Glorious Love Two become one as Ethan and Hanna Johnson say, “I do”
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CONTENTS
Family Fusion, page 22
14 A Timeless Tradition Costa Rica Ballroom helps couples come out of their shells.
16 Something Old Made New Again Seamstress Heather Baldridge helps brides remake heirloom wedding gowns.
18 From High School Sweethearts to Happily Ever After One couple pays homage to lifelong love stories.
22 Family Fusion Celebration, community and culture serve as this couple’s guiding lights.
26 Glorious Love Two become one as Ethan and Hanna Johnson say, “I do.”
36 Raising the Bar Elevate your events with drinks on tap and signature cocktails. Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance
Photo: Collette Rochell Photography
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F R O M T H E E D I TO R
There’s something to be said about love that blooms before we’ve had time to blossom ourselves. Maybe it’s the fact that it grows alongside us and shapes who we are, or perhaps it’s just the earnestness of it all. As I put together our second annual weddings issue, I found myself returning to that idea—how relationships that start in the early chapters of life carry a history and depth of meaning that’s difficult to find elsewhere. One of the couples we feature on page 18 shares their classic love story as high school sweethearts. Cole and Allie Peterson met at Hill-Murray School, and their relationship continued even as Cole transferred to Woodbury High School. As someone who also met my partner in those same locker-lined hallways, their story struck a chord. It reminded me that true love—even in younger ages—can weather any storm, including the long-distance relationship the Petersons experienced throughout college. Another pair featured on page 26 met as freshmen in college. Ethan and Hanna Johnson found each other just as they were starting a new chapter in their lives. As they discovered their independence and built new friendships, they also found the person who feels like home. What connects these stories is that love often finds us in the in-between moments and when it’s least expected. And the communities that we’re a part of—our friends, families, schools—help shape the relationships that we build. This issue celebrates all that and more, which is why it has become my favorite to date. I hope that these pages remind you of your own love story and fill you with joy, as they have for me. Cheers,
Hailey Alms te d hailey@localmedia.co
Best of Woodbury We moved! Welcome, Readers, to the annual Best of Woodbury 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 woodburymag.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 woodburymag.com where you’ll find additional voting details and view our updated, voter-friendly ballot.
On th e Cove r: Ethan and Hanna Johnson, page 26 Ph oto by : Glorify Photo Company
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Photo: Chris Emeott
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VOL. 21 NO. 7 February 2026
PUBLISHER Susan Isay EDITOR Hailey Almsted 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 Patty (Stutzman) Paulus, Rachael Perron and Katie Tomsche DIGITAL INTERN Claire Krieger EDITORIAL INTERNS Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Shawn Hogendorf, South Washington County Schools; Michele Magistad, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce; Sue McKeown, Resident; and Shelly Schafer, City of Woodbury 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 Woodbury 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
Prewedding Prep for Perfect Skin Since opening its doors in July, Skin Artisans in Woodbury (237 Radio Drive Suite 115) has helped brides, bridal parties and family members achieve their best skin for the big day. During the first consultation, estheticians use a VISIA machine to take a high-definition skin scan to determine the best treatment path, says Clarissa Kolesar, vice president of marketing at United Aesthetics Alliance, Skin Artisans’ partner. With that first scan, estheticians can understand what’s driving skin concerns. “That can help the estheticians and our advanced providers to recommend what would be most effective and put together a tailored treatment plan for you,” Kolesar says. Estheticians recommend brides begin skin treatments up to 12 months in advance of the wedding day. “If you can get started with creating that treatment plan and talk to the providers of what you’re looking for, then six to eight months out would really be a great time to start the Botox and fillers, especially if you’re new to trying them,” Kolesar says. As the wedding approaches, feeling good is just as important as looking good, Kolesar says. Skin Artisans experts recommend continuing normal skincare and hydration, sleep and SPF in the weeks before your wedding and avoiding alcohol close to the wedding day to ensure you
The Anniversary Journal Celebrate each year of marriage with The Anniversary Journal from Duncan & Stone, available for purchase at amazon.com and duncanandstone.com. The linen-bound hardcover journal begins with details of how you met, moves on to dating and engagement, and finally covers the wedding and honeymoon period. The rest of the book includes space for the first through the
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70th anniversary, as well as bonus pages to document every 10 years together. Each section includes guided prompts and space for photos. My husband, Nathan Almsted, and I received this journal as a gift during my bridal shower, and we have enjoyed filling it out together every year. —Hailey Almsted
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Photo: Wild Blue Production / Walter Holem
look and feel your best. On the night before the big day, consider an at-home clinical peel, eye patches or a hydrating mask. Michelle Barker, advanced practice esthetician, recommends the Velez hydrating mask, carried at Skin Artisans (skinartisans.com). —Avery Vrieze
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 get started. —Hailey Almsted » » » » » » » »
Photo: Lunds & Byerlys
» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »
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, 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
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 Servings: 8–10 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes » 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 woodburymag.com for the complete recipe.
Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.
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A Timeless Tradition Costa Rica Ballroom helps couples come out of their shell. By Alexandra Tostrud
Eliecer Ramirez-Vargas of Costa Rica Ballroom assists couples in perfecting their wedding dance. Foxtrot, rumba, swing, tango and waltz are among the most choreographed styles of first dance.
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Photos: Hoskovec Photography
The first dance is one of the defining moments of a wedding day. It’s a chance for the newlywed couple to share a quiet, personal moment together—but it can also be surprisingly nerve-racking. Woodbury’s Costa Rica Ballroom (650 Commerce Drive #100) offers flexible lessons to choreograph the first dance that will wow guests and strengthen the bond between the couple. Costa Rica Ballroom was founded by Eliecer Ramirez-Vargas, a Costa Rica native, competitive dancer and certified coach, in Hopkins, and he now offers lessons in Woodbury on Sundays. Ramirez-Vargas explains that wedding dance lessons can deepen a couple’s connection and reveal aspects of a partner’s personality that might not surface in everyday life. “This will help them understand each other better, because in dancing, everything shows up,” RamirezVargas says. “You know, whether they are good at taking information, if they are a good team player, how forgiving they are of other people’s mistakes.” During introductory lessons, RamirezVargas analyzes several factors, including their dynamic and confidence levels, as well
as their goals and skills, and works with the couple as a team to create a dance they both feel comfortable with. Ramirez-Vargas recommends taking at least 10 lessons and suggests giving ample time to work toward the vision, rather than squeezing classes into the final months before the big day. “Some couples come a year or two years earlier, just to get ready for that, and when they finish, it looks amazing,” he says. “It’s all about planning accordingly. Don’t leave it for the last minute. My biggest advice is don’t add stress to your life that you don’t need.” Foxtrot, rumba, swing, tango and waltz are the styles Ramirez-Vargas most often choreographs for wedding couples. Since most songs follow a three- or four-beat structure, he notes that you can dance to almost any piece of music. “Pick a song that you love, that means a lot to you,” he encourages. Ramirez-Vargas says a carefully planned first dance can serve as a subtle expression of your commitment to the marriage. “If you prepare for the dance, you’re showing that you really wanted to be there,” he says. “You really want to get married, and the way forward is going to be amazing.” Ramirez-Vargas adds that the dedication couples bring to their first dance mirrors the effort put into the wedding as a whole. “It shows more than just about dancing. It almost shows more about the whole preparation, the effort that you’re putting into something that is special,” he says. Costa Rica Ballroom costaricaballroom.com Costa Rica Ballroom Woodbury
“Pick a song that you love, that means a lot to you.” Eliecer Ramirez-Vargas, owner of Costa Rica Ballroom 15
Something Old Made New Again Seamstress Heather Baldridge helps brides remake heirloom wedding gowns. By Jennifer Pitterle
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When a bride consults with Baldridge about remaking a family gown, she starts with a few essential questions. “How delicate is the fabric?” Baldridge asks. “Silks are very fragile because they’re natural fibers. Most dresses from the past several decades, though, are made from some kind of polyester, which does hold up fairly well.” (She asks brides to have their heirloom gowns professionally cleaned before she starts cutting and piecing.) She also asks about the vision. What story is a bride hoping to tell with her mother’s or grandmother’s dress? Current brides are typically redesigning their moms’ gowns from the 1990s or
Left: Seamstress Heather Baldridge worked alongside bride Paige Mead to remake Paige's mother's dress. The shortened bridal gown was worn during the Mead’s rehearsal dinner last October. Right: Paige Mead’s parents, Evan and Sandy (neé Gibson) Anderson, on their wedding day on September 12, 1992. Sandy’s gown was purchased at The Wedding Shoppe on St. Paul’s Grand Avenue, which is where Paige also purchased her wedding dress.
