Wedding Guide - 2023

MarshallArtsPhotography

MarshallArtsPhotography

TonyaHjortPhotography

ABIGAIL AND TYLER DOHERTY – JUNE 20, 2020

He was her grade school crush

By Celeste Edenloff

Abigail (Hanson) Doherty and her husband, Tyler, both grew up outside of Alexandria. They now reside just outside of Brandon.

She teaches preschool at the Early Education Center in Alexandria and Tyler is a lineman for Runestone Electric Association. She said they have two beautiful daughters – Leni, 2 and Loretta, 6 months.

“We love spending time outside as a family and stay pretty busy from spring to summer, as we have a little hobby farm where we raise pigs, meat chickens and maintain a big garden,” said Abigail. She answered the followed questions:

QHow/where did you meet?

ATyler and I actually went to grade school together (we attended Lincoln Elementary) and grew up as friends. I always had a crush on Tyler growing up, but once we made it to middle school, we slowly drifted into our own friend groups and did not become close friends again until senior year of high school. We officially started dating in the fall of 2014, and the rest is history!

QWhat’s your proposal story?

AToward the end of my senior year of college, I really started joking/asking about when I was going to be getting a ring as we were already building a house on the 33 acres of land we found outside of Brandon, and I knew he had already asked my parents’ permission. On our dating anniversary, we had decided to go

To bring some fun to their wedding, as it happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, Abigail and Tyler Doherty of Brandon, had two bouncy houses for their guests and themselves to enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Design Studio by Stacy

Abigail and Tyler Doherty, middle, and their wedding party.

Photo courtesy of Design Studio by Stacy

out to dinner at D. Michael B’s in the mall. That was also when Karrow Jewelers was located there. After we were done eating, Tyler had suggested going to look at rings at Karrow’s, so he could get an idea of what I liked. Tyler ended up going back into Karrow Jewelers a couple days later to buy the ring. He then proposed a couple weeks later in what was then our framed up house we were in the process of building. I said “YES!,” and we started the process of wedding planning. Little did we know what was in store for us come 2020.

QWhen and where did you get married?

AWe got married June 20, 2020, at Long Lake Lodge near Brandon.

QHow did you decide that location?

AWe decided on Long Lake Lodge as it was about four miles from our house, and it had all the amenities that we were looking for in a venue.

QWhat was your favorite part of your wedding day?

AThere were a lot of favorites about our wedding, but I would have to say my favorite part was just being able to have a wedding! It had been a long and stressful five months of replanning a wedding around COVID. But even though it was not what we had originally planned, it was as normal as a wedding could have been during a pandemic. With everyone dealing with stress and a lot of canceling due to the pandemic, we really wanted to create a fun day for everyone. We had a photo booth, two bounce houses, yard games, a bonfire once it

got dark and we also hosted prom for all of our cousins/guests that did not get to celebrate it due to schools being online. Overall, it did turn out to be the perfect day!

QWhat advice do you have for newly engaged couples?

ALeading up to your wedding day/day of your wedding, don’t stress the small stuff. In the end, it is about getting to marry your best friend and start a new and exciting season of life together. And on your wedding day, TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEOS. Professional pictures are great to get, but it’s the candid pictures/videos that were taken on your phone or sent to you by a loved one that you will love to look back on.

On a beautiful day in June 2020, Abigail and Tyler Doherty of Brandon were married at Long Lake Lodge, which is near their home.

Photo courtesy of Design Studio by Stacy

Abigail and Tyler Doherty of Brandon were married on June 20, 2020, at Long Lake Lodge in Brandon.

Photo courtesy of Design Studio by Stacy

Leading up to your wedding day/ day of your wedding, don’t stress the small stuff. In the end, it is about getting to marry your best friend and start a new and exciting season of life together.

ABIGAIL DOHERTY

The tradition behind bridal veils

Though couples can plan wedding ceremonies and receptions how they see fit, many weddings are steeped in tradition, some of which may be more subtle than others.

One longstanding wedding tradition revolves around a bride’s attire. Historians differ regarding the origins of the bridal veil, but some trace this tradition all the way back to Ancient Greece.

Others suggest bridal veils were first popularized within the Roman Empire by people who believed that the veil protected the bride from evil spirits as she walked down the aisle.

Traditions surrounding bridal veils even differ within various faiths, so the veil may signify one thing at a Jewish wedding and something entirely different at a Christian ceremony.

Veils also have long been seen by some as symbolic of purity. Despite their long-held position in wedding lore and tradition, veils are no longer seen as a must-have. Nor are brides who choose to wear a veil beholden to having it cover their face as they walk down the aisle.

How to pick the perfect

In fact, many modern brides now flip their veils over their head as they walk down the aisle en route to saying, “I do.” Regardless of how brides who opt for veils choose to wear them, there’s no denying the enduring popularity of this tradition.

WEDDING DRESS

Planning a wedding requires making many different decisions. The choice of wedding attire is among the most crucial decisions that couples must make. Whether the wedding is traditional or customized to suit couples’ personalities, brides and grooms want to look their best when they say, “I do.”

Many brides-to-be spend a significant amount of time looking for their ideal wedding dresses. According to Bridal Atelier, the average bride-to-be tries on three to seven dresses before finding the right one. The following tips can help those shopping for dresses find a look that makes their big day even more special.

DON’T GET HUNG UP ON PERFECTION. Many brides get caught up as they search for the one dress they consider perfect. No dress is likely to check every box. Getting hung up on a desire to find a dress that has it all may make it hard to see the beauty in other dresses. Remember, with the talents of an experienced tailor or seamstress, most dresses can be tweaked to suit your vision of the ideal gown.

CONSIDER THE SEASON. Getting married during the hazy and humid days of summer is entirely different than tying the knot during the heart of winter. The fabric of the wedding dress should complement the season, whether it’s lightweight and breezy for a warm day, or more substantial and cozy when darting to the ceremony in snowfall.

FLATTER YOUR FIGURE Chances are brides-to-be know which cuts and styles are most flattering. Mimic those style choices in the wedding dress. If you want to take focus off of full hips, choose a basque or asymmetrical waistline. Gowns with substantial straps or higher necklines may be better if you have a larger chest. Sheath and mermaid style gowns are options if you are confident with your figure and want to show off your curves.

