Weddings North 2016

2016

Weddingss North WEDDING AFTER THE STORM A COUPLE FACES CHALLENGES IN A STATE-DECLARED DISASTER

AVOID MAJOR PLANNING MISTAKES

PLUS • NEW COUPLE, NEW LOVE NEST • HONEYMOON REMIX • RUSTIC CHARM • THE POPULAR AFTER PARTY

TIPS FROM A PRO PLANNER

EXTRAVAGANCE IS MAKING A COME BACK AND OTHER TRENDS WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT!

Four Seasons of Weddings

Find out what each season has to offer special considerations for each

and

A Brainerd Dispatch Publication

Enjoy. Cherish. Celebrate.

The historic Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake has been starting traditions for couples since 1916. It is our mission to continue the legacy of high standard of service, dedicated staff, and unique atmosphere that has been upheld for 100 years.

Celebrating 100 Years of Creating Memories

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800.368

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CONTENTS 2016 FEATURES PLANNING YOUR DAY

Find the secrets to making your plans effortlessly fall into place and how to avoid major planning mistakes.

Page 8

By Becky Bohnenstingl

TRENDS

18

See what trends are holding strong into 2016 and some that may surprise even the most knowledgeable.

Page 12

By Sarah Herron

ON THE COVER

Lance and Rachael Sprague under the new gazebo at The Woods.

Photo by Marah Christine Photography

photo by MAPLE LEAF PHOTOGRAPHY

OUR STORY FEATURE COUPLE Bertil & Melissa Lindquist

FOUR SEASONS OF WEDDINGS

There are great reasons to have your wedding in any month of the year. Page 25

By Kate Perkins

From Disaster to Destination Wedding. They tied the knot days after the July 12, 2015, supercell thunderstorm on Gull Lake.

Page 18

By Jodie Tweed

HONEYMOON REMIX

From adventure to pre wedding honeymoons, these are anything but traditional. Page 40

By Susan Smith-Grier

PLANNING FEATURES 19624 Co Rd 3, Brainerd, MN (218) 829-7507 www.TheWoodsMN.com

PUBLISHER PETE MOHS ADVERTISING DIRECTOR PHIL SEIBEL ADVERTISING MANAGER SUSIE ALTERS MARKETING COORDINATOR LEO MILLER ART DIRECTOR LISA HENRY FEATURE COPY EDITOR DELYNN HOWARD

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND STORY SUGGESTIONS: Lisa.Henry@BrainerdDispatch.com ATTN: WeddingsNorth Brainerd Dispatch P.O. Box 974 Brainerd, MN 56401

BUDGET CHECKLIST

PARTY, PARTY, PARTY!

Rip out this page and keep it as you visit vendors. Page 11 photo by MAPLE LEAF PHOTOGRAPHY

SPONSORED CONTENT The Woods • 4

Wedding in The Woods

by Sarah Nelson-Katzenberger

•5

Cub Foods

Bouquets on a Budget

•7

8 • 24

Pequot Lakes Supervalu

Backyard Soiree

by Rebecca Flansburg

• 14

Mosquito Squad

Party Crashers

• 29

• 15

by Jodie Tweed

• 31

Grand View Lodge

Off-Season Perks

by Rebecca Flansburg

• 33

Connie’s Kitchen • 21

Arrowwood Lodge

by Sarah Nelson-Katzenberger

by Rebecca Flansburg

Fresh, No Shortcuts Catering

Rustic Charm

Advice for creating a great playlist and tips for an after party.

Page 38

Whitfish Lodge and Suites

Guests Always Talk About the Food

• 34

by Crystal Glaser

Reeds Market

• 27

• 35

Dreamy Wedding Desserts

by Rebecca Flansburg

• 36

Extend the fun and Magic of Your Wedding Day

by Rebecca Flansburg

by Jodie Tweed

Tips From a Pro Photographer

Finding a common denominator between all the things you want for your wedding is key. Page 16

Ultimate Limo

by Jodie Tweed

Wedding Flair Northern Lotus Photography and Design

by Jodie Tweed

by Mary Beth Zea

E.L. Menk Cragun’s

• 22

A Waterfall Wedding

by Jodie Tweed

E.L. Menk

Breezy Point Resort

Whatever Your Heart Desires The Old Waterfall

by Jodie Tweed

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES (218) 829-4705 (800) 432-3703

INSPIRATION BOARDS

A buyers guide. What to consider before you go to the jeweler.

Page 6

Weddingss North WEDDINGS NORTH IS AN ANNUAL PUBLICATION PUBLISHED BY THE BRAINERD DISPATCH.

WEDDING RINGS

3 Cheers

• 39

Three Cheers

by Sarah Nelson-Katzenberger

Century 21 Brainerd • 43

Love Nest

by Susan Smith-Grier

Pine Peaks • 47

Accommodating All Seasons

by Dr. Julie Ann Nyland Peterson

2016 | Weddings North 3

Sponsored Content

Wedding in the Woods Natural surroundings for your beautiful day

by Sarah Nelson-Katzenberger Luke and Terri Ebnet know the struggle that comes with finding the perfect wedding venue that fulfills all the bride’s vision of her big day, but doesn’t break the bank They’ve done it.

After scouring the state of Minnesota for the optimal location for their daughters’ weddings, the Ebnets saw a need for a middle-market wedding venue that provided all the bells and whistles without costing a fortune.

“This was kind of our retirement project,” Terri Ebnet laughed.

In July 2014, the couple sold their business and left their life in the metro-area to settle in the Brainerd lakes area and start a new adventure creating one of the most unique wedding venues in the lakes area. Their love for and ties to the Northland and lakes area are rooted in time spent in a cabin they own in Walker.

“I just like working with people and Luke likes the woods, remodeling and creating,” Terri Ebnet said. “It’s just a really good fit.”

With the purchase of the former Chaparral bunkhouse, Chaps restaurant and Timbermist banquet hall, the Ebnets developed what is now collectively known as The Woods.

The 12-acre property off Highway 3 in rural Brainerd is more than just another wedding venue — it’s a one-stop wedding destination and multifaceted location.

“This is the kind of place that can host the wedding, reception, dance, groom’s dinner, as well as provide lodging and a place to get ready,” Terri said. “You could even have a bridal shower here if you wanted to.”

The Woods Hotel offers 12 guestrooms and a two-bedroom suite as well as a separate four-bedroom, four-bathroom private residence complete with a chef ’s kitchen.

The Woods restaurant and event center provide catering that keeps the wedding budget happy.

The banquet hall holds up to 300 guests and is also available 4 Weddings North | 2016

year around for business meetings, holiday parties, anniversary dinners and other large events.

Catering is also available both on and off-site.

For brides looking for a charming outdoor event, The Woods boasts a beautiful outdoor venue tucked away in the property’s picturesque wooded area. A stamped concrete path leads to the ceremony site where guests will find a handmade 30 x 20 foot tall stick gazebo and for a distinctive up-north woodsy wedding feel. Luke Ebnet helped build and design the gazebo. The site also has a small pond with a fountain and a dock giving plenty of options for great wedding photographs.

When it comes to wedding activities, Terri said the spaces allows for a bit of imagination. “We really accommodate what the brides want,” Terri Ebnet said. This year they even hosted a Halloween-themed wedding.

Wedding parties are often found playing yard games on the expansive green lawn area and The Woods recently added fire pit area has opened up the option for a non-traditional after wedding conversation setting.

The Ebnets completed their first year of weddings and were pleased to see their calendar nearly full. They are booking for summer 2016 and plan to expand wedding options on the property as its reputation grows. “There’s always something new we’re adding,” Ebnet said. “The future holds a lot of possibility.”

If you’re interested in booking a wedding at The Woods, call 218-8297507 or visit www.thewoodsmn.com. FFF

Sponsored Content

by Jodie Tweed

Bouquets ON A BUDGET

The general rule is to allocate seven to 10 percent of your total wedding budget on flowers. For couples who are on a tight budget and looking to trim wedding costs, look no further than your hometown grocery store.

Cub Foods in both Brainerd and Baxter each have their own floral departments.

While they aren’t a full-service floral shop, they offer a fresh selection of flowers. They will work with each couple to design floral bouquets that beautifully fit their theme and budget.

Lisa Lundberg, floral manager at Cub Foods in Baxter, went to school for

floral design and has been creating floral arrangements for12 years. She showcases many of her wedding arrangements and seasonal trends on her department’s Facebook page, Cub Floral Baxter.

“I love doing wedding flowers. I can’t even count how many weddings I’ve done,” Lundberg explained. “You can still get the same quality but you don’t have to pay the same price tag.”

Lundberg offers free wedding consultations, exploring designs and styles, without the usual down payment requirement.

“Every wedding is fun and unique,” said Lundberg. She said last year the trend was

a cottage Victorian style, featuring baby’s breath, burlap and lace. Popular bouquet choices included hydrangeas and succulents.

Once you’ve reached a decision on the type of bouquets you want, Lundberg will create a demo bouquet so you can make sure it’s what you envisioned months in advance of your big day. She also sends a bucket with a little water in it along with the flowers so the bride and her bridesmaids can keep their bouquets hydrated when they’re not in use. Many brides use the bouquets as decor for the wedding party table. FFF

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2016 | Weddings North 5

WEDDING RINGS

CHRISTINA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

LISA SHERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

LISA SHERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

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BUYING GUIDE

After the I dos have been said, the dress stored, photos framed, the only daily reminder you’ll have of your special day -besides your spouse of course, will be your wedding ring. Here is a guide to help get you started.

Shopping together

Engagement ring purchases are usually a solo endeavor, but couples usually shop for their wedding ring sets together, and such excursions can be special and meaningful.

Personal tatse

Choosing a ring comes down to personal preference.

There are no steadfast rules when it comes to purchasing wedding rings.

Complementary

An ornate engagement ring might look better with a simple band, and vice-versa.

Similarly cut gemstones can complement an engagement ring. If the bride chooses to 6 Weddings North | 2016

wear both her engagement ring and wedding band together on the same finger, she should choose a band that will accommodate both rings.

List of details

It can help for each person to list the attributes he or she would like in a ring. This should include the type of metal, color, width, and even cost. Couples may find they have different preferences, and this is perfectly fine, as wedding rings do not have to match.

