her most popular offerings is a twohour Wedding Dance Workshop for couples. Mohn says the theme is: It’s not too late to look great, and the class is designed to build confidence. “We want to get them comfortable moving together as a couple,” she says. “I help them pick up a few moves, so it’s not just doing the swing-and-sway,” she says. “I teach them how to walk out on the floor, do a couple of moves and a dip. Nothing too complicated. No Dirty Dancing-style lifts. “If this is their first contact with a dance class, I want to give them the best experience they can have,” she says. “I want them to believe they can dance.” Mohn firmly feels that anyone can dance. “If you can walk, you can dance,” she says. Mohn can help couples choose the dance style that will best complement their first dance song and, in some cases, their wedding attire. “We want to make sure we choose what’s going to work for the dress,” she says. It’s all about being comfortable. Mohn says, “If I can get them comfortable, resistance goes away and we can dance.” Some of that comfort comes from practicing open communication—a lesson that applies well beyond the dance floor. “A lot of times, in the end, they’re laughing together, and that’s great,” Mohn says. For those interested in trying out the workshop, Mohn’s advice is simple. “Come in with an open mind, and don’t be afraid,” she says. “Look at the first dance as a joyful experience.” Monica Mohn monicamohn.com
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Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos courtesy of Epitome Papers
Signed, Sealed, Delivered Epitome Papers turns celebration stationery into a fully custom experience.
For couples planning their big day, the first glimpse for guests of what’s to come is often tucked inside an envelope. At Epitome Papers, a stationery studio owned by Evelyn Meuwissen, that first impression is an important reflection of the couple’s story. “We are a fully custom stationery service,” Meuwissen says. “We work with our clients on what story they want to tell through their wedding stationery. We pick color themes, patterns and illustrations that best convey what their event is going to be about.” Each piece—save-the-dates, invitations, menus, place cards, signage and thank you notes—is designed in-house. Meuwissen and her co-designer, Shannon Crissey, use intricately shaped paper cuttings, interesting fonts and even hand-drawn illustrations, often of a couple’s home or wedding venue. Their suites have included dark and moody celestialinspired themes; preppy ombré blue for a wedding at the Lafayette Club; and save-the-dates that looked like retro boarding passes for a Mexican destination wedding. “You’re getting our artwork made completely by us,” Meuwissen says. Epitome also has access to a breadth of custom materials. “We’re able to deep dive and find what you want, like leather or a specific paper texture. We can make that happen.” That bespoke approach continues long after the design is chosen. “We’re spell checking, we’re alphabetizing your place cards for you and we’re making sure dates are spelled properly on your guest addressing list,” Meuwissen says. For most wedding couples, the design process starts with a phone conversation with Meuwissen to discuss the budget, ideas and timeline. Then, she lets them get their hands on some paper. “We either schedule a Zoom meeting and I mail samples, so they can feel the papers and textures, or we meet in person to build an invitation.” Every wedding paper suite is an opportunity for imagination. Meuwissen remembers a favorite design she did for escort cards. “It was three golden metal trees on platforms, and I hung the escort Epitome Papers
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cards from gold ribbon, so they looked like the leaves of the tree,” she says. Other unforgettable projects included sending color specs to a drone specialist, so they could match the wedding fireworks show exactly to the invitation colors. Another time, the wedding baker turned the couple’s invitation monogram into a cookie design. Meuwissen suggests thinking beyond the obvious. “When you’re walking through the venue, think about what would help your guests have the best experience,” she says. “You don’t have to have large signs—just little 5-by-7 [inch] directional signage that helps guide people. Place cards don’t have to be a folded piece of paper. You can make that more elevated—on the menu with a wax seal or something with a tassel.” Illustrations also offer an opportunity for something deeply personal. “I have been getting a lot more people wanting their houses illustrated. It’s really nice because then they have it as a framed piece afterward. And animals are always fun—two years ago, we got to draw llamas that were coming to the wedding. We’re always managing to draw people’s pets,” Meuwissen says. When it comes to materials, Meuwissen loves texture and variety, and she’s noticed a trend toward fabrics and vellum. “People have been using bright colors for vellum that wraps around the invitation, so it’s almost like opening a window to the invitation,” she says. And while every couple’s timeline is different, Meuwissen has a few guidelines. “If a lot of people are flying in or it’s a destination wedding, you want to send save-the-dates at least a year to 10 months before your wedding,” she says. Mail formal invitations 10 to 14 weeks before the big day. (And remember, the more complicated you make the envelope, the longer it will take to arrive.) The Epitome team can take care of addressing, adhering postage and mailing if a couple requests it. For those interested in using calligraphy to address invitations and more, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com to learn about local classes.
