Family Fusion Celebration, community and culture serve as this wedding’s guiding lights
YEARS Est. 1951
Locally & Family Owned Since 1951 50th & France
◆
Highland Park
◆
RFMoeller.com
AWAR D -W I N N I N G C U S T O M HO M E R E MO DE L I N G
763-373-7212
3620 Winnetka Ave. N Minneapolis, MN 55427 crystalkitchen.com
License #BC808602
1
CONTENTS 10 The Perfect Fit An expert shares how to find the suit that suits you.
12 Preserving Memories Take care of your wedding dress before, during and after the big day.
14 Family Fusion Celebration, community and culture serve as this couple’s guiding lights.
20 Special Edition A bridal couple keeps their guests front and center.
30 Top Tier Baker creates gourmet cakes that defy expectations— and sometimes gravity. Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance
Photo: Ceri McCaffrey Photography
4 8 37 40
2
plymouthmag.com
Special Edition, page 20
3
F R O M T H E E D I TO R
It was around 6 p.m. when the storm clouds rolled in. My brother’s wedding rehearsal was cut short as the first fat drops of rain began to fall, and we all scattered to bring the sound equipment and chairs back into Faith United Methodist Church in Waseca. We raced the clouds to Torey’s Restaurant & Bar in neighboring Owatonna. Cocktail hour at the rehearsal dinner was off to a dramatic start with sideways sheets of rain, black skies and the distant wail of a tornado siren. The last of the waterlogged stragglers arrived, and we sat down with weather radar pulled up on our phones. Then the power cut out. Over the next hour, one of the most striking things I remember is how calm my brother Ethan and soon-to-be sister-in-law Katie remained. While the storm raged on around us, the pair continued greeting new arrivals and joking with friends. They were each other’s ports in this storm. Their being together with family and friends was what mattered to them; plans going awry weren’t going to sway their outlook on the following day. As much as we can plan wedding details down to the minute, life has a way of throwing curveballs at us. I was reminded of this during my conversation with Quynh-Huong Van and Vikram Nagarajan (page 14). For her Vietnamese tea ceremony, Van had ordered a traditional áo nhễt bình that didn’t arrive in time. Luckily, a family member coming from Vietnam was able to bring one over from Ho Chi Minh City. “And then the sleeves were too long, and my mom had to cut [them] off the day before,” Van says. When her khăn đễng diadem turned out to be too large, a seamstress added two pads at the lastminute. “We had a lot of seamstresses who were performing miracles,” Nagarajan says. Emergencies happen, which is why it’s a good idea to plan ahead with managing editor Hailey Almsted’s wedding emergency kit (page 8), and check out a professional dry cleaner’s tips for last-second wedding dress stains (page 12). But it’s also important to keep the big picture in mind. The wind will calm down, and the power will come back on. What’s important is that we weather these storms with the people we care about. Until next time,
Madeline K o p ie c k i madeline@localmedia.co
Best of Plymouth We moved! Welcome, Readers, to the annual Best of Plymouth 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 plymouthmag.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 plymouthmag.com where you’ll find additional voting details and view our updated, voter-friendly ballot.
On th e Cove r: Quynh-Huong Van and Vikram Nagarajan, page 14 Ph oto by : Collette Rochell Photography
4
Photo: Chris Emeott
C E L E B R A T I N G T H E P LY M O U T H A R E A S I N C E 2 0 0 4 .
Fin d u s on lin e: Plymouth Magazine @plymouth_mag @plymouthmag
plymouthmag.com
Discover the best of living well at Discover the best of living well at Saint Therese of Corcoran, where Saint Therese of Corcoran, where connection, compassion and connection, compassion and community come first. With a peoplecommunity come first. With a peoplecentered approach to assisted living, centered approach to assisted living, every resident is truly seen, heard every resident is truly seen, heard and valued. Our personalized care and valued. Our personalized care plans are thoughtfully tailored to your plans are thoughtfully tailored to your unique needs, empowering you to live unique needs, empowering you to live an active, fulfilling life with the right an active, fulfilling life with the right level of daily support while preserving level of daily support while preserving the independence you treasure. the independence you treasure.