Narrow down your options beforehand so the experience won’t be overwhelming.

Gve yourselves at least two months to browse.

Built to last

Lifestyle and daily routine should be considered. These rings will be worn daily, and no one wants to fret about a ring being too delicate to stand up to everyday wear and tear. Also, think longterm. Trendy rings can be fun, but will they still seem like such a good idea ten years down the road.

Size considerations

When getting rings sized, both the bride and groom should go when their fingers aren’t swollen from exercise or early in the morning after they may have retained fluid.

Shopping should take place when hands aren’t too hot or cold. This will allow the best

size so the bands fit comfortably and will have enough wiggle room should fingers swell or shrink slightly.

Protecting your ring

People can protect their investments by keeping regular maintenance appointments with their jeweler keeping it under warranty. Ask your jeweler if they have such a program. From loss, you can keep your ring safe by and only removing it when engaging in demanding physical activity or when working with chemicals. Store the ring in a safe spot. FFF

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E.L. MENK

Putting the sparkle into your special occasion

by Rebecca Flansburg You’ve found your soul mate and proposed; now you just need to find wedding ring sets that you’ll both love for the rest of your lives together. Thousands of couples have trusted E.L. Menk Jewelers when choosing engagement or wedding rings for their most important moment.

Well-known for their honesty, reliability and quality workmanship in creating one-of-a-kind custom bridal sets, men’s wedding bands or other special occasion pieces, E.L. Menk Jewelers is a one-stop shop when it comes to a breathtaking selection of diamond rings at affordable prices.

E.L. Menk is a family-owned jeweler that has been in the Brainerd area since 1979 and has called the historic Parker Building on the corner of Seventh and Laurel home for much of that time. This warm and inviting store, with stained glass display windows and a stained glass transom above the front door, is a full-service jeweler with the ability to sell jewelry and diamonds and offer the finest in jewelry repair and custom manufacturing.

Owner and Graduate Gemologist, Ed Menk, has a commitment to offering quality fine jewelry to lakes area residents along with personalized

service that is second to none. His team of experts has not only been with the company for many years, together they collectively have over 100 years of experience in the jewelry and diamond industry. With that longevity also comes trust and strong relationships with the customers who walk through their door.

This seasoned staff knows buying a ring for an engagement or a wedding is an important moment in a couple’s life — a decision that needs to have the knowledge and guidance of an expert.

“We enjoy helping brides and grooms find the perfect wedding ring for their special occasion and have options for every budget,” Ed Menk confirmed.

“Our wedding bands are made of the best materials and the highest craftsmanship and we offer only stones cut to maximum brilliance. Our wide selection of diamond rings include solitaires, ideal square diamonds, engagement rings, colored diamonds, custom designed bands and many more. For couples looking to match an existing ring, our design team can custom create a single or double wedding band that matches their ring beautifully.”

A locally-owned and operated business, E.L. Menk Jewelers offers couples diversity in jewelry choices and the largest collection of Canadian-mined and cut diamonds in the area. To view and appreciate the true brilliance and sparkle of a diamond and know that it is the right diamond for the occasion, brides and grooms find they benefit from working one-on-one with someone who is also a part of their community.

If a wedding proposal is in the future, E.L. Menk can take the pressure off grooms-to-be by offering a unique service that helps them with the

decision-making process. After working to select the best diamond for the future groom’s budget and vision, the selected diamond is then mounted in a simple solitaire setting. This works to preserve the magic and excitement of the proposal, yet gives the bride-to-be an option of returning the solitaire setting and then selecting a new setting that better fits her style and taste.

E. L. Menk Jewelers offers the comfort of in-house services and all of their production and repair work is done right within the store’s modern shop by trustworthy experts that specialize in repairs, custom jewelry production and appraisals. When it comes to creating new memories and helping couples take the next step in a new journey together, E.L. Menk never loses sight of the value of excellence in service, professionalism and integrity. Their customer’s satisfaction is always in the forefront of their minds as they continually work to ensure that everyone leaves their store with a smile that sparkles as brightly as the diamonds they sell. FFF

2016 | Weddings North 7

C

PLANNING YOUR DAY Advice from a wedding planner at Grand View Lodge

photos provided by GRAND VIEW LODGE

by Becky Bohnenstingl Planning a wedding can be stressful at times, but when you know you’ve selected the right venue, the details really begin to fall into place. This is when working with a dedicated wedding planner will help ensure your wedding day goes as smoothly as planned. The beauty of working with a planner who specializes in weddings is they know what to anticipate, perhaps things you haven’t thought about.

8 Weddings North | 2016

Becky Bohnenstingl Becky, Wedding Sales Manager at Grand View Lodge, has extensive experience in planning and organizing events and weddings from start to finish. Grand View Lodge is renowned for their dedication to excellence and hosts weddings, corporate and social events throughout the entire year at their award winning, historic, resort on scenic Gull Lake.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS Rainy day turned fun photo opp!

Wedding planners have experience so naturally, they’re better equipped to anticipate possible problems and have a creative standy.

BEAUTIFUL RESULTS The last thing you want is to feel stressed out. Following a planning guideline and a wedding planner can make the entire process feel effortless.

Select the venue

Keep in mind different wedding venues will have different guidelines and price structures. When I recently met with a bride on a site tour, she turned to me and said, “I wish there was something like a KAYAK wedding search that simplified all venues and gave you the same pricing information.” This sounds like a great option, but there are so many different venues and properties, and each could produce a completely different event. So try to refine what you truly want in your venue — is it a lake, a forest, a barn or are you just looking for a beautiful space?

There are so many options out there and selecting the right venue is really the most difficult and most important decision a couple can make. Take your time and fall in love with your venue — this will provide you with the best results on your perfect day.

Secure the timeline

Take time to walk through the steps necessary to streamline the entire wedding planning process. From the beginning planning stages to the end, a professional planning team will assist in offering helpful guidance. We always start with our welcome packet which contains useful information including lodging

information, our most current Wedding Guide/Catering Menus and the “musthave” in planning: A Wedding Planning Guideline. The guideline is a timeline. In order to plan out a wedding, following a timeline is essential. To help provide your guests with the best experience possible, following a guideline will make the planning process effortless.

218.692.3355 www.kelliengstrom.com kelli@kelliengstrom.com PO Box 1014 Crosslake, MN 56442

2016 | Weddings North 9

C How to Avoid Major Planning Mistakes!

1. Setting the Date

You’ve set the date! But that doesn’t necessarily mean your venue and vendors are available. Book early so you have more choices!

2. Guest Numbers

Have an idea of how many guests you’ll invite. It will help you to make venue, budget and food decisions.

3. Too Many Details

Don’t be pressured by Pinterest and wedding blogs to make every detail super personalized. It can be a strain on you and your budget. A few meaningful personal touches stand out stronger than an overdone wedding. Trust your professional vendors to assist you. They know what they’re doing.

10 Weddings North | 2016

photo by KELLI ENGSTROM PHOTOGRAPHY

Our timeline will walk through all items that need to be completed by certain dates. This will begin from 9-12 months before to 72 hours prior to your wedding date. By following your timeline, your event and guests will have the most positive experience on your perfect day.

Listen to your planner Having a professional wedding planner work with you to select the perfect options to make your dream wedding a reality can make all the difference during your planning and your big day. We take pride in understanding how every specific detail is important. From setup requirements to selecting your menu, your dedicated planner is with you every step of the way. We assist in simplifying the entire decision-making process by providing you with our exclusive preferred vendor list which will assist you in selecting vendors for your

photos, entertainment, floral design and other services. The wedding planning road may bring many turns and curves. Please remember, your wedding planner has been through the planning journey before and is there to help guide you on the right path.

As a previous client wrote in a recent thank you note: “What impressed me most was how flexible and adaptable your staff was…”

Remember, you can plan everything down to the color of the ribbon on the floral bouquets, but inevitably, there will be something that perhaps wasn’t planned or in the timeline.

Your guests really don’t know your script; only you and your wedding planner know what you originally planned. So just go with the flow, and enjoy your perfect day, because in the end... it is yours! FFF

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2016 | Weddings North 11

TRENDS

by Sarah Herron

Vintage Texture

Off with their coats!

FRAGRANCE

LISA SHERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Pick out a special fragrance just for the big day. Margaret Kavanaugh, fragrance counter manager at Herberger’s suggests “light, fresh and clean fragrances, because you don’t want it to be too overpowering.” She’ll often recommend Romance by Ralph Lauren or Beautiful by Estee Lauder since they are “light and timeless.” Margaret also suggests layering the fragrance, by first using a complimenting shower gel and lotion, to make the fragrance last longer, therefore “on your special day you won’t have to continually be spritzing”. Our sense of smell is, more than any other senses, successful at evoking memories and emotions.

For this reason brides will wear their wedding day fragrance on special occasions such as an anniversary or a date night.

12 12 Weddings WeddingsNorth North| |2016 2016

KELLI ENGSTROM PHOTOGRAPHY

ATTIRE

The perfect dress is often said to be the most important element when planning a wedding (other than picking the right person to marry of course!). Nancy Gates from Arlene’s Bridal tells us that the latest trends she has seen in wedding gowns have been lots of lace and a more vintage style. She has also noticed that as far as wedding colors go, couples are no longer coordinating with the seasons. She tells them to “pick your color - you’re the ones who will look at the pictures.” There have been a lot of outdoor weddings lately too and Nancy said the grooms have been skipping the jacket and just wearing a vest and tie and that gray has been a popular color for the groom to wear.

t t e t e s k a S r “ c

Memory in a bottle

NOVEL GIFTS

MAPLE LEAF PHOTOGRAPHY

These are great because often times they are homemade and less expensive than store bought. Among the take home gift trends is a jar of homemade jam or honey to “spread the love,” or heart-shaped bird suet to hang for the “love birds.” Finally, for a dual purpose gift, are two frames set on the table, one is the guests’ place card holder the other has the couple’s engagement photo, both to take home!

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LISA SHERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Bringing extravagance back with hand painted cakes!