TRY A BIT OF THIS AND THAT. Don’t go into a wedding dress appointment with firm ideas. Although you may have a ball gown style in mind, after trying on other options something with a less voluminous silhouette may actually catch your eye. Many brides also automatically defer to strapless gowns, when various straps and sleeves can be very appealing.

ARRIVE WITH A FIRM BUDGET Weddings can be costly. It’s important to set a budget for the wedding dress just as you will with other expenses. There are plenty of dress designers across a wide spectrum of price points. A willingness to consider and ultimately purchase a less costly dress can help you stay on budget.

Browsing through magazines and looking online can provide wedding dress inspiration as well. Also, when in doubt, defer to the experts at bridal shops who have experience choosing dresses that brides are inclined to love.

Tips for choosing a wedding makeup artist

A wedding gives couples a chance to shine and celebrate their love for one another. Naturally, all eyes are on the happy couple on their wedding day, and that means brides and grooms want to look their best. For those planning to wear makeup, relying on a skilled makeup artist can make a big difference in how couples look in videos and photographs.

When shopping around for makeup artists, couples with limited knowledge of what to expect can look for certain factors to help them make the most informed decision.

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS

There may be a stark difference between cosmetics and beauty products purchased at the drug store and the professional-grade items used by makeup artists. Professional products have been engineered for specific applications. They tend to be long-wearing and luxurious. Look for a makeup artist who uses top-notch brands.

TRIAL APPLICATION

A bride’s vision and the makeup artist’s vision may not be one and the same. Only after a trial application can you determine if the makeup artist is able to deliver the look you desire. It’s important for a bride-to-be to go to the trial appointment with an open mind and reserve judgment until the application is complete. A professional can make suggestions on a color palette and products that will complement skin tone and needs.

MASTERS “STRIKING” BUT “NATURAL”

Many brides desire natural looks on their wedding days, but fail to understand that this is one of the most photographed moments in their lives. High-definition cameras and lighting can affect how makeup appears in film and in photographs, as well as what a complexion and pores will look like. Taking photos during the trial appointment will help you see what you will look like in pictures, which may be different from how makeup appears when looking in the mirror. Chances are a bride will need to be much more made up than she thinks when asking for natural. A qualified artist can strike a balance between natural and photo-ready.

TOUCH-UPS

Some makeup artists are willing to be available for a short time before the start of the reception. This gives them the opportunity to touch-up makeup if needed after the ceremony when most of the posed photos are taken. Also, adjustments can be made at this time if a bride wants a “nighttime” look.

A makeup artist can help couples look their best during their weddings, making them a worthy investment of time and money.

magical A

experience

BRIEANN WEST AND IAN ASHCROFT APRIL 12, 2019

By Celeste Edenloff

BrieAnn West and Ian Ashcroft currently live in Washington, D.C. BrieAnn is a 2006 graduate of Jefferson High School in Alexandria. Her parents and other family still live in the Alexandria area and she says she visits the area often.

BrieAnn is a judge advocate in the United States Army. She is attending Georgetown University Law Center for her Master of Laws in National Security Law and Cyber. Ian is a regional manager South Atlantic for Lazer Logistics.

BrieAnn answered the followed questions:

QHow/where did you meet?

AIan and I met in 2011 while working for Delta Air Lines at the Minneapolis airport. I was working as a gate agent and Ian was working in the tower as an operations coordinator. We both noticed each other on the moving walkway as I was coming in to work and he was leaving. I thought I was getting set up on a blind date with him, but it turned out to be someone else. Later, we finally met at a work happy hour and instantly clicked. Within a few weeks we were traveling to Okinawa, Japan to visit my cousin.

QWhat’s your proposal story?

AIan proposed to me in Tacoma, Washington at our favorite restaurant called Over the Moon Cafe. It’s a very small and intimate restaurant. At the tables they have little treasure boxes full of notes the diners leave – most of them are about love and life.

QWhen and where did you get married?

AWe were legally married in Alexandria at my parents house on Lake L’Homme Dieu in August of 2018. They have large windows overlooking the lake. We traveled to Alexandria for our engagement party, but ended up surprising close family by having my mom officiate our wedding before the party started.

Our official wedding was April 12, 2019 at Walt Disney World. We were married in Canada Terrace in Epcot in front of a waterfall at 9 a.m. After the ceremony and pictures in the park, we took everyone over to Abracadabar, a magical themed venue on the Boardwalk where we had our pre-reception and a roaming magician. For our reception, we opted to have lunch at the Attic in the Boardwalk Inn Resort,

BrieAnn West and Ian Ashcroft pose in front of the Crown and Crest inside the United Kingdom Pavilion during their Walt Disney World wedding.

Photo courtesy of Regina Hyman Photography and Cinema

where Mickey and Minnie joined us to celebrate. We took a few-hour break and then everyone met back at 7 p.m. for an evening reception in Epcot to watch fireworks at the UK Lochside. Afterward, we surprised everyone with a “ride mixin” where we were escorted onto Soarin’ – a ride that replicates a hang gliding experience overlooking many of the wonders of the world.

QHow did you decide that location?

ADisney has always been a source of joy and fun in my life. When we got engaged and started talking venues, we originally discussed getting married on a pirate ship in San Diego. Then I started dreaming bigger and realized that Disney offered wedding packages that are full of possibility. We had our choice of locations in the parks, at resorts, or in the Wedding Pavilion, but we really wanted a park venue. Epcot is our favorite park because of the world showcase. We liked Canada Terrace because it had a very whimsical feel, but also included a waterfall in the background.

QWhat was your favorite part of your wedding day?

AAll of it. Honestly, the entire experience was so magical and everything was seamless. Incorporating in entertainment for our guests was very important, so having the magician, our special guests Mickey and Minnie, fireworks and a ride mix-in was more than we could have hoped for. Disney Fairytale Weddings did a great job of handling all of the details. It was a day that I hope many of our guests will never forget because of all of the fun we were able to experience together, on a day that is so important for us. And, it was stress free.

QWhat advice do you have for newly engaged couples?

AYour wedding is about celebrating your love, with people you love, and should include doing things you love. If you and your fiance have something you are passionate about, include those details in your event. It’s about making memories that last a lifetime. Don’t stress about the small things, hire a day-of

coordinator and make sure to include room in your budget for a talented photographer and videographer. Most importantly - HAVE FUN!