Weoffer: offer: We
Pastoral Care Pastoral Care Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Fitness & Wellness Fitness & Wellness Home Health Care Home Health Care Housekeeping & laundry Housekeeping & laundry services services
Wehave haveimmediate immediate We openingsfor forAssisted Assisted openings Living,contact contactus ustoday today Living, toschedule scheduleaatour! tour! to 612.249.1032 612.249.1032 SaintTherese.org/corcoran SaintTherese.org/corcoran Saint Therese of Corcoran Saint Therese of Corcoran 19800 79th Place 19800 79th Place Corcoran, MN 55340 Corcoran, MN 55340 SCAN FOR SCAN MOREFOR INFO MORE INFO
Continue your extraordinary journey at Saint Therese of Corcoran! Continue your extraordinary journey at Saint Therese of Corcoran!
5
VOL. 21 NO. 4 February/March 2026
PUBLISHER Susan Isay EDITOR Madeline Kopiecki 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 Ryan Barland, Emily Maxson, Ashley Meyers and Amy Sundet DIGITAL INTERN Claire Krieger EDITORIAL INTERNS Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Kelley Giancola, Interfaith Outreach; Meghan Milovich, blogger and fundraiser for Children’s Hospitals; Zach Nelson, Wayzata School District; Mark Poppendeck, Beez ‘N Treez Foundation; Brian Rosemeyer, City of Plymouth; and LuAnn Svendsen, Plymouth Reads chair and community volunteer 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 Plymouth 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.
6
plymouthmag.com
7
N OT E WO RT H Y
Bridging the Gap
Be Prepared for Wedding Day Emergencies Accidental spills, dress snags, lipstick smudges, unwanted headaches—the list of potential wedding emergencies goes on. That’s why an emergency kit is the frosting on the (wedding) cake. Consider it a Mary Poppins bag filled with items needed for any type of accident or emergency. Here are a few items to
» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »
» » » » » » » » » » » » »
8
Bobby pins Breath mints Cotton rounds or swabs Deodorant Dry shampoo Eyelash glue Fashion tape First-aid kit (including bandages and blister balm) Floss Hairspray Hair ties Jewelry cleaner Lotion Lint roller 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 stick Static guard Sunscreen Super glue Tweezers
Woodbury’s Quynh-Huong Van and Plymouth’s Vikram Nagarajan enlisted the help of event planner Reena Maheshwari of Kahani Events & Design to help them plan their wedding ceremonies. “There were a lot of moving parts in terms of, ‘How do we honor both cultures on a very equitable level?’” Nagarajan says. “We really wanted someone who understood the very multicultural nature of the event.” Maheshwari started Kahani Events & Design in 2019, but her experience with weddings dates back to her childhood. “My mom was the first henna artist in Minneapolis,”
Maheshwari says. “Growing up, I had started doing henna with her for a lot of the Indian and South Asian weddings in Minnesota.” Her proximity to the wedding industry revealed a gap in the market for wedding planners who were versed in cultural nuances and had cultivated relationships with specialty vendors. Kahani Events & Design bridges that gap. —Madeline Kopiecki
Read the rest of the story at plymouthmag.com, and explore a recent Kahani Events & Design wedding on page 14.
plymouthmag.com
Photo: Collette Rochell Photography
get started. —Hailey Almsted
Fast, expert dermatology— Right here in Minnesota Turn of the Century Thanks to an exciting partnership with the Minnesota Population Center at the University of Minnesota, the City of Plymouth has demographic information that gives us a new way to quantify local history. For example, we have numbers to illustrate what an average Plymouth mar-
Brian Zelickson, MD
Mary Meighan, MD
Jennifer Biglow, MD
David W. Groth, MD
riage was like in 1900. At the turn of the 20th century, Plymouth had a population of 1,164. Here is what a typical married couple and their household looked like: » Average age: 20 » Average number of children: 4.51 » Most common baby names: John and Mary » Women in the workplace: 1.09 percent » Male occupation: 89.1 percent farmers
Ryan Barland is the historic site coordinator for the City of Plymouth. Discover more at history.plymouthmn.gov.
Photo: Plymouth History Center
Kyle Rudningen, MD
Physician Owned and Physician Directed New patients welcome • Most insurance accepted schweigerderm.com
9
The Perfect Fit An expert shares how to find the suit that suits you.