CAKE

Signature photos

PHOTOGRAPHY

One trend that has had staying power over the last few years is the personal signature touches of the couple throughout the entire event. “Couples are putting a lot more thought into, not only their photos, but their entire wedding. Every wedding is so unique,” says local photographer Lisa Sherwood. Lisa knows how important those personal details are and captures them in her photography.

She says she’s seen an overall trend of the rustic country look, done in a very classy “rustic chic,” but believes we’ll start seeing a change in 2016.

Dished up homestyle

The “naked cake” (simply decorated or not frosted) is still being seen, but we may be seeing more extravagant cakes coming back - the hottest of these being the handpainted cake. We know that cake designers are artistic, but these new cakes take it up a notch. Some are painted with gorgeous flowers while others are made to look like graffiti with words like “love, commitment and forever” painted on them. Another new cake trend is to create one that looks like the wedding gown. These beautiful cakes are another work of art and a fun way to bring attention back to the bride and the dress. FFF

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Quite a few couples are opting for a family style meal. This way the guests can stay seated while large plates of food are served at the table. They will all be able to start eating right away and can dish out as much food as they want. Another popular service style is the food bar. You can be as creative as you want with the types of food bars you choose

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and they have quickly become a crowd favorite. Some examples of trending ideas are taco bar where guests can build their own tacos with a variety of fillings; a biscuit bar with different kinds of Southern style gravies; and a milk and cookies bar - a fun twist on this one is that you could ask a few of your honored guests, such as Mom or Grandma, to bake some of your favorite cookies.

2016 | Weddings North 13

Sponsored Content

WEDDING FLAIR

by Jodie Tweed You’re planning the wedding of your dreams, but scouring Pinterest for ideas can become overwhelming. How do you find those fun extras for your wedding guests that represent your personal spin on this romantic and exciting day?

Carrie Hofmann, wedding and events coordinator at Legacy Courses at Cragun’s, a popular destination wedding site, offered these tips and trends.

Offer a lighter fare- A soup and salad

Espresso machine- Offer a coffee bar

Appeal to guests’ inner foodie-

Chandeliers can be dreamy and whimsical.

bar is a fun departure from the typical meat-and-potatoes menu options.

Hofmann suggested a menu with miniature food items, which fosters artisan elegance with lip-smacking taste.

Family-style food service- Recreate a

meal you’d be sharing together at grandma’s house on a larger scale.

Champagne with a twist- Mix the cham-

pagne with fruit purees that match your style and taste.

with all the toppings to match.

Hang chandeliers—everywhere-

Capture photos from above- Bring a drone to your wedding reception to shoot fun photos and videos from above. Drones are noisy, so you may not want it operating during your actual ceremony.

Don’t be afraid of color- Hofmann said that brides are pulling in a wide array of colors as decorative elements, but coral, gray, peach and teal are popular now.

TO

LOVE

LAUGHTER &

HAPPILY EVER

AFTER

Photos by Vick Photography

14 Weddings North | 2016

IT STARTS AT

CRAGUN’S BRAINERD LAKES

800-272-4867

Cragun’s offers wedding planners to guide you through all of these design decisions. Hofmann can help brides plan small, intimate ceremonies in the Audubon Room to larger celebrations in the Pavilion Patio. She may be reached at 218-825-2722 or chofmann@craguns.com. Or contact MaryBeth Zea, who coordinates weddings for Cragun’s Resort at 218-825-2853 or mbzea@craguns.com. FFF

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TIPS FROM A PRO PHOTOGRAPHER

by Jodie Tweed Your wedding photographs should capture the magic, beauty and special moments of one of the most important occasions in your life.

Amanda Zimmer, owner of Northern Lotus Photography, has photographed weddings throughout the Brainerd lakes area, and also weddings in Fargo, Duluth and the Twin Cities, for the past seven years.

She also photographs proms, engagement photos and other special events.

To learn more about Northern Lotus Photography, visit www.northernlotus.com or contact Amanda Zimmer at 763-229-6575 or Amanda@northernlotus.com.

Zimmer offered this advice for couples who are planning for their big day:

Capture your own style in your engagement photos- Pick a location and

clothing that reflects your personality and style. Zimmer advises couples to dress casual but dressier than normal. Bring your pets along if you wish. Take formal and serious photos, but the fun photos are for you.

Designate a photographer helper- Have a family member serve as a wedding party wrangler to ensure that everyone makes it into the photos that day. Your helper should know most everyone. Make a list of the important photos you want and have your helper keep track.

Pick an optimal time- If you want an

outdoor ceremony, late afternoon is often best, Zimmer explained. If you want golden sunset photos, wedding party photos should be taken an hour before sunset.

Two hours before sunset also provides soft natural lighting.

Don’t count on a relative with a good camera- You need an experienced wedding photographer who will stay with you the entire day, up to 10-12 hours, to capture every moment.

Relax and have fun- If you are enjoying your wedding day, it shows in your photographs. FFF

2016 | Weddings North 15

INSPIRATION BOARDS es

hav My MUST

s!

RAPHY

R PHOTOG

EVER AFTE

Photo Prop

EVER AFTER PHOTOGRAPHY

CHRISTINA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Inspiration boards are used by top design professionals and can be a handy resource for couples planning their weddings. Making the wedding of your dreams a reality may require some creativity. It can be challenging to organize all of the creative ideas swimming around in your head, but inspiration boards may be able to help.

Inspiration boards, sometimes referred to as idea boards, are commonly used by interior designers, artists, writers, and even wedding planners. Such boards can serve a great purpose when starting a new project, especially if all of your creative ideas seem to lack cohesion. Sometimes seeing things together, rather than in bits and pieces on their own, can fuel even more creativity.

Inspiration boards can include magazine clippings, photographs, fabric swatches, quotes or literary passages, and color swatches. As the idea board grows, you may find a common denominator among your inspirational elements. This can help determine a theme for your wedding or jump-start other planning.

While poster boards may be more traditional idea boards, creative ideas also can be compiled in binders or scrapbooks, which work especially well at keeping all items organized and concise.

Plus, they’re portable, which means you can take a scrapbook to a meeting with a wedding vendor and show him or her your concepts for the wedding.

16 Weddings North | 2016

Later, when photographers, florists and other vendors have been booked, you can attach receipts or agreements to the inspiration board for future reference. This keeps all of your important wedding information in one place rather than requiring you to search through different folders or files for important documents. In addition, if friends or family members ask for advice on vendors and planning their own weddings in the future, you can readily access your inspiration board.

To start building your own board or book, take clippings of photos or articles that resonate with you. As you visit bridal shops and other stores, take fabric swatches and pictures of particular looks. Attend bridal shows and take home promotional materials. Remember, inspiration may not always come from bridal-related resources. Anything you come across in your daily life — such as window-shopping at a furniture store or passing an art exhibit — may inspire some creativity. FFF

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tio Flower op

Mr. & Mrs. Lee & Rachel Swanson

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2016 | Weddings North 17

OUR STORY

Bertil & Melissa Lindquist

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by Jodie Tweed From Disaster to Destination

Wedding…how a couple tied the

knot days after the July 12, 2015, supercell thunderstorm on Gull Lake. photos by MAPLE LEAF PHOTOGRAPGY

18 Weddings Weddings North North || 2016 2016 18

Weddings, Graduations Holidays & More www.partytimerentalmn.com

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Bertil and Melissa Lindquist met and Cohasset and proposed on the five years ago through a mutual ice. friend in nursing school at Hib“When he handed me my hat and bing Community College, their gloves, I knew something was up friendship forged over a shared and I had better be up for this,” love of candy. Melissa would bring Melissa recalled with a laugh. candy to their nursing classes – a “We left our footprints in the few bags at a time, she said with snow, like a Minnesota sandy a laugh – which caused Bertil to beach in the winter time,” Melissa slowly move closer to her in class, said. “It was fun. Life never goes he said. Soon she had not only the way you plan it. The moon won over his sweet tooth, but came out while we were out his heart. there. It was beautiful.”

They later moved to Melissa wanted a small, Bismarck, N.D., destination where they started wedding, but Melissa wanted dating. Melissa Bertil pictured a small, destination cared for a big family premawedding, wedding, but Bertil ture baso they pictured a big family bies in coma neonatal promised. wedding, so they intensive They thought care unit and a resort-style compromised.

Bertil worked at wedding would a separate hospibe a perfect fit tal in telemetry, for them. They where he monitored cardiac were thrilled to discover that patients.

Grand View Lodge had just had Bertil asked her father, Kirk, for a cancellation for Saturday, July 18. permission to marry his daughThey also booked Brainerd-based ter last winter. Bertil wanted to photographer Nels Norquist, ownpropose while snowshoeing on er of Maple Leaf Photography, to Melissa’s favorite lake near Grand photograph their wedding.

Rapids.

Let the planning commence “He was pretty excited about it,” Right after they had their destinaBertil said of his future father-intion wedding planned, Melissa and law, who immediately took Bertil Bertil went straight into wedding on a secret mission to scope out planning mode. Melissa created all the perfect spot. the wedding decor, and they began But it didn’t quite work out as to collect items for the wedding.

Bertil had hoped.

Melissa’s father made a cupcake How he proposed holder out of logs, while her uncle, Melissa and Bertil were to attend a shed hunter, let them borrow anta friend’s wedding at Grand View lers for the decor. The couple, while Lodge in Nisswa. The plan was for vacationing in Montana, picked Bertil to propose that Sunday, Nov. up giant pinecones for part of the 30, 2014. table settings.

But Melissa came down with the They moved to Grand Rapids a flu. month before the wedding. Me“I was miserable on the car ride lissa’s aunt lived on Gull Lake and home,” Melissa said. “I couldn’t called her dad the morning after breathe.” the July 12 supercell thunderstorm, Bertil improvised. He couldn’t which ripped a destructive path wait any longer. He stopped the car through the Gull Lake area. at a different lake between Remer “I called Grand View and all the

Tents / Canopies / Tables / Chairs Games / Dance Floor / Stage Specialty Linens / Centerpieces Wedding Decor / Grills / Roasters Concessions / Buffets 6 miles north of Brainerd on Hwy. 371 Near Iven’s on the Bay

218-829-6300 Where it’s always Party Time!

