Dainty Obsessions v.6 | no.1 Wedding Magazine

HAPPILY HYGGE INCORPORATING HERITAGE WITH EVERYTHING COZY

A BLANK CANVAS WHY WHITE CAKES ARE ALWAYS IN GOOD TASTE

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MIDWEST REAL WEDDINGS A TRADITIONAL HOMETOWN WEDDING TAKES THE STAGE S’MORE LOVE WITH A CAMP COUNSELOR WEDDING A LAKESIDE LOVE AFFAIR

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he Avalon Events Center presents the Endless Possibilities Wedding Expo on Sunday January 14th, 2018. There will be a chance to win the following: A $10,000 wedding reception, honeymoon destination, tuxes, wedding dresses and up to $3,000 cash in our money machine. Vendors from a variety of areas will also be participating and giving away fabulous prizes!

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FALL + WINTER 2017-2018 CONTENTS

88

62

28

Features 24

Get to Know | Penny Tree Events

12 Giveaway

86

Vendor Trends

14

Get to Know | Posh Bridal Couture + l’atelier Couture Bridal

110

Honeymoon Trip Tips | Bayfield, WI

18

Etiquette | Holiday Inn Rapid City - Rushmore Plaza

120

Newlyweds at Home

20

Engagement Story

126

Vendor Guide

130

Real Advice

6

4

Publisher's Letter

102

14

54 Inspiration

Real Weddings

28

Color Inspiration Boards

34

Sarah + Reid

42

Natural Nuptials

54

Liz + Ted

62

Happily Hygge

72

Britni + Matt

80

A Blank Canvas

88

Maggie + Andrew

96

Drinking in Season

102

Ashley + Nathan

112

Dainty Living | Holiday Hosting

da i nt yobs e s s i ons.c om 5

Letter from the Publisher a brainstorming session with our styled shoot team, we talked about how many get married in the area and choose a rustic theme. This can make it easy to fall into mason jars, burlap, and dĂŠcor that - while beautiful - can be clichĂŠ and/or overdone at times.

Miranda Boenisch of Timeless Wedding & Event Rental and Cadey Reisner of Cadey Reisner Weddings worked with us on using natural and local elements from the area to set the tone for our faux bride and groom. Just wait until you see the prairie flowers from Flowers by LeRoy. I'm still dreaming about them.

Our second styled shoot was dreamed up by our very own art director, Liz Painter. Passionate about her Scandinavian heritage, she envisioned a studio loft affair incorporating traditional food, family, and festivities. Carrie Brusven of Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events in Fargo, ND let us into her PHOTO GR APHY BY MICHAE L L I E DTK E PHOTO GR APHY

I never stop wearing sweaters. It's the truth. While some enjoy the sunny weather of summer, it's just not for me. Do I partake in trips to the lake and live for grilling season? Of course. I'm wearing a cardigan while I do so, though.

space to create just that with an insane amount of breathtaking florals from Sadie Gardner of Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling, and a sweater cake from Nichole's Fine Pastry.

That's right. It all comes back to sweaters.

Get snuggled up in yours, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and

So when I start working on the fall and winter issue of

peruse through pages of incredible Midwest wedding

Dainty Obsessions, I'm in my element, and apparently

inspiration from the best in the area.

I'm not alone. From what I'm hearing from vendors throughout the Midwest is that couples also love these seasons, and are booking fall and winter solid for weddings.

What better place to get married in the fall or winter season than the Black Hills of South Dakota? After

Follow Dainty Obsessions on Instagram: @daintyobsessions

Alana Snyder

daintyobsessions.com

Meet Bethany Buitenbos of Bethany Melivin Photography. See inside her Sioux Falls, SD office and where she meets with clients (spoiler: it involves cupcakes).

See more real weddings, like Sammi and Tanner's celebration at Black Hills Receptions & Rentals in Rapid City, SD by Cadey Reisner Weddings.

Start planning your dream day with our free, printable wedding planner, featuring advice and inspiration from the best vendors in the region.

Plan a Wedding with a View

Set in the heart of the Black Hills, The Homestead at Prairie Berry Winery offers rustic charm in a one-of-a-kind space. Enjoy menu items prepared by our in-house culinary team, award-winning Prairie Berry Winery wines, and local craft beer from Miner Brewing Company.

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PUBLISHER Alana Snyder ART DIRECTOR Liz Painter EDITOR Emily Swan CONTRIBUTORS Tatiana Gonzalez Carly Reiser FAL L C OV E R Dresses: Dream Dress Express Photography: Cadey Reisner Weddings Jewelry: Neugebauer's Fine Jewelry Flowers: Flowers by LeRoy Hair + Makeup: Black Hills Beauty College Model: Jacey Regan W I NT E R C OV E R Jewelry: Riddle's Jewelry Planner + Florals: Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling Rentals + Venue: Gathered Boutique Rentals & Events Photography: Haley Frost Creative Dress: White Lace Bridal & Formal Wear Hair + Makeup: West 13th Salon Model: Anna Larson

CORRESPONDENCE 300 N. Cherapa Place, Suite 504 Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (605) 274-1999 ext. 1 | contact@daintyobsessions.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Alana Snyder | (605) 274-1999 ext. 1 sales@daintyobsessions.com CHECK US OUT W W W. DAI NT YO B S E S S I O NS. C O M

cdfgm Dainty Obsessions is printed biannually by The Mighty Bowtones, LLC in Sioux Falls, SD. ©2017-2018 Dainty Obsessions. All rights reserved. Content in this magazine should not be copied in any way without written permission from the publisher. Dainty Obsessions assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Content in articles, editorial material and advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by Dainty Obsessions.

AVAILABLE IN IA, IL, MN, ND, NE, SD, WI, + WY

Behind the Scenes

Cake designer and decorator Luke Howell of HabituĂŠ Coffeehouse & Cakes to Remember being a gentleman and assisting with DO's backdrops for our Blank Canvas dessert shoot.

Dream team Cadey Reisner Weddings and Miranda Boenisch of Timeless Wedding & Event Rental at The Homestead at Prairie Berry Winery. Tip: It's always smart to have a stepstool handy!

Model Brittany Olshove giving us life in between shots with Bethany Melvin Photography as our faux holiday hostess for Dainty Living.

Carrie Brusven of Gathered. Boutique Rentals & Events handwriting "welcome" in Norwegian at her studio. The "hygge" in this shoot is perfection.

Grant Holub of Black Hills Video taking detail footage of our head table. Don't miss the recap film on DaintyObsessions.com.

The incredible Sadie Gardner of Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling adding gorgeous flowers and greenery to complement details for our North Dakota shoot.

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C ON TACT IN FO

Get to Know

WAYZATA, M N 952.24 9.8 0 0 0 P O SH M N .C OM MIN N EAP OL IS, M N 612.3 6 7.8120 L ATELIERCOUTUREBRIDAL.COM

P OS H BRIDAL C OUTURE & L'AT E LI E R C OUT UR E B R I DAL B O U TIQ UE CAITLIN NIGHTINGALE PHOTOGRAPHY

Eight years ago, Minneapolis ENTREPRENEUR MARIE SUCHY was ready to start a business after staying home with her children. Thankfully, for brides and couples all over the Midwest, she started luxury bridal salon POSH BRIDAL COUTURE in historic downtown Wayzata. After years of being one of the go-to bridal boutiques, she opened a Pos location in Nashville, Tennessee. And just last year, Suchy purchased L’ATELIER COUTURE BRIDAL - a designer staple in the bridal industry. DO chatted with Suchy about how she does it all, what trends she’s seeing, and why customer service is so important to her and her team.

How did Posh Bridal Couture start, and where did your love for bridal fashion come from?

Marie Suchy: I was a stay-at-home mom; I stayed home for about eightand-a-half years with my kids, and I kind of drove my husband crazy. I was constantly looking for projects and doing things, and this opportunity came before us. My husband gave me a little chunk of money and said, “You need to go do this. You need to do something recession-proof, so either pets, babies, or bridal.” We chose bridal, and opened [Posh] up a short time later we opened up November 1st. Honestly, though, I’m not a girly girl, but I love bridal now. I love the designers, I love the concept, I love the fact that we get 14

to be involved in that one moment where it’s so special not only to the bride, but to her family.

As time has passed and I’ve gotten further into opening Posh in Nashville, and purchasing l'atelier Couture, I feel like that’s my mission. We put so much into that one moment so that we can truly make it so special for our brides and make the process easy. I kind of fell into it. I didn’t really know anything about bridal going in. I had a very, very small wedding. I had 10 people at my wedding and literally bought my dress the week before.

Looking back now, I would do it a whole different way, I tell ya [laughed].

My background is private banking, so

my whole philosophy of going into this store was based on service, not necessarily the product. I think that’s what made Posh, and now l'atelier as well, focused on the service aspect of it and the moments and specialness - if you will - of letting your heart decide rather than the mirror decide. We build that moment up and build that process up.

I took all of the appointments myself for the first six months. I don’t think I had my first sale for the first two months [laughed]. I’m very entrepreneurial and look at things a certain way, and I don’t like to go into places and shop at places I feel uncomfortable in. My goal was to really set up a process, which the girls can go

through, for brides to find their dress and make them feel beautiful.

It seems like it’s harder - and a bit different - to shop with online shopping becoming the norm.

MS: I totally agree! It’s crazy, though.

When people walk into our space at Posh, their shoulders drop. They feel comfortable and feel at home. There’s something about being in an environment where you feel supported. You can do more, you can accomplish more, you can find your dress and be vulnerable to go through the process. There’s so much more than the fabric and the lace and what looks good on your body. There’s all of the components of the people sitting on the sofa, how everyone’s interacting, does the bride

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feel really good about herself, is she getting the support, or does she need an advocate? So it's hard nowadays to shop, because it’s hard to connect to people. My basis has always been to create an environment where we’re all a big, happy family. We’ve had to adjust a little bit with online shopping, but I think we really suit well for people, and especially their mothers, grandmothers, and sisters.

How did you decide on the name and the concept?

MS: I originally had a business partner, and she came up with the name. We started with wanting to be more of a glamorous boutique that offered upand-coming designers. I found I didn’t really want to do name brands - not the Vera Wang or the Oscar [de la Renta] or anything like that. I wanted the Matthew Christopher… I’ve had so many small designers. I wanted to have that place where they offer amazing gowns with amazing fits, but they’re not necessarily on every page of the magazine. It’s for a person like me: do I love name brands? Yes, I do, but I’m not driven by brand names. l’atelier is the place where people come in, and they want to buy a Monique [Lhuillier].

There’s no questioning whether they look good in it or not. Or a Berta. It’s cultish. People come in and they have to buy it, whether they can afford it or not. Posh is the complete opposite of l’atelier. People come in and know what they want, but they want to be served, feel comfortable, and find an outfit they feel beautiful in. They don’t care what brand it is, just how they feel in it.

Tell us about purchasing l’atelier from previous OWNER AMANDA KAUTT. How did you know you were ready to take the leap?

MS: I knew a lot about l’atelier in the fact that they were the "name brand store." Everywhere I went, people knew about them; every market I went, everyone talked about them. It’s a pillar in Minneapolis that brides with the budget go to l’atelier. My husband was the one that actually pushed the sale. I wasn’t sure I wanted to take on another store, but there were so many opportunities for growth. We really wanted to build the team that can help brides.