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Photos: Chris Emeott; Paige Mead
Heather Baldridge, owner of Woodbury alterations shop Custom Sewing by Heather, calls herself a “wedding dress specialist,” she says. And in addition to fitting and altering brandnew dresses, she’s also helping local brides take part in a growing trend to redesign and reuse heirloom and vintage dresses. “In the past, I would have clients wanting me to take mom or grandma’s wedding dress and make it into a baptismal gown or maybe a getting-ready robe for their wedding,” Baldridge says. Within the past five years or so, more brides are asking to remake family heirloom gowns into wearable mementos for either the rehearsal dinner, ceremony or reception.
thereabouts. Trends during that era leaned toward high necklines and puffed sleeves. “So the most common requests in the past few years are to lower the neck and remove the puffed sleeves,” Baldridge says. “It’s also very in to shorten the dresses—sometimes we leave everything alone in the bodice and make it crazy short for a party dress.” Practically speaking, Baldridge uses the same techniques for vintage remakes that she does for typical alterations. She’s always happy to take a peek at a vintage dress to scope out whether it can be successfully altered and where extra fabric will come from; then, after carefully measuring the bride and mapping out where tucks or new seams should go, she uses fabric from the removed pieces—often the skirt, sleeves or train—to add panels. The process can take multiple appointments and often includes “next steps” to see whether a neckline, for example, is the right height. “I’ll ask whether they want to go lower and take it bit by bit,” Baldridge says. And for brides who aren’t interested in repurposing a vintage gown, Baldridge has other poignant, clever ways to incorporate some family history into a modern gown. “We can sew in buttons from a grandparent’s shirt or a pendant from a necklace,” she says. (One group of sisters carefully moved a grandmother’s pendant from dress to dress as they celebrated their weddings.) Baldridge also loves adding a hidden piece that’s sewn into the underside of the bride’s skirt: maybe a heart-shaped applique from a father’s shirt or lace from a mother’s veil. “Again, it’s telling a story,” Baldridge says. “This is an item from someone who has meant something to them; their ‘something old.’” Paige (neé Anderson) Mead attended her October 2025 rehearsal dinner with now-husband Collin Mead in a knee-length dress that was formerly her mother, Sandy (neé Gibson) Anderson’s, wedding gown. Baldridge remade it. “My mom passed away when I was in high school, so having her dress as part of my nuptial weekend felt like the most perfect way to have her with me, close to my heart,” Mead says. “I kept everything as it was in 1992— gigantic sleeves and all.” Custom Sewing by Heather customsewingbyheather.com Custom Sewing by Heather
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From High School Sweethearts to Happily Ever After One couple pays homage to lifelong love stories. Written by Alexandra Tostrud — Photos by Heather Joy Photography
Allie and Cole Peterson, high school sweethearts who persevered through years of long distance, focused on family for their October 2024 wedding at Abella Weddings & Events. The pair first met through friends at Hill-Murray School when Allie was in 11th grade and Cole was a freshman. After several months, their relationship evolved into something more before Cole transferred to Woodbury High School. That small separation paled in comparison to the upcoming obstacles, as their bond was tested further as they navigated the challenges of attending universities on opposite coasts for several years. While the distance was tough, Allie and Cole are grateful for the time apart. It gave them space to focus on their education and careers, laying a strong foundation for their future together. “It would have been nice to have been closer with [Cole], but I still think it allowed us to grow up as individuals more than anything,” Allie says.
For the Petersons’ first look, their day-of coordinator Kenzie Heckmann drove them to a remote spot on the venue property to exchange personal, private vows, where she delivered a special letter to Cole Peterson before driving back to pick up Allie Peterson. A few months before they met, Allie wrote a letter to her future husband, which she found during the planning process.