BrieAnn West and Ian Ashcroft pose for a photo in the gardens at Canada Pavilion after their ceremony at Canada Terrace. The garden was in full bloom because of the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot.

Photo courtesy of Regina Hyman Photography and Cinema

A Walt Disney World wedding wouldn’t be complete without getting a picture taken with Mickey and Minnie and that is just what BrieAnn West and Ian Ashcroft got to do during their fairytale wedding. Mickey and Minnie even helped the couple cut their cake during their lunch reception.

Photo courtesy of Regina Hyman Photography and Cinema

BrieAnn West and Ian Ashcroft steal a kiss during their “dessert party,” an evening event at UK Lochside where they had a private viewing of fireworks.

Photo courtesy of Regina Hyman Photography and Cinema

Build a wedding budget without breaking the bank

Wedding planning is a unique experience unlike any endeavor most couples will ever encounter. Much effort goes into planning a wedding, and that includes building a budget that ensures the big day will be fun without breaking the bank.

Most couples planning a wedding have never tied the knot before, so it can be difficult to determine a reasonable amount to spend. It’s easy to go overboard when planning a wedding, and couples may find their list of wants and, consequently, their expenses, growing as they get into the weeds of wedding planning. Though it might require some difficult decisions, couples can keep these tips in mind so they can build a wedding budget that won’t land them in debt after saying, “I do.”

DETERMINE FUNDING

The days when a bride’s parents would finance the wedding entirely on their own are largely a thing of the past. According to a recent WeddingWire Newlywed Report, parents now pay for 52 percent of wedding expenses. As couples begin establishing a wedding budget, it’s imperative that they first determine who, if anyone, will be helping them finance the big day. Fifty-two percent of wedding expenses is a significant amount of money, but in that scenario, couples will still need to come up with roughly half of the money needed to fund their weddings. Couples without substantial savings may be forced to cut back in order to avoid beginning their life as a married couple in debt.

MAKE A LIST OF POTENTIAL EXPENSES

Location will be a significant factor when determining potential expenses. For example, a 2022 ValuePenguin analysis of data from The Wedding Report found that the average wedding in Massachusetts cost roughly $30,500 in 2020, while couples tying the knot in Arkansas spent around $12,500 on their weddings. With such wild fluctuations, it’s important that couples get an accurate estimate of how much it may cost them to get married in a given city. Couples who met in a city and still live in a city but grew up in a suburb might save a considerable sum by getting married in their hometowns. Compare and contrast prices in locales you’re considering, and then build your budget accordingly. This can help you avoid sticker shock and going over budget. Notable expenses to budget include the venue, attire (i.e., wedding dress and tuxedo rental), hairstyle and makeup, entertainment, photography, and transportation, among others.

MAKE A LIST OF WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT

Most couples will have to compromise in order to avoid taking on debt to finance their weddings. An earnest discussion about what’s most important to each person can ensure you both get what you want. Each person can make a list of their priorities, ranking them from most important to least important. Once lists are shared, couples can see where their priorities converge and where they diverge. Any items that rank low on each person’s list of priorities can be afforded less funding, while those that are high on each list can take up more of the budget, if necessary.

COMMIT TO A LIMIT BEFORE SPENDING A DIME

Committing to a limit before spending a dime can help couples keep wedding costs more manageable. Once that number is defined, couples can then work within its parameters, which can make potentially difficult decisions a little easier by narrowing options at a time when options can seem endless.

A well-planned budget can be just what couples need to begin married life on strong financial footing.

Photo by Dan Francis

Great space to host a grooms dinner or large gathering!

Vendors

Accommodations

• Arrowwood 2100 Arrowwood Lane, Alexandria

320-762-1124

www.arrowwoodresort.com

• Hampton Inn

2705 S Broadway St, Alexandria

320-763-3360

alexandriasuitesmn.hamptoninn.com

• Holiday Inn

5637 Highway 29 S, Alexandria

320-763-6577

thebarnalex.com

Alterations

• Alterations by Tami

612-417-7049

facebook.com/alterationsbytami

Bakeries

• Elden’s Fresh Foods Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria 320-763-3446

Catering

• Angelina’s Restaurant 1215 MN-29, Alexandria

320-762-1324

• Broadway Ballroom 115 30th Ave E, Alexandria

320-763-6565

• Pioneer Grill by Knute Nelson 4403 Pioneer Rd SE, Alexandria

320-759-4608

knproneergrill.com

Diamonds & Wedding Sets

• Diekman’s Jewelry 111 6th Ave W, Alexandria 320-762-0309

• Paffrath Jewelers 410 30th Ave E, #101, Alexandria

320-762-8735

paffrathdiamonds.com

Dress & Tux Rental Shops

• Jackie J’s Bridal & Formal Wear

520 Broadway St, Alexandria

320-762-5163

Floral

• Elden’s Downtown Floral Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria

320-762-7292

downtownfloralco.com

Rehearsal Dinner

• Lure Lakebar 2800 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria 320-219-7755

www.luremn.com

RENTALS

• JS Rental 320-391-5368

www.jseventrental.com

Salon & Spa

• Spa Nala 1114 Broadway St, Suite 6, Alexandria

320-219-4453

• Glow.

700 Cedar Street, Suite 103, Alexandria 320-491-0855

glowalexandria.com

Venues

• Broadway Ballroom 115 30th Ave E, Alexandria 320-763-6565

• Holiday Inn 5637 Highway 29 S, Alexandria 320-763-6577

thebarnalex.com

• Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens

Alexandria 320-759-1114

legacyofthelakes.org

sweet tooth

AMY AND LEVI DOHERTY – AUG. 13, 2020

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By Celeste Edenloff

Amy and Levi Doherty were born and raised in Alexandria. By day, Levi works at ALP Utilities and Amy works at Herzog Property Management. At night, the couple renovates houses together around the Alexandria area and manages their retail properties.

Amy answered the followed questions:

QHow/where did you meet?