It was interesting, because we had the viewpoint of hearing brides come in who had been in l’atelier and told us about their experience. Brides had told us they felt there wasn't much privacy for changing, so we added a huge drapery. I’m more of a risk-taker, so I took

some of the walls down to make it more welcoming. The spaces are all one area now, and we just really tried to create a more welcoming environment with that known lofty, New York feel. They still have their own spaces, but you can hear the conversations, hear the music, and feel the energy from the other brides.

People want to feel like when you walk into the store, there is a set of arms that go around you. When Mom and Grandma are sitting there with no shoes on, slouched on the couch having some snacks… that’s what they want to feel: like they’re at home. I feel like we’re finally on the right path over at l’atelier.

Also, being on the other side of it and having a store that actually competed with them, we realized the difference between the two stores comes down to are they a name brand girl or are they not?

Tell us about the POSH RACK. MS: It was a concept that came about because my husband, who is my silent business partner and is great at numbers, gave me grief about not turning enough inventory before new inventory came in. Once the inventory has had its life on the Posh Bridal side, it moves to the Posh Rack at a discount - that could also be from an order being wrong, it not passing quality control, or a bride changing her mind and forfeiting her deposit. Our dresses on our floor typically have about a 90-120 day life.

We move our inventory fast, and our dresses on the Posh Rack sell quickly.

It’s made it pretty fun, really.

How do you juggle everything?

MS: I try to look at the big picture, and that’s really what my job is. I’m still a very hands-on owner, which a lot people are baffled at, but I still talk and coach all of my employees. I’m really a part of the day-to-day business, as far as being a leader and all of the higher level operations, like accounting and dress designers. I have two assistants, and one is for my Nashville store, so she’s the “me” to Nashville. Thank goodness for all of them, because they keep me sane.

You seem like you have a really solid team at all of your stores.

MS: We really do. That’s the most important part to me, and that was the biggest challenge at l’atelier, is that nobody felt like they could do anything.

I trust my girls. If I hire you and I trust

you to go on my sales floor to represent me, then there you go. I will coach you, I will be your cheerleader, I will talk you through issues, but you're my girl to go on that floor and be the best representation of the store and Marie Suchy. I like to grow and build women in a team. I want them to feel like a part-owner. I’ve been really fortunate to have amazing staff. My teams have always been fantastic.

3 FUN FACTS ABOUT POSH BRIDAL COUTURE & L'ATELIER COUTURE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE •

When do you recommend brides start looking for their dress?

MS: We always recommend that brides start looking 12 months prior to their wedding date. That’s a nice, comfortable timeframe. Dresses typically take six to nine months to come in, depending on what time of year you buy them and depending on the designer. We can get them in as little as four to six weeks, but that’s very stressful. A normal timeframe for a dress to come in is six months, then you have about three months of alterations or if anything comes up: It could be late for shipping, it could not pass quality control, you could lose weight or need more alterations. Twelve months or more is a very relaxed process.

•

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They have a shop dog that goes between stores named Nash. He even has his own Instagram account - @couturenash - and especially loves Matthew Christopher gowns.

Both stores are superstitious about the music they play.

They really focus in on trying to create the perfect environment, and if they're in a slump for finding the bride's dress, they'll change the music.

Posh has team happy hours after almost every Saturday shift, while l'atelier's team are addicted to cheese.

Do you have any advice for whom brides should bring to dress shopping?

MS: I always tell my brides to bring yourself, come open minded and relaxed, and bring the people who are closest to you and supportive of you.

We can deal with any kind of a group.

Sometimes more is great because they’re supportive, but sometimes there are issues. There are jealousy issues or things like that could cause hesitation in the bride’s mind. Make sure people you bring aren't super nit-picky and let the bride feel out the process.

You will find your dress, there’s no question. I have trained consultants who know all of our inventory. They pull the dresses, they watch your expression, and they talk through every dress. If you trust that process going through, it’s easy.

What trends have you been seeing?

MS: I love the trend of bigger, traditional ball gown dresses. And capes are everywhere. Almost every designer at bridal market in the spring had a cape.

It’s so old fashioned that I love it, but it’s modern. There was a cape with a pant-suit and I knew I had to have it when I renew my vows, there’s no question. That’s what’s different nowadays

is the cape is actually more than the pant-suit [laughed].

Do you have a favorite moment that stands out?

MS: I think one of my favorite moments of all time was at our five-year anniversary party. Before the party started, my team went around in a circle and talked about what Posh means, and hearing my team talk about that can make me cry. They really want to come to work every day and work really hard for my husband and I, and they want that career. It’s a huge burden to bear, but it’s so rewarding. We were all crying and cheersing to what Posh means to us. When we have a group of women who are confident and feel good and walk in with a smile on their faces, it transfers onto the floor, and people feel that when they walk in the door.

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C ON TACT IN FO

Etiquette

RAPID CIT Y, SD 6 0 5.3 48.4 0 0 0 HOLIDAYIN N.C OM /RAP- RU SH MORE

DEB PORTER

OF HOLI DAY IN N R APID CIT Y – RUSHMOR E PL AZA

SUBMI T TE D I MAGES.

H

OLIDAY INN RAPID CITY - RUSHMORE PLAZA is conveniently located right by downtown Rapid City, SD and can host several ceremony and reception scenarios for every budget. Their gorgeous, recently remodeled ballrooms can accommodate celebrations as large as 400 people, as well as more intimate gatherings. Peruse their extensive gourmet menus and walk through their sleeping rooms and suites that are avialable to block off for guests.

DO chatted with DIRECTOR OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS DEB PORTER about frequently asked questions surrounding weddings.

Who typically hosts the bridal shower? It seems like everyone I know is waiting for someone to tell them, and I’m afraid no one will throw me one at this point.

Deb Porter: This is a great question, and the answer is different for every bride. Close family, Mom, Grandma, or your sister can host this, of course, but so can your bridal party and close friends. There is also no rule that you can’t have more than one shower. Oftentimes, if you live in another area from your family, you may have multiple showers in both locations.

Are out-of-state guests supposed to be invited to the rehearsal dinner? I hear mixed thoughts.

DP: This is a wonderful gesture if your budget allows, but it’s always up to you. The reason many couples do include out-of-towners (especially when the rehearsal dinner is the night before) is so they aren't left stranded in their hotel rooms. Our catering managers can work with you to plan a rehearsal dinner that is unique from your reception, and gives your guests and family a chance to relax and spend time together before your big day.

Do I need to include a dress-code on my invitations?

I’m only worried about a few family members showing up in jeans, but it’s a risk I don’t want to take. How do I word it politely?

DP: Guests appreciate this information, and no one wants to be the only one in blue jeans at a black-tie reception, or vice versa. The easiest way share this with your guests is to include a dress-code in the lower righthand corner of the invite or on a reception card. "Black tie," "cocktail attire," or "casual attire" are all acceptable.

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Another great option is to use social media, and point guests to your wedding website or Facebook page.

These sites enable you to go into more detail about the weekend events and dress-code in a more informal way.

Do you need a choice of entrée for a seated dinner?

DP: Weddings are the one day where you get to make the decisions based on what is important to you as a couple.

There is no wrong answer to this question, but… almost all the weddings we have planned have included two or more entrée options, not including special dietary needs.

We work with you to plan the perfect dinner, whether that is a buffet of hors d’oeuvres, a more traditional two-entrée buffet, or a plated dinner with one or more entrées. We even offer a duo entrée plate, where you can pair a bacon-wrapped filet with another entrée. This lets you keep the planning simple, gives your guests two choices, and can be a win for everyone.

What if I have guests with dietary restrictions?

DP: Planning so many weddings and conventions, I have found that guests with a significant dietary restriction will contact you and make sure you have the necessary information. You may already know that many of your friends are vegetarians or avoid a certain food for religious reasons, or that there is a family allergy to nuts. Communication with your catering manager is key, so that we can ensure your wedding buffet is labeled properly and can prepare separate plated meals to accommodate those special restrictions. Talk with us about appropriate dishes and options, and we'll work

with you to make sure everybody will find something they enjoy. Buffets are a great option to accommodate a wide range of restrictions and allergies, but we can accommodate special diets with plated entrées very easily, as well.

Do I need to provide a host bar for my guests? What is the difference between a host bar and a cash bar?

DP: These are great questions, and we get asked this often. A bar is considered hosted when the drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) served from the bar are at no charge to your guests. The beverages consumed are added to the cost of the wedding; your guests don’t pay for their drinks. A cash bar (also known as a "no-host bar") is when the guests are paying for their own drinks at the bar.

There are variations on these two options. Some couples choose to offer a hosted bar during the social hour, but switch to a cash bar during dinner. You can also decide to host wine by the bottle, or your favorite beer by the keg. This enables your guests to choose a complimentary drink or pay cash if they prefer a mixed drink, for example. Drink tickets are another great option if you want to host some alcohol, but have a true hosted bar. You can offer these to the just bridal party and immediate family members, or budget so that each guest receives one or two drink tickets. Your catering manager will help you make the best choice based on your budget and ideas.

RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA | DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY | WWW.KRISTINABARKER.COM

NATURAL. CANDID. TIMELESS.

YOUR LOVE STORY.

AS SEEN IN

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Engagement Story

LISA + JAKE

BY CARLY REISER

KELLY BIRCH PHOTOGRAPHY High school sweethearts Lisa Rykus and Jake Swenson locked eyes for the first time at a bonfire. Seven years later, they're weeks away from saying, "I do." Before attending the bonfire, the couple hadn’t known of one another, even though they went to the same school. Thanks to Jake’s funny jokes and Lisa’s outgoing personality, they clicked right away, and an adventurous relationship flourished.

“Our first date was at Applebee’s, and I totally remember because Jake ordered BBQ wings and then was super embarrassed,” Lisa laughed. “He didn’t even really want to eat them and was trying to use a fork. It was just super funny.”

Lisa and Jake bond over their love for the outdoors. They keep their relationship fun by going fishing, camping, and hiking. She said they enjoy exploring new things, even if it’s as simple as going to a new part of Hudson, Wisconsin, or getting a taste

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of a new restaurant. Their 2-yearold dog Toby tags along with them everywhere they go, and might be a part of the big day.

The couple had always talked about getting a dog together, but Jake was in no rush because he wanted to settle into their house first. Lisa, on the other hand, didn’t want to wait.

“When he went out hunting one weekend, I ended up going and getting a puppy,” said Lisa. “He wasn’t super excited about it, but now, after the fact, he loves him and is so excited about it.”

Jake knew he wanted to marry Lisa after years of being together, and realized he didn’t want to do life without her. They went on a seven-day cruise to Europe, where they stopped in Rome, Italy to do a day tour, which led them to the Trevi Fountain.

Lisa remembered him being "super nervous" and "acting weird all day."