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@epitomepapers
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Something Blu Couple ties the knot with a vintage bridal gown, frozen custard and their pooch. Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Zoe Yates Photo
When Sarah (née Kobelinski) and Adam St. Peter planned their July 2025 wedding, they kept a few keywords in mind: timeless, classic and full of joy. “We just wanted people to have fun,” Sarah says. Adam and Sarah first met in 2019 while watching a University of Minnesota Gopher hockey game with friends. But it took time for fate and love to catch up. In 2022, Adam recognized Sarah’s photo when they matched on a dating app. The rest is history and includes a shared love of dogs, travel and road-trip Culver’s stops. In 2024, during a vacation in Norway, Adam proposed. “We 18
did this 15-mile hike called Trolltunga. It’s this big rock that extends over a cliff with [Ringedalsvatnet lake] and mountains below,” Adam says. The couple who grew up in the Metro, live in St. Louis Park, and Sarah teaches kindergarten for Wayzata Public Schools. Their wedding, held at the historic St. Paul College Club, brought 140 guests together for a day that perfectly mirrored their personalities. Sarah’s wedding dress reflected the couple’s focus on family and tradition. Her mother’s gown, from 1975, had been stored in a closet when Sarah decided to take a peek and try it on. “It fit me
Creating a wedding day that purely tells the story of a couple and illustrates what’s important to them is the first step in planning a memorable celebration. The historical St. Paul College Club was the ideal venue for Sarah and Adam St. Peter’s summer wedding. Perhaps, one of the most important guests was Blu, the couple’s beloved dog.
lakeminnetonkamag.com
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perfectly,” she says. She decided to redesign the gown with the help of a local alterations shop for her own modern wedding—made extra special because her parents celebrated their 50th anniversary in September. The couple describes their wedding aesthetic as “timeless and classic,” with lots of white and cream accented by shades of blue— a nod to their beloved dog, Blu, who was on hand to take part in the festivities. The food, décor and music struck a balance between formal and relaxed. “We wanted it to feel like a black-tie experience without it being black tie,” Adam says. The century-old mansion on Summit Avenue offered an elegant setting. Their ceremony, officiated by Sarah’s brother, Michael Kobelinski, took place in the back garden. After the ceremony, servers passed
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Champagne and hors d’oeuvres while guests mingled on the lawn before dinner inside the stately mansion. Dinner featured an elegant menu of short ribs or chicken with roasted potatoes and green beans, along with signature cocktails: a Whiskey Ginger for Adam, a Hugo Spritz for Sarah and a Cherry Mocktail in honor of Blu. Then came a sweet surprise for guests that felt distinctly “Adam and Sarah.” “We had Culver’s cater their custard as dessert,” Adam says. The frozen treat was served, complete with toppings, during a dedicated dessert hour in the mansion gardens and also featured a traditional wedding cake from Buttercream Cakes. Music also played a significant role in the St. Peters’ celebration. The couple’s first dance was choreographed to a song by Big
Timeless. Classic. Joy. These keywords framed the way in which Sarah and Adam St. Peter planned their July 2025 wedding. “We just wanted people to have fun,” Sarah says. And if the photos are any indication, they succeeded in celebrating their nuptials exactly the way they intended.
lakeminnetonkamag.com
Wild, an artist they’d seen in concert. Later, the Bluewater Kings Band filled the mansion with energy and dancing. For their last song, Pink Pony Club, Adam and a groomsman lifted Sarah onto their shoulders as guests cheered. “People were chanting my name. That really will be a memory I have forever,” Sarah says with a laugh. Other moments stand out too—the quiet ones. After their vows, the couple’s venue coordinator whisked them away for a few minutes of calm. “Fifteen minutes alone before dinner started,” Adam says. “Just to take a breath together.” Looking back, the newlyweds say the day captured everything they hoped for: a setting steeped in history, personal touches woven through every detail and a balance of elegance and ease.