AWe met in 7th grade science class and I used to pick on Levi for having hat hair. At this point in time, though, he was too afraid to talk to girls, so he didn’t really acknowledge me. Fast forward to 10th grade (this was in 2013) at Jefferson High School. We had all but one class together and we were assigned as lab partners the second semester of the school year. I knew that Levi had quite the sweet tooth, so I convinced my mom to make a pit stop at a gas station every morning before going to school so that I could buy a bag of candy to share with Levi. I knew that the only way to Levi’s heart was through his sweet tooth.

QWhat’s your proposal story?

AWe were in the middle of renovating our first house together, and it was

the night before Easter. A thunderstorm rolled through around midnight and Levi got up to go and check something outside (the ring basket) when he noticed something moving under the deck. He wasn’t sure if it was a skunk or a raccoon when suddenly a scared dog snuck out. Levi let the dog in the house and while he was making a bed for the dog by the wood stove, the dog quickly came and startled me awake. The dog eventually found its way to its bed and slept through the night.

As soon as I woke up, there was an Easter basket on the table, but I didn’t pay much attention, since it was filled with all of Levi’s favorite candy, fishing lures and a bird house. Levi, however, was not going to let me get ready for church until I opened every last egg in the basket – each one filled with more of Levi’s favorite candy.

Finally, I got to the last egg, the only golden one in the basket. To my surprise, when I opened it, there was a beautiful ring inside and as I turned around, Levi was down on one knee with our overnight guest – the stray dog. He asked, “Will you marry me?” I gladly said, “Yes!”

We never did figure out who the dog belonged to, but once we let it out in the morning, it took off and then we never saw it again.

QWhen and where did you get married?

ADue to COVID-19, we were lucky enough to have two weddings. Our first wedding was on Aug.13, 2020 at St. Mary’s Church in Alexandria. We were only allowed to have about 20 friends and family there. It was a beautiful day, sunny and 75 degrees. After our small wedding at the church, we went to Gathered Oaks for what was originally supposed to be our groom’s dinner, and had a quick rehearsal for our second wedding. Technically, it was a vow renewal that was conducted by my older brother, Justin. It was to take place the very next day.

She got to his heart through his

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amy and Levy Doherty of Alexandria had their first wedding ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with only about 20 people attending.

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Benning

On their second wedding day because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amy and Levi Doherty of Alexandria had a huge storm pass through, dumping lots of rain on them.

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Benning

Amy and Levi Doherty of Alexandria ended up with two weddings – the first at their church with only about 20 people and the second outside so more people could attend.

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Benning

The next day, Aug. 14, Alexandria received over three inches of rain. It poured all day long and finally let up right as guests were starting to arrive. After everyone had taken their seats, the wedding party was all standing at the altar and I was beginning my walk down the aisle when the tornado sirens went off. Thankfully, we had tents and I had purchased plenty of umbrellas to go around because right as we were saying our vows, it began to downpour once more.

As guests grew more and more uncomfortable squeezing closer and closer together under the tent to avoid getting rained on, our love for this very moment grew more and more.

You see, we have always had a love for storms and during the planning phases of our initial Catholic wedding, we had asked the priest if it would be possible to sprinkle the guests with holy water like they do periodically at Sunday masses. The priest said that that was not “normal” and had never been done before and that he was not open to doing it. Thankfully, God had different plans and completely drenched each and every guest in His holy water.

As the wedding party and guests ran up the stairs to Gathered Oaks, we all had to remain in the basement until the storm let up. Each and every person in that basement could hardly keep from laughing because we were all soaking wet. As we made our way through the soaked crowd to greet guests, just about everyone shared some sort of old wives tale about rain on your wedding day and told us, “This is going to be a hard wedding to forget.”

It was the most perfect day.

QHow did you decide that location?

AWe chose to get married at St. Mary’s because that is the church both of us grew up in. There is a picture of both of us at our Sunday School Christmas concert when we were about 4 years old, just two rows apart from each other. There is another picture of both of us

at First Communion, again two rows apart from each other. As young teenagers, we used to spend every Sunday morning staring across the church at one another as we sat with our own families.

We chose Gathered Oaks as our reception/vow renewal location because in high school we used to kayak from my parent’s house on Lake Louise, up to little Lake Charlie, where there was this old farm house set perfectly up on the hill. It’s where we began dreaming of fixing up houses and what our future together would hold. When this farm house became Gathered Oaks, it was the perfect choice for our wedding.

The day after our vow renewal at Gathered Oaks, we canoed back to my parents house in my grandpa’s canoe. It was certainly the “calm after the storm” – clear blue skies and not even the smallest hint of wind.

QWhat was your favorite part of your wedding day?

AOur favorite part of our wedding day was learning to embrace all that life has for us. Leading up to our wedding, we had a lot of various things working against us. To name a few – Raapers restaurant, our caterer, started on fire and my dress got smoke damage (the shop I bought it from was nearby); our original photographer canceled on us 60 days before our wedding due to COVID-19; we had to uninvite people due to COVID-19; we had to make the hard decision to have two weddings due to COVID-19; and we got lots and lots of rain.

But, with each obstacle, it became more and more clear what truly mattered to us – each other and honoring our sweet little love story with a beautiful wedding, no matter what was thrown our way. Fire, wind and rain – there was no stopping us.

In the end, all of the things that at one point seemed as though they were working against us, turned out even more magical than either of us could have ever dreamed. Truthfully, it’s a lesson that we decided, at the altar, in the rain and to incorporate into our married life as well, “No matter the obstacle, no matter the peak or valley, it’s you and me forever.”

QWhat advice do you have for newly engaged couples?

ALife is full of so many seasons, and while you’re in the thick of the season, it sometimes feels like it’s never going to end. But then when you fast forward a couple of years, it feels like that season was so short.

Our advice for newly engaged couples is to just have fun while you plan your special day.

When you are standing at the altar with your love, all of the things that once caused you stress or fear about your wedding day really don’t matter. It’s almost like everything fades away and you get a little glimpse of heaven and everything just makes sense.

The day after their vow renewal at Gathered Oaks, Amy and Levi Doherty of Alexandria canoed back to her parent’s house in her grandpa’s canoe.

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Benning

Tips to help master your wedding guest list

Weddings are such momentous occasions that it’s no wonder couples want to share their big days with as many people as possible. Though a wedding where all friends, family members and acquaintances are in attendance may be a dream scenario, reality often calls for a more carefully curated guest list.