"WHEN HE WENT OUT HUNTING ONE WEEKEND, I ENDED UP GOING AND GETTING A PUPPY. HE WASN’T SUPER EXCITED ABOUT IT, BUT NOW, AFTER THE FACT, HE LOVES HIM AND IS SO EXCITED ABOUT IT.” —LISA

S M H A I R A N D M A K E U P. C O M | 6 1 2 - 3 6 1 - 1 9 6 7

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"I MEAN, WE JUST GET ALONG SO WELL THAT IT’S HARD NOT TO WANT TO MARRY LISA." —JAKE

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As the tour guide was explaining the Trevi Fountain tradition of throwing a coin over your shoulder so you fall in love in Rome, Jake said they should give it a try.

Lisa turned around, and there he was on one knee, asking her to marry him.

“It was really special, because it was a oncein-a-lifetime thing,” said Lisa. “I will never forget it being in the middle of Rome and all of the people around. We ended up going into a little pizzeria and celebrating with local pizza and local Italian wine, which was perfect. I couldn’t imagine it being any other way. It was really special.”

Jake and Lisa look forward to sharing the same last name and starting a new chapter in their lives. They have been together so long

that they practically grew up together, and they can’t wait to grow as a married couple.

Each year for Valentine's Day, Jake cooks Lisa some type of seafood for them to enjoy together.

It’s a special tradition they have, along with going to downtown Minneapolis for their anniversary.

Lisa has been planning a vintage wedding since their engagement. They will tie the knot at Hope Glen Farm in a rustic, barn venue in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. They hope to keep their wedding small with close friends and family to share the day with.

“We were working out so well that I felt like it was getting to be about that time,” said Jake. “I mean, we just get along so well that it’s hard not to want to marry Lisa.”

LISA

RYKUS

+ JAKE

SWENSON HOMETOWN: Hastings, Minnesota CURRENT HOME: Hudson, Wisconsin PROPOSAL DATE: November 22, 2016 WEDDING DATE: September 9, 2017

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C ON TACT IN FO

Get to Know

PARK ER, SD 570 53 60 5.29 7.48 6 8 VISITPEN NY TREE.C OM

PEN NY T R E E E VE NTS BLU SPROUT PHOTOGRAPHY+ JORDAN EDENS PHOTOGRAPHY + COREY GROSS PHOTOGRAPHY

PENNY TREE EVENTS at the BBB LODGE offers the perfect setting for a wedding in the (close) country. Meticulously manicured (kudos to their family landscape business), the venue offers unique areas for photos, ceremonies, and the reception on its 10 acres. One of the best features, though, is celebrating under the towering trees. DO talked to OWNER JOANN WELLER about the naturally gorgeous site.

Tell us how Penny Tree Events began.

JoAnn Weller: The BBB in BBB Lodge stands for Birds Bucks and Berries, and that business started about 12 years ago. My husband decided to do some pheasant hunting and do some day hunts, and that expanded into overnight hunts. We had no intention of getting into weddings at all, but seven years ago someone drove in and loved our area and asked if they could get married on our lawn. That was the kick-off for Penny Tree Events.

We started out renting a tent here and there, and didn’t really have a plan B for weather. We decided five years ago that if we were going to do this, we wanted to do it right and have every option for couple to have the perfect wedding. So we built our wedding

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pavilion, added on our honeymoon suite, and it’s taken off from there.

How did Penny Tree get its name?

JW: We had a tough time coming up with a great name that was unique and different. My husband and I came across a tree several years ago in the woods, and we stuck some pennies in there for good luck.

We named it our "penny tree" and forgot all about it. When we came to naming this place, my husband said, “What about the penny tree?” It almost looks like the Tree of Life, and we dubbed that our penny tree. Our clients and their families put pennies in that tree to wish good luck for the couple. If you look a penny it says, “In God we trust,” and that’s kind of

our motto. We’re not in charge of anything; God’s in charge. Couples and family members come up to us all the time at weddings and ask us to tell them about the penny tree.

How can couples use the large space?

JW: When our couples come, they almost utilize every inch of it. Our venue covers 10 acres, which includes walking trails that we’ve carved out into the native grasses. People that come to Penny Tree really love the outdoors and want an outdoor wedding, so we have several ceremony sites for them to choose from.

They can do everything here: ceremony, reception, dance, or the rehearsal dinner the night before. We have some lodging, so sometimes couples make it a whole weekend.

G R O O M S N E E D PA M P E R I N G TO O

MEN’S HAIRCUT • MEN’S FACIAL • STRAIGHT RAZOR FACE SHAVE • NAIL SHAPING (6 0 5)3 3 5 -7 9 0 0 • 410 W 2 6TH S TREE T • SF, SD • THEB AR BERR O OM.VANES SENSHA IR DESIGN.C OM • FACEB O OK

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Tell me about the lodging Penny Tree has.

JW: They can stay overnight, and then they’re here right away Saturday or Sunday morning. We have breakfast for them, conduct the wedding that day, and then they can stay overnight again and have gift opening in the morning.

Otherwise, the other option is a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or mid-week wedding, and they have all of the facilities for the day. Couples can have a little destination wedding that’s not too far away.

And there’s a honeymoon suite?

JW: We do have a honeymoon suite, if we’re able to rent that out for the night. We provide a nice breakfast in the morning.

It’s nice, because after being outside for over 15 hours, the couple is so happy to not drive anywhere and just walk over to the suite for a quiet evening.

It’s so lovely that there are lights in all of the surrounding trees.

JW: It is. We put a lot of time and energy into our beautiful landscaping and perennial flowers and bushes, as well as

3 FUN FACTS ABOUT PENNY TREE EVENTS •

•

•

Penny Tree offers walking trails for guests to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the country.

Five beautiful outdoor ceremony sites are available, including a romantic site in the woods.

Penny Tree offers an all-inclusive weekend package to create a mini destination wedding option.

our lovely patio with a waterfall.

The trees are all lit up, so at night, it’s magical here. It’s something you can't find in the city. The people who come visit Penny Tree are overwhelmed by the beauty of the area and how secluded it is. Everything is completely private when a couple does their wedding here.

We don’t host any other events when we’re doing a wedding, so it’s completely private to that group.

What are all of the sections of the property?

JW: We have an area out back into the woods that people can go into with rustic cars. People love to go back there, the guys especially. You can take pictures and hang out back there. There are separate ceremony sites, as well, including one in the woods that can accommodate up to 200 guests. It’s also great to do a first look there, as it’s very private.

We also have a getting ready area with a great rustic cabin for the guys to get ready in, and the couple's cabin with a beautiful suite where the bride and her bridesmaids can get ready.

There is also a gathering area in our main lodge, where family can relax that’s air conditioned with leather furniture and TVs for a break from the weather.

And then, of course, the pavilion itself is beautiful, and that’s where we set up for the reception and dance. Everything is very compact within the venue area, so you don’t have to go a long way to park or anything like that. It’s all very unique and very accessible to everyone.

What is your favorite part of Penny Tree?

JW: That’s hard. I guess my favorite part is the pavilion. It’s so great to set up, and we can enclose that whole pavilion area, which is a huge concern for the couple and their families for weather. We have all of those things covered. My favorite is when all of the family is there and the couple have their ceremony outside how they want

to do it and use their imaginations. Watching the dance is great as well, since the pavilion is wide open and you can see the stars and all of the trees.

Everyone has so much fun and aren’t stuck in one spot. Some dance outside, some watch from around the edges… it’s just really wonderful.

“ALWAYS PUT IN THE INVITATION THAT IT’S AN OUTDOOR WEDDING.”

It’s nice that it’s a completely family-owned business.

JW: Many of our family members work here. All of the family members have helped in one way or another. My daughter works here with some of the social media and with the weddings. She’s with me almost every weekend. We do a lot of the work ourselves, including upkeep.

What are some trends you’ve noticed for décor?

JW: The greatest thing about Penny Tree is that the space can be transformed into anything the couple dreams about. Some weddings are very rustic with wooden slabs, or we’ve had brides that have done chandeliers and lace. I’ve seen it lean a little ways away from the very, very rustic and more towards chic, but the couple can have it be exactly what they envision.

The best part, especially if they don’t have a big budget, is that the area is so gorgeous you don’t have to do much for décor.

It’s so versatile.

Do you have tips for outdoor weddings?

JW: When I visit with couples, the big thing out here is sometimes wind. Candles, for example, are hard to stay lit even with the slightest wind.

Battery-operated candles are so nice now that I would lean to not have real candles, unless they’re in a deep jar or vase. I also try to tell them to think about table décor and keeping it low profile and more on the heavier side for that reason, as well. Sometimes a gust of wind comes from nowhere! Also, include that it’s an outdoor wedding in the invitation so

people can be prepared for the weather.

Is there a moment that stands out for you since you started Penny Tree?

JW: I just look at all of the families as a whole. When you’re planning a wedding and going through all that it’s tense, and the families don’t know how it will turn out. But all of the weddings end up beautiful, and all of the families have their own unique way and customs.

When they drive out of here at the end of the process, we always get hugs and keep in touch with some of them. It’s heartwarming that so much of it went even better than they expected. That’s my hope, that at the end of the night you see the complete happiness of the couple and parents that things have gone well, because we truly go above and beyond and do extreme personal service since we are a family business.

Is there anything you would like to add?

JW: So often I hear from moms, especially, that they’re terrified of an outdoor wedding. With us, you don’t have worries at all. We have plans for absolutely everything. We’ve heard guests who had issues with outdoor weddings previously say how carefree it is here, and that they’re surprised with how easy it is and how much we do to maintain the day. We spend many, many hours for visits, on the phone, or helping find vendors. Our services aren’t just the venue, but the planning process as well. No question is ever too small or bothersome.

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Color I n spi r at ion B oar d s

Aq uamar i n e

Granite

dark sapphire

Annie Otzen Photography 28

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Sangria

Vine

Lil ac

Danielle Frankl Photography 30

Steel

Copper

P l at i n u m

Kristina Barker Photography da i nt yobs e s s i ons.c om 31

Pa r fa i t

Pa p y r u s

Meadow

Fernweh + Liebe Photography 32

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real wedding

SARAH + REID PHOTO G RAPHY: S E WE L L PHOTO G RAPHY LO CATION: PRIVAT E RES I DE NCE , RO CH EST E R, MN

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After bonding over their love for nature, ice cream, and the community as summer camp counselors guiding canoe trips in northern Minnesota, Sarah and Reid got engaged after six years of being together.

Even though they were "meticulous" with wedding planning, the couple endured setbacks that included needing a new dress a month before the wedding, and the venue flooding only a week away from saying "I do."

“More than anything, we wanted to infuse our personality into each element of our wedding so our guests could not only have a good time, but actually get to know us,� said Sarah.

Sarah said none of this mattered in the end. She recalled, "Our day was a dream come true."