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VENDORS Alterations: Amazing Alterations, amazingalterations.com Bartending: With a Twist, twistbartendingservice.com Beverages: 1st Grand Avenue Liquors, 1stgrandaveliquors.com Catering and Venue: St. Paul College Club, stpaulcollegeclub.com Dessert: Buttercream Cakes, buttercream.info; Culver’s, culvers.com Flowers: June & Jane Flower Co., juneandjaneflower.com Hair and Makeup: Spa Beauty Agency, spabeautyagency.com Music: Bluewater Kings Band, bluewaterkingsband.com Photography: Zoe Yates Photo, zoeyatesphoto.com Stationery: Minted, minted.com; Papier, papier.com Videography: Legacy Pictures, legacypicturesmn.com
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Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
6:00 pm Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel • The Depot The evening will include a silent auction, cocktail reception, dinner, program, live auction, Fund-a-Need and live entertainment. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: arcminnesota.org/2026-arc-gala-2/
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Written by Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Anna Ko Photography
MEANINGFUL MEMORIES Wayzata wedding is wrapped in a couple’s classic aesthetic—with a bow.
Lilli (née Krelitz) and Kieran Knightly had a few lake-life centric reasons for having their June wedding ceremony miles away from Hoboken, New Jersey, where they now call home. “We picked Lake Minnetonka and Wayzata because of our love of water activities, boating and lakes specifically,” says Lilli, formerly of Minnetonka. “I grew up on the water as did my whole family. CōV was the first restaurant I took Kieran [formerly of Chatham, New Jersey] when he came to Minnesota for the first time, so naturally, it would be where we had our first look before the ceremony.” Joining the couple, 110 guests gathered at The Hotel Landing in Wayzata, for the ceremony, held on the Great Lawn in front of the hotel—and steps away from Lake Minnetonka. The bride’s brother, Benjamin Krelitz, officiated, and the couple blended Jewish ceremony traditions with their “own personal spin,” Lilli says. A wedding day is filled with a bouquet of memorable moments with some standing alone, tucked into the couple’s hearts. Once the ceremony concluded, Lilli and Kieran took a unique opportunity to steal away for time alone. “The moment we loved the most was the break we had for just the
Bridesmaids were styled in long, black dresses of their choosing, and the bride gifted them with bow and pearl earrings, dovetailing with the (British brand) Jo Malone theme. In classic men’s fashion, the groom and groomsmen donned black tuxedos with black bow ties. The bride presented the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the couple, grandfather of the bride and the officiant with custom black, suede kippots with their initials embroidered in white.
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Top Left: A classic black and white color story was carried through the wedding wear, dessert and, as shown here, the invitation suite. Top Right: A three-tiered cake, constructed with two layers of vanilla cake with amaretto filling and a chocolate cake with Baileys Irish Cream filling, was elegantly created by Buttercream Cakes & Desserts of Wayzata. In addition, Knead My Bread, owned by the bride’s aunt Lori Krelitz, served beautiful cookies as a special gift to the couple. Bottom: With Lake Minnetonka as the only other guest, the bride and groom took a moment to themselves after the nuptials to toast their new beginning.