Both The Wedding Report and The Knot report that a wedding venue and catering make up a significant percentage of the overall cost of a wedding, with some figures indicating that these expenses account for around 65% of the final price tag. The number of guests couples will host on their wedding day will affect which venue they book and how much food and beverages they’ll need to satisfy guests. Couples who hope to stay within budget can consider these tips as they try to build a guest list that won’t break the bank.

Accept input. Parents may no longer foot the entire bill for their children’s weddings, but couples who are accepting some financial help from parents must also accept Mom’s and Dad’s input regarding the guest list. Even if parents’ desired guests do not ultimately make the cut, it’s best to respect their wishes and consider who they want to invite. Couples who are financing their own weddings without outside help need not feel beholden to invite anyone who does not meet their invitation criteria.

Make a preliminary list without regard to budget. Couples can have fun making preliminary guest lists without considering their budgets. A preliminary list can

serve as a solid starting point, and couples may even realize that their list is within budget. Once the preliminary lists have been created, couples can categorize guests (i.e., distant cousins, coworkers, etc.) and then work together to determine if any categories can be eliminated from the invitation list. For example, couples who may be going over budget with their guest lists can each agree to remove distant cousins from their prospective invitees.

Seek advice. Many couples face difficult decisions regarding their wedding day guest lists, so it can be helpful to speak to a recently married friend or relative to see how they handled paring down their guest lists. Some might have done it by category, while others might have limited guest lists to local friends and family. When taking this approach, couples can speak to friends about how they approached handling people who were surprised that they were not on the final list of invitees.

Throw a less formal party down the road. A less expensive backyard barbecue within weeks of tying the knot can serve as a less costly alternative to a large wedding reception. Couples who take this approach can keep their wedding day guest lists to a minimum, but invite everyone they hope to see to a post-wedding day backyard barbecue or potluck picnic so they can celebrate with everyone they love.

Curating a wedding day guest list is no small task. However, couples can try various approaches to keep a guest list more manageable and less expensive.

Skin care solutions for the whole wedding party

Building relationships through her business has become a passion for Kristine Brugh, who is the owner of Spa Nala in Alexandria. Spa Nala is a medical spa that focuses on skin rejuvenation and laser hair removal.

Ten years ago, Brugh lost her son, Taylor, to suicide and since then, many of her customers have shared their connections with suicide and she believes that is not a coincidence.

“I have to believe they were brought to me for a reason and I’m super passionate about that,” she said.

Starting this business came about because of the loss of her son and the journey she took to rebuild her life without him. She said it was her way of giving back to him and in doing so, becoming the best she could be in the industry, which she said is not regulated.

When she decided to become a laser technician and open her own medical spa, Burgh said she “did the right thing” and went to school to become certified. And every year since, she attends seminars to do extensive training because of how

passionate she is about being the best she can be for her clients.

She noted that she only lasers at her medical spa and doesn’t do injections or other salon-type of services. Her focus is on skin rejuvenation and hair removal. She uses a diode, which she said is the most permanent on the market and it is the strongest.

In this business, she said clients need to be careful, know who their technician is and what the technician’s credentials are.

For upcoming weddings, Brugh said she offers services for both brides and grooms, along with their whole wedding party. Hair removal, especially for brides who want to get rid of unwanted underarm hair, is the number one service.

For everyone in the wedding party, skin rejuvenation is a great option. It is for those who may have sun damage, broken capillaries, fine lines or wrinkles.

“I can give them a glow, we can freshen up their face and their skin and get rid of the dead skin cells and stimulate the collagen,” said Brugh.

She shared a story about one bride who was dealing with some acne. Brugh helped her find the perfect skin care routine and the bride was so thankful. It was like the bride had a new face, a new rejuvenated face, she said.

That’s what Brugh said it was all about –helping people feel and look rejuvenated.

To find out more about Spa Nala, including how the name came to be, visit the Spa Nala website at www.spa-nala. com/.

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Popular wedding hairstyles

Much goes into being photo-ready on your wedding day. After months of planning, the wedding day is the couple’s time to really shine, and many go to extraordinary lengths to look their best. Gowns and tuxedos may garner their fair share of attention, but hairstyles also can help couples look their best.

Classic low bun or chignon: This is one hairstyle that certainly has withstood the test of time. A bun can be as sleek as a bride desires, or tendrils can be pulled out to frame the face, and the bun can be anything from minimal to messy. Pulling hair back may be more comfortable on warm days and there’s no frizz to worry about if Mother Nature fails to cooperate.

Vintage curls: Brides whose dresses harken back to a bygone era may want to complement that style with a hairdo that also speaks to that moment in time. For example, the intricate pin curls of the 1920s likely will tie into a gown with an umpire waist.

Fancy ponytail: Like a bun, a ponytail can pull hair away from the face for comfort and style. It’s a bit less formal than a bun and can be styled in many different fashions, even incorporating braids.

Side-swept waves: Evoke movie-star drama with a hairstyle that features hair pulled to one side and cascading waves down the length of the face.

Loose waterfall braids: Carefree boho looks run the gamut of styles. One to consider is loosely plaited waterfall braids that add whimsy. Additional braided options also work well for less formal weddings.

Half-up, half-down: This hairstyle offers the best of both worlds. It enables the hair to be pulled back on top, and then the bottom is left loose, whether straight or in curls or waves.

Ballerina top knot: This is a take on the bun. But rather than pinned at the nape, it is high on the crown of the head.

Short bob or pixie with accents: Shorter hair also can look stunning. A bob or pixie cut can be enhanced with sparkling barrettes or woven-in flowers.

Halo braid: This braid is fashioned so that it goes over the top of the head and mimics the look of a crown or halo. It may negate the need for a tiara.

Men also have plenty of options to get their hair wedding day-ready. Classic shorter cuts feature close-cut sides and more length on top, which can be spiked, tousled or even slicked back depending on personal preference. However, any length of hair is in fashion, and grooms can don buns, ponytails, natural texture, and much more.

Novel gifts for bridesmaids

Brides- and grooms-to-be select people who are near and dear to their hearts to be special parts of their momentous days. So the chance to participate in a friend’s or family member’s wedding is a great honor.