2016 | Weddings North 19

Home: Fort Worth, Texas Marais, she is from From: He’s from Grand Grand Rapids. olled in the nursing Met: While both were enr unity College. program at Hibbing Comm nurse, CU Occupations: She is a NI ome a nurse while he is in college to bec anesthetist. , at Grand View Wedding: July 18, 2015 Lodge, Nisswa.

Brainerd lakes area?

Why get married in the on resort-style wedding They wanted a destinati ld easily travel to, that family and friends cou owed their guests plus the amenities that all oying the lake and to have a fun weekend enj beach. am vacation to Fiji.

Honeymoon: 10-day dre detail: Getting the Most stressful wedding suits. groomsmen fitted for their Live in the s: ple cou Advice for other n’t get caught up moment and enjoy it. Do in the stress and anxiety.

20 Weddings North | 2016

phones were dead. I didn’t know what we should do,” Melissa said.

A friend had been staying at the resort during the storm. She texted Melissa photos of the storm damage.

There was a tree toppled onto the roof of the Norway Center at the resort.

“I thought, ‘we’re definitely not getting married there,’” Melissa said.

Their resort wedding coordinator called her from her personal cell phone and said they may not have electricity the day of their wedding.

They planned for about 250 guests.

Did they still want to go ahead with the wedding, the coordinator asked them. They weren’t sure. It was Tuesday, five days before the wedding.

“Within two hours, I had a whole new wedding planned,” Melissa said.

“We were going to move the whole thing to Grand Rapids. I secured a location and a caterer, but lodging was going to be a problem. Some of our guests might have had to camp in our yard.”

Bertil and Melissa decided Wednesday, four days before the wedding, they would “just go for it” and get married at Grand View. They drove to the resort to assess the situation. The clean-up was in full swing, and while the power wasn’t on yet, resort staff told them it should be restored by the next day and if not, the generators would work. But they may not have air conditioning at the Norway Center. Their meal options also changed, due to the outage.

“I thought, ‘What the heck, let’s just

go for it,’” Melissa said.

Their outdoor wedding went on with only a few minor glitches.

The power briefly went out during their sand ceremony, but their Twin Cities-based piano artist, Brooke Marshall, picked up right when the generator kicked in, not missing a beat, Bertil said. There were two other weddings that day at the resort.

“It really did turn into the destination wedding that we dreamed of.” ~ Melissa Lindquist “Grand View did an awesome job making sure the wedding went off without a hitch. The staff was amazing,” Melissa explained. “How many couples can say they got married in a state-declared disaster area?”

Their reception, held in the Norway Center, featured a well-stocked candy bar, which was a hit for both children and adults, and paid homage to the couple’s love of sweet treats. The couple said their family and friends enjoyed the weekend together, despite the storm.

“It really did turn into the destination wedding that we dreamed of.” FFF

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FRESH, NO SHORTCUTS CATERING

by Sarah Nelson-Katzenberger

These Chicks Can Cook These

Connie’s Kitchen caterers Connie Ritter and

Rehearsal Dinner Grooms Dinner Bridal Showers Wedding Dinners

Kerrie Harms have one standard for success: customer satisfaction. The wall of accolades lining the hallway of their Brainerd commercial kitchen is proof their customers are definitely pleased.

Connie’s Kitchen has built a reputation that has them catering events all over Minnesota, and even as far south as Louisiana and Florida. Whether it’s a crowd of 10 or 1,000, they’re up for the challenge of making large meals feel personal — like they’re cooking for customers at home.

For six years, the pair has offered customized event catering services for groups of every size at every price point. “Our goal isn’t to do a $45 plate,” Connie said. “We’ve done weddings for $10 a plate.”

Connie and Kerrie take their cooking seriously. The details of a successful meal keep them up at night and occupied in their commercial kitchen for as many as 60 hours a week.

“Making things just right is so important to us,” Connie said.

Connie’s Kitchen makes everything from scratch and refuses to cut corners when it comes to catering for large events. No jars, no cans, nothing but real ingredients for authentic down-home cooking.

“We have a lot of fun creating great meals,” Connie said.

Kerrie said the pair makes a mean batch of mashed potatoes and the secret comes in the hand mashing.

“Plus everyone loves our buns,” Connie said. Their homemade buns are made from scratch in small batches to ensure quality in every bun.

Connie’s Kitchen suggested catering menu includes everything from tacos and sandwiches to roast pork or roast beef dinner.

Connie said the sky’s the limit when it comes to menu options.

They are happy to provide for a traditional wedding dinner, but they’re not afraid to cater for customers with visions of a less conventional meal.

“It’s their big day, you know,” Connie said. “Whatever (our customers) want is what we are willing to do.”

Burgers at a wedding? The ladies at Connie’s Kitchen say, “Why not?” FFF 2016 | Weddings North 21

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2016 | Weddings North 21

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From small family affair to a big wedding bash, Breezy Point Resort offers the wedding venue that suits your style, budget.

WHATEVER YOUR HEART DESIRES

by Jodie Tweed While the resort has spacious banquet that evening and guests can remain on rooms that can host up to 300 guests for the boat and enjoy live entertainment by a reception, it also offers several small“Elvis” or other live bands performing er, private locations that are perfect for at Dockside, all at no additional charge. weddings of 50 guests or less. Bonnie Bands are booked at Dockside from May Tweed, director of marketing and group through September. Weddings or celebraservices for Breezy Point Resort, said tions can be held on the Breezy Belle rain Palmer’s Grill at or shine since it has “You don’t have to make it Deacon’s Lodge is a roof. a beautiful setting “You’ve got a roof expensive, and you’ll give that can seat up over your head and your guests an experience to 50 people for a you can get marwedding or dinner. ried on the lake,” they’ll never forget.”

Many couples have Tweed said, of the ~ Bonnie Tweed chosen to have an benefits of booking outdoor wedding the Breezy Belle for on the patio, overlooking the famed Aryour summer wedding. “You could have nold Palmer-designed golf course, with a pizzas delivered to the boat from Dockdinner and dance inside at Palmer’s Grill. side while enjoying the band. You don’t “It’s off the beaten path,” said Tweed. have to make it expensive, and you’ll give “Palmer’s Grill is the perfect location for a your guests an experience they’ll never wedding.” forget.”

Another unique wedding venue is the Weddings are even held at some of the resort’s Breezy Belle paddleboat, which larger resort cabins. Couples may rent can seat up to 100 guests. Couples may get wedding chairs and other amenities from married right on the paddleboat while it the resort for a small, outdoor wedding in makes its way around Pelican Lake. Meals the yard. can be served on the boat. The best part Couples often choose to get married is that the boat can be brought back to indoors, so their wedding plans are not the dock in front of the Dockside Lounge disrupted by Mother Nature. The Water’s 22 Weddings North | 2016

Edge Room, which comfortably seats 50 guests, adjoins the Marina Restaurant and provides a scenic view of Pelican Lake.

It is also centrally located at the resort.

Guests wouldn’t even have to leave the building if they booked rooms for the weekend in the building, a bonus for winter or off-season weddings. Lodging is a two-night minimum during the summer, but off season the resort offers one-night stays on weekends. Couples may block off rooms or cabins in advance at a discounted rate. The block expires 30 days before the wedding.

Couples who hope to have a larger wedding always have that option. The typical wedding at Breezy Point Resort is 150plus guests, which can be held indoors or outdoors at the resort. The Antlers Pavilion accommodates up to 200 guests, allowing outdoor weddings to be held rain or shine.

If a destination wedding at a northwoods Minnesota resort is your dream, Breezy Point Resort offers many options that suit your wedding style and budget. Visit www.breezypointresort.com to discover why many couples choose to start their lives together at Breezy Point Resort. FFF

2016 | Weddings North 23

Your Wedding Reception Our Specialty

When variety, quality and prices count....

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Have your wedding by our beautiful historic waterfall.

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18512 MINNESOTA 371 Brainerd, MN 56401

A WATERFALL WEDDING

by Sarah Herron A romantic waterfall flowing, fresh flowers blooming and a natural fieldstone wall surrounding trimmed shrubs and green grass with enough seating for 300 guests. This sounds like a dream wedding scenario, and it could be yours when you plan your big day with Doreen Bragg at The Old Waterfall.

“My family and I have owned The Old Waterfall for over 20 years,” says Doreen. “We have hosted hundreds of weddings here.” On-site wedding planning is included, so you can relax and bask in your special day, knowing it’s in the capable hands of Doreen and her staff.

They have a large, beautifully lit dining hall and a dance floor for that unforgettable first dance. The spacious hall has room for 175 guests to celebrate with you. And you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after all of those people either because The Old Waterfall will take care of that as well.

The Old Waterfall is also home to Brainerd Lakeland Catering, where everything is homemade. They offer a variety of menu choices such as the popular full sirloin or their undeniably tasty roast apple pork. Whether you prefer a buffet, a plated meal or catering, you can have fun building your own menu, depending on which menu items you think your guests would enjoy the most.

Delicious food, beautiful surroundings and experience you can trust, all at The Old Waterfall and Brainerd Lakeland Catering. Contact them today to start planning your dream wedding. FFF

24 Weddings North | 2016

photos by LISA SHERWOOD

FOUR SEASONS

by Kate Perkins

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OF WEDDINGS

As you contemplate your big day, one of the first decisions is when to set the date.

While the typical wedding season is June through September, there are great reasons to have your wedding in any month of the year — but wedding coordinators agree that couples should consider the implications of each season and how it could affect their guest attendance, wedding gown, venue and more.

In warm weather or cold, wet or dry, snow or sun, any day can be the big day.

While not all times of the year might offer “perfect” weather, each season has benefits that can cast a metaphorical ray of sunshine on your wedding.

2016 | Weddings North 25

Pros: • Budding scenery can make for a beautiful setting • Cooler, more temperate weather than summer • Less concern for bugs mosquitoes compared to summer • Off-peak pricing may be an option Cons: • School is still in session • Rain is more likely • Off-peak pricing may not be an option

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SPRING

Spring can be a beautiful time for a wedding. The symbolism of blooming flowers and renewed growth can make for a lovely backdrop to your wedding.