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“WE SENT OUR GUESTS HOME WITH BLUEBERRY JAM FAVORS FROM A LOCAL ORCHARD.” —BRIDE “BY THE TIME OUR BAND, THE BLUEWATER KINGS, STARTED, WE WERE OFFICIALLY ON CLOUD NINE. I THOUGHT THE BARN FLOOR MIGHT CAVE IN BY HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE DANCING! THEY EVEN LET REID AND SOME OF OUR FRIENDS GET ON STAGE AND PLAY A SONG. IT WAS THE PERFECT END TO OUR PERFECT WEDDING.” —SARAH, BRIDE

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"IT WAS GREAT WHEN SARAH AND REID'S FRIENDS PRESENTED THEM WITH A BEAUTIFUL CANOE AS A WEDDING GIFT, CARRYING IT INTO THE BARN DURING THE MAID OF HONOR'S SPEECH! THE BRIDE AND GROOM, WHO MET AS CAMP COUNSELORS, WERE TOTALLY FLOORED BY THIS SPECIAL SURPRISE." —DENAE, DENAE BRENNAN WEDDINGS & EVENTS

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“WE MOVED INTO THE BARN FOR DINNER AND DANCING, WHICH WAS ILLUMINATED WITH TWINKLING LIGHTS AND WAS DECORATED WITH THINGS THAT REMINDED US OF CAMP. WE WERE BLOWN AWAY BY HOW BEAUTIFULLY EVERYTHING CAME TOGETHER.” -SARAH, BRIDE

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sarah + reid's vendor list E VE N T ST YLI NG + C O OR DINATING: DENAE BRENNAN WEDDI NGS & EVENTS

EFFEC TS, RO CH EST ER T ROL L EY & TO UR CO.

VE NUE : PRIVAT E RES IDE NCE

DJ + EN T ERTAI N MEN T : B LUEWAT ER KINGS

P HOTO G R AP HY: S E WE L L PHOTO GRAPHY

H EALT H + B EAU T Y: B R IT TANY KINNEY B EAU T E

CAT E R I NG : J OHNNY MANGO’ S CABERNET CATERI NG

B R I DAL B O U T IQ UES: DAVID ’ S B R IDAL

F LOR AL : FOX & F E RN F LORAL

STAT ION ERY: ER IN R IES CR EAT IVIT Y

R E TAI L + R E NTALS: MAJES TIC TENTS & EVENTS, RENTEX RENTAL S, L INEN

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Dainty Styled Shoot

Natural Nuptials CADEY REISNER WEDDINGS THE HOMESTEAD AT PRAIRIE BERRY WINERY HILL CITY, SD

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With breathtaking views of towering pine trees, mountain summits, and streaming lakes and rivers, it's no wonder the Black Hills in South Dakota have become a hot spot for destination weddings.

Inspired by our surroundings, our talented vendors created a styled shoot using natural, local elements and an earthy color palette.

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Rockin'

THE STATIONERY AND TABLE NUMBERS WERE DESIGNED TO RESEMBLE QUARTZITE, WHICH IS ONE OF THE STATE'S MOST UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FEATURES.

Stationery

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 Prairie From the

INSPIRED

BY THE PASTORAL SCENERY, OUR SHOOT'S FLOWERS APPEARED TO COME RIGHT FROM THE PLAINS.

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î ’

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

Edible Earth

OUR CAKE WAS MADE TO RESEMBLE EARTHY ELEMENTS, LIKE LAYERS OF THE GROUND AND WATER.

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

Local Craftsmanship

WE HAD A LOCAL ARTIST CREATE CERAMIC VASES AND CANDLE HOLDERS FOR OUR HEAD TABLE.

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VENDORS VENUE + CATERING: THE HOMESTEAD AT PRAIRIE BERRY WINERY

CAKE: THE CAKE LADY

DRESSES: DREAM DRESS EXPRESS

FLOWERS: FLOWERS BY LEROY

TUXEDOS: TIP TOP TUX

HAIR + MAKEUP: BLACK HILLS BEAUTY COLLEGE

PHOTOGRAPHY: CADEY REISNER WEDDINGS

VASES + CANDLE HOLDERS: DAKOTA STONEWARE

RENTALS: TIMELESS WEDDING & EVENT RENTAL

PLATES + CHARGERS + NAPKINS + BACKDROP: WORLD MARKET

JEWELRY + WATCHES: NEUGEBAUER'S FINE JEWELRY

MODELS: JUSTIN + JACEY REGAN

FILM: BLACK HILLS VIDEO

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B L A C K

H I L L S

V I D E O

P R E S E N T S

CINEMATIC WEDDING FILMS no w booking 6 0 5 . 5 1 5 . 0 3 8 3 • w w w. b l a c k h i l l s v i d e o . c o m

Weddings Are Our Business

Black Hills

RECEPTIONS & RENTALS (605) 342-8888 | (800) 929-8885 | 10400 West Highway 44 | Rapid City, SD | www.BlackHillsReceptions.com #BlackHillsReceptions

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real wedding

LIZ + TED PHOTO GR APHY: JE F F SAMP S ON PHOTO G RAPHY LO CATION: FI RST LUTH ER AN CHURCH AN D WAS H I NG TON PAVI L ION , S IO UX FAL L S , S D

The day began with the sound of gunshots, ceramic shattering in midair as consequence of bullets, and women prepping their finest looks in the childhood home of the bride. Liz and Ted’s wedding centered around family and tradition. The first look and photos were all done within their house to capture the values in which they instill within themselves, which carried over throughout the day.

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“Ours was a very traditional ceremony,” said Liz. Leaving the bustle of Chicago behind, the couple returned their hometown of Sioux Falls, where the ceremony took place at the First Lutheran Church, followed by the reception at the Washington Pavilion. Thanks to their family and loved ones who helped along the way, their wedding was charming and exactly how they envisioned.

“I AM A SURGICAL FELLOW IN CHICAGO, AND DIDN'T HAVE A SCHEDULE THAT ALLOWED FOR MORE THAN A COUPLE TRIPS HOME DURING THE PLANNING PROCESS. MOM, WITH THE HELP OF MY SISTER, HANDLED ALMOST ALL OF THE DAY-TODAY PLANNING AND DETAILS." —LIZ, BRIDE

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“TO HAVE THE WEDDING IN MY HOME CHURCH AND HOMETOWN … WAS SO SPECIAL TO ME.” —LIZ, 56 BRIDE

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“[WE HAD] A VERY TRADITIONAL CEREMONY WITH OUR FAVORITE ORGAN MUSIC FOR THE PROCESSIONAL AND RECESSIONAL, AND HYMNS FOR THE SERVICE. OUR SPECIAL MUSICIANS WERE MY FRIENDS FROM THE ST. OLAF CHOIR.” —LIZ, BRIDE

liz + ted's vendor list R ECE P T ION VE NUE : WAS HINGTON PAVI LION

EVEN T ST YL I NG + C O OR DI NAT I NG : ENVISION EVENT PL AN N I NG

CAK E + DESSE RTS: T HE CAKE L ADY

F LOR AL : EL AB OR AT IONS BY JOYCE NAB ER

P HOTO G R AP HY: JE F F SAM PSON PHOTO GRAPHY

H EALT H + B EAU T Y: PL AT INUM IMAGINAT ION HAIR AND MAK EUP

CE R E MONY VE NUE : F IRS T LUTHERAN CHURCH

B R I DAL B O U T IQ UE: M IR A CO U T UR E

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Dainty Styled Shoot

Happily

Hygge [hue-guh]

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Haley Frost Creative | Gathered Boutique Rentals & Events, Fargo, ND THERE'S A REASON WHY THIS HAS BEEN THE "YEAR OF THE HYGGE." THE DANISH TERM IS DEFINED AS "A QUALITY OF COZINESS AND COMFORTABLE CONVIVIALITY THAT ENGENDERS A FEELING OF CONTENTMENT OR WELL-BEING." WHY NOT INCORPORATE THE SENSATION INTO YOUR WEDDING DAY? WE DID, WITH THE HELP OF INCREDIBLE VENDORS.

Comfy Drinks

GUESTS DRINK IN THEIR COMFORT ZONE WITH A MINI CRAFT BEER TASTING AND A WARM COCOA BAR.

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Warm + Fuzzies

SURROUNDING OUR LIVING ROOM CEREMONY AND RECEPTION WERE AN ABUNDANCE OF BLANKETS AND THICK SOCKS TO KEEP EVERYONE SNUGGLED UP.

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Traditional Treats

ALONG WITH AN ADORABLE CAKE THAT RESEMBLED A SWEATER, WE SERVED GUESTS HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS, TARTS, AND A SCANDINAVIAN FAVORITE LEFSE.

Family Style

OUR RECEPTION TABLE WAS FAMILY-STYLE, JUST WAITING FOR SPEECHES AND GLASSES TO CLINK ALL AROUND.

Celebrating Culture

WE DISPLAYED SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE WITH A SIGN THAT SAID "WELCOME" IN NORWEGIAN, ALONG WITH DÉCOR THAT INCLUDED VINTAGE PLATES AND HEIRLOOM DALA HORSES.

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Vendors

JEWELRY: RIDDLE'S JEWELRY PLANNER + FLORALS: SADIE'S COUTURE FLORAL & EVENT STYLING RENTALS + VENUE: GATHERED. BOUTIQUE RENTALS & EVENTS PHOTOGRAPHY: HALEY FROST CREATIVE DRESS: WHITE LACE BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR MENSWEAR: BLACK TIE OPTIONAL STATIONERY + SIGNAGE: MATHIS DESIGNS HAIR + MAKEUP: WEST 13TH SALON DESSERT: NICHOLE'S FINE PASTRY MODELS: NICHOLAS HOLZER + ANNA LARSON

real wedding

BRITNI + MATT PHOTO GR APHY: E T HAN DEG RE E OF G L AS S E R I MAG ES LO CATION: FAMI LY L AK E HO U S E , L AK E PARK , MN

Britni and Matt were unexpectedly brought together at the University of Minnesota when they both applied to be Resident Assistants. Britni was going to school for journalism, and Matt was studying engineering. Their schedules couldn’t have been more different. After a year and a half of building up a great friendship, they admitted to each other it had always been more than that.

Little did Britni know, she almost ruined her own proposal when she denied Matt’s request to go for a walk on the beach at sunset. Luckily, he

72

tried again the night of her birthday and sealed the deal.

She remembered, “We spent the day snorkeling and swam with stingrays, and that night he successfully proposed to me on the beach at sunset. Best birthday ever!”

Soon after, the couple decided to get married at Britni’s family lake house, because they wanted their venue to be meaningful. “The lake has played a really special role in our love story, because Matt asked me to be his girlfriend on the very dock where we would eventually end up saying, ‘I do.’”