Emphasis is often placed on a bride’s dress, but that doesn’t mean that a groom’s attire should take a back seat. From custom liner fabric to heirloom cufflinks, suits and their attending accessories can similarly hold important sentiment to the wearer. Michael Engel is a co-owner of The Foursome, a family-owned menswear store in Plymouth that carries everything from athleisure to suits (plus an ever-expanding selection of womenswear) and has been helping men get wedding-ready since 1935. And while suit trends have come and gone during its 90 years of business, what hasn’t changed is what makes for a well-fitted suit. “It should look like it flows with the body,” Engel says. At The Foursome, that process starts with finding the right suit size, which is achieved with a chest measurement over a T-shirt. Armed with the right size, a suit is donned, and the pins come out. The Foursome has an in-house tailor who helps create the perfect fit for the big day. “We want to get it to where the customer feels comfortable,” Engel says. Coat sleeves are adjusted to allow a bit of shirt sleeve to peek out from beneath (and showcase any special cufflinks) while making sure the shoulder is a good fit. “The sweet spot is when the edge of your shoulder meets the edge of the coat shoulder,” Engel says. “It should hang nicely but not have too much fabric.” The coat may also be taken in for a slimmer look or to prevent fabric from bunching around the collar. “We want it to lay flat along the back,” he says. When it comes to the pant, Engel says there should be a little fold in front that hits the shoe. “The pant should be about 2 inches off the ground, depending on the shoes,” he says. Some of the tailoring choices will come down to personal preference, Engel says, but in the end, it’s about fitting the suit to your body. “We thread the needle between being comfortable but looking your best,” he says. The Foursome thefoursome.com @shopthefoursome
10
plymouthmag.com
Photos: Spencer Barrett
By Mollee Francisco
We hope you will join us for
GALA 2 0 2 6
SUIT STYLES “I prefer to think of them as classic, modern and slim,” Michael Engel says. Generally, an American style suit (classic suit) is roomier with a boxy fit that tends to be more comfortable and is suited for the average body type. A British suit (what Engel would consider modern) is a good option for most men and includes structured tailoring, thicker fabric and a more formal fit. The European suit (slim suit) fits closest to the body with thinner fabric to produce a trim look.
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/
Left: The Foursome’s in-house tailor helps customers find the perfect fit. Right: This suit showcases a modern fit that is a bit trimmer through the body and leg of the pant.
11
Take care of your wedding dress before, during and after the big day. By Madeline Kopiecki
12
A wedding dress will see brides through one of the most action-packed days of their lives. From first looks and photo shoots to walking down the aisle and twirling on the dance floor, the day is often a blur that brings some unavoidable wear and tear to the treasured garment. plymouthmag.com
iStock.com/Nadtochiy
Preserving Memories
bonfe.com
New Year, Same To-Do List? Some traditions aren’t worth keeping—like ignoring a dripping faucet or flickering light.
RE
MILY-OW FA
Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical Sewer
LAR RA GU
AT E
D
S TE
100%
Call Bonfe. We’ll give your home a fresh start, no resolutions required. D NE
Pilgrim Dry Cleaners pilgrimdrycleaners.com @pilgrimdrycleaners
10,700+ Reviews
C LO
But what can be done if said wear and tear happens before the celebration kicks off? “If people call us on the day of the wedding, and they find a spot on the wedding dress, we always say a little bit of cold water and a touch of Dawn dish soap can get rid of most stains if they just happened,” says Derek Engler, owner of Pilgrim Dry Cleaners. Stain remover pens are also an option in a pinch. “I think a lot of those pens can mask the stain or at least make it less visible to the eye at the time,” Engler says. If the stain occurs more than a day or two out from the wedding, Engler advises stopping by a local dry cleaners to see what they can do for a spot treatment or emergency service. The Plymouth launderers have seen it all when it comes to the aftermath of a wedding celebration. “We see dirt and mud, food and wine, and different dyes from the cake frosting,” Engler says. “You name it, we’ve seen the stains.” Staining and discoloration are common, especially for the hems and train of wedding dresses. But Enger advises against trying to pretreat at home. “If it’s after the wedding, you’ll help set the stain more than get it out if you try and use something that’s not cohesive with that specific fabric or that specific stain,” he says. Pretreating can also mask the stain from the pros, making it more difficult to remove. Enger’s recommendation for restoring a wedding dress back to its original beauty is to immediately bring it to the professionals. “I say the sooner, the better,” he says. “We do, once in a while, have people wait weeks or months, but with any stain, it tends to set the longer it sits in that fabric.” Although more gradual, wedding dresses can also become susceptible to damage after the ceremony. Dust mites and sunlight can take their own toll over the years, resulting in the degradation or yellowing of the fabric. Wedding dress preservation services entail a double-sealed box and acid-free paper, which protects the dress while saving on closet space. “If you choose to clean your wedding dress and not preserve it, make sure it’s not stored in the plastic the dry cleaners send it home in; that’s just for transport,” Engler says. He recommends storing the wedding dress (and suit, for that matter) in a fabric garment bag, which will protect the garment from light damage.