“Spring is a beautiful time. It’s bright, lush and beautiful,” MaryBeth Zea, sales and wedding coordinator at Cragun’s resort, said of the season. She added that while the weather could be cooler in the spring, that could be a benefit, as couples don’t need to worry about heat and humidity. Early spring also means fewer mosquitoes. Some venues are reporting that weddings in May and June are not as popular for as they have been in years 26 Weddings North | 2016

past, which could mean good availability at your dream venue. Off-peak pricing may or may not be an option, depending on each location’s policies. Early spring dates, in late March and April, can sometimes have no minimum lodging stay or lower food and beverage minimums.

Keep in mind spring holidays: religious holidays like Easter and Palm Sunday, of course, as well as Mother’s Day-- which is also fishing opener-- and Memorial Day. School is still in session in the spring, which could be a factor for families with children. It’s known for being a rainy season, which could present issues for

outdoor weddings. A sheltered backup is always a good idea.

In the spring, pastel colors like blush pink, mint green, lavenders and yellows tend to be popular. As spring wears on, the colors tend to get brighter and brighter, said Diana Rasinski, head floral designer at Petals and Beans in Nisswa.

Occasionally brides will complement the pastel colors with a brighter pink or green.

Some color schemes are great year round.

Rasinski said she’s seeing all white flowers as popular year-round, as well as navy blue and coral, or blush pink and mint green.

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Backyard Soiree

by Jodie Tweed It’s no wonder many Brainerd lakes area couples are choosing small backyard weddings. They can create a cozy, intimate setting that makes everyone, guests included, feel at home and relaxed.

As an added bonus, you can save the money you would have spent on a wedding venue and put it toward the honeymoon.

SuperValu in Pequot Lakes has been helping couples achieve their dream outdoor wedding since the store opened nearly six years ago. They can create party trays for any event, everything from fruit, cheese and meat trays. Come into the store and check out their deli brochure menu and pricing.

“We’ve done a lot of special orders for our broasted chicken,” said Corky LeDoux, Supervalu store manager. “We can provide broasted chicken and all the fixings, including potatoes, gravy, salads, side dishes, bakery products and other deli items. They

can also specially prepare doughnuts or other food for the wedding party as they get ready for the big event earlier in the day or even the next day if you’re having overnight guests. They can also special order all your favorite beverages, including bottled water and pop, along with enough ice to fill your coolers and ensure they’re ready to be picked up before the event.

Wedding cakes may be ordered from SuperValu’s sister stores, Cub Foods in Brainerd and Baxter, which also can provide bridal bouquets and other wedding flowers.

But if you’re getting married in the northern part of Crow Wing County, you don’t have to drive into Brainerd or Baxter in order to

pick up your cake or flowers.

“If you need something special, we can have it sent up here,” said LeDoux. “These transactions can all be done here so you don’t have to travel. It can save a lot of time for you.”

SuperValu also offers helium party balloons, which can be helpful at the end of your driveway or outdoor wedding venue to direct guests to the right location. LeDoux said his SuperValu team also works with area resorts, filling orders and requests for guests in town for destination weddings.

“Big or small weddings, we’ll try to accommodate anything they may need,” said LeDoux. FFF

Let Us Help Create

Your Moment Come see us in our Bakery and Floral Departments.

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2016 | Weddings North 27

Pros: • Surroundings are lush and green • Luck may be better for good weather in an outdoor wedding • Plenty for guests to do at your wedding up north Cons: • Peak season can mean peak cost • Bugs, heat and humidity become concerns • Many lodging accommodations require a two-night stay during peak months

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SUMMER Mid to late summer is the peak wedding season in northern Minnesota, and for good reason.

“If you’re going to get married in Minnesota, what better time to do it?” said Brandi Hitchler, group sales manager at Breezy Point Resort. While weather is always unpredictable, summer might be the best chance at good weather for an outdoor ceremony. And the options for ceremony or reception locations are practically endless.

Couples can take advantage of every28 Weddings North | 2016

thing the height of summer has to offer But peak season can also mean peak cost. Many resorts also require at least a two-night stay during the summer, which could be difficult for guests. One way to potentially counteract that peak season cost is to consider a wedding on a weekday, a Friday night or Sunday. Many venues offer discounted rates for those days.

With the warm weather, options for the wedding dress are opened up, as brides don’t have to worry about shivering at the altar in, for example, a strapless gown.

In consideration of the weather, couples may want to think about the possibility of heat, humidity, and mosquitoes. Some couples provide paper fans for their guests, some even print their ceremony program on the fans.

Florists say that as summer goes on, the flowers become brighter and bolder. Diana Rasinksi, head floral designer at Petals and Beans in Nisswa, says that popular colors she sees in the summer include bright blues, oranges, pinks and deep purple.

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Don’t let unwanted pests drive your guests away

by Jodie Tweed You’ve thought of everything — the flowers, the gown and the rings. But if you’re planning an outdoor wedding or reception in Minnesota, there’s one detail that can easily be overlooked.

“Mosquitoes can certainly spoil a good party,” said Clayton “Buzz” Holznagel, franchise owner of Mosquito Squad, based in Merrifield.

“We’ve done numerous outdoor weddings, both at the lake and in backyards and we’ve protected weddings in fields. We apply a pet friendly/child friendly product that eradicates both mosquitoes and ticks with virtually no odor and dries within 30 minutes.

Outdoor Party Tips • Plan ahead for your wedding or event and make sure it is on the schedule with Mosquito Squad. They have weddings and family reunions booked a year in advance.

• Make sure your wedding site is serviced by a professional licensed pest control company. Mosquito Squad has worked with many area resorts and restaurants that cater to outdoor events.

• Don’t assume your outdoor wedding venue already sprays for mosquitoes and other pests. Call and find out.

• Holznagel said the Brainerd lakes is a wedding destination with over 500 weddings performed each year. Don’t let your wedding day be cut short due to unwanted pests.

Our product also helps to control deer flies and horse flies. We guarantee about an 85 percent reduction in mosquitoes that will last between 14-21 days.”

In his sixth year of serving customers in the area, Holznagel said weddings and wedding-related outdoor parties, like groom’s dinners and receptions, are a growing business venue for him. Mosquitoes and ticks aren’t just a nuisance; they can ruin your outdoor celebration and potentially expose you and your guests to harmful tickborne and disdis

ease-carrying mosquito illnesses.

If you plan to rent a tent for the wedding, Holznagel said he and his crew will collaborate with the party rental company and spray before or after set up.

All Mosquito Squad technicians are licensed through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Depending on the size of the property, they can usually spray in under 45 minutes, he said.

Mosquito Squad also sprays for outdoor graduation parties, church picnics and family reunions. “Once you experience our product, it will change your summer,” said Holznagel.

Mosquito Squad of North Central MN can be contacted to treat the area resort community and spray not only at the wedding site, but around cabins and outside eating areas, making a more enjoyable experience for guests.

With most weddings today averaging $10,000 to $50,000, investing $250-$350 for pest control is well worth the price. It sure beats passing around the can of bug spray after the sun sets and the band begins to play. FFF

No problem.

(218) 829-9342 | 26851 Pelican Beach Road, Merriield, MN 2016 | Weddings North 29

Pros: • Fall colors make for beautiful photographs • Potential for temperate weather that’s not too hot or too cold • Late fall rates may be lower than peak season rates Cons: • Hunting season ties up weekends for many Minnesotans • School has started, so families may have difficulty attending • Early autumn often carries peak season price rates

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AUTUMN

The beginning of fall, in September, is still peak wedding season. Often the weather is still warm, but not sweltering hot, and the leaves are beginning to turn, making for gorgeous outdoor photos.

Couples still have ample choices for wedding venues this time of year, and the season lends itself to increasingly popular barn weddings or weddings set in apple orchards. October and even November are gaining in popularity for weddings according to some wedding coordinators.

Mid October can begin to be cooler, 30 Weddings North | 2016

though, and fall is also a time that is practically sacred to many Minnesotans: it’s hunting season. Traditional hunting weekends may occupy several dates that would otherwise be candidates for the big day. Deer season in Minnesota begins in early November and, depending on the region, can last three weeks.

Additionally, school starts in the fall.

Families travelling long distances may be reluctant to pull their kids from school to attend the wedding.

The cooler temperatures of late in the

fall season could affect a bride’s choice of wedding dress, but while strapless gowns and bridesmaid dresses could be chilly at an outdoor ceremony, shawls are always an option.

Because it’s a shoulder season, fall offers a lot of flexibility with colors. Bright colors that echo the recent summer are still welcomed, and wintery colors hint at the season that’s just around the corner.

Bold, saturated colors like burgundy, deep purple and orange are also popular in the fall.

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OFF-SEASON PERKS

by Rebecca Flansburg

Off-season weddings have become an increasingly popular option for many reasons including discounts, less tourist traffic and higher availability of guests.

Whether you’re searching for a destination wedding location or a coveted resort tucked away from it all, Grand View Lodge is the perfect setting.

Grand View Lodge offers a generous array of off-season perks. You’re sure to feel financial relief from the get-go with a discounted room rental fee and reduced food and beverage minimum. Discounts range anywhere from 25-50% off depending on the specific location and month of interest.

With that in mind, you can be more flexible with meal and decoration selections allowing for a more elegant and memorable wedding!

Grand View Lodge also has a wide variety of venue embellishments, such as upgraded linens and chairs, to enhance your event without the need to outsource.

Convenience is also a large factor. The off-season months tend to be easier on your guests’ agenda, as there aren’t as many family reunions, graduation parties and other summer celebrations to tie up the calendar.

You’ll also Escape the high tide of tourist season.

Grand View Lodge offers a wide variety of winter activities to entertain guests outside of the wedding festivities. Sleigh rides, cross country skiing, dog sledding, ice skating and many more. Our full service spa and indoor water park are also available year round.

Another reason your guests will be more apt to embrace your off-season wedding: reduced lodging rates! November through April lodging rates see a significant decrease and typically include our full breakfast buffet.

Much like your venue site, your vendors are also looking for off-season business.

Many wedding vendors are booked well over one year in advance for summer weddings.

When considering dates from November through April, the odds of booking your preferred vendors are much higher; some may even offer discounts too!

Since off-season weddings are not as common, your décor, photographs and memories are likely to be much more unique and memorable not only for you but for your guests as well.