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A Love for Family and Nature After moving back to Minnesota and settling into their life, Cole chose one of their most cherished spots—the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum—to propose. Their shared love of the outdoors shaped each detail for their big day, from Allie’s ring, delicately engraved with her favorite tree (the pine), to a first look deep in the woods. The Petersons’ occasion was a team effort, with family helping with decor and signage. “I made all of our place cards as well. We used wild grasses to denote who got what meal,” Allie says. “Which is also kind of a callback to where we got engaged,” Cole adds. Additionally, the Petersons paid tribute to their grandparents’ and parents’ lifelong partnerships by displaying wedding photos from each generation. Friends and family gathered from across the country to celebrate at Abella Weddings & Events. The venue was the first piece of the day that the Petersons settled on, and they felt the space fit their love of the outdoors. “[The day] was just an accumulation of the past 12 years of knowing him, and it was all one day; and it was beautiful,” Allie says.
Vendors Bartending With a Twist Bartending Service, twistbartendingservice.com Catering Fork & Flair, forkandflair.com Day-of Coordinator Kenzie Heckmann Events, kenzieheckmannevents.com Dessert Custom Cakes by Megan, customcakesbymegan.com DJ First Choice DJ Service, firstchoicedjservice.com Florals Artemisia Studios, artemisiastudios.com Hair and Makeup Northern Style & Co, northernstyleco.com Jewelry Wedding Day Diamonds, weddingdaydiamonds.com Officiant Mark Scannell—MN Officiants, minnesotaofficiants.com Photography Heather Joy Photography, heatherjoyphotography.com Photo Booth Photobooth Unlimited, thephotoboothunlimited.com Rentals Earthly Events, @earthly.events Stationary Truly Engaging, trulyengaging.com Transportation Rent My Party Bus, rentmypartybus.com
Allie Peterson’s dress was the first she tried on, with a long, billowing veil and minimal accessories. She also wore a claddagh ring representing her heritage and her mother’s garter. Her mother wore a blue dress for Allie’s “something blue,” Allie says. Cole adds, “We don’t like too much flash, but you want something to be kind of personal to you and have a little more texture and depth to it.”
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Venue Abella Weddings & Events, abellaweddingsandevents.com Wedding Wear Birdy Grey, birdygrey.com; Milbern Clothing Co, milbern.com; Raffine Bridal, raffinebridal.com
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FA M I LY F U S I O N
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 22
once-in-a-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
Celebration, community and culture serve as this couple’s guiding lights. Written by Madeline Kopiecki — Photos by Collette Rochell Photography
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 woodburymag.com
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 Van’s 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 23
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 couples’ 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.” 24
BRIDGING THE GAP Quynh-Huong Van and 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. For Van, having a planner with the necessary connections was extremely helpful. For the Hindu wedding ceremony, “I needed an Indian makeup artist and hair [stylist] and saree draper,” Van says. From the décor to the music, Maheshwari handled it all. “It was a one-stop shop,” Van says. Maheshwari has plenty of personal experience with Indian weddings, but she applies the same level of care to both sides of the aisle. One of her first questions for couples is what is important for them from cultural and personal perspectives. “Having them describe what traditions that they might have grown up with or what traditions their families are expecting or just what their family expectations are overall all, all those different questions play into our conversation and getting to know what elements of their backgrounds they want to highlight,” Maheshwari says.
VENDORS Catering India Palace, indiapalacemn.com; Peking Garden, pekinggardenmn.com
Music A-Quil, a-quil.com
Desserts Elite Catering, elitecateringandevents.com
Photography Colette Rochelle Photography, colette-rochelle.com
Event Planning, Mehndi and Rentals Kahani Events & Design, kahanievents.com
Printing Minted, minted.com
Florals V.Florals, vflorals.com
Venue Minneapolis Event Centers, eventsbyentourage.com
Hair and Makeup makeupwithcna, makeupwithcna.com Jewelry Brilliant Earth, brilliantearth.com
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Wedding Wear Love Me Knots Bridal, @lovemeknots_bridal; Esha Koul, eshakoul.in; Sari Palace, thesaripalace.com
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Photo: xxxxxxxxx
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Written by Hailey Almsted Photos by Glorify Photo Company
Glorious Love Two become one as Ethan and Hanna Johnson say, “I do.”