AL LY OPE R
7A
100% Family-Owned & Locally-Operated
M – 10 P M
Regular Rates 7 am – 10 pm
24/7 Emergency Services
®
Call to schedule
612-430-6112 PLUMBING | HEATING | cooling | ELECTRICAL | sewer 13
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
14
plymouthmag.com
FA M I LY F U S I O N Celebration, community and culture serve as this couple’s guiding lights. Written by Madeline Kopiecki Photos by Collette Rochell Photography
Quynh-Huong Van and Vikram Nagarajan are self-professed introverts, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at their wedding photo gallery. “We surprised people by having such a big wedding,” Van says. “But in fact, if you actually know our values and how much we value being Vietnamese and Indian and our community, I think it actually makes a lot of sense.” Over the course of July 5 and 6, Van, originally from Woodbury, and Nagarajan, from Plymouth, hosted 300 guests for a once-ina-generation event that reunited family and friends from around the world. It was a large undertaking but one Van says she was ultimately thankful for. “I was more moved than I thought at the reception, realizing that everybody that I loved was in one place,” she says. “But also because we’re diasporic, a lot of our families haven’t been together in one place for 25, 30 years. It was more powerful than I thought.” The celebrations kicked off with a Vietnamese tea ceremony—Lễ Vu Quy— at Van’s parents’ house in Woodbury. This more intimate affair was layered with meaning. Van’s colorful áo nhật bình is a garment style that dates back to the royal court of the Nguyễn dynasty. “My dad is from Hue, Vietnam, where the palace was,” Van says. “So in some ways, it was actually a throwback to my dad’s hometown.” After the tea ceremony, the couple was joined by an extended group of family and friends in the front yard for a lively sangeet that broadened the traditional dance aspect plymouthmag.com
15
16
plymouthmag.com
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
to include talents of all stripes, including martial arts and singing. Nagarajan surprised Van by singing Quỳnh Hương, which he had learned in secret with help from her mom. “It’s a popular Vietnamese song,” Nagarajan says. “And he did it all in Vietnamese, so that was very awesome,” Van says. The evening concluded in the Vans’ backyard with the couple and their closest friends practicing their group dance for the following day. “They really showed up,” Nagarajan says. “It took a lot of planning and a lot of choreography and a lot of practice.” Practice that had, before that night, been entirely virtual. The following day, the couple hosted their Hindu wedding ceremony and reception at Minneapolis Event Centers. “It was actually kind of nice having a long, elaborate ceremony,” Van says. “As introverts, you don’t have to write your own intimate vows and say them out loud in front of people. You get to fold yourself into the rituals, and I found that really nice.” One of the couple’s favorite parts was stealing away for a moment at the reception for couple’s photos and reflection. “I think we wanted a smaller wedding and then expanded it for our families,” Van says. “I realized that it was the right call, and I was really happy to offer the once-in-a-generation event for the family.” plymouthmag.com
17
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
18
plymouthmag.com
WHIPLASH:
Contact your local experts in Auto Accident Injury Care!
VENDORS Catering India Palace, indiapalacemn.com; Peking Garden, pekinggardenmn.com Desserts Elite Catering, elitecateringandevents.com Event Planning, Mehndi and Rentals Kahani Events & Design, kahanievents.com
Advanced training and certification from the “Spine Research Institute of San Diego” for treatment of injuries sustained in an Auto Accident. No Fault Auto accidents cover 100% for Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture services! Our insurance specialist will help you handle all the paperwork and file your claims.