Another great reason to choose Grand View as your selection is 2016 is our 100th year anniversary. Our “year of celebration” will be filled with new unique activities and menu items bringing back the memories of yesteryears. Most importantly, what an incredible time to celebrate your new beginning than with our celebration of a century of creating memories. A great story to share with your loved ones for years to come.

As an engaged couple with flexible dates looking for a way to save on your dream wedding, an off-season wedding is the perfect solution. Celebrating your big day in the off-season at Grand View Lodge will not only keep you from breaking the bank, but will also provide you with a lifetime of memories.

2016 | Weddings North 31

Pros: • Lower rates available at many venues • Potential for a very unique wedding Cons: • Guests traveling could be hindered by poor weather • School is in session, which could deter guests from long distances • Outdoor wedding options are limited

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WINTER Winter is perhaps the least thought of season when it comes to weddings, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time. It might be an opportunity for a unique, beautiful wedding.

“People love that blanket of white,” said Becky Bohnenstingl, wedding sales manager at Grand View Lodge. The sparkle of snow and its bright, pristine appearance can be stunning in wedding photos.

Brandi Hitchler, group sales manager at Breezy Point Resort, said their venue has a wedding booked for February. The couple plans to marry on the ice on Pelican Lake 32 Weddings North | 2016

and follow the ceremony with an indoor reception.

Because it’s not peak season, winter might be a consideration because of the discounted rates many venues offer.

One pitfall of a winter wedding is that guests may find it difficult to travel if poor weather hits. Often families have traditions they follow or plans in the weeks around Christmas and New Years, which could make those months difficult for weddings.

Deep purple, lavender and silver are all popular for winter wedding colors, floral

designer Diana Rasinski said. One up and coming wedding color trend, Rasinski added, is burgundy and blush.

Of course, deep red and burgundy are standbys for good reason. Winter greens are popular not only because they blend well with the season, but are readily available and fairly inexpensive. One common misconception, according to florists, is that certain flowers aren’t available yearround. While they may be more expensive, florists receive flower shipments from around the globe, giving brides more options for their bouquets. FFF

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by Rebecca Flansburg

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Rustic Charm

Imagine yourself walking into a grand building with rustic charm, 20-foot ceilings adorned with the warmth of natural wood, stone fireplaces and sweeping views. All of these unique design elements that bring the history and character of the locale to the great indoors are paired with a modern event and wedding venue that is second-to-none. and gift opening to complete the wedding. Multiple areas within the property create the perfect background for breathtaking and memorable photographs and video.

Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes offers award winning full-service catering and staff. Their onsite wedding coordinator is always on hand to assist in the planning and setting the stage for your celebration experience.

When it’s time to be swept away during the wedding celebration, the wedding

couple will delight in spending their special moments surrounded by family and friends in the Sands Ballroom to accommodate up to 300 guests. A hotel room block can be reserved for guests to stay overnight and the wedding couple will receive a complimentary king whirlpool suite for the night of their reception.

At Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, their goal is to give couples the wedding of their dreams and to create memories that will last a lifetime. FFF

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reate your dream wedding... at Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes *Sands Ballroom is able to accommodate up to 300 guests *On-Site Pergola and Courtyard for Ceremonies or Indoor Fireplaces for off-season weddings *Complimentary King Whirlpool Suite for the Bride & Groom

*Full Service Food & Beverage Catering and Staff by Arrowwood Lodge *Hotel Rooms for Guests at a Special Rate *Rehearsal Dinner and Gift Opening Rooms Available

www.arrowwoodbrainerd.com

(218) 822-5573 • 6967 Lake Forest Rd. Baxter, MN

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Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes is a full-service wedding venue for ceremonies, gatherings and events of all sizes.

Featuring a natural rustic style in the four-story, 102-room modern lodge. It is one of Minnesota’s most unique wedding facilities with something for everyone.

As a premiere wedding facility, Arrowwood Lodge offers couples a location to host all wedding festivities from a small, intimate setting for a rehearsal dinner, courtyard and pergola for the ceremony, reception space for dinner and dancing

2016 2016 || Weddings Weddings North North 33 33

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GUESTS always TALK ABOUT THE FOOD!

by Crystal Glaser One of the most talked about and important aspsects of a wedding for guests, is the food.

W w m t k photos by TAMMY SUE LOSSING, SHE CAPTURES

Dazzle them with your food selections! Besides your location, the food and beverages for your celebration will probably consume the largest portion of your wedding budget. It’s well worth it when you take into consideration that your wedding dinner starts off the reception and can set the tone for the evening. You’ll want them to remember “great taste” so to speak.

When you book your special day at Whitefish Lodge or Manhattan Beach Lodge, our excellent catering company – Whitefish Catering is part of the package. Whitefish Catering has won many awards and continues to receive excellent reviews from wedding clients. FFF

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“The ceremony onsite overlooking trout lake was magical. The food was AMAZING, the chef has great skill in pairing...and presentation.

Crystal is wonderful to work with and made anything we asked for happen.”

-Mrs. Chelsea Rhea, wedding at Manhattan Beach Lodge 9/26/15

o p l t b m c k

“We had our ceremony and reception at Whitefish Lodge. The best choice in venue we could have made! The venue coordinator, Crystal, was absolutely amazing; she replied to emails/phone calls almost Maid Marian’s Cottage is for the bridal party to get the entire planning process. The food was immediately during ready before the big event, featuring stylist chairs incredible!! We had so many guests say they couldn’t remember and walls of mirrors. the last time they had such tasty wedding food.”

-Mrs. Karie Schwenzfeier, wedding at Whitefish Lodge 10/3/15 34 Weddings North | 2016

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34 Weddings North | 2016

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WEDDING DESSERTS

by Rebecca Flansburg Whether a bride is dreaming of a towering wedding cake elaborately decorated or a more modern desert bar, they need look no further than Reed’s Bakery of Crosslake for one-of-akind wedding delights.

2016 | Weddings North 35

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Reed’s Bakery has been in the Crosslake area for over 25 years and wedding cake designers, Teresa King and Jenny Henderson have a combined 35 years of experience in making expertly crafted wedding cakes. Together this dynamic duo creates custom elegant wedding cakes to the specifications of the brides and grooms who walk through their doors. They take the time to consult with their customers and provide free cake tasting as well.

A notable trend in wedding cake creation, and one Reed’s Bakery is very familiar with, is the naked wedding cake. Brides these days are choosing to forgo the frosting for a more exposed look compared to the traditional wedding cake.

Reed’s Bakery also offers a full array of wedding dessert bar options to please any palate. The bakery’s delectable dessert bar offerings include things like pumpkin or banana bars, brownies, carrot cake, cake donuts, mini donuts, Danishes, cookies, mini cookies, caramel rolls and even two kinds of cheesecakes.

“We are very accommodating here at Reed’s Bakery. We know we’ve done our job well when we present the finished product and see the happiness and excitement on the bride and groom’s faces.

We take pride in exceeding our customer’s expectations and are always here to make the wedding cake creation process as memorable as their special day,” concluded Bakery Manager, Teresa King. FFF

See our photos on Facebook 2016 | Weddings North 35

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OF YOUR WEDDING DAY

by Rebecca Flansburg A wedding is one of the most important events in a couple’s lives. Along with the dress, flowers, the venue and the vows, creating a memorable wedding experience is at the top of many couple’s “must have” list these days.

A key component in creating a unique wedding experience is renting a limo or party bus that extends the fun and magic long after the bride and groom have said, “I do.”

By hiring a professional driver from a professional company, couples are also gaining peace of mind and the safety of their guests and loved ones. With that in mind, Ultimate Limo & Party Bus is the number one choice for classy and quality limo and party bus service in the Brainerd Lakes Area and beyond.

Established in 2009, Ultimate Limo is a locally-owned and operated business and their party buses are outfitted with equipment that rival nightclub-style sound systems.

Other amenities include incredible lighting, lasers, dance floors, DVD players, bars and multiple flat panel TV screens. Options for the ultimate way to travel and party include

a white Hummer Stretch that seats 24 and a black party bus that seats 18-22. For smaller wedding parties, Ultimate has plush Party Buses that seat 8-12 and offers a sleek black interior seating along with a state-of-the-art sound system.

A party bus is a fantastic way to celebrate almost any occasion, and what a celebration it will be! The bride and groom, along with

their party guests, can sink down into soft leather seating, turn their attention to one of plasma televisions or visit with their passengers in comfort and style.

“Our professional and local drivers not only know their way around the Brainerd Lakes Area, they are committed to helping couples enjoy a full night of opulence and ab36 Weddings North | 2016

solute luxury designed to perfectly suit their needs,” revealed Ron Beattie, Ultimate Limo & Party Bus owner.

Whatever vehicle fits the needs of your special event, Ultimate Limo will provide luxury transportation and an enhanced party bus experience that gives couples the chance to spend an incredible night together with friends and family. Whether it’s a large wedding, a corporate outing or an intimate night on the town for two, Ultimate Limo & Party Bus can design a transportation package that not only fits all needs, but endeavors to help create memories that last a lifetime. http://ultimatelimobrainerd.com/w/ FFF

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PARTY Y PARAT P RTY

Advice for creating a great reception playlist and tips for an after party

RECEPTION PLAYLIST

Couples can leave their wedding reception playlists to the professionals, but they should also know that they have a say in which songs are played. In addition, couples can have a “no play” playlist that prohibits certain songs. When mulling the musical choices for your wedding reception, consider the following advice.

• Begin by making a list of your favorite songs. Make this list during different days and at different times and moods so you get a good cross-section of your favorite tunes.

Not every song is a good fit for a wedding reception. Melancholy songs or those that include suggestive lyrics are best left off the playlist.

• Aim to get as many guests dancing as possible. Well-known songs and upbeat dance music will inspire more guests to cut a rug.

Music that spans decades and various genres will appeal to guests from all age groups.

• Avoid songs that are difficult to dance to.

If your favorite songs fit that bill ask the DJ or band to play them during the cocktail hour or during dinner.

• Give the music vendor some leeway. They have no doubt performed at many weddings and may have a better feel for crowds than you do. Let them know they have some leeway to play songs of their choice if guests seem to be avoiding the dance floor.