“MY FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE DAY WAS TOWARDS THE END, WHEN OUR BRIDAL PARTY TOOK THE PONTOON BOAT OUT ON THE LAKE AT SUNSET. IT WAS TOTALLY SPONTANEOUS AND ENDED UP BEING A MAJOR HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY ALL AROUND.” —BRITNI, BRIDE

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“RATHER THAN THE TRADITIONAL UNITY RITUAL WITH CANDLES OR SAND, WE DECIDED TO DO SOMETHING THAT PLAYED INTO THE NATURE THEME OF THE WEDDING AND USED A LOVE TREE.” — BRITNI, BRIDE

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“ONE OF THE BEST POINTS OF THE WEDDING WAS DURING THE SPEECHES. RATHER THAN HAVING JUST THE BEST MAN AND MAIDS OF HONOR DO SPEECHES, WE HAD EVERYONE, INCLUDING MY DAY-OF COORDINATOR AND OUR PARENTS, SAY A FEW WORDS.” — BRITNI, BRIDE

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2 | DO ^ 78

britni + matt's vendor list P HOTO G R AP HY: E T HAN DEGREE – GL ASSER I MAGES

B R I DESMAI DS DR ESSES: FR EE PEOPL E

H E ALT H + BE AUT Y: ART ISAN HAI R STUDIO BY JAI MEE SCHAFF & L IM EL IGH T BY

B R I DESMAI DS HAN D CHAI N S: A L A P OP JEWEL RY

ALCON E – T INA WING

B R I DESMAI DS N ECKL ACES: OL IZ Z JEWEL RY

B R I DAL BOUTIQUE : A &B E BRI DAL SHOP, AMAZI NG ALTERATIONS, &EVER MOR E

G RO OMSMEN SH I RT & SL ACKS: MACY’ S

WE DDING G OWN CARE

HOT EL + LOD G I NG : T H E LOD GE ON L AKE DET ROIT

B R I DE ’ S NECK L ACE : M IN IMALVS

R ETAI L + R EN TAL S: AR EA L AKES PAR T Y R ENTAL

B R I DE ’ S E AR R I NG S: JE NNIFER CASADY

CAT ER I NG : T H E ROADHO U SE BAR & GR IL L

B R I DE ’ S BR ACE L E T: SWAROVS KI

CAKES + DESSERTS: GIGI’ S CUPCAKES

WE DDI NG BAND S: CONT INENTAL DIAMOND

F LOR AL : HOR NBACH ER ’ S FLOR AL & AM ER ICAN M EAD OWS

B R I DE ’ S SHOES: DSW

F LOWER G I R L DR ESS: E TSY

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Dainty Styled Shoot

A Blank Canvas

SA RA H A NN P H OTO GR A P H Y FLORAL ACCENTS: GRACIA POST

YOU COULD SAY IT'S BACK TO BASICS, BUT THE WHITE CAKE TREND IS ANYTHING BUT. WHETHER IT'S WITH NONTRADITIONAL-SHAPED TIERS TO UNIQUE EMBELLISHMENTS, HABITUÉ COFFEEHOUSE & CAKES TO REMEMBER IN LE MARS, IOWA SHOWCASED FOUR EXAMPLES OF HOW WHITE CAKES ARE ALWAYS IN GOOD TASTE.

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Contemporary Rectangular A fondant wedding cake with accents of white, the royal icing lace is mirrored on the cake board, and is topped with a floral arrangement.

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Romantic Contemporary This hexagonal wedding cake is covered in brilliant-white butter cream rosettes, and is topped with a golden dove.

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Rustic Semi-Naked Touches of greenery and a heart wreath topper accent this popular dessert trend.

Modern vintage This octagon wedding cake with textured fondant is accented with delicate lace trim.

The center tier is a copper glass box filled with flowers to match the floral accents and topper.

Bold. Alternative. Romantic. sarahann.photography

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Vendor Trends WHAT' S TR ENDI NG? J U ST AS K O UR I NCRE DI BL E DAI N T Y VE N D ORS !

MICHAEL LIEDTKE PHOTO GRAPHY

B OR ROW MY VI N TAG E

+ SMALLER + SIMPL ER WEDDINGS

+ ECLEC TIC FURN I T URE

"I'm seeing couples stray away from large, extravagant weddings, towards much smaller, simpler weddings with only their immediate family."

AMY 'S CUP CAKE SHOPPE K R I S T E N DYE R PHO TO G R A PHY

HAN ZL I K ST UDIO

M AC Y M A R I E PHO TO G R A PHY​

"Create a completely unique and personalized experience by mixing and matching furniture for the ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception."

ANDR EA RODWAY PHOTO GRAPHY

+ TAL L T I E RE D CAK ES "Tall, traditional wedding cakes are certainly making a comeback. Cakes adorned with flowers and hand-painted embellishments add another visual interest to your event."

AS H L E Y S K E I E WE DDI NG & E VE N T PL AN N I NG

UND G OR ECK I ALUMNI CENT ER

+ S I MPL ICIT Y BY CANDL EL IG H T “Flowers will certainly never go out of style, but this year, they may have to move over for bright and beautiful leaves. With minimal floral, café lighting and draping becomes a large focal point of the room.”

PI N NACL E PRODU C T IONS W Y N W I L EY PHO TO G R A PH Y

S OPHI S T IC AT E D G R AC E PHO TO G R A PHY

+ UNIQUE DESSERT "One dessert trend I have seen are unique dessert tables, including cakes in every shape, size, flavor, and color. Couples are able to customize their favorite desserts and create a truly delicious masterpiece."

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+ GEM ENGAGEM E N T RI NG S

+ MONO CHROMATIC C OLOR S CH E ME

"I absolutely love colored gems for engagement rings. There are so many amazing de- "Monochromatic is huge, not only with signers out there that are utilizing beautiful bridesmaid dresses, but also with flowers and table-top décor. You can create a clean stones, such as pink and blue sapphires, and simple look with white and neutrals, or emeralds, and moissanite. This definitely an over-the-top look with deep, rich colors, adds that touch of vintage elegance that a like Marsala Red!" lot of brides are looking for!"

+ FAWNING OVER F IL M "We recently started PINstudios, a division of Pinnacle Productions, to offer wedding film services for our clients. Over the course of the last year, the demand for films has skyrocketed, as couples want more than just photos to cherish their wedding day."

SM HAIR + MAKEUP

+ CL ASSIC CURLS "Effortless, flowing curls aren't just a trend they're timeless."

2225 West 50th Street Sioux Falls SD 57105

605.610.9604 thecakeladysf.com

...here for all your special occations!

L ACE & BRASS EVENTS K A R E N A N N PHO TO G R A PHY

+ READY. SET. ELOPE. "We began noticing a number of couples were looking for ​something a little different than your standard wedding - something smaller and more intimate. ​Some of our eloping clients actually began planning a larger wedding and - for a number of reasons - decided eloping was a better option for them. Now we offer all-inclusive elopement packages." da i nt yobs e s s i ons.c om 87

real wedding

MAGGIE + ANDREW PHOTO GR APHY: J U ST I NA LO UI S E PHOTO G RAPHY LO CATION : PRIVAT E RES I DE NCE , BRAI N E RD, MN

Maggie and Andrew met in the digital age of online dating, coming together by the ties of technology.

And, as hard as it may believe, true love had its first date at a place called The Muddy Pig in St. Paul. Four years of heart flutters, flirtations, and dating, the two of them found themselves hiking a trail in Frontenac State Park. It

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was there on the shores of Lake Pepin that Andrew took a knee and eagerly awaited Maggie’s "yes."

The night ended with a champagne celebration and dinner at a local restaurant.

Thirty-five years earlier, Maggie’s parents got married at their cabin on Bay Lake. In a sweet gesture

of sentiment, Maggie and Andrew chose the same location for their own union. “It was special for us to get married here also,” said Maggie.

These two had a vision of a relaxed ceremony by the lake. They entertained their guests with good music, and filled them up with even better food. With the aid of Mag-

gie’s parents, their visions came to fruition - from setting up the yard and garden to hauling furniture and kegs. “They were patient and understanding in making it all happen.”

In no time, the celebration began.

The now Mr. and Mrs. shared a dance in the pastels of the sunset near the heat of a bonfire.

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“THE LOCATION MADE EVERY PART OF THE DAY SPECIAL TO US - THE CEREMONY, DINNER UNDER TENTS, THE SUNSET DANCE, AND THE BONFIRE - ALL NEXT TO THE LAKE." —MAGGIE, BRIDE

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“WE HAD ABOUT A YEAR - BUT MOST OF THE PLANNING HAPPENED IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FOR SURE! WE MET WITH THE VENDORS ON WEEKNIGHTS AND WEEKENDS SINCE WE BOTH HAVE BUSY SCHEDULES." —MAGGIE, BRIDE

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"I LOVED WATCHING MAGGIE AND ANDREW EXCHANGE VOWS AT THEIR PARENTS' CABIN UNDER A BEAUTIFUL BIRCH ARCH FACING BAY LAKE." – PALOMA, ROSETREE WEDDINGS & EVENTS

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maggie + andrew's vendor list E VE N T ST YL I NG + C O OR DINAT ING: ROSETREE WEDDI NGS & EVENTS

H EALT H + B EAU T Y: T H E FINE L INE HAIR DESIGN SALON & S PA

B R I DAL BOUTIQUES: SAR AH JANKS & AND SOMETHI NG BLUE

CAT ER I NG : T ER R A T RU CK & WISE ACR ES EAT ERY

P HOTO G R AP HY: J US T INE LOUI SE PHOTO GRAPHY

MEN SWEAR : H EIM IES HAB ER DASH ERY

R E TAI L + R E NTAL S: APR ES PART Y & TENT RENTAL

CAKE + DESSERTS: 5 STAR EDIB L E AR T BAKERY

F LOR AL: CE L E B RAT ION F LORAL DESIGN

DJ + EN T ERTAI N MEN T : SAM M ILT ICH

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Dainty Styled Shoot

+Drinking in Season ELIZABETH LUCILLE PHOTOGRAPHY Signature cocktails are a fun way to personalize your day and create an experience. To help get your libation inspiration going, banquet manager of Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre Chris Blumhoff in downtown Sioux Falls, SD created four drinks for every season.

DRINK PROPS: WORLD MARKET

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+ FOR FALL

SPARKLING RYE INGREDIENTS •

203 Templeton

•

Sparkling apple juice

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Mint leaves

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Apple slices

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Toothpicks

INSTRUCTIONS •

Pour 203 Templeton into an old fashioned glass with discretion. Top with sparkling apple juice. Garnish with apple slices and mint leaves.

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+ FOR WINTER

PEPPERMINT WHITE RUSSIAN INGREDIENTS •

3/4 oz. Kahlua

•

3/4 oz. Vodka

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3/4 oz. Peppermint schnapps

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Half and half

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Ice

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Crushed candy canes

•

Clean corn syrup

INSTRUCTIONS •

Pour Kahlua, vodka, and peppermint schnapps into a festive glass. Mix crushed candy canes into clean corn syrup with discretion to help garnish stick. Rim the top of the glass with garnish and a candy cane, if desired. Top off the glass with half and half to fill.

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+ FOR SPRING

POPSICLE SPLASH INGREDIENTS •

Rose Wine (Belle Ruche in example)

•

Strawberry popsicles

INSTRUCTIONS •

Simply place popsicles in large wine glasses and fill with rose wine with discretion.

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+ FOR SUMMER

BLUEBERRY BLISS INGREDIENTS •

1/2 oz. Blue Curaço

•

1 1/2 oz. Blueberry vodka

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Lemonade

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Lemons

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Blueberries

INSTRUCTIONS •

Mix Blue Curaço and blueberry vodka into a festive glass. Top off with lemonade. Garnish with lemons and top with blueberries.

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Nicole Marie Photography

Something Blue LET US BE YOUR

bluehavenbarn.com (605) 661-4394 | Sioux Falls, SD

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real wedding

ASHLEY + NATHAN PHOTO G RAPHY: T WO PI N ES PHOTO G RAPHY LO CATION : MI LT ’ S BARN , PE L ICAN RAPI D, MN

It was the instant in which they locked eyes, strolling down the wedding aisle side-by-side that Ashley and Nathan felt a spark. Of course, this was six years prior to their own wedding. This wedding of close friends is the wedding where they first met.

Ashley recalled, “A few days later, we went on our first date.”