BEST OF
25
WINNER
WE’VE EXPANDED
• 4 Doctors to Serve You Better • Accepting new patients
Florals V.Florals, vflorals.com
Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, and Acupuncture in an integrated clinical setting.
Hair and Makeup makeupwithcna, makeupwithcna.com
7237 Forestview Ln N | Maple Grove, MN 55369
Jewelry Brilliant Earth, brilliantearth.com Music A-Quil, a-quil.com
763-420-8595 Bromanchiro.com
Inquire today about our Memory Care and HomeCare openings
Photography Colette Rochelle Photography, colette-rochelle.com Printing Minted, minted.com Venue Minneapolis Event Centers, eventsbyentourage.com Wedding Wear Esha Koul, eshakoul.in; Love Me Knots Bridal, @lovemeknots_bridal; Sari Palace, thesaripalace.com
Serving individuals with memory loss—including Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and FTD—through our dedicated residential care homes. We also provide compassionate in-home care services throughout the western suburbs for individuals with or without memory-related needs. Contact us today to experience 25 years of trusted care, where our team is committed to honoring the dignity of every person we serve.
With a mission grounded in loving kindness, we offer the highest quality of care for your loved ones’ peace of mind. GIANNAHOMES.org Minnetonka & Plymouth
Memory Care and HomeCare
Contact Cari at 952.443.6113 or cari@giannahomes.org
Mind. Body. Spirit. At Gianna Homes we lovingly care for them all. plymouthmag.com
19
Special Edition A bridal couple keeps their guests front and center. Written by Emily Gedde Photos by Ceri McCaffrey Photography
It was a quintessential May weekend. The sun was shining, the lilacs were blooming, and Hutchinson’s Annika (née Ellefson) and Plymouth’s Gage Thalmann celebrated their love alongside 150 guests at a timeless French countryinspired estate. “It was the most perfect day,” Annika says. When selecting a venue, Abella Weddings & Events in Chisago City was the first and only place the couple toured a week after getting engaged. It quickly checked all the boxes, and its aesthetic complemented the vision Annika had of soft pastels against a white backdrop; a perfect setting to experience spring blossoming into summer. Annika’s form-fitting strapless gown from Kalon Bridal Studio in Des Moines, Iowa, further matched the romantic ambiance of the day. When discussing how she selected the dress, Annika shared a tradition that started in her family. “My grandpa Bob [Ehrig] attended the dress shopping experience with my mom and aunt,” Annika says. “He was a fashionista himself … there’s a photo of my aunt holding an ‘I said yes to the dress’ sign, and my grandpa looked so happy.” Although her grandfather died in 2021, his spirit and the tradition he inspired were with Annika when she found her dress. Her grandmother, Sandy Ehrig, who attended in grandpa Bob’s stead, surprised her by paying for the gown. “It was special to honor him and that tradition,” she says. “I know he would have loved Gage.”
20
plymouthmag.com
Annika and Gage Thalmann spend a special moment alone on their wedding day.
21
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
22
plymouthmag.com
Flowers have always been important for the couple (Gage is known for making sure there was never an empty vase on the dining room table.), and this proved no different on their wedding day. “When it came to wedding planning, we wanted big, beautiful, picturesque flowers,” Annika says, noting Malana Sophia Floral exceeded her expectations with the look of spring wildflowers. “I even got my bouquet preserved,” she says. Another special memento from the day is a newspaper the couple created in lieu of a program. The Newlywed Post: Love Is in the Air included engagement photos, facts about the couple, the dinner menu, the timeline for the day and a word find. “We plymouthmag.com
wanted to provide all the details for the day,” Gage says. “It helped our guests look forward to what was to come. We wanted our guests to be informed and give them a way to enjoy themselves.” The couple says making sure their wedding day was just as much about their guests as it was about them was important. “Gage and I wanted our guests to be a priority and have a wonderful experience,” Annika says. Gage agrees. “We always try to think about the saying, ‘How to put our neighbor above us,’” he says. “We wanted to make our wedding the best it could be for us and everyone celebrating with us. This will be a goal as we do life next to each other.”