Ethan and Hanna (née Neubauer) Johnson’s love story began as a new chapter was already unfolding in both their lives. They first crossed paths at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities while moving into their dormitory in fall 2020. After socializing with fellow residents that night, Ethan, a Woodbury native, and Hanna, from Brookfield, Wisconsin, kept in touch. That early connection grew into something more, and two years later, they began dating. After strolling the Minneapolis Christkindl Market and walking around downtown, Ethan proposed on a December evening in 2024. The air was brisk, the city lights twinkled around them and in that quiet, perfect moment at Gold Medal Park, he asked Hanna to spend forever with him. “Ethan ended up taking me to a part downtown where he totally surprised me with the proposal,” Hanna says. “The spot he chose looked over the Stone Arch Bridge, where we went on our first date.” Hanna’s engagement ring is a customdesigned trilogy piece from R.F. Moeller, encapsulating the couple’s newly combined lives. Set with three stones, it isn’t just beautiful—it’s symbolic. “To us, it represents us as the side stones and God as the middle stone, uniting us in this marriage,” Hanna says. In a heartfelt nod to tradition, Ethan gifted Hanna a delicate pearl necklace at her bridal shower—a cherished custom passed down on her mother’s side. Keeping with that sense of simplicity and significance, both chose classic gold bands for their wedding rings. woodburymag.com
The soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows of the Noble Victory Memorial Chapel in Delafield, Wisconsin, cast a romantic glow as the couple exchanged vows on July 19, 2025. Hanna describes the special moment leading up to “I do,” when she was “hidden away” with her sister and three of her best friends. “My nerves were running at full speed,” Hanna says. “Once I lined up with my dad, and we were the only ones left, it was almost as if all my nerves melted away … I was just so excited and so ready to marry my best friend and be in the company of all of our loved ones.” The ceremony was deeply rooted in faith as Ethan and Hanna stood together, just the two of them and the pastor, surrounded by the love of their 144 close family members and friends. Following the heartfelt ceremony, guests moved to The Delafield Hotel for a cocktail hour, featuring Bourbon Chicken Bites, Bruschetta and Raspberry Brie Tartlets alongside their specialty Berry Mojito cocktail. A plated dinner selection awaited, which
Left: Ethan and Hanna Johnson met as incoming freshman at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities in fall 2020. The couple tied the knot on July 19, 2025. Top right: True love blooms in the most personal touches. From concept to creation, Hanna Johnson crafted each detail of her big day, designing all the stationery and arranging the stunning florals herself. Bottom right: Classic details were found throughout the day—such as Ethan and Hanna Johnson’s traditional wedding cake.
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included Pan Seared Chicken Breast with a White Dijon Cream, Fingerling Potatoes and Green Beans; Beef Tenderloin with Blue Shallot Butter, a Red Wine DemiGlace, Garlic Herb Whipped Potatoes and Broccolini; and Polenta Cakes with a Mushroom Bolognese and Seasonal Vegetables. The night was sweetened as Lemon Cake with a Raspberry Compote and Buttercream Frosting was served; and, 28
as twilight fell, guests were delighted with a late-night snack—Hot Pretzels with Cheese and Mustard. The couple recalls a magical moment they’ll always remember. “We sat at dinner, just the two of us at our sweetheart table,” Hanna says. “Having a moment to look around and see all of the special people in our lives in one room was truly special and something we’ll never forget.”
Upon seeing the Noble Victory Memorial Chapel for the first time, Hanna Johnson knew that her wedding dress had to fit the grand aesthetic of the neo-Gothic style building. “I loved how it was simple enough that it didn’t take away from me,” Hanna says. Her draped satin gown featured a sculpted neckline with a chapel train.
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Vendors Catering and Dessert, Day of Coordination and Reception Venue The Delafield Hotel, thedelafieldhotel.com Ceremony Venue Noble Victory Memorial Chapel at St. John’s Northwestern, stjohnsnorthwestern.org DJ Midwest Sound, midwestsound.com Hair and Makeup Roots Salon, myrootssalon.com Jewelry Pearl Paradise, pearlparadise.com; R.F. Moeller, rfmoeller.com Photography Glorify Photo Company, glorifyphotocompany.com String Quartet Elegant Music Services, elegantmusicservices.com Videography Shot by DH, shotbydh.com Wedding Wear David’s Bridal, davidsbridal.com; Milbern Clothing Co., milbern.com; RossJackCo, etsy.com/shop/rossjackco
“What stood out to me about capturing Hanna and Ethan’s day was their evident love for the Lord,” says Aleshea Kuchenreuther, owner of Glorify Photography Co. “This was represented by the way they treated their loved ones and their vendors, and how they carried themselves throughout their day … They truly were just happy to be together and to be celebrating their love!”
