2013 Wedding Guide

2013

Wedding Guide

January 14, 2013 Special Section

January 16, 2013 Special Section

2013

Wedding Directory

Catering & Receptions The Creamery Pizza & Ice Cream Rushford, MN ~ 507-864-7214 www.thecreamery.com Great for Rehearsal Dinners Seats up to 100

Lanesboro Community Memorial Center Lanesboro, MN ~ 507-467-3722 “The best dance floor in SE MN!”

Stumpy’s

Florist

Services & Gifts

Root River Floral

Party Island

Rushford, MN ~ 507-864-2381 www.rootriverfloral.com

Let us help plan your perfect wedding or party!

Photography

Party success is just a rental away

Specializing in engagements & weddings

Preston Equipment

Rushford, MN ~ 507-272-7351

Studio-A-Photography Preston, MN ~ 507-251-6372 www.studio-A-photography Exquisite photos without the extravagant price

Catering to you

Entertainment

Harmony Foods Preston Foods Rushford Foods

Outback Entertainment Sound and Light Production Houston, MN ~ 507-896-5550 www.outbackentertainment.net DJ services and live sound

We tailor to your order

Mabel Community Center Mabel, MN ~ 507-493-5299

Financial

“Seats up to 350 people”

First Southeast Bank

The Old Barn Resort

Canton, MN ~ 507-743-2204 Harmony, MN ~ 507-886-6922 www.firstsoutheastbank.com

Preston, MN ~ 1-800-552-2512 www.barnresort.com Catering to your needs Weddings & Special Events

Sunshine Foods

Spring Valley, MN ~ 507-346-2804 Chatfield, MN ~ 507-867-4272 Dodge Center ~ 507-374-6440 www.sunshinefoodstores.com Let us help with your special day!

Decorah Rental

Decorah, IA ~ 563-382-2351

Photography By Shannon

Rushford, MN ~ 507-864-7156 www.stumpys.net

Harmony, MN 507-886-2225 Preston, MN 507-765-2465 Rushford, MN 507-864-2878

Burr Oak, IA ~ 563-419-5784 facebook.com/partyisland2go

Quality Service with a Personal Touch

Preston, MN ~ 507-765-3803 www.prestonequip.com The world is our playground

Week of January 14, 2013

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL & OLMSTED COUNTY JOURNAL

2013 Wedding

A green wedding for a lively couple Winona the eldest of three children. He left the area briefly to attend Mankato state, double majoring in automotive and manufacturing engineering.

He moved to Rushford permanently in 2009. He is employed at Featherstone Farm as the equipment manager.

Likewise, Shannon also grew up right here in southeastern Minnesota, on her parents Brett and Carol’s valley farm in the Choice Township south of Rushford, the eldest of two daughters. She is currently attending Western Technical College in LaCrosse, studying to be a paralegal and graduating in May. She is employed at Chiglo Law Office in Rushford

By Kirsten Zoellner Ask a bride how she hopes the big day will be and you’ll frequently get “beautiful,” “classy,” “fun,” and sometimes even “perfect.” While it’s obvious that Shannon Hyter and Evan Meier’s wedding will be these things, the first words out of their mouths are something a little more grounded. “It’ll be green, organic; colorful. I want people to feel like they’re at a sunset,” notes Shannon enthusiastically. The lively Rushford couple is planning a June 22 wedding on the fields where they first met at Featherstone Farm.

Evan, the son of John Meier and Molli Kook, grew up in

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as paralegal intern and also has works as a photographer parttime from her home studio.

Together nearly three years, the couple was introduced by mutual friend Julie Scuderio, who suggested Shannon seek out some summer work at the organic vegetable farm. “I wasn’t sure who this girl was that she wanted me to meet,” says Evan, 25, smiling at his bride to be. “I was her boss.”

“I thought he was interesting.

He spent a lot of time in the field when I was around,” notes Shannon, 24, before they both break into a chuckle. Something apparently clicked, because now, the duo have an easy banter, filling in where one leaves off, and that telltale twinkle when they look at each other. Shannon’s six-year-old daughter, Alaina, who is the spitting image of her mother, squeezes right into the conversation, the trio wrapping their arms around each other and laughing. It’s clearly family life at its finest.