Left: Soft pastel florals created a romantic motif that complemented the ambiance of Abella Weddings & Events. Middle: “One neat thing about Abella [Weddings & Events] is they offer a trolley to bring guests from where they park to the ceremony location … everyone seemed to love that,” Anikka Thalmann says. Right: Annika Thalmann’s bridal bouquet from Malana Sophia Floral incorporated ranunculus, roses, spirea and sweet pea.
23
24
plymouthmag.com
Vendors Catering and Desserts Hy-Vee, hy-vee.com
Day-of Coordinator and Venue Abella Weddings & Events, abellaweddingsandevents.com
Floral Preservation Hudson Stems, hudsonstems.com
SHOP & SAVE!
This week’s HUGE DEALS SCAN TO SHOP!
Florals Malana Sophia Floral, malanasophiafloral.com 3 4 5 5 V I C KS B U R G L N N , P LY M O U T H , M N 5 5 4 47 | L U N D S A N D BY E R LYS . C O M
Hair and Makeup LHNBEAUTY, lhnbeauty.com
Jewelry Shane Co., shaneco.com
Photography Ceri McCaffrey Photography, cerimccaffrey.com
Videography Clover & Hive Weddings, cloverandhiveweddings.co
Wedding Wear Kalon Bridal Studio, kalonbridalstudio.com
plymouthmag.com
25
WEDDING
COLLECTION
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
At picturesque Rush Creek Golf Club, our catering coordinators handle every detail, delivering personalized service and delightful cuisine to make your special day truly unforgettable. Photo by Crystal Hedberg Photography 7801 County Road 101, Maple Grove 763.494.0400 rushcreek.com @rushcreekgolfclub
WEDDING COLLECTION
We’re moving to Maple Grove!
Bridal Aisle Boutique delivers an affordable, luxurious and personalized bridal experience for every bride, offering inclusive sizing, quality gowns and menswear without compromise. We’re devoted to confidence, comfort and affordability—and are excited to announce our move this spring to Maple Grove’s iconic and beloved building, The Woods. 308 Fifth Ave., SE, Osseo 763.220.2319 bridalaislemn.com @bridalaislemn
Would you like to advertise your brand in Plymouth Magazine’s 2027 Wedding Collection? Please contact hello@localmedia.co.
30
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
Written by Madeline Kopiecki — Photos by Chris Emeott
Altreisha Foster
plymouthmag.com
TOP TIER A baker creates gourmet cakes that defy expectations—
Photos: Chris Emeott; Sugarspoon Desserts
and sometimes gravity.
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 magazine 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. 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,” Foster says. This ethos comes to the fore when viewing the talented baker’s oeuvre, which contains architectural façades, intricate textures and towering plymouthmag.com
Baker Altreisha Foster is especially fond of incorporating color into her architectural and avant-garde wedding cakes.
tiers. But Foster’s modernist creations also required research in a new field. “I was selftaught 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 flying as far as Switzerland to learn about 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, Foster 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
ONLY HALF THE STORY When Altreisha Foster isn’t designing modern (and edible) marvels, she’s sharing her passion for baking through the Cake Therapy Foundation. “Baking has helped me to center myself,” Foster says. Her goal is to introduce that artistic and therapeutic outlet to girls who have been adversely impacted by the foster care and justice systems through baking workshops. Learn more about the Plymouth-based foundation in our upcoming October/ November 2026 issue.
31
We turn your house into the home of your dreams!
There’s no stopping the kid who’s confident in math.
J Brothers Design l Build l Remodel 763.732.8731 • JBrothersRemodel.com • MN LIC #BC326186
Mathnasium.com/Plymouth
Mathnasium of Plymouth plymouth@mathnasium.com (763) 567-8143 3505 Vicksburg Lane N #900 Plymouth, MN 55447
There’s no stopping the kid who’s confident in math.