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WEDDING
COLLECTION
The Aisling is a premier wedding venue, offering a sophisticated blend of breathtaking natural views, modern comfort and timeless elegance. Designed to provide a seamless and luxurious wedding experience, The Aisling accommodates celebrations of all sizes with elevated service and exceptional amenities.
295 Lindsay Road, Hudson, Wisconsin 715.961.0302 theaisling.com @the.aisling
Create your dream wedding with a thoughtfully elegant country club experience at Dellwood Country Club. Beyond a standard venue, we provide exceptional service and curated amenities. Our casually elegant clubhouse is just 20 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul, and we warmly welcome outside events—no membership needed to celebrate with us.
29 Highway 96 E, Dellwood 651.426.3218 dellwoodcountryclub.com/weddings @dellwoodccweddings
VENDOR GALLERY
Board & Brush is a DIY creative studio where guests build personalized wood projects through guided workshops. It’s hands-on, fun and perfect for bridal showers, bachelorette parties or a girls night out. 2230 Eagle Creek Lane Suite F 612.234.5257 boardandbrush.com/woodbury @boardandbrushwoodburymn
The Confluence Hotel offers a scenic Mississippi River backdrop, historic charm and indoor and outdoor spaces for up to 300 guests. Featuring on-site lodging, premium amenities and expert coordination, making it an ideal venue for the entire wedding weekend. 200 Second St. W., Hastings 651.432.0202 confluencehotel.com @theconfluencehotelmn
We perfect each bride’s dream dress with expert alterations, ensuring a flawless fit, elevated confidence and a beautiful glimpse of how she’ll look walking down the aisle on her special day. 5637 Garden Drive 651.615.4377 customsewingbyheather.com @customsewingbyheather
Train for the aisle. Sculpt, strengthen and feel confident from engagement to “I do.” Our reformer pilates workouts tone your entire body, improve posture and leave you glowing on your wedding day. Bridal parties are welcome. Book exclusive wedding party workouts. The best accessory is confidence. 1065 Queens Drive Suite 102 763.377.1085 studiopilates.com/studios/woodbury @studiopilates_woodbury
The Barns of Lost Creek blends rustic charm and modern comfort. Just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, our venue is close enough for convenience, far enough for magic. W6124 County Road N, Beldenville, Wisconsin 612.296.5876 lostcreekbarns.com @lostcreekbarnswi
Written by Hailey Almsted and Zoe Yates
R A I SI NG THE B AR Elevate your events with drinks on tap and signature cocktails.