Matching their playful personalities, Evan admits to ramping up the theatrics for the proposal, having sidetracked Shan-

memorable Call: 507-765-2565

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Wedding Rehearsal Dinners and Bridal Showers For all of your Special Occasions

Seating for up to 100 Also private event room for 50 or less

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507.864.7214 www.the-creamery.com

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non by having a meeting. “I was mad, because I thought he’d bought a farm,” Shannon says, laughing. “I was in the hallway, turned around the corner and he was down on one knee!”

The usual hugging and crying ensued. “I had to stop and ask her, ‘Well? Yes or no?’” he adds.

That was just over a year ago, November 9, 2011.

Planning has been enjoyable for the couple, who are planning a simple ceremony and an extensive reception, noting it’s about the celebration. “We’re trying to do as much of it ourselves as possible,” she contin-

ues. Shannon’s bright personality becomes even more exuberant as she dives into the details of the nuptials.

Six groomsmen and bridesmaids, a flower girl, ring bearer, and Alaina as junior bride will attend the couple. Going a simpler route, the men are wearing suits and the ladies’s dresses are being sewn locally by Rushford seamstress Jane Thompson.

The bridal gown, strapless and draped, is eagerly described by Shannon. “It’s as loud as my personality!” Fuchsia, orange, See MEIER Page 4 

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL & OLMSTED COUNTY JOURNAL

Week of January 14, 2013

2013 Wedding MEIER

Continued from Page 3

and yellow will brighten both the ceremony and reception.

The short ceremony will be highlighted by a special sermon from Shannon’s father, Brett, an elder at Root River Community Church in Rushford, where the couple attends regularly. “My dad loves Evan as a son. He reminds me a lot of my dad, that’s for sure.”

The reception will be held at the Rushford Village Hall, a stone’s throw from the farm.

While the event is being catered, the hands-on couple will be raising the pork and poultry for the meal themselves at the 171 acre farm in Arendahl Township,

they purchased this past May. The vegetables for the meal will come courtesy of Featherstone Farm.

Shannon admits that it was difficult to choose a photographer for their big day, having a passion for it herself. Eventually, they chose Midwest LifeShots, out of Rochester.

Looking forward to the party of the evening, the duo says dancing, and lots of it, will be a must at the reception. They’ve chosen a DJ from Music in Motion, of LaCrosse, to help kick off the celebration.

While the planning stages have been a blast for the couple, they respond in unison when asked about the best part, “Every day we’re a little closer.”

Evan Meier and Shannon Hyter with Alaina, who will be the junior bride at their wedding.

Photo by Midwest LifeShots

Golf - Restaurant/Bar - Camping www.barnresort.com

A unique country setting a short drive from anywhere for reunions, weddings, meetings, tour groups, parties of all kinds! · · · · ·

Serving 20 to 250 people Full bar - wine, beer and spirits Full kitchen and wait staff Gorgeous scenery On-site wedding ceremonies

Catering to your needs appetizers, breakfasts, lunches, dinners or dessert!

Get started and check out the possibilities at www.barnresort.com or call 1-800-552-2512 Open end of March – Thanksgiving

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Rochester couple married near the Zumbro River

By Andy Siefert Sena Phan and Evan Anderson were united in marriage at the Rochester Art Center on September 29, 2012. The Zumbro River meandering in the background, friends and family bonded at the reception, ceremony and cocktail all housed in the open location.

Sena and Evan met each other at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. Sena was attending a study group for her Chinese class when Evan offered her his help.

A few years later, and it was Evan who needed help before the wedding ceremony. He was too nervous to eat and he had stained his white suit. “Glad my best man was resourceful!” Evan said.

But the wedding unified the extended family of the bride and groom in wonderful, unexpected ways. “Evan was speaking with my grandparents in Chinese,” Sena said, “when they asked that he remind me to keep up with my own practice of the Chinese language.”

The parents of the bride are Shawn and Leann Phan and they reside in Rochester. Sena was born and raised in Rochester and graduated from John Marshall High School in 2005.

The parents of the groom are Dan and Deb Anderson and they live in Alto, New Mexico.

Evan, a graduate of Centennial High School, was born in Illinois but grew up in Lino Lakes, Minn.