Before the exchanging of their own vows, they accompanied one

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another on walks after a long day of work, falling deeper in love with each step. On one occasion, they both found themselves sick, yet persisted on to be together on their usual stroll. Not even the odd coldness of that June day could have stopped them. And as they walked, Ashley heard the clinking of a box rattling off in Nathan’s pocket.

“At the time, I didn’t know what it was,” confessed Ashley.

She continued with him down the path, joining him in a nearby park.

When she turned to face him, she found him on the ground. He knelt nervously, a small box opened in his hands. She said "yes," marking the first day of the rest of their lives.

As easy and relaxed as it was for them to fall in love, they wanted a wedding just as comfortable and non-traditional with no wedding cake, dress-code, flowers (except

for fake bouquets given to the bridesmaids), boutonnieres, pastor, major catering, or a head table at dinner time. And neither of them had chosen the attire for the bridesmaids or groomsmen. “We just asked the girls to show up in burgundy and the guys to show up in gray.”

What they had plenty of were great friends and family, ending the night perfectly with a camp-out.

“LATER, I FOUND OUT THAT HE HAD THE RING FOR OVER SIX MONTHS, AND HE KEPT MOVING IT TO NEW HIDING PLACES SO I WOULDN’T FIND IT.” —ASHLEY, BRIDE

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“HONESTLY, THE BEST PART OF THE DAY WAS HAVING EVERYONE YOU LOVE ALL IN THE SAME PLACE AT THE SAME TIME. IT WAS UNREAL.” — ASHLEY, BRIDE

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"MY FAVORITE PART OF THEIR BIG DAY WAS ASHLEY'S FATHER OFFICIATING THE CEREMONY. IT ADDED SUCH A UNIQUE, PERSONAL TOUCH, AND BROUGHT A NEW MEANING TO GIVING AWAY HIS LITTLE GIRL. HE HAD ALL OF THE GUESTS LAUGHING AT TIMES, CRYING AT OTHERS, AND HE EVEN SHED A FEW TEARS HIMSELF." — LYDIA, TWO PINES PHOTOGRAPHY

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“SOME DAYS WE LOOK BACK AND THINK WE WOULDN’T CHANGE A THING. OTHER DAYS WE LOOK BACK AND THINK WE SHOULD HAVE JUST HAD A TROPICAL GETAWAY, WHICH WAS OUR ORIGINAL PLAN!” — ASHLEY, BRIDE

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ashley + nathan's vendor list P HOTO G R AP HY: T WO PINES PHOTO GRAPHY

H EALT H + B EAU T Y: CLO UD 9 SALON & DAY SPA

VE NUE : M ILT ’S BARN

CAT ER I NG : T H E B L ACK PEL ICAN

B R I DAL BOUTIQUES: AL AN EVANS BRI DAL

DJ + EN T ERTAI N MEN T : Z IM ’ S ENT ER TAINM ENT

M E N SWE AR : M E N’S WARE HOUSE

R ETAI L AN D R EN TAL S: ANDERSON B U S & UNIT ED R ENTAL S

JE WE L RY: A CUT T ING E D GE GALLERY-JEWELRY

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HONEYMOON

TRIP TIPS BAYFIELD, WI

BY ALANA SNYDER

SUBMIT TED IMAGES

B

ayfield, Wisconsin is just far enough to truly have a unique getaway. This could entail the ultimate rest and relaxation, adventures on the water, exquisite local fare, or all of the above. Emily Jeffress, event coordinator of Bayfield Weddings and of the Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau, gives readers the inside scoop to help start their itinerary.

>>> LODGING Bayfield is home to many beautiful bed and breakfasts, inns, and cottages - some tucked away in the woods, some on the shores of Lake Superior, and some in the heart of downtown. If you're looking for a bed and breakfast right in town, we recommend Old Rittenhouse Inn and their honeymoon package. If Lake Superior is your destination, then we recommend The Bayfield Inn or Superior Rentals. If you're looking to rent a secluded cabin, we recommend Hauser's Bayfield Cabin.

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WINTER A winter honeymoon here can be just as fun! If you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing trip, wintertime will still provide the Bayfield charm, but with less people. Spend time snowshoeing or downhill skiing at Mt. Ashwabay (if the ice road to Madeline Island is open), take your car across the ice and see Madeline Island in the snow, and go dog-sledding with Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing. Spend time at the spa, and visit the shops and restaurants listed below.

>>> ACTIVITIES The array of activities here are endless, and there really is something for everyone. For the outdoor lovers, we recommend touring the sea caves by either kayaking with Trek & Trail or Living Adventures, Inc., boating with Good Earth Outfitters, sailing with Superior Charters, or by cruise boat with Apostle Islands Cruises. Drive over on the Madeline Island Ferry Line to Madeline Island and visit Big Bay State Park, where you can hike trails to see beautiful cliffs and spend time relaxing on the beach. If you're looking for a romantic activity, we recommend visiting Superior Body Massage & Spa. Other activities include shopping at many stores in town, visiting orchards to purchase or pick your own berries and apples, and wine tasting at local wineries, like Bayfield Winery. If you're looking for something to do at night, we recommend a show at Big Top Chautauqua, or catching live music being played at Tom's Burned Down Cafe on Madeline Island or at The Bayfield Inn's Rooftop

CUISINE You won't run out of delicious places to eat in Bayfield. For breakfast, we recommend Manypenny Bistro ("American fare with Turkish flare"), which you may want to just come back for lunch or dinner, as well. Lunch on a beautiful day should be spent outside, especially on The Bayfield Inn's Rooftop Deck Bar and The Pier Plaza Restaurant's deck. For a romantic dinner, we recommend Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn (upscale American and French cuisine) and The Pub Restaurant and Wine Bar (think seafood, burgers, and pizza) on Madeline Island. If you're looking for a more casual, yet equally delicious dinner, we recommend The Fat Radish and Ethel's at 250. Ice cream in the evening while walking around town is a must, and for that, we recommend The Candy Shoppe.

Deck Bar.

KEEPSAKES You can't leave Bayfield without taking some goodies and souvenirs home for your family or for yourselves! We recommend taking home pottery from Eckels Pottery and Fine Craft Gallery, candles from Madeline Island Candles, and coffee or tea from Big Water Coffee and Bayfield Tea Co. If you're looking for treats to take home, make sure to pick up some wine, baked goods, and berries or apples!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 715.779.3335 OR VISIT BAYFIELD.ORG.

daint y

living

Holiday BETHANY MELVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

O

IT'S YOUR FIRST HOLIDAY TOGETHER AS A MARRIED COUPLE! WHAT AN EXCITING - AND SOMETIMES STRESSFUL - TIME. WE HAVE SOME QUICK TIPS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER, WHILE KEEPING YOUR GUESTS ENTERTAINED, SO YOU CAN JOIN IN THE MERRIMENT.

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Hosting BLUE HAVEN BARN AND GARDENS, SIOUX FALLS, SD

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DIY Holiday Floral Arrangement SUPPLIES •

Clippers

•

Vase

•

Floral foam (if needed)

•

Greenery

•

Bulk flowers

•

Accent flowers

INSTRUCTIONS

•

Next, add your accent flowers or smaller flowers, such as roses or scabiosa.

•

Begin with your greenery, using it as your structure and to define your shape.

•

Finally, fill in any spaces with fillers, such as berries.

•

After the shape is defined, add larger, bulk flowers, such as hydrangeas or kale.

•

The flowers can be made a few days in advance.

However, pay attention to the water level and keep the flowers hydrated.

ADVICE Collecting clippings of greenery from your own yard is a great way to make the arrangement cost-affective and unique for your event.

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SNACKS Always have holiday snacks on hand to keep guests content until dinner.

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DIY Wreath Place Cards SUPPLIES •

Mini grapevine wreaths

•

Fresh rosemary

•

Floral wire

•

Scissors

•

Baker's twine

•

Hand-written name cards

•

Hole puncher

INSTRUCTIONS •

Cut rosemary into pieces between 2" and 3". Do the same with floral wire.

•

Wedge the bottom of rosemary sprig into a "notch" in the grapevine wreath, and wrap the rosemary around the curve of the wreath.

•

SERVING DISHES Register for or purchase a full holiday set, including serving bowls, dishes, and platters.

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Holding the rosemary in

place, wrap a piece of floral wire around the front of the wreath, then twist it back to secure. Trim any excess wire.

•

With your hole puncher, create a hole on one of the far sides of the name card.

•

Tie name cards onto the front of the wreaths with a piece of trimmed twine.

•

Repeat until you've made a wreath for each guest.

BAR CART Have a cart with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks for guests, so they can help themselves.

TIP Place extras, like berries, in a display for guests to add to drinks.

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THEME It's always fun to have a light theme for a get-together.

We chose '50s chic for our rentals and for our model, Brittany's, overall look.

NATURAL ELEMENTS A very fast and affordable way to add more dĂŠcor to your table is right in your yard! Grab a couple of pine cones to make your table more festive.

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VENDORS JEWELRY + REGISTRY ITEMS: BORSHEIMS FINE JEWELRY & GIFTS PHOTOGRAPHY: BETHANY MELVIN PHOTOGRAPHY FLOWERS: BELLA ROSA VINTAGE RENTALS: PRAIRIE LANE VINTAGE RENTALS VENUE: BLUE HAVEN BARN AND GARDENS HAIR + MAKEUP: VANESSEN'S HAIR DESIGN STATIONERY + WREATHS: CONFETTI CREATIVE CO. MODEL: BRITTANY OLSHOVE

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Newlyweds AT H O M E

KYLE + BAILEY GOGEL JESSICA BONESTROO PHOTOGRAPHY

When KYLE and BAILEY GOGEL first met, they weren’t looking for anything serious. Both had just gotten out of long relationships, so the pair casually started hanging out. And then they hung out again. And again. And again. After realizing they might be falling for one another, they fell quick, and were married after knowing each other for a little over a year. We had the chance to tour their new Sioux City, Iowa home with their wedding photographer, JESSICA BONESTROO PHOTOGRAPHY, and chat about their first year as newlyweds.

How did you meet?

B: I wouldn’t leave you alone.

Where did you go on your first official date?

Bailey: We met in college, at Morningside College.

One of my really good friends set us up.

K: Yeah, I didn’t really want a girlfriend, I just wanted to hang out. A month later, I realized I really liked this girl.

B: We went to my favorite Chinese restaurant in Sioux City. It’s definitely a dive restaurant.

Kyle: At a bar! How fitting.

B: But you didn’t want to tell me right away.

B: Well, that sounds bad [laughed].

What did you first think of each other?

K: We had both gotten out of long, but not serious relationships. I had the impression that I wasn’t going to date anybody, and then I bumped into Bailey…

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K: I didn’t want to tell you right away. I didn’t want to tell her how much I liked her yet. We always said it was really easy to fall in love with each other.

We made it very easy on each other, we didn’t get attached at the hip or put any pressure on each other.

It was really laid back.

K: It wasn’t super fancy, but when we got there, she told me how nervous she was, and I suddenly realized how nervous I was, too. That was when we were first starting off and weren’t serious, and it was then that I realized I really liked her.

How long until you got engaged?

K: About a year and a couple months. Some people thought it was fast, but people say when you know,

you know, and we didn’t want to waste anymore time.