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a recessed niche for additional wine or Champagne. Enjoy a pre- or post-ceremony drink with the Champagne Cart, a traditional, white beverage cart. The fun continues with the Tap Cart, a compact cart on wheels that has all the basics. Plus, equipment rentals (and all concepts as mentioned earlier) are available via its sister business, Bars and Bubbly. “I like being face-to-face with people. To me, that’s exciting,” Ron says. “[The mobile bars] give the event an upscale feel and give people something to talk about.” giveusashot.com and barsandbubbly.com The Tipsi ’Tini Events brings a luxury take to the mobile bar concept in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Lindstrom-based company’s Tapper Trailer is a self-serve solution for private events, offering four customizable taps that can pour a variety of beer, cocktails, mocktails, soda and wine. The trailer achieves a modern, elevated look with pine boards and black hardware, with a stunning marble hexagonal backsplash. “It’s super fun, and it gets rid of all the messy coolers too, so it’s a nice clean look,” says owner Sarah St. Peter, who has a background in bartending. One of her favorite parts about the trailer is that it doesn’t require any electrical hookup or generator; it’s run off of ice! Tipsi ’Tini works with clients to build a shopping list, using client-purchased ingredients to fill kegs. The team will stay nearby to refill kegs if needed, and clients can add a bartender to their package to mix drinks. thetipsytini.com Launched in March 2024, Wanderlust MN Mobile Bar was created out of passion by North St. Paul resident Candice Mich. The business, which has served events in Hudson,
Wisconsin, Stillwater, White Bear Lake and Woodbury, is a full-service experience specializing in custom cocktail menus, nonalcoholic options, signature cocktails and more. Along the way, Mich has noticed a growing demand for nonalcoholic options, which led her to add dirty soda, fresh lemonade and mocktail bar options. “What I love most about Wanderlust is the ability to be personable with clients,” Mich says. “I take the time to get to know who you are and what they like so I can customize their menu, whether that means cocktails, mocktails or a mix of both. Every event becomes an opportunity to create something unique and memorable.” wanderlustmnmobilebar.com Area mobile bars operate as a dry-hire service, in compliance with Minnesota and Wisconsin state liquor laws that require a business to operate in a brick-and-mortar to obtain a liquor license. This means that clients or event hosts are responsible for supplying and purchasing any alcoholic products, while the mobile bar provides a range of bartending services, as well as bar set-ups, garnishes and mixers.
Top: Woodbury-based bartender Mark Lange recommends choosing up to three specialty cocktails that are notable to the bridal couple. Bottom: Wanderlust MN Mobile Bar serves the East Metro, including Woodbury, and western Wisconsin. Offerings include custom cocktail menus and signature cocktails alongside nonalcoholic beverages such as dirty soda, fresh lemonade and mocktails.
Photos: iStock.com/zoranm; Candice Miche
The vows have been exchanged, the kiss has sealed the marriage—and now it’s time to celebrate in style. Add a memorable touch to your cocktail hour and reception with a mobile bar that brings charm to the big day. Whether it’s a vintage camper or a chic tap trailer, these bars add an unforgettable (and Instagrammable!) twist to wedding festivities. Based in River Falls, Wisconsin, The Bar Cart is in the business of crafting experiences. Owners Brian and Sarah Smith have been mixing up custom cocktails and mocktails on both sides of the St. Croix Valley from a vintage 1972 Play-Mor camper for five years. “We tailor each event to our customers’ needs,” Brian says. “We have our clients over for a tasting about six weeks ahead of their event … that personal touch is something we pride ourselves on.” The sky is the limit regarding signature cocktails and other offerings, Brian says. Lavender has been a wildly popular flavor choice, and the Smiths source lavender for syrups and garnishes from a local farm. Handcrafted cocktails and mocktails are often complemented by beer and wine service, made easy by taps built into the camper. “Whatever they want is what we do!” Brian says. The Bar Cart With over 12 years in the event industry, Ron and Sacha Hilpisch know how to get the party started with Give Us A Shot Bartending. From the bartenders and staff to its three mobile bars, the Lakeland-based business offers several concepts to choose from. Serve four on-tap alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages with the 4 Tap Mobile Bar (No bartender or electricity required!), featuring a gold, hexagonal backsplash and
Add a Special Touch With a Signature Cocktail Whether it’s customized napkins, personalized drink stirrers or the signature cocktail itself, there are copious amounts of ways to make your cocktail hour and reception stand out. Bartender Mark Lange, whose family has owned the Minnesota School of Bartending (mnschoolofbartending.com) since its inception in 1968, offers several ideas for curating a drink selection that will keep guests coming back for more. When curating a signature bar menu, Lange recommends offering no more than three specialty simple cocktails notable to the couple. “A lot of times, [couples] will ask us, ‘What are good drinks to make? What are your recommendations?’” the Woodbury resident says. “We will always ask them, ‘You know yourselves best; what kind of drinks do you normally like?’” Lange recommends a drink for each side of the wedding (such as a “His” and “Hers” choice) and an optional third named after someone meaningful in the couple’s lives. “People really love to see—and eat it up—when the drinks have a name or a connection to a family member or a pet,” he says. “It resonates with a lot of guests when they do that.” Specific cocktails are always on trend, the master mixologist says. “Everything old always comes back around,” Lange
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says. Old Fashioneds and Moscow Mules are top contenders, as the enduring classics appeal to all generations and are known crowd-pleasers. Drinks on the rise include the Aperol Spritz, a vibrant and refreshing summer beverage, and Whiskey Sours, an option that is as sweet as it is tart. No matter the signature cocktail, Lange recommends sticking to straightforward drinks to avoid long mix times and lines. “Simplicity is key,” he says. Take the drink experience to the next level with customized additions. Consider napkins or stirrers embellished with the couple’s initials, fun facts about the couple or even pets’ faces. Personalized signs are a big hit too. “It’s an easy way to give your drinks a little more flair,” Lange says. “It really does give that extra touch that puts it over the top.”