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two of us after the ceremony,” Lilli says. The couple were driven in the hotel’s luxury car to an intimate lakeside picnic for two with cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres and Champagne. “We practiced our first dance and just got to take a big deep breath together,” she says. The couple rejoined their guests for cocktails, including Dew Drop Margaritas and Classic Old Fashioneds. The cocktail hour featured Asiago Crusted Chicken Sorrentino Skewers; Watermelon on a Spoon; Fried Goat Cheese and Grilled Peaches; Sesame Ahi Tuna; and Mango and Avocado Crispy Wontons. For the reception in The Hotel Landing’s Wayzata Ballroom, guests were guided to designated tables, each with a smalll carafe, holding a single white rose, with a handwritten name card attached. The carafes were from the same restaurant depot company started by Lilli’s great-grandfather. “They were full of sand from [Hurricane] Katrina when we picked them up, so the fact they’ve survived is pretty incredible,” she says. As dinner service commenced, an amusebouche, courtesy of executive chef Jorge Cielo, was followed by Mixed Berry Salad with baby bib and romaine lettuce, watercress, shaved fennel berries, onion and Champagne vinaigrette. Entrees included Grilled Beef Tenderloin, joined by wild mushrooms, demi-glace, smashed baby red potatoes and grilled asparagus; Pan Fried Walleye was accompanied by lemon-caper beurre blanc, wild rice pilaf and charred broccolini; or Ricotta Gnocchi with butternut squash, Swiss chard and brown-butter sage. The personalized, curated spirit of the wedding wove its way through the evening and continued as Flower Power by Greta Van Fleet served as the soundtrack to the couple’s first dance. … As the days pass by my mind Are the wrong, the right, you are my sunshine And as the night begins to die We are the morning birds that sing against the sky. 27
Purchased in WONA NYC the bride wore a sheath wedding dress, designed by Eva Lendel, crafted from glossy satin fabric with a deep V and halter-style neckline with a backless design. The pièce de résistance might be the decorative train, which flowed from the neckline to the floor.
THE EARLY CHAPTERS Lilli and Kieran Knightly live in Hoboken, New Jersey, but their story began in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 2016, after spending a semester studying in Spain, Lilli returned to Wake Forest University, where Kieran was in his sophomore year. The duo crossed paths, dated for about eight years and were engaged over St. Patrick’s Day weekend 2024 in New York City. To start the week, Kieran arranged a manicure appointment for an unsuspecting Lilli. That Saturday, the couple went to meet friends for brunch, which was a ruse; Kieran had other plans. Future plans. “On the way down to the train, Kieran suggested we walk out to Pier 10 to look out on the city,” Lilli says. “As I was looking out, he got down on one knee and proposed.” A photographer was on hand to capture the moment, and Kieran also arranged an intimate engagement party with friends at an Irish pub later that evening to mark the occasion. “St. Patrick’s Day is my favorite holiday, and this was the best one ever,” Lilli says.
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VENDORS Day of Coordination Lasting Impressions Weddings lastingimpressionsweddings.com
Desserts Buttercream Cakes & Desserts buttercream.info Knead My Bread kneadmybread@gmail.com
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Photography Anna Ko Photography annakophoto.com
Transportation City View & White Knight Limousine Service awhiteknightlimo.com
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WEDDING COLLECTION
Exchange vows beneath a rustic pergola or inside a light-filled ceremony space, then celebrate on a charming patio and in a stunning reception hall. Crow River Winery hosts up to 400 guests, offers indoor and outdoor ceremonies, a full bar, breathtaking sunsets, elegant bridal suites and a dedicated team ensuring a seamless, unforgettable wedding experience. 14848 Highway 7, Hutchinson 320.587.2922 crowriverwinery.com @crowriverwinery
Say I do. Celebrate your happily-ever-after on the pristine shores of Minnesota’s Gull Lake. Our vow to you: stunning venues and views, luxury accommodations, savory cuisine, awardwinning amenities and forever memories.
23521 Nokomis Ave., Nisswa 800.368.1885 grandviewlodge.com @grand_viewlodge
Experience your special day aboard an Al & Alma’s luxury yacht on Lake Minnetonka, featuring stunning views, exceptional service and personalized planning for a truly unique and memorable celebration. 5201 Piper Road, Mound 952.472.3098 al-almas.com @al_and_almas
Celebrate your forever at Bearpath Golf and Country Club. Offering breathtaking views and a private experience, Bearpath Golf and Country Club is where timeless elegance meets personalized service. From saying “yes” to the last dance, our team is dedicated to making your dream wedding a reality. 18100 Bearpath Trail, Eden Prairie 952.975.5252 bearpathgolf.com/weddings @bearpathweddings
Would you like to advertise your brand in Lake Minnetonka Magazine’s 2027 Wedding Collection? Please contact hello@localmedia.co.