I couldn’t hear anything in that moment.

How did you propose?

K: Yeah, they said people were yelling, and I couldn’t even remember what I said. It all was a blur, and I was crying and she was crying.

K: I was coaching high school baseball at the time, and I woke up that morning and said, “I’m proposing to Bailey today.” I had the ring and everything, and didn’t know how I wanted to do it. We were going on vacation a week later, and I didn’t want to do it then if she maybe expected it. So we had a team lunch, and I told the coach if we won that day that I would propose. He asked, “What if we don’t win?” and I said, “Just win.”

I knew she would be at the game.

After the game, the team was going to state, so they all were celebrating. I asked someone to take a picture of Bailey and me, and they started to walk, and she looked up and saw me on one knee at home plate.

B: People were like, “Did you hear everybody cheering?” And

When did you get married?

so fun to go through our differences together. We don’t have a very short fuse with each other.

K: If you’re mad, tell me why you’re mad, and then we can talk about it and move one. If I’m mad I’ll say, “Hey, I’m mad at you for this.”

B: We’re super open with each other.

B: August 20, 2016.

What has the first year been like?

K: We’re having a good time. We just got our first house, so it’s one thing at a time and crossing the list of as we go. Everybody said how hard it was going to be the first year, and we have things that we argue about, but it’s important things you need to talk about. It’s been pretty smooth sailing.

How do you deal with conflict?

B: We didn’t live together before, so learning to live together has been

K: The more you keep it bottled up, the longer you stay frustrated with each other. Find a solution and move forward.

What was it like combining homes together?

B: I just about fell over when I saw how much stuff I had.

K: We had moved some of her things over to my place. I had a one-bedroom apartment with a basement, and we had a lot of her stuff in the basement. We knew we wanted to get something bigger than what we were in.

This Is Your Moment LET'S TELL YOUR STORY.

haleyfrostcreative.com

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B: In our price range.

K: We have a lot of boxes from our wedding still, as well, and a lot of things still need to be hung up.

B: We got rid of a lot moving into this house. His mom had a garage sale. If we haven’t touched it in six months, we’re getting rid of it.

What have you learned from moving in together?

B: That’s what everybody says. We better have a dishwasher before we have kids.

K: We knew what we were getting into when we moved in together. I knew what she expected of me, and she knew what I expected of her.

B: We kind of have designated chores.

K: I do most of the dishes and the lawn, and she does laundry and vacuums.

K: I hate going into the bathroom after you. [laughed].

B: You’re pretty clean for the most part.

B: Well, I hate when your jeans are right next to the hamper when you could just throw them in. You could literally take one more step. [laughed].

K: We don’t have a dishwasher. Every day for two people it seems laundry and dishes are a never-ending battle.

Jessica Bonestroo Photography: Wait until you have kids.

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K: Except for my jeans. The first thing I do when I get home from work is jeans come off and sweats and a T-shirt go on.

Do you cook a lot?

K: We do.

“MY MOTHER ALWAYS TOLD ME NEVER TO PROPOSE WHEN SHE WOULD EXPECT IT.”

B: We love Mexican food. Tacos, enchiladas… We love pasta.

Summertime is easy, because we like to grill.

How was the wedding?

K: When we first got together, we’d stop and get something out to eat and then go out to eat again. We discovered shortly that it’s a lot of money, so we try to cook as much as we can and work on a budget.

K: We talked in bed after about how we would never change a single thing. The best part about the wedding was the amount of people at the end of the night. We’ve been to weddings where people are gone by 9 o’clock. Everyone that talks to us about our wedding day says how much fun it was.

Are you going on a honeymoon?

B: They also talk about the food.

K: You’re in the honeymoon. [laughed]

JBP: You have to tell them about that…

B: We started with the house first and now we’re saving up. We want to go on a honeymoon.

B: My grandma does prime rib dinners – it was her and my grandpa’s thing. When he passed, she decided to continue doing it, and the very first time she did it was my parents’ wedding. So I really wanted her to do our wedding. She does her own seasoning, potatoes, she does her own salad…

K: We made that decision before we got married to either get out of a one-bedroom apartment, or wait and go on a honeymoon later.

What are you really happy you registered for?

K: Our cooking utensils are awesome.

B: And we got like seven crockpots… that was awesome. And I love our bedding.

K: Suitcases were great. Not that we’re traveling a lot, but it’s nice to have luggage for when you need it.

B: My big wine glasses are great, too.

Did you receive something special that you didn’t register for?

B: We got a custom sign that was behind our head table that we want to hang up in our house.

JBP: Hands down best wedding food I’ve ever had.

B: I was hesitant to have her do it because I wanted her to enjoy herself, but she loved chatting with people down the line.

Do you have advice for the wedding day?

B: Don’t look at the clock, because it goes by so fast.

K: We walked into that day and Bailey planned it out perfectly. Her parents were great, and our parents worked together really well. Get the big things done first and little things done right after. Then try not to worry about it.

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See their Real Wedding online

B: My mom was the best wedding planner ever.

Tell me about your adorable pets that are walking around.

B: We have our cat, Lily, and our dog, Mowgli.

K: People are always asking if we’re having kids soon, and we say we already have two. We’re waiting and not in any rush to have kids, but don’t want to put it off, either. We want to make sure to get things straightened away and wait for the right time.

B: I don’t think there ever is a right time…

K: Well, true.

Do you have advice for the first year of marriage?

B: I know it’s super cliché, but never go to bed mad at each other. In the morning it will be right there still.

K: Even if she’s honest and it hurts my feelings, I know what to do to change.

B: Have stuff you like to do together – hobbies.

K: We’ve pick up golf. It’s a very expensive hobby, but it’s something we both really enjoy.

B: And then you’ll always have that time together.

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PRIVATE | EXCLUSIVE | INTIMATE

Penny Tree

E V E N T S

wedding and lifestyle photography

annieotzenphotography.com

PARKER, SD | 605-360-5414 | VISITPENNY TREE.COM da i nt yobs e s s i ons.c om 125

BOL D PREF ERRED VEN D OR

Vendor Guide >> BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

>> CATERING

a&be Bridal Shop Minneapolis, MN 612.238.1300 aandbebridalshop.com/minneapolis

Johnny Mango’s Cabernet Catering Rochester, MN 507.624.0194 chefmango.com

And Something Blue San Francisco, CA 415.409.0217 andsomethingblue.com

The Black Pelican Wyndmere, ND 701.439.2703 facebook.com/pg/TheBlackPelican/about

David’s Bridal Rochester, MN 507.529.7443 davidsbridal.com

MINERVAS RAPID CITY, SD 605.394.9505 MINERVAS.NET

Etsy etsy.com

The Roadhouse Bar & Grill Lake Park, MN 218.5323887 facebook.com/TheRoadhouseCormorantMN

Evermore Wedding Gown Care Minneapolis, MN 612.545.5740 evermoreweddinggowncare.com

Free People Bloomington, MN 952.854.9905 freepeople.com L’ATELIER COUTURE BRIDAL MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612.367.8120 LATELIERCOUTUREBRIDAL.COM

Terra Truck Waconia, MN 651.276.5601 Terratruck.net

Wise Acres Eatery Minneapolis, MN 612.354.2577 wiseacreeatery.com

POSH BRIDAL COUTURE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 952.249.8000 POSHMN.COM

Sarah Janks 917.382.3902 sarahjanks.com

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WHITE LACE BRIDAL BISMARCK, ND 701.258.4142 WHITELACEBRIDALND.COM

HABITUÉ COFFEEHOUSE & CAKES TO REMEMBER LE MARS, IA 712.546.424 NICHOLE’S FINE PASTRY FARGO, ND 701.232.6430 NICHOLESFINEPASTRY.COM

>>CINEMATOGRAPHY BLACK HILLS VIDEO RAPID CITY, SD 605.515.0383 BLACKHILLSVIDEO.COM PINSTUDIOS SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.376.5716 PINSTUDIOS.MEDIA

>> DESTINATIONS >> CAKES + DESSERTS

Mira Couture Chicago, IL 312.255.1699 miracouture.com

Gigi’s Cupcakes Fargo, ND 701.364.2253 gigiscupcakesusa.com

5 Star Edible Art Bakery Brainerd, MN 218.825.1093 edibleartbakerymn.com AMY'S CUPCAKE SHOPPE HOPKINS, MN 952.479.7516 AMYSCUPCAKESHOPPE.COM THE CAKE LADY SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.370.1909 THECAKELADYSF.COM

BAYFIELD & THE APOSTLE ISLANDS BAYFIELD, WI 715.779.3335 BAYFIELDWEDDINGS.COM

>> FLORAL American Meadows 877.309.7333 americanmeadows.com BELLA ROSA SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.376.3448

Celebration Floral Design Bay Lake Township, MN 218.839.0721 celebrationsfloraldesign.com

Elaborations by Joyce Naber Sioux Falls, SD 605.743.2008 facebook.com/elaborations FLOWERS BY LEROY RAPID CITY, SD 605.342.0128 FLOWERSBYLEROY.FLORIST

Fox & Fern Floral Rochester, MN 507.358.3376 mdcinspired.com

Hornbacher’s Floral Moorhead, MN 218.236.6333 hornbachers.com SADIE’S COUTURE & EVENT FLORAL GRAND FORKS, ND 701.317.3255 SADIESFLORALND.COM

>> DJ + ENTERTAINMENT Bluewater Kings 810.214.0020 bluewaterkingsband.com PINNACLE PRODUCTIONS SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.376.5716 PINNACLEPRODJ.COM

>> EVENT STYLING + COORDINATING ASHLEY SKEIE WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING MAPLE GROVE, MN 763.486.8872 ASHLEYSKEIE.COM DENAE BRENNAN WEDDINGS & EVENTS ROCHESTER, MN 507.272.4292 DENAEBRENNAN.COM

Envision Event Planning + Print Studio Sioux Falls, SD 605.610.9554 Eventsbyenvision.com FOREVER BRIDE MARKET (WEDDING SHOW) BLOOMINGTON, MN 612.462.7192 FOREVERBRIDE.COM LACE & BRASS EVENTS BAYFIELD, WI 715.600.1822 LACEANDBRASSEVENTS.COM ROSETREE WEDDINGS & EVENTS MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612.345.4325 ROSETREEEVENTS.COM SADIE’S COUTURE & EVENT FLORAL GRAND FORKS, ND 701.317.3255 SADIESFLORALND.COM

Cloud 9 Salon & Day Spa West Fargo, ND 701.277.9772 cloud9salonanddayspa.com

The Fine Line Hair Design Salon & Spa Brainerd, MN 218.829.9397 thefinelinesalonandspa.com

LimeLight by Alcone – Tina Wing limelightbyalcone.com

Platinum Imagination Hair and Makeup Sioux Falls, SD 605.310.7041 platinumimagination.com SM HAIR + MAKEUP MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612.361.1967 SMHAIRANDMAKEUP.COM VANESSEN’S HAIR DESIGN SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.335.7900 VANESSENSHAIRDESIGN.COM WEST 13TH SALON WEST FARGO, ND 701.492.9221 WEST13THSALON.COM

>> HOTEL + LODGING The Lodge on Lake Detroit Lake Detroit, MN 218.847.8439 thelodgeonlakedetroit.com