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O N T H E TOW N
Take the Plunge Jump into Carver Lake in support of Special Olympics Minnesota.
This February 14, Woodbury residents can take part in the 12th annual Polar Plunge (plungemn.org) at Carver Lake Park, 3175 Century Ave. S. The fundraiser marks the largest of the year for Special Olympics Minnesota. Plungers must register and raise a minimum of $75 to participate, and Heather Fleetwood, special events manager, says, “All funds raised help to provide year-round training, services and events for athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the year.” The Woodbury Polar Plunge is one of 20 locations across the state, and Fleetwood says it has raised over $1.07 million in its 11-year history. For those concerned about the cold weather, she adds that the organization partners closely with law enforcement and first responders in maintaining clear walking paths, verifying that 38
ice thickness is safe for walking and confirming water depth. Additionally, heated tents are on site for plungers to change in. “It’s a true Minnesota challenge to jump into a frozen lake,” Fleetwood says. “[It’s] so exciting, getting out of the take to lots of cheers and high-fives, knowing you all came together for a great cause.” Fleetwood says that, post plunge, many celebrate at Woodbury’s Third Act Brewery, which donates a portion of the day’s food and beverage proceeds to support the cause. “There is such an incredible buzz of excitement,” Fleetwood says. “People are excited they accomplished it and proud they did it for an awesome reason: helping support Special Olympics athletes across the state!” —Hailey Almsted
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Photo: Sabottka Photography
February 14 marks the 12th annual Woodbury Polar Plunge at Carver Lake Park, where participants plunge into the frozen lake while raising funds for Special Olympics Minnesota.
02.05–02.08
Mother Rabbit Starting at 7 p.m., visit the Merrill Arts Center to experience an original play about a son’s ailing mother and his fight to reconcile with his family to solve a family crisis. Tickets are $15. bigbluetheatre.org 02.07
Midwinter Family Fun Stargaze with the Minnesota Astronomical Society, take guided hikes and eat s’mores from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Belwin Conservancy for a suggested price of $10. belwin.org
Need a New Banking Relationship? Our tradition of personal service means we answer our phones and we’re here for all of your banking needs. Rooted in the community for 114 years and we aren’t leaving.
02.08
Try Lacrosse Get your child involved with Woodbury United Lacrosse’s program, which provides free clinics to learn the sport. The program is for children ages 6 and older, and equipment is provided. woodburyunitedlax.org 02.14
Valentine’s Day Puzzlepalooza Gather three friends to team up in completing a 500-piece puzzle against other teams of four from 9 to 11 a.m. at Central Park’s Woodland room. Registration is $55 for nonresidents and $40 for residents. woodburymn.gov 02.15
Brass Band Performance Shed those winter blues from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Amphitheatre at Central Park with Dirty Shorts Brass Band, a New Orleansstyle band. dirtyshortsbrassband.com 02.18
Open Cupboard Volunteering Join community volunteers at Open Cupboard from 1:30 to 4 p.m. to help serve local families. Volunteers must be able to stand for two hours, and registration is required. woodburymn.gov
Compiled by Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze To have your event considered: email woodburymag@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.
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LAST GLANCE
A Beautiful Bouquet “My husband purchased a beautiful trug for my 50th birthday, and I was inspired to fill it with flowers from my yard,” says hobbyist photographer Roberta Welp. “It was so beautiful, I just had to grab some photos of it as well!” —Hailey Almsted
FO C US ON WOODB U RY Photographer: Roberta Welp Title: Harvest of Flowers
Equipment: iPhone 16 Category: Seasons Award: Honorable Mention To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.
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