Celebrate at Crow River Winery with indoor and outdoor ceremonies, a stunning reception hall, full bar, elegant bridal suites and space for hosting up to 400 guests. 14848 Highway 7, Hutchinson 320.587.2922 crowriverwinery.com @crowriverwinery
At Wayzata Jewelers, your jewelry narrates your unique story. Whether envisioning a custom design, selecting an engagement ring or choosing wedding bands, we bring your vision to life with exceptional craftsmanship and care. 1250 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata 952.473.2131 wayzatajewelers.com @wayzatajewelers
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Written by Madeline Kopiecki Photos by Chris Emeott
TOP TIER Baker creates gourmet cakes that defy expectations—and sometimes gravity.
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
It’s architecture, it’s science and it’s eminently edible. When Altreisha Foster signed up for a cookie-making class in 2016, she had no idea where that creative outlet would lead her. “It was just something to keep me occupied,” Foster says. The public health practitioner was pregnant at the time and couldn’t travel for work. “I was always used to just going and going because I was always an overachiever at school,” she says. “I never really took the time to find out what hobbies I had outside of the scholastic part of my life.” But baking came easily to Foster, much to her and her family’s surprise. “My husband tells the kids all the time that he was the one who would make the box cake [for birthdays],” Foster says with a laugh. She began baking a variety of items, drawing inspiration from bakers on Instagram. Six months into posting her creations, ELLE reached out for an article about modern cakes. “I was like, ‘What?’ I just couldn’t understand,” Foster says. “I’m just fooling around here. It’s a hobby for me, and you’re interested in one of my cakes.” Although ELLE ultimately didn’t include her in the magazine article, Foster says this was when she thought she might be onto something, and Sugarspoon Desserts was born. lakeminnetonkamag.com lakeminnetonkamag.com
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will brighten and tone down purple
Page 35: Altreisha Foster takes great care to make each cake personal to her customers. Above: An area couple’s cake served as a particularly challenging but rewarding feat. The design consisted of six tiers of pillow replicas, stacked one on top of the other, each with its own cake flavor. “That, to me, was one of my favorite cakes to make because it actually tested me; I hand carved those pillows,” Altreisha Foster says. Right: A steady hand and creative mind result in beautiful cake creations by Altreisha Foster.
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Foster’s scientific background plays a key role in her wedding cake designs. “I’m very lean. I’m very neat. I’m very meticulous, and it’s all about science,” she says. This ethos comes to the fore when viewing the talented baker’s oeuvre, which contains architectural façades, intricate textures and towering tiers. But Foster’s modernist creations also required research in a new field. “I was self-taught for a long time and trying to figure out how people are holding these huge structures together,” she says. She turned to the instruction of bakeries, including Toronto’s LiMa Cakes and Australia’s Marina Machado Cakes, and flew as far as Switzerland to learn new cake styles and techniques. As the sole baker behind Sugarspoon Desserts, Foster accepts around two to three wedding cake commissions per month. Once a couple completes the inquiry form, she schedules a 30 minute call with them. “I want to learn about you,” Foster says. Some of the questions out of the gate include what drew the couple to her and which Sugarspoon creations called to them specifically, though Foster shies away from doing repeats. “I love to work with color, so once I understand who the couple is, I can make recommendations,” she says. If a client is inspired by a wedding cake, Foster asks for six to 10 more examples. “I want to get this person’s personality to see what types of cake that she likes,” she says. From there, Foster incorporates elements from each of the inspiration cakes to compose a sketch. “I would say nine out of 10 times, they go along with the sketch that I present to them as opposed to just doing someone else’s cake,” she says. But Foster is also familiar with one of her cakes serving as a major source of inspiration for couples. “My big break, I would say, came from when I did this seven-tiered cake for The Bachelorette a couple of years ago,” she says. The towering white cake was adorned with 200 red roses to commemorate the 200th episode of the TV show, which was filmed in Minneapolis during the 18th season. “[Clients] were bringing [me] this cake because it was on the television. It was everywhere,” Foster says. “I didn’t want lakeminnetonkamag.com
Photo: Sugarspoon Desserts
Quality & Craftsmanship You Can Count On. Serving Minneapolis & St. Paul for 40+ Years.