A wedding party plays a key role in both the ceremony and reception. Participants do everything from helping couples make decisions to addressing invitations to providing emotional support. As so much is asked of the wedding party – particularly the maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids – it’s customary to bestow gifts on those people who devoted so much time and effort to the wedding. These potential bridesmaid gifts can serve as a thoughtful and unique way to thank bridesmaids for all that they’ve done.

Photo books: Gift the bridesmaids with photo books of carefully curated photographs taken throughout the wedding planning experience. Pepper the books with other photos, such as images of you with the bridesmaids at fun moments throughout your lives together.

Portrait wine or champagne glasses: Beverage glasses customized with the bridesmaids’ likenesses painted or printed onto them make for great gifts. Bridesmaids will enjoy sipping their favorite drinks in special glasses for years to come.

Personalized phone cases: Who doesn’t rely on their mobile phones these days? Treat your bridesmaids to something special with colorful phone cases with their names embossed or printed on the outsides.

Wellness or spa gift card: After all of the running around for the wedding, bridesmaids may need a little extra pampering. Gift cards to a local spa can fit the bill.

Birthstone jewelry: Necklaces, rings or earrings become that much more special when they’re customized to the recipients. Purchase jewelry with your bridesmaids’ birthstones so they’ll be as unique as each woman.

Friendship bracelets: Gift each bridesmaid with beaded friendship bracelets that feature all of the ladies’ initials. Be sure to keep one for yourself, and you all can enjoy nights on the town showcasing your special bracelets.

Monogrammed robes or purses: A customized pocketbook, robe or another item bridesmaids will use every day can make for an extra-special item that will serve as a daily reminder of how much you appreciate them.

Bridesmaid gifts are a great way for brides to thank their bridesmaids for all that they’ve done to make a couple’s wedding day special.

Your wedding timeline guide

Wedding planning involves many movable pieces that ultimately need to come together on the big day. Planning is typically a months-long process, and adhering to certain monthly benchmarks can help couples stay the course, which many bride magazines feel is 12 to 14 months.

12 MONTHS OUT

At the start of the planning process, establish your budget, hire a wedding planner (optional), choose the wedding party, pick a date, and start to assemble a cursory guest list. This also is a great time to begin touring venues to get a feel for potential ceremony and reception locales.

11 months out: Now is the time to get a firm handle on the theme and scope of the wedding. Start picking wedding colors and overall design. Also, interview and hire vendors, such as photographers, bands and videographers. These vendors tend to book up quickly as wedding season draws near, so it’s never too early to book them.

10 MONTHS OUT

This is a good time to start shopping for a wedding gown because it might take some trial and error to find the perfect dress. You also can start shopping for wedding party attire at this time. Check with formalwear vendors to see how long it will take for the gowns to arrive in the shop for alterations. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to book the wedding venue.

8 MONTHS OUT

Reception halls may have their own schedules, but you should think about setting your menu at this time, including deciding if you will host a seated dinner, a buffet or something else. Eight months out also is a good time to finalize the guest list and send save-the-date cards. This also is a good time to visit stores to create registry gift lists.

6 MONTHS OUT

Meet with potential florists and other vendors, like transportation companies and hotels, to secure these arrangements. Your place of worship also may require certain classes or preparatory meetings, so be sure to inquire about these. Meet with a makeup and hair stylist and book a trial. Choose attire for groomsmen and give them a deadline for fittings and orders. If you will not be getting married in a place of worship, hire an officiant at this time.

4

MONTHS OUT

Grooms traditionally arrange the honeymoon, so this is a fine time to get those travel plans in order. If you need passports, you should secure them as early as possible, and no later than four months prior to the wedding to ensure processing times. Book cake tastings and order the cake if it is not part of the venue food and beverage package. If you haven’t already done so, the bride should have an initial gown fitting, and wedding invitations should be ordered at this time.

2

MONTHS OUT

Secure your wedding license and buy wedding party gifts. Address and mail the wedding invitations. Undergo a second gown fitting and work with the seamstress for the final fitting date just before the wedding. Finalize any song selections with the DJ or band.

The final details will occur in the last weeks before the wedding. Buy all the small accessories and items, undergo final fittings and check in with all vendors for final payments and to ensure they are on schedule. Notify the reception hall of the final guest count.

Once the wedding day arrives, couples who have done their best to stay on schedule can relax and have a great time with family and friends.

Popular hues for 2023

Selecting the colors for your wedding is one of the most fun and exciting parts of the planning, helping you set the stage for your special day. It’s never an easy decision, but here are the top five colors for 2023, according to wedding experts polled by Brides magazine.

greens

Love green? Then take your pick of any shade to make your wedding perfect. Green can range from deep jewel tones to pale, soft hues, depending on the mood you hope to portray. Greens can also be paired with warm contrasting colors, such as brown, burgundy and rust, or stay in the same family with different shades of the same hue.

pinks

Pinks, especially those light and airy hues, will be front and center in 2023. Soft, calming and sweeter pinks can range from rose pink to a pale antique tone, giving a romantic feel to your romantic day.

With such soft tones, you can feel comfortable matching this color with bold hues as contrast.

browns

Filling in for black, shades of brown can add just a touch of softness while still evoking a more formal feel for your wedding. Browns, especially dark, chocolately browns, make a striking contrast to white or other light colors.

dark blues

Dark blue is yet another color filling in for formal black. Deep cobalt blue is an excellent choice for the groom and groomsmen, as well as wedding invitations. The rich tones are perfect for anyone desiring a statement wedding.

neutrals

Although color will be a big factor in weddings this year, neutrals will still be extremely popular. Easy to to pair with other colors, neutrals are always elegant and in fashion.

The benefits of using local vendors

Local vendors are a smart choice when planning your wedding ceremony and reception. Once you make the decision on where you will hold your wedding, you can begin to look at local vendors.

Being familiar with the area, local vendors will be able to handle the tasks involved with the wedding without needing directions. Wedding photographers, for instance, will know the best places to stage photos, while other vendors most likely have preexisting relationships with representatives of venues, keeping your wedding day less stressful.

Shopping local also ensures more personalized service, as well as more individualized attention, than you might find with larger retailers.