• Don’t stress out about the music. Don’t stress out if you’re struggling to come up with songs you want to hear. Your vendor is no doubt capable.

• Get out of your wedding finery. You will probably enjoy yourself more at the after party if you can mingle in more comfortable attire.

• Choose a place within walking distance or close by. Safety should always be a priority. If only a few people are going out, you may be able to pile into a cab, but if your affair will be attended by more than a handful of guests, choose a venue close by so it’s easy for guests to get there and get home.

• Take advantage of hotel services. Many hotels have conference rooms or attached

38 Weddings North | 2016

FFF

15867 Edgewood Drive Baxter, MN 56425 218-828-2127 • 877-328-2127

We rent tents, tables, chairs, dance floors and much more!

Balloon decor and retail decorating options also available!

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AFTER PARTY TIPS

After parties have grown increasingly popular. After parties can be anything from a bunch of friends toasting marshmallows over a fire pit or a night of dancing at a club.

bars and restaurants. Make arrangements with the hotel concierge or the front desk in advance.

• Leave whenever you want. Feel free to leave the after party whenever you want.

Usually once a few people begin to disperse, the rest of the group will call it a night.

• Delegate responsibilities. A busy bride and groom may not have the time or the inclination to plan another party. Put the task in the hands of a third party or volunteer.

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THREE CHEERS

by Sarah Nelson-Katzenberger Prairie Bay Restaurant in Baxter is known for its flair for creative dishes with locally grown foods.

Owner Nick Miller said they have their sights on more.

In 2014, Miller, along with John Poston and Matt Annand, purchased the restaurant and merged with Poston’s Sherwood Forest Restaurant and Prairie Bay’s catering business and created 3 Cheers Hospitality. Also included in 3 Cheers is Lost Lake Lodge restaurant in Lake Shore and the Mad Hugger Café located at Central Lakes College.

Miller said the expansion of the business has provided the ability to provide topnotch wedding catering both on and off

site and has given the business the ability to travel to new locations and build relationships in other communities.

Whether it’s wedding parties coming from out of town to take advantage of an up north destination wedding or local customers who want to entrust their catering to a restaurant they know and trust, Miller said it’s the goal of 3 Cheers to host the event or execute catering for the event well.

“We just want to make it a great day for people,” Miller said.

The catering menu provides a great meal for all budgets. “We have done everything from taco night to filet mignon and crab and everything in-between,” Miller said.

In 2015, 3 Cheers Hospitality hosted 25

weddings. This year they hope to do 40.

Sherwood Forest, located in Lake Shore, holds more than 100 years of tradition in hosting weddings. Miller said it’s not uncommon for a couple who was married there decades ago to drop by and revisit their memories of celebrating their union at the same location.

Plus, Sherwood Forest provides the perfect lakeside ambiance for the big day.

“It’s this beautiful location with a spectacular view,” Miller said. “It’s just perfect.”

For more information on booking a wedding or catering an event with 3 Cheers Hospitality, call Prairie Bay at 218-824-6444 or email the office at: prairiebayevents@3cheersmn.com. FFF

2016 | Weddings North 39

HONEYMOON REMIX

by Susan Smith-Grier Just as you listen to old favorites remixed for a new crowd, so too has the honeymoon gone through some changes to fit the times.

The days of the glamorous honeymoon in the Poconos are dwindling down as people are getting more and more creative about how they spend their first days together as a married couple. There are a few different factors driving the new trends in honeymooning. For one, marriages are not that high on life priority lists anymore. Instead of getting married right out of high school or even college, the average woman is around 27 years old for her first marriage and the average man is 29 years old. In addition to the age factor, almost a third of the weddings being performed these days are second and third marriages, which of course means the bride and groom are even older. Many of these older people and even those who are getting married for the first time have often experienced travel to exotic places already so they are looking for something different for their honeymoon.

40 Weddings North | 2016

THE WEDDINGMOON

Now it may seem a little odd at first, but it makes perfect sense when you consider all the stress of planning a wedding. Some couples opt for pre-wedding travel to help them relax before the stress of the big day.

This is usually a short trip to a local venue just to get a way for a day or so. It’s a time to forget about all the things that make wedding planning an ordeal.

THE MINI-MOON

In the past, weddings were the financial responsibility of the parents, in particular the bride’s parents. Nowadays, more couples are financing their own weddings and the time and money that goes into the big day often depletes bank accounts and vacation days from work. Consequently there isn’t much left for an exotic honeymoon so people are doing the next best thing and deciding to go on a mini honeymoon. This shortened version is taken right after the wedding and like the regular honeymoon, it is meant for a time of rest and relaxation to decompress from all the wedding activities. It usually

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lasts only a few days. The real honeymoon comes later after the couple has had time to replenish the coffers and build up vacation days.

HIS AND HERS HONEYMOONS

It’s not unusual for the bride and groom to have differing ideas on what a honeymoon should be like. Now couples are choosing to satisfy each other by splitting time between two different experiences. She may like the warm cozy romance of a luxury room with a fireplace and Jacuzzi. He may enjoy camping. They only need to work out which comes first, indoor or outdoor fire.

Older honeymooners are looking for ways to make this time meaningful. Instead of enjoying self-indulgence they look for opportunities to spend time doing volunteer work helping others. Honeymooners can choose from a variety of opportunities like helping build a house or helping prepare food to be shipped to those in need.

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VOLUNTEERISM HONEYMOON

2016 | Weddings North 41

Awesome honeymoons don’t just happen - they take lots of planning. Krisha Friede of Bursch Travel says one of the big trends in honeymoons is the all-inclusive package.

Rather than the couple having to figure out all the little details, those things are handled for them when they meet with their travel agent. This eliminates the couple needing to coordinate all the activities. Another big trend in honeymoons is the wow factor of the rooms. Couples are opting for more unique and luxurious rooms. This includes beautiful views, Jacuzzis in the rooms and fireplaces for romantic evenings.

Friede recommends beginning with a calendar in hand to help you keep track of the details and make sure that all your dates are going to mesh. The calendar will help you stay organized and on top of all the loose ends that are sure to develop in your honeymoon planning.

Working with a knowledgeable travel agent is a good way to eliminate a lot of the stress that comes with planning. Friede points out travel agents are adept at handling all the details and coordinating the activities that couples want to experience on their honeymoon. They also know all the spots to visit. She also highly recommends travel protection for honeymooners. If Murphy’s Law should strike in the form of illness, unexpected cash outlays or inclement weather

or other unseen misfortune and the trip needs to be canceled, you don’t want to lose any money unnecessarily.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR A WONDERFUL HONEYMOON

Check the details – If you’re traveling by air, make sure you’re seated together. Don’t assume that because you are honeymooners your seats will automatically be booked side by side.

Bring your marriage certificate for proof of marriage and great perks. It’s not enough to say you just got married. Businesses want proof and showing your marriage certificate can get you nice gifts throughout your visit.

You might just be surprised at how gracious establishments can be toward honeymooners. This applies to honeymoons taken up to six months from the wedding.

Weddings, Wedding Weekends, Receptions, Reunions, Retreats, Special Events and More!

Like us on Facebook!

Staples 42 Weddings North | 2016

Brainerd Lakes Area Landmark-Inn.net 218-894-4444

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INGREDIENTS FOR A MEMORABLE HONEYMOON

Unplug for the duration. Your honeymoon is a time for you to relax, unwind and spend quality time with your new spouse.

No social media, work or other electronic distractions. This is time for you to enjoy one another.

Do something unique to make the experience memorable. Look for experiences out of the ordinary, something you can do together you’ve never done before. These are the opportunities that will make exciting and lasting memories.

Beware of online bookings for good deals.

People who get discount deals on hotel rooms and airline tickets are subject to getting bumped, so don’t be surprised if that great price you got online turns out to be at a hotel other than the one at which you had your heart set on staying.

When planning a low budget honeymoon, leave your expectations at home. Friede advises that honeymooners don’t set high expectations for the honeymoon itself and realize you may not be staying at a five-star hotel, but you are still together and still able to enjoy doing things together.

When faced with adversity on your honeymoon such as bad weather, remember, some things you can’t change, you just have to accept them. Keep a positive attitude and salvage your trip by deciding to have a good time regardless of the problem.

Your honeymoon is the start of a new life together. You will find sitting down as a couple and planning your honeymoon is going to be one of the highlights in the process of getting married. Keep in mind no matter how extravagant or humble your honeymoon is, as Krisha Friede says, “Experiences - it’s all about the experiences.

Experiences make memories.” FFF

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LOVE NEST

by Susan Smith-Grier Welcome to the beginning of a new journey on an untrodden path. With vows and marriage comes exciting adventure.

Imagine how it’s increased when you and your spouse first cross the threshold of your new home. You open the door on a house full of promise and possibilities.

The women of Century 21 Brainerd Realty stand ready to help you make this dream reality. Whether you are looking for a starter home that will grow with you or something larger for a blended family, our Service Pledge to sellers and buyers ensures that you will start your great adventure in the perfect setting.

We are the SMARTER, BOLDER, FASTER - REALTORS ® providing you the excellent service that Century 21 is known for. Since 1971 the Brainerd Lakes Area has been served by this most recognized name in real estate.

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Starting a new life with the person you adore deserves a fresh foundation on which to build lasting memories. Your new home provides this. Imagine the smell of

fresh baked cookies or homemade bread; markings on the kitchen doorpost as your children grow; family pictures on the wall, a few more added every year; a yard for two and four legged kids to play in.

We’ve been helping families find their perfect castles for decades. As recipients of several Quality Service Awards from RealSatisfied® and two years in a row, including 2015, recipients of the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Award for “Highest Overall Satisfaction for First-time and Repeat Buyers and Sellers,” we stand ready to serve you.