>> HEALTH + BEAUTY Sam Miltich Grand Rapids, MN 218.244.4089 sammiltichmusic.com

Zim’s Entertainment Fargo, ND 701.353.2850 fargodjservices.con

Artisan Hair Studio by Jaimee Schaff Fargo, ND facebook.com/artisanhairstudiofargo

Brittany Kinney Beaute Burnsville, MN 763.954.0952 brittanykinneybeaute.com

>> JEWELRY A Cutting Edge Gallery-Jewelry Fargo, ND 701.356.7700 acuttingedgejewelry.com

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A La Pop Jewelry Austin, TX etsy.com/shop/alapopjewelry?ref=l2-shopheadername

Macy’s Bloomington, MN 952.888.3333 Macys.com

BORSHEIMS FINE JEWELRY & GIFTS OMAHA, NE 800.642.GIFT BORSHEIMS.COM

Men’s Warehouse Grand Forks, ND 1.877.986.9669 menswarehouse.com

Continental Diamond St. Louis Park, MN 952.593.5602 continentaldiamond.com

TIP TOP TUX VARIOUS LOCATIONS 1.800.831.0902 TTTUX.COM

Jennifer Casady Herndon, VA etsy.com/people/JenniferCasady

MinimalVS Ljubljana, Europe etsy.com/people/minimalmaya NEUGEBAUER’S FINE JEWELRY RAPID CITY, SD 605.348.4557 NEUGEBAUERS.COM

Olizz Jewelry Athens, Greece etsy.com/shop/OlizzJewelry?ref=search_shop_ redirect

>> PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREA RODWAY PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREARODWAY.COM ANNIE OTZEN PHOTOGRAPHY 507.351.7381 ANNIEOTZENPHOTOGRAPHY.COM [A.R.T] PHOTOGRAPHY 612.208.27890 ARTPHOTOGRAPHYMN.COM BETHANY MELVIN PHOTOGRAPHY BETHANYMELVIN.COM

Jeff Sampson Photography 605.838.4398 jeffreysampson.com JESSICA BONESTROO PHOTOGRAPHY JESSICABONESTROO.COM JORDYN PHOTOGRAPHY 701.330.6447 JORDYNPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Justina Louise Photography 651.308.7727 justinalouisephotography.com KELLY BIRCH PHOTOGRAPHY 651.336.1659 KELLYBIRCH.COM KRISTINA BARKER PHOTOGRAPHY 925.577.4450 KRISTINABARKER.COM MICHAEL LIEDTKE PHOTOGRAPHY 605.310.4639 MICHAELLIEDTKE.COM

Sewell Photography 612.799.1245 sewellphotography.com

RIDDLE’S JEWELRY VARIOUS LOCATIONS 1.800.741.7609 RIDDLESJEWELRY.COM

CADEY REISNER WEDDINGS 605.209.3261 WEDDINGSBYCADEY.COM

Swarovski

CAITLIN NIGHTINGALE PHOTOGRAPHY

Minneapolis, MN MNswarovski.com

952.200.5243 CAITLINNIGHTINGALE.COM

STUDIO LB STUDIO-LB.COM

DANIELLE FRANKL PHOTOGRAPHY DANIELLEFRANKLPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

TWO PINES PHOTOGRAPHY 701.270.8863 TWOPINESPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

>> MENSWEAR BLACK TIE OPTIONAL CO. BISMARCK, ND FACEBOOK.COM/BLACKTIEOPTIONALCO

Heimies Haberdashery St. Paul, MN 651.224.2354 heimies.com

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HANZLIK STUDIO 605.680.3913 HANZLIKSTUDIO.COM

SARAH ANN PHOTOGRAPHY SARAHANN.PHOTOGRAPHY

FERNWEH + LIEBE PHOTOGRAPHY 701.330.8989 FERNWEHANDLIEBE.COM GLASSER IMAGES - ETHAN DEGREE 701.250.2190 GLASSERIMAGES.COM HALEY FROST CREATIVE 218.303.5710 HALEYFROSTCREATIVE.COM

>> RETAIL + RENTALS Anderson Bus Frazee, MN 218.334.3171 Andersonbus.com

Après Event Décor & Tent Rental Minnetonka, MN 952.942.3399 apresparty.com

Rochester Trolley & Tour Co. Rochester, MN 507.421.0573 rochestermntours.com

BLUE HAVEN BARN & GARDENS SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.661.4394 BLUEHAVENBARN.COM

Area Lakes Party Rental Underwood, MN 218.282.0157 lakesrental.com

TIMELESS WEDDINGS & EVENTS RAPID CITY, SD 605.342.8966 TIMELESSWEDDINGANDEVENTS.COM

CUSTER STATE PARK RESORT CUSTER, SD 605.255.4772 CUSTERRESORTS.COM

BLACK HILLS RECEPTIONS & RENTALS RAPID CITY, SD 605.342.8888 BLACKHILLSRECEPTIONS.COM

United Rentals Fargo, ND 701.293.9225 unitedrentals.com

GORECKI ALUMNI CENTER, UND GRAND FORKS, ND 701.777.4408 UNDALUMNI.ORG

BORROW MY VINTAGE WEST BRANCH, IA 319.325.1625 BORROWMYVINTAGE.COM

World Market National 877.967.5362 worldmarket.com

HOLIDAY INN RAPID CITY-RUSHMORE PLAZA RAPID CITY, SD 605.348.4000 WWW.HOLIDAYINN.COM/RAP-RUSHMORE

Dakota Stoneware Pottery Bushnell, SD 605.693.4589 dakotastoneware.com

DSW Burnsville, MN 952.808.0811 GATHERED. BOUTIQUE RENTALS & EVENTS FARGO, ND 701.412.3782 GATHEREDRENTALSANDEVENTS.COM

Linen Effects Minneapolis, MN 612.355.2500 lineneffects.com

Majestic Tents & Events Rochester, MN 507.876.1127 majestictents.com

>> STATIONERY CONFETTI CREATIVE CO. SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.228.5986 CONFETTICR.CO

Erin Ries Creativity St. Paul, MN 651.261.6076 MATHIS DESIGNS DES MOINES, IA MATHISDESIGNS.COM A MILESTONE PAPER CO. BURNSVILLE, MN 651.492.6977

>> VENUE PRAIRIE LANE VINTAGE RENTALS SIOUX FALLS, SD NICOLE@PRAIRIELANEVINTAGERENTALS. COM PRAIRIELANEVINTAGERENTALS.COM

Rentex Rentals Rochester, MN 507.292.8794 rentexrentals.com

AVALON EVENTS CENTER FARGO, ND 701.478.9600 AVALONEVENTSCENTER.COM

HOLIDAY INN SIOUX FALLS CITY CENTRE SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.339.200 IHG.COM THE HOMESTEAD AT PRAIRIE BERRY WINERY SIOUX FALLS, SD 877.226.9453 PRAIRIEBERRY.COM/THEHOMESTEAD

Milt’s Barn Pelican Rapids, MN 701.219.4209 miltsbarn.com MUSEUM OF VISUAL MATERIALS SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.271.9500 SFMVM.COM PENNY TREE EVENTS PARKER, SD 605.360.5414 VISITPENNYTREE.COM WASHINGTON PAVILION SIOUX FALLS, SD 605.367.6000 WASHINGTONGPAVILION.ORG

BLACK HILLS RECEPTIONS & RENTALS RAPID CITY, SD 605.342.8888 BLACKHILLSRECEPTIONS.COM

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Real Advice BRI DES , G RO OMS + VE N D ORS

LOUI SE VAN PEURSEM J E S S IC A B ON E S T RO O PHO TO G R A PH Y

+ D ON'T STRESS "Don't stress over the little details the week of, day before, and day of the wedding. There are so many people to help you with that, and if something doesn't go just the way you wanted, no one will know except you."

MUS EUM OF VI S UAL MATER IALS

A MI L ESTON E PAPE R C O.

+ A C OH ESIVE VENUE

+ ST YL I ZE D STAT ION E RY

RAPI D CI T Y MI N E RVAS

MI R A NDA O C HO CK I

STUDIO LB

+ SECURING AC C OMMODAT IONS

+ C OM FORT FOR GRO OM S

+ PE RS ONAL ME NU PL AN N I NG "Whether an intimate rehearsal dinner or a large reception, find a venue that fits you and is open for creative and personal menu planning."

AVALON E VE N TS CE N T E R

[ A . R.T ] PHOTO G RAPHY

+ A S PACE FOR AL L WE DDI NG E VE N TS

+ T RU ST YO UR I N ST I NCTS

S UBM I T E D PHO TO

"I love it when guys wear their own clothes for their wedding day! Tailored suits or even white shirts with khakis - comfort exudes confidence.

And confidence makes your guy look that much more handsome! If you still want a uniform look for the guys, even having them wear their own comfortable shoes makes everyone happier."

"To ease stress, choose a venue where you can host all of your events. See if your venue can accommodate your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, dance, and even gift openings!"

"When booking your photographer, make sure to meet with them and to be sure that your personalities 'click.'

Ask yourself, 'Can I see myself hanging out with this person all day? Do I feel comfortable sharing some of the most intimate moments of my life in front of this person and trust them to capture it?'"

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B L ACK H IL L S RECEPT IONS & R ENTAL S C A DEY R E I S NE R W E DDI NG S

"Selecting a wedding venue is one of "Ask questions! There are many ways the first big decisions newly-engaged to incorporate your personal style in couples make. Remember that the place your invitations. Ask your designer for you choose will create the ultimate their advice on how to do that. They ambiance for the event. This can then should also be able to help with what dictate the rest of the details, including information to include, and how to choosing vendors, colors/themes, dĂŠcor, handle etiquette issues that come up." and potentially attire that complement the venue space for a cohesive look."

CU STER STATE PAR K RESORT

"Plan your wedding where everyone can stay and celebrate nearby. Within Custer State Park are four distinct lodges, each with its own unique personality. Not only that, but there is a restaurant, bar, and places everyone can gather before and after the events as well."

E L E C T R IC L IM E PHO TO G R A PHY

+ PERSONAL TOU CH ES “Personal touches are everything! Find little ways to incorporate details into your ceremony and reception that show your personality as a couple. Make it your own; make it fun."

J OR DYN PHOTO G R APHY

+ B E YOUR SEX Y SEL F "If you're on the fence about a boudoir session, take the jump! It's the perfect gift for your groom, and is something you can look back on and say 'dang, girl!'"

The Holiday Inn Rapid City – Rushmore Plaza

Your Destination for “I Do! ” Wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, gift opening brunches, sleeping room blocks, gorgeous décor, incredible menus…we do it all.

HOLIDAY INN RAPID CITY – RUSHMORE PLAZA 505 N FIFTH STREET 605.399.7039 | Sales & Catering sales@rushmoreplaza.com

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A MOMENT BIGGER THAN

yes!

CH 4

Engagement Your story started long before you got engaged. Even your ring has a history of its own. Inside every Borsheims box is a connection to something bigger. Where it came from, the makers who made it yours.

MOMENTS OF SUBSTANCE, A LIFETIME OF SERVICE. ONLINE BORSHEIMS.COM | BY PHONE (800) 642-GIFT | IN STORE REGENCY – OMAHA, NE

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