Keeping your wedding local allows your vendors to meet with you more frequently to make sure that your wedding is the way you want it to be. It also makes dropping off deposits, attending meetings, and making fitting appointments easier.

participating in a wedding party is an honor. Couples invite many people to their weddings, and the select few asked to be in the party are typically those individuals with whom the couples share a strong and special bond.

The role of the wedding party is not merely symbolic. Though it’s up to the happy couple to determine how involved they want their wedding party to be, individuals asked to be in the party should know that their acceptance of these roles carries with it a certain level of responsibility.

Wedding party responsibilities

MAID OF HONOR

The maid of honor may bear the most responsibility of any wedding party member. Maids of honor typically help with the planning of the wedding, offering advice and opinions on everything from the bride’s gown to the bridesmaid dresses and anything else a couple might need help with. If the bride asks, the maid of honor may be asked to organize dress fittings and attend them as well. A maid of honor typically plays an active, and often the lead, role in planning the bachelorette party. Come the day of the wedding, the maid of honor helps the bride prepare and may organize the bridesmaids to ensure everyone stays on schedule. A maid of honor typically toasts the happy couple during the reception as well.

BEST MAN

Like the maid of honor, the best man has some extra responsibilities before the wedding and during the festivities. A best man may organize tux fittings, plan the bachelor party, help make arrangements if the groom requests help, and be asked to hold the rings on the day of the ceremony. A best man toast is common during the reception, and some grooms ask their best men to distribute tips to vendors at the end of the night.

BRIDESMAIDS

Bridesmaids often help the maid of honor plan the bachelorette party, and they also help to organize the bridal shower if the bride chooses to have one. Bridesmaids can offer input on wedding planning, particularly if they’re already married, though that is not necessarily required. Bridesmaids also can help relieve stress on the bride by being as agreeable as possible when scheduling dress fittings.

GROOMSMEN

Groomsmen help to plan the bachelor party and may be asked to provide some support prior to the ceremony. For example, on the day of the wedding, groomsmen may be asked to show guests, particularly elderly friends and family of the couple, to their seats. Like their bridesmaid counterparts, groomsmen can be especially helpful by doing what’s asked of them without resistance. Arriving on time to tuxedo fittings and offering insight when they think it might help are some simple ways groomsmen can pitch in.

FLOWER GIRL/RING BEARER

Often reserved for children, the roles of flower girls and ring bearers only require some simple participation during the ceremony. Flower girls drop petals as they proceed down the aisle ahead of the wedding party, while the ring bearer carries the ring down the aisle. If these roles will be filled by especially young children, couples may choose to have them walk down the aisle together.

PARENTS OF THE COUPLE

Parents of the bride and groom typically play supportive roles but may be asked to give speeches during the rehearsal dinner or the reception. The father of the bride typically walks her down the aisle, while the mother will likely spend the day of the ceremony at the bride’s side as they get ready. Parents of the groom do not have any traditional responsibilities, though the groom and his mother customarily share a mother/son dance during the reception.

Couples need not feel compelled to assign bridal party members these duties if they don’t feel comfortable doing so. However, sharing some of the responsibilities of wedding planning can help couples enjoy the process more and keep party members engaged.

Consider this when selecting Wedding cake

As one of the key components of most weddings, decisions about the cake shouldn’t be left until the last minute. Here are five factors to consider before you order yours.

THE NUMBER OF GUESTS. You want to make sure there’s plenty to go around. However, it would be a shame to waste your money on an excessively large cake and have to throw some out.

THE WEDDING THEME. The cake is as much a part of the decor as the flowers. Don’t hesitate to bring a copy of the invitation, color samples and pictures of the decorations to guide the baker.

THE DESIGN. In addition to choosing the shape of the cake and the

number of tiers, consider what decorative elements you’d like to incorporate. Fresh flowers, edible gold leaves and chocolate lace are just some of the many choices.

THE FLAVOR. From praline mousse to passion fruit, you might be surprised by how many options are available. Fortunately, most cake shops offer tastings to help you make your choice.

THE INGREDIENTS. If you have a limited budget, determine if you favor high-quality ingredients over a refined look. You should also consider if any of your guests have allergies.

Contact cake shops in your area to schedule a consultation and make sure your cake checks all the boxes.

Get your perfect sunless glow!

FUN MEMORIES GOOD ADVICE

Local couples answer questions about their wedding day

By Celeste Edenloff

While perusing through the Weddings North magazine, produced by our sister paper, the Brainerd Dispatch, I noticed a fun little feature. Sheila Dechantal had simply put a question on her Facebook page asking how many years people have been married.

I decided to do the same thing to see if I would get any answers. My Facebook post read, “In light of Valentine’s Day –yes, I know it has passed – I am curious…How many years has everyone been married?” My post was two days after Valentine’s Day.

To my surprise, I had 91 comments.

Several weeks after that post, I reached out to a few who had responded, explaining my hidden reason for asking that question – that I wanted to do a fun little feature in this magazine.

I asked them to share a fun memory of their wedding, asked them if they would do anything differently and what advice they had for newlyweds.

Here are their responses:

10 years

AMY AND JEREMY PEDERSEN

Questions answered by Jeremy

Date of wedding: Aug. 5, 2012

Location: Davenport, Iowa

Fun memory: I played video games with my college friends for so long that I was late to the rehearsal. As I just got back from a military deployment in the Middle East, I wore my military uniform. It saved me money and Amy likes me in it.

Anything you would do differently: No.

ADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS

Continue to “date” your spouse even after you are married. Amy and I try to do that regularly and it has helped grow our relationship.

5 months

GRANT TRISKO AND KATIE SATTERLIE-TRISKO

Questions answered by Katie

Date of wedding: Nov. 12, 2022

Location: Parkers Prairie

Fun memory: My sister hung my wedding dress on the sprinkler in the hotel. It broke and sprayed water all over the suite. She saved my dress (just a little wet on the hem) but the fire department showed up and the hotel manager couldn’t figure out how to turn the water off. I got some great pics with the firemen and it was a good thing my brother-in-law’s father owns a cleaning company so he and my dad spent the hours before the wedding sucking up water.

Anything you would do differently: Spend more time with my bridal party before the wedding.

ADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS

Thank your partner for everything they did to make your wedding day perfect. It’s a lot of work and they’ll appreciate your gratitude for years to come.