Mathnasium.com/Plymouth
Mathnasium of Plymouth Mathnasium of Plymouth plymouth@mathnasium.com (763) 567-8143 3505 Vicksburg Lane N #900 Plymouth, MN •55447 plymouth@mathnasium.com (763)-567-8143
3505 Vicksburg Lane N #900 Plymouth, MN 55447
32
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 sends images of a wedding cake as inspiration, 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,” Foster 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 own 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
Car Accident Injury Specialists
NOW OFFERING FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
for Over 40 Years. Back Pain • Neck Pain Knee Pain • Headaches Sciatica • Shoulder Pain
Voted Lake Minnetonka’s BEST Chiropractic Clinic for 11 Consecutive Years! 1421 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata, MN 55391
Photo: Chris Emeott
Dr. Mitchell Schroeder, Dr. Shawn Sailer, Dr. Caroline Brost-Sailer, Dr. Ryan Elton, Dr. Tyler Knutson
952.473.9637 • TheBrostClinic.com
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 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. One Plymouth couple’s cake served as a particularly challenging but rewarding feat. The design consisted of six tiers of pillows, stacked one on top of the other, each with its own flavor. “That, to me, was one of my favorite cakes to make because it actually tested me; I hand carved those pillows,” Foster says. Sugarspoon Desserts sugarspoondesserts.com @sugarspoondesserts
plymouthmag.com
33
The Summer
Camp Guide
Ahh, the idyllic days of a childhood summer—meant to savor and relish as summer can quickly fold into fall and the return of school days and the obligations (assignments!) that come with them. While the freedom from schedules certainly has its place, it is just as important to keep kids academically, creatively, physically and socially engaged throughout the summertime. The National Research Council and Institute of Medicine (2002) found that “exposure to positive experiences, settings and people, as well as opportunities to gain and refine life skills, supports young people in the acquisition and growth of [their] assets,” and summer can be a prime time for children to have these experiences, according to Elizabeth Fogarty, assistant professor with the University of St. Thomas School of Education. Summer camps play a key role in fortifying those experiences and exposing children to new opportunities not typically found in a classroom. “Campers can try new activities and discover that they really enjoy them,” Fogarty says. Participation can also help children learn how to make and build friendships, an important skill that can last a lifetime. “Summer camps provide campers with opportunities to interact with kids who are not in their schools or usual social circles,” she says. “These new friends can provide encouragement to try something new or step outside one’s comfort zone.” There are plenty of opportunities around the Metro to try new experiences. For example, Medina School of Music offers a full suite of guitar, piano, ukulele, violin/viola and voice lessons. Students can explore an established area of interest or delve into something new, where they just might uncover an emerging talent! The importance of downtime shouldn’t be understated and is an essential consideration for families when planning how to spend the summer months. Striking a balance between scheduled camps or programs and nonscheduled time can be a challenge. “Relaxed summer schedules often provide respite from busier school days,” Fogarty says. “An extended lack of structured time, however, can create restlessness for kids and caregivers alike. Camps and summer programs not only provide childcare options for working families, but they provide opportunities for summer enrichment.” —Renée Stewart-Hester
This summer, ages 7–12 can shine in Girl Pop Voice, Piano Intensive, or Disney Piano! Half-day Monday–Friday camps spark creativity, build confidence and musicianship, and nurture joyful expression in a supportive, energetic learning space. 763.200.6335 medinaschoolofmusic.com @medinaschoolofmusic
BOGERDENTAL.COM
Award-Winning Smiles for 45 Years Find Everything Your Smile Needs
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
V en eers, B o n d i n g, a n d W h i ten i n g
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Ora l a n d C o n sc i o u s S ed a ti o n
Boger Dental, the top office in Plymouth, is here to help you feel confident in your smile. We care for every kind of dental need, including cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry.
GENERAL DENTISTRY
I mpl a n t s , C r o wn s , Br i dg e s ,
Our award-winning team is committed to enhancing your lives and helping you to have the best smiles in our community!
F i ll i n g s , D e n t u r e s , G u m D i s e a s e T r e a t me n t a n d Cleanings
2720 ANNAPOLIS CIRCLE N., PLYMOUTH | 763-546-7707
E x p e r t s i n Ve i n C a r e
LASTING RELIEF FROM PAINFUL VARICOSE VEINS NOT JUST A COSMETIC FIX For more than 20 years, Minneapolis Vein Center has helped patients find real, lasting relief from vein disease through expert, physician-directed care.
These symptoms may be signs of vein disease, and effective, minimally invasive treatments are available. Most treatments are covered by insurance.