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2016 | Weddings North 43

Risky Business

326 Washington Street Brainerd, MN (218) 829-9361

Bakery

Reed’s Market

35561 Co Rd 3 Crosslake, MN 56442 (218) 692-2711 ReedsMarket.com Facebook.com/ReedsMarket

Cub Foods Brainerd 417 8th Ave NE Brainerd, MN (218) 828-1816

Bridal Boutique

Arlene’s Bridal and Tuxedo 721 Laurel Street Brainerd, MN (218) 829-9766

Catering

Brainerd Lakeland Catering The Old Waterfall

18512 MN 371 Brainerd, MN (218) 828-4487 www.facebook.com/TheOldWaterfall

Connie’s Kitchen

9360 Wild Rice Road Brainerd, MN (218) 821-3575 www.ConniesKitchenBrainerd.com

30503 MN 371 Pequot Lakes, MN (218) 568-5001 www.pequotlakessupervalu.com

514 3rd Street Southeast Little Falls, MN (320) 630-1361 www.ChristinaJohnsonPhotography.com

Three Cheers Prairie Bay Grill and Catering 15115 Edgewood Drive Baxter, MN (218) 824-6444 www.PrairieBay.com

Kelli Engstrom Photography PO Box 83 Crosslake, MN (218) 692-4626 www.KelliEngstrom.com

763-229-6575 amanda@northernlotus.com www.northernlotus.com

Floral

Cub Foods Baxter

14133 Edgewood Dr N Baxter, MN (218) 828-4601

Party Rental Equipment/Supplies Party Time Rental

VIP Floral and Gift

701 Laurel Street Brainerd, MN (218) 829-1771 www.vipfloralandweddings.com

Jewelry

E. L. Menk Jewelry

623 Laurel Street Brainerd, MN (218) 829-7266 www.ELMenkJewelers.com

Pest Control

Mosquito Squad

21914 County Road 3 Merrifield, MN (218) 829-9342 www.mosquitosquad.com

4750 White Gables Rd Brainerd, MN (218) 829-6300 www.PartyTimeRentalMN.com

Party World

15867 Edgewood Drive N Baxter, MN (218) 828-2127 www.PartyWorldBaxter.com

Receptions/Banquets/Resorts Arrowwood Lodge

At Brainerd Lakes 6967 Lake Forest Road Baxter, MN (877) 687-5634 www.LodgeHotelsBrainerd.com

Breezy Point Resort

9252 Breezy Point Drive Breezy Point, MN (800) 432-3777 (218) 562-7811 www.BreezyPointResort.com

Tammy Schultz

SELLING DREAMS...

CREATING LIFESTYLES! Tammyschultz@edinarealty.com

Open To The Public To Rent!

Curling Club Building

Located at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds

Remember us when planning your special events: _ Weddings/Receptions _ Anniversary Parties _ _ Family Reunions _ Birthday Parties _ _ Graduation Parties _ Also available for:

218-851-1988

Auctions _ Craft Shows _ Business Annual Picnics _ Class Reunions Call the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds 218-829-6680 for more information or to reserve a date for your event.

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Aimee Jobe Photography 1571 Northern Pacific Rd. Brainerd, MN

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(952) 994-0037

aimee@aimeejobe.com www.AimeeJobe.com 001351724r1

44 Weddings North | 2016

Christina Johnson Photography

Northern Lotus: Photography & Design

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CABIN CLEANING • OFFICE/BUSINESS All Seasons Cleaning CLEANING • RESIDENTIAL CLEANING • and Services, LLC RENTAL CLEANING • MAINTENANCE CLEANING • ONE TIME CLEANING • PET SERVICES Free Estimates • MOVE IN/OUT CLEANING • DECK CLEAN$10 Off Your 1st Appointment Licensed-Insured-Bonded ING AND WATERPROOFING • ORGANIZING • CALL US TODAY! CABIN/HOME SECURITY AND MAINTENANCE CHECKS •218-839-3464 24/7 EMERGENCY CLEANING • allseasonscleaning14@yahoo.com HOME SALE PREPARATION • PATIO FURNIallseasonscleaningservices.com TURE CLEANING • AFTER CONSTRUCTION CLEAN UPQuality......Dependability • AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!!

Photographers

Pequot Lakes Supervalu

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Bachelor/Bachelorette

Catering CONTINUED

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WEDDINGS NORTH 2016 DIRECTORY

31067 Front Street, Pequot Lakes | 218-568-4695

Receptions/Banquets/Resorts

Real Estate

Manhattan Beach Lodge 39051 Co Rd 66 Crosslake, MN 56442 (218) 692-3381 www.MBLodge.com

CONTINUED

Cragun’s Resort on Gull Brainerd, MN 800-CRAGUNS (800-272-4867) ext. 8857 www.Craguns.com

Century 21

391 Edgewood Drive N #100 Baxter, MN (218) 829-2222 www.brainerdrealtyinc.c21.com

Nisswa American Legion 25807 Main Street Nisswa, MN (218) 963-3518

Eagles Club Aerie 287

124 Front Street Brainerd, MN (218) 829-4216 www.BrainerdEagles.com

Salon

Bliss Salon & Boutique

4430 Main Street Pequot Lakes, MN (218) 568-5185 blisssalonandboutique@hotmail.com

Northland Arboretum

14250 Conservation Drive Brainerd, MN (218) 829-8770 www.NorthlandArb.org

Grand View Lodge

23521 Nokomis Ave Nisswa, MN (866) 801-2951 www.grandviewlodge.com

Transportation

Pine Peaks

Ultimate Limo

Whitefish Lodge & Suites

Wedding Officiant

260 Blacksmith Circle Brainerd, MN (218) 513-3977 www.ultimatelimobrainerd.com/w/

39957 Swanburg Road, South Crosslake, MN (888) 471-4279 www.PinePeaksEventCenter.com

Falls Ballroom

15879 MN 27 Little Falls, MN (320) 632-9992 www.FallsBallroom.com

14150 Swann Drive Crosslake, MN (218) 692-2246 www.Whitefish-Lodge.com

Landmark Inn

631 3rd Ave, NE Staples, MN (218) 894-4444 www.Landmark-Inn.net

Lisa Cassman

Brainerd, MN (218) 252-0233 www.lisacassman.net

The Woods

19624 Co Rd 3 Brainerd, MN (218) 829-7507 www.TheWoodsMN.com

CONGRATULATIONS!

C

BANQUET FACILITIES AVAILABLE

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Call today to book your meeting or event!

Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brainerd Aerie 287 (218) 829-4216 | 124 Front Street, Brainerd Monday - Thursday 11 am - 10:30 pm Friday & Saturday 11 am - 12:30 am www.brainerdeagles.com

CHECK FACEBOOK PAGE FOR CURRENT EVENTS

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Recommended for a Reason.

Jennifer Werhan,

320-630-1361

REALTOR®

218-849-5169

LLC

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Service you Deserve.

Each office independently owned and operated.

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People you can Trust.

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2016 | Weddings North 45

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Brilliant sunrises, dramatic sunsets, cascading fields, indoor/outdoor fireplaces and wildflower gardens.

ACCOMMODATING ALL SEASONS Pine Peaks Retreat and Event Center

by Dr. Julie Ann Nyland Peterson SHE SAID YES! Now you’ve found Pine Peaks Retreat and Event center, the perfect destination

for a northwoods-themed wedding! This serene wilderness sanctuary is removed from outside distractions offering a complete four season wedding destination resort.

Owners Dave and Julie Peterson ensure the wedding comes together as simply and smoothly as possible to make your dream wedding weekend a reality. This beautiful property has been in Dave’s family for four generations.

A typical wedding weekend unfolds like clockwork. Decoration begins on Thursday with many complimentary decorations: linens, skirting, props and lighting. The rehearsal dinner is held on Friday with onsite options to host an intimate family and friends event. The sun rises and it’s Saturday, the day to say “I DO!” The bridal party gets ready and the celebration begins. Onsite wedding ceremonies are available outdoors or in the pavilion followed by the reception and dance. Sunday is used for brunch, gift opening, guest departure and relaxation. Rest up for the honeymoon by taking an additional night’s stay on Sunday night in the retreat house on us. Best of all, the entire venue is completely private for the duration of the wedding weekend from Thursday until Monday.

“We were looking for someplace that would be more intimate and that is exactly what we got at Pine Peaks Event Center,” said Tiffany, a recent bride.

The retreat house comfortably sleeps 20 or more for the wedding party, including the bridal couple in the Jacuzzi fireplace suite complete with a professional two-chair hair salon. It’s perfect for the bride, along with her bridesmaids to relax in style and prepare for the wedding ceremony.

Use the gourmet kitchen complete with outdoor grills to put together meals and snacks for the whole entourage.

This gated 80-acre country estate offers picture brilliant sunrises, dramatic sunsets, cascading fields, wildflower gardens, rows of evergreens,

46 Weddings North | 2016

beautifully manicured grounds and an outdoor fire pit. It’s a photographer’s dream. The event center welcomes up to 275plus wedding guests, plus outdoor wedding ceremony settings for 300-plus. The fireplace pavilion can hold 30-40 guests perfect for the rehearsal dinner. Complimentary WED SAFE cancellation insurance is also provided.

The wedding guests can experience rustic luxury when they relax nearby at Pine Peaks Lodge and Suites (affiliated partner) with 38 rooms and suites, located in Crosslake, with shuttle service available. There are 150 hotel rooms in a 12-mile radius around Pine Peaks.

One visit to our gorgeous facility and we know you’ll fall in love. Let Pine Peaks Retreat and Event Center make your wedding dreams a reality! FFF

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Pine Peaks is a unique Destination Wedding Resort of magnificent surroundings in the middle of the Brainerd Lakes area. We provide an easy and relaxing experience for you, and offer exceptional service for a stress free, perfect three to four day experience. Our on-site Retreat Lodge will house your entire Wedding Party or families. Our Event Center has everything you will need for your wedding. One visit to our gorgeous facility and we know you’ll fall in love.

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PINE PEAKS EVENT CENTER

39957 Swanburg Road South | Crosslake, MN 56442 888 471-4279 | www.PinePeaksEventCenter.com

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We have partnered with Pine Peaks Lodge and Suites, a boutique Hotel just six miles away in beautiful downtown Crosslake for your out of town wedding guests.

WHILE OTHER WEDDING VENUES ARE COLLECTING DUST…..WE ARE COLLECTING AWARDS. 001343554r1

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Corner of 7th & Laurel • Downtown Brainerd • 829-7266 • www.elmenkjewelers.com