TIM AND TAMMY YTTRIE

Questions answered by Tammy

Date of wedding: June 6, 1981

Location: Long Bridge Lutheran Church, Little Sauk

Fun memory: Here are a few. Our best man gave me his convertible to take my maid of honor, personal attendant and friend to get our hair and makeup done. We had so much fun we were late for pictures.

Walking down the aisle, a guest’s pager went off. I babysat for that guests’ children for years. As she was leaving the wedding, she passed me and said, “I know my kids will be fine here with you.” (She is an X-ray tech). Some people might be appalled, but I wasn’t. It was an honor to me.

Our ring bearer decided at the last minute to walk in front of me to sit with my parents, nearly tripping me.

And, after our wedding and dinner, we went to Tip Top in Osakis.

Anything you would do differently: Our wedding was fun, relaxed, done very budget-friendly and small. I wouldn’t change a thing.

ADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS

We were given some advice during the two years we were engaged that has served us very well. We were told to move away and make new married friends. We did. We did keep a few friends that both of us were friends with, too. When there is an issue, you need to solve it without running home or to friends.

Never speak negatively about each other to friends and family. Hormones will wear off and you will need to make a choice to love your spouse on their most unlovable days.

41 years

Never go to bed mad. God first, spouse second, children third, family fourth and friends last. Absent some form of abuse, divorce is not an option.

Tim and I are married because we choose to be, not because we need to be.

Medical personnel have commented a few times that Tim and I actually change each other’s vital signs for the better when we are together.

Tim and I never put ourselves first, we always put each other first. We treat each other like gold. Tim and I have never resorted to name calling or using derogatory words to each other or with each other.

Tim and I tell people we are still in love and people say, “Oh you’re just lucky.” No, we aren’t. We put God first and work at it.

24 YEARS

JERAMIE AND CHRIS HARRIS

Questions answered by Chris

Date of wedding: July 11, 1998

Location: Calvary Lutheran Church, Alexandria

Fun memory: We don’t have one specific favorite memory. The entire day was perfect. We had the best day surrounded by our family and friends and the dance floor was full the entire night!

Anything you would do differently: Focus on creating memories rather than getting caught up in the details of the wedding day. Keep it simple!

ADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS

Treat each other with respect, kindness and appreciation. Marriage is a journey; there will be many ups and downs. But with patience, understanding and willingness to work together you can build a relationship that will last a lifetime.

56 years

BONITA AND DAVE GILBERTSON

Questions answered by Bonita

Date of wedding: Sept. 17, 1966

Location: First Lutheran Church, Alexandria

Fun memory: Well let’s see. We had two dances. One at the Algon Ballroom and one at the Nelson Hall. Everyone left the Algon about 10:30 p.m., too boring and my friends were too young. All of the stock car racers and officials came to Nelson. We had a ball. Partied till the cows came home. It was better that I drove back to Alex, if you know what I mean. Trying to shift a floor shift with a hoop skirt on was a real challenge. It’s been a favorite family story for years.

Anything you would do differently: Hmmm, wait for a few years. We basically grew up together. I’m proud of what we accomplished. We worked hard and luckily had good jobs. I think we were far-sighted. We bought a lot on Lake Miltona in 1969 (back when you could). I can’t tell you the joy and fun we had with friends and family out there. Dave drove a stock car, go #40, which was a family and friend hobby for years.

ADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS

We have so many friends, who like us started with nothing but are still together. Possibly because there wasn’t a big safety net to fall back on, we all stayed together. You don’t know what the future holds. Some people are lucky and have their health their whole lives. Others perhaps have one or both of the spouses develop health issues. I tell my girlfriends, you need to know how to pay insurance, taxes, auto license, etc. Know what the passwords are or how to find them. Learn how to blow snow, or for the men, cook. Update your will. Expect to argue. How else do you clear the air? Get a dog or cat. Sit down together for a meal and enjoy!

Photos by Ali

PIONEER GRILL:

Catering Alexandria area weddings with consistent quality

For couples and wedding planners alike, finding a dependable caterer is one of the earliest and most important parts of the process. As a little-known gem serving weddings within 15 miles of Alexandria, MN, Pioneer Grill offers over a decade of catering expertise.

At the heart of Pioneer Grill is Rob Rodas, the Director of Culinary Services with 32 years of food service expertise. According to Rob, what sets Pioneer Grill apart from other wedding caterers is that they “put out a consistent product, every time.”

MAINTAINING A STEADY STAFF

No couple wants to experience inconsistencies in the quality, flavor, or appearance of their meals between the tasting and the wedding.

One of the key advantages of the Pioneer Grill from Rob’s perspective is a consistent team who produces quality meals every time, “I’m fortunate to have people working for me that have been there for many years…We’re consistent because we have the same people creating these awesome meals.”

Additionally, Pioneer Grill operates with a “culture where people enjoy coming to work.” The result is a higher quality

product. Best said by Rob, “Because they’re happy, they want to do a good job.”

WHERE PERSONALIZATION MEETS EXPERTISE

At Pioneer Grill, communication is twofold. To accommodate more choices and personalized requests, Rob designed the menu for couples to “customize the entree” by picking a protein, starch, and vegetable.

Additionally, Rob makes sure to “suggest items that are flavorful, taste great, and hold up really well.” In turn, the first and last guests through the buffet receive the same fresh-from-the-kitchen quality.

BANQUET ROOMS AT GRAND ARBOR

When searching for a reception venue, couples oftentimes miss out on the banquet halls on Knute Nelson’s Grand Arbor campus. As some of the best-kept secrets in Alexandria, these rooms are tucked away and surrounded by lush gardens and pristine landscaping.

Catered by Pioneer Grill, these options are a seamless way for couples to cross off two major aspects of the wedding

planning process at once. Here’s what Rob had to say: “We have three banquet rooms there, and our biggest one seats a little over one hundred people.”

TAKING THE NEXT STEP

Through consistent quality you can count on, Pioneer Grill offers peace of mind on your special day. While Pioneer Grill is frequently discovered through word of mouth among friends and family members, Rob wants couples to know that “they can get ahold of us, and we’ll do our best to take care of their catering needs.”

For details, you can visit www. knpioneergrill.com or call 320-335-8949. Pioneer Grill offers wedding catering within 15 miles of Alexandria, MN.