Schedule Your Vein Evaluation Today: (763) 398-8710 | mplsvein.com 2800 Campus Drive, Suite 20, Plymouth, MN 55441
36
Voted Best Vein Care Gold Winner
O N T H E TOW N
Doggy Date Night Plan a puppy playdate that doubles as an evening out. Share the love with your fourlegged friends this Valentine’s Day by including them in your date night plans. Brew Park Plymouth is hosting its Doggy Date Night from 5–8 p.m. February 13. Drop in at your leisure, and let your pup play with other dogs under the supervision of park staff while you and a special someone share two flatbreads, two glasses of house wine and a dessert. (Don’t worry, Fido or Fifi gets a Valentine’s Day treat too.) “The Doggy Date Night event is a Valentine’s staple at Brew Park,” says restaurant manager Karla Olimb. “It’s the perfect opportunity to share dinner and a glass of wine with someone special to you while you watch your pup run around and make new friends.” For tickets, visit brewparkplymouth.com.
Photos: Brew Park Plymouth
—Madeline Kopiecki
Top: Celebrate Valentine’s Day a day early with two flatbreads, two glasses of house wine and a dessert at Brew Park Plymouth. Bottom: Your four-legged friend gets a chance to socialize with other pups during Doggy Date Night.
plymouthmag.com
37
O N T H E TOW N
A dental care experience that prioritizes you. Relax with luxurious amenities. Preventative Care | Implants Dentures | Braces and Invisalign Oral Surgeries | Teeth Whitening Crowns and Veneers
38
Reflections Dental Studio 872 Highway 55 Suite 100 763.363.1006 reflectionsdentalstudio.com
02.07
02.20–02.28
Fire and Ice Festival
Bright Star
Experience the fun of a Minnesota winter from 3 to 6:30 p.m at Plymouth Creek Playfield. Enjoy dog sled rides, fireworks, food trucks and more. plymouthmn.gov
Enjoy this heartfelt musical experience set in the South during the 1920s and 1940s. This musical explores love and loss. Ticket prices and times vary. whstheatre.com
plymouthmag.com
iStock.com/Pressmaster
Movie Matinee at the Black Box Theatre
02.24
Tropical Staycation Relax at the Plymouth Community Center for an island-themed lunch, complete with tropical beverages and dessert for ages 18 and older, starting at $27. After your delicious lunch, view a documentary that will transport you to warmer climes. plymouthmn.gov 03.17
Movie Matinee Ages 55 and older can enjoy the 2024 biopic A Complete Unknown from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Black Box Theatre with popcorn provided. The event is free but registration is required. plymouthmn.org 03.12–03.22
All Shook Up Inspired by and featuring songs from Elvis Presley, this musical at Plymouth Playhouse is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, opening at 7:30 p.m. March 12. 4communitytheatre.org 03.28
An Afternoon in Kenya Learn about Kenya’s culture and beauty from 10 to 11 a.m. with Boni Karanja, a member of the Kenya-Minnesota partnership, Light of Hope Kenya, benefitting a Kenyan community. plymouthmn.gov
Compiled by Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze To have your event considered: email plymouthmag@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.
39
LAST GLANCE
Smell the Roses When Twix jumped onto Rachel Hall’s kitchen table while she was preparing for her soon-to-be daughter-in-law’s bridal shower, Hall couldn’t help but snap a picture. “It was simple cuteness that had to be captured,” she says. “I liked the way Twix was looking off into the distance, seeming to be in his own world while simultaneously enjoying the flowers he was surrounded by.” —Madeline Kopiecki
PICT URE P LY MOUTH Photographer: Rachel Hall Title: Twix Assists With Bridal Shower Prep Equipment: Samsung Galaxy S25 Category: Pets Award: Third Place
To view other Picture Plymouth photo contest winners, visit plymouthmag.com.
40
plymouthmag.com
EXCELLENCE ISN’T CLAIMED. IT’S PROVEN.
At Summit Orthopedics, we’re proud to be Minnesota’s only top-ranked orthopedic and spine outpatient surgery center, recognized by U.S. News & World Report. And yet, our greatest honor will always be helping patients get back to the lives they love.
life. at your summit. summitortho.com