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to keep recreating that cake. For me, I had to be really persistent in trying to bring out the couple’s personality as opposed to this one trick.” Rather than being pigeonholed, Foster has continued to experiment and grow in her artistry, and her cakes have graced the dessert tables of couples across the Twin Cities. Event planner Ashley Mansy of Poppati Events is a frequent collaborator, bringing elaborate cake designs to Foster for her Lake Minnetonka area clients. For a recent Minnetonka wedding, Foster crafted over 50 delicate wafer roses, dusted in shades of pink and brown. “We had sugar sails that were wrapping this 36-inch cake, and it was just amazing,” Foster says. Sugarspoon Desserts sugarspoondesserts.com @sugarspoondesserts
Les Jones Roofing | 941 W 80th St, Bloomington, MN 55420 | lesjonesroofing.com
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O N T H E TOW N
LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE: LEAD DOG SPONSOR
Mush Magic Embrace winter adventure at the annual Klondike Dog Derby February 13 and 14 by participating in prerace events and cheering on world class mushers and dogs. The teams will race through the snowy streets and shores of Lake Minnetonka as part of the only professional dog sled race in North America taking place in a major metropolitan area. Free, family-friendly festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. February 13 in downtown Excelsior with Meet the Mushers and Hug-a-Husky events. The 40-mile race will commence at 10 a.m. February 14, and teams will trek from Water Street out along Lake Minnetonka. The first finisher is expected back on Water Street around 1:30 p.m. A two-day concert series, hosted by Maynards, will coincide with the race on February 13 and 14. The concerts will aid in fundrais38
ing for the sled dog race, which welcomes donations. Net profits are donated to the derby’s charity partners: Can-Do Canines, Cast Outdoor Adventures and the ICA Food Shelf. The event offers “a tribute to the history of sled dog racing in Excelsior and the Lake Minnetonka area,” which dates back to the Klondike Days of the 1930s, says Dale Kurscher, board member for the event. Past races have attracted 40,000 spectators, and the 2026 derby promises a community celebration and educational experience that Kurscher hopes will bring people together to support “the incredible athleticism and passion of sled dogs and mushers.” More information can be found on klondikedogderby.com. —Diane Meyer
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Photo: Kate Evans Photography
Gather with the community to experience a true winter extravaganza in the heart of Excelsior.
02.01
Kids’ Fest Celebrate free and family-friendly winter fun with arts and crafts, bonfires, dogsled rides, ice carving demonstrations, live music, s’mores and more. minnetonkamn.gov 02.07
Snowga Warm up from the inside out with outdoor yoga on the ice from 9 to 10 a.m. at Panoway on Wayzata Bay. Use this time to get warmed up for the Chilly Open.
chillyopen.wayzatawestmetrochamber.com 02.12
Excelsior Book Club Join the Excelsior Public Library’s open community discussion of The Names by Florence Knapp at 6:30 p.m. hclib.bibliocommons.com 02.13–02.22
Laughing Stock Follow the mayhem of a theater troupe intent on showing Dracula, Hamlet and Charley’s Aunt at the same time. Attend various showtimes at the Minnetonka Theatre at Minnetonka High School. minnetonkatheatre.com
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Support Blue Water Theatre Company at the performances of BFG, a whimsical tale by author Roald Dahl. bluewatertheatre.com 02.21
Hot Cocoa Stroll and Shop Spread the love and shop local on Excelsior’s Water Street. Enjoy hot cocoa and special treats from participating stores (time dependent on business operating hours). excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com
Experienced, affordable, happy-go-lucky licensed caregiver seeks an individual who needs overnight help. Male/female clients have included those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, end-stage cancer, Parkinson's, brain tumors and chemical addiction issues, Availability immediately between 7 PM - 7 AM, Monday-Sunday. Looking to help your mom, dad, aunt or uncle. © References available upon request.
Compiled by Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
Bob McNamara | PCA | GRI 612-207-5088 | McNamara@cbburnet.com
MACS
McNamara Assisted Care Services
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LAST GLANCE
When Lake Minnetonka offers a gorgeous wedding photo backdrop, the quintessential dip-kiss moment elevates to an entirely new level. Mycah Bain Photography captured the special moment for wedding couple Paige and Joe Slattery.
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With the ceremony at Orono’s Noerenberg Gardens, followed by a reception at 6Smtih’s rooftop in Wayzata— both along the lake—the couple fully embraced lake-life living in the most meaningful way. —Renée Stewart-Hester
lakeminnetonkamag.com
Photo: Mycah Bain Photography
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