Evan and Sena set out for an exciting honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii the Monday after their marriage. They went snorkeling, zip lining, kayaking and even found some time to relax.

Currently living in Richfield, Minn., the couple is focused on work and on finding their first home. Evan, who studied Supply Chain Operation Management in college, now works for Cargill as a Business Strategic Sourcing Analyst in Minnetonka. Sena, after completing a major in Communication Studies, now works for Target Headquarters as a Guest Engagement Specialist.

The newlyweds have plans for an anniversary trip to Washington D.C., adding another member to the family, and possibly throwing a dog into the mix.

Sena agreed that she and her husband are living an adventure.

Got a News Tip? Have a Story Idea?

Contact the Fillmore County Journal P: 507.765.2151 F: 507.765.2468 E: news@fillmorecountyjournal.com www.fillmorecountyjournal.com

Sena Phan and Evan Anderson were married in September in Rochester.

Photo by Bliss Photography We have a

party room and kitchen for those special events.

~Weddings ~Birthdays ~anniversaries call Bill at 765-2205 to Book the kitchen and/or party room

Ask about off-site bartending for weddings.

Week of January 14, 2013

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL & OLMSTED COUNTY JOURNAL

2013 Wedding

Best friends to spend their lives together

By Jade Sexton Gabby Gatzke and John Kinneberg have known each other since they were little kids in preschool together at Fillmore Central. However, they did not start dating until the summer after graduation.

According to Gabby, the two hung out together in high school and had the same group

of friends. Their first date was their senior prom, and it was shortly after that they realized they had something special.

Both of them went off to college that fall; Gabby to Winona State and John to RCTC, but they still spent as much time as possible together.

“We spent a lot of money on phone bills,” shared Gabby.

Call for Information on our Wedding Rentals!

“Shop locally, live colorfully, we’re your local florist.”

Spring Valley Greenhouse & Floral, Inc. 720 N. Broadway • Spring Valley • 507-346-7440 www.springvalleygreenhouseandfloral.com

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Because You And Your Guests Deserve The Best Check out our Full Catering Menu online at www.odyscountrymeats.com We can customize a menu just for you.

We offer everything from food preparation to full service.

Ody’s

Country

Meats & Catering M-F 7-5:30 Sat. 7-12:00 EBT 507-346-2579 • 800-660-MEAT Customers 17643 121st Ave. Welcome 4.5 miles South of Spring Valley on Hwy 63 www.odyscountrymeats.com

Party Success is Just a Rental Away • 10’ x 20’ & 20’ x 20’ Tents • Tent Sides Available • Coffee Urns (100 cup) • Silver Trays • Champagne Fountain • Chocolate Fountain (chocolate available)

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15 x 15 Teakwood Dance Floor

“We would go way over our minutes. Our parents were kind of mad.”

John is the son of SueAnn and Sheldon Kinneberg of Preston, and Gabby is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ib) Gatzke of Preston.

In 2012, they moved to Preston, where they now share an apartment. The couple places a lot of importance on family, so it was an easy decision to move where they could be close. Both of them grew up in the Preston area. Gabby works at the Fillmore County Journal, and John works for Mensink Landscaping.

The couple became engaged on December 21, 2011. Gabby had a feeling that something was up that week, as John had made a few unexplained trips to Rochester. That night they had been driving around looking at Christmas lights, and John told her when they got home, she could look for her present. It took her a while to find it, but when she looked at the Christmas tree, she saw an engagement ring around one of the branches.

“I was really surprised at the way he did it,” Gabby said.

The couple knew that they wanted to be together forever for a long time before they made it an official engagement. “He’s more like a best friend,” said Gabby. “We have always done everything together. We have the same friends, and that’s a huge reason that we got together.”

The engagement has been a long one, but it has gone quickly. The date has been set for September 21, 2012, a date which Gabby later realized was the six-year anniversary of the day her grandfather passed away, which makes the day even more special. The couple has had plenty of time to make plans, and this has made it less stressful for them.

“We chose to have a smaller wedding with immediate family and close friends,” explained Gabby. “Then we will have a bigger reception afterward.”

The wedding will take place at

The Fillmore County Journal publishes engagement announcements free of charge.

Send your announcement and photo to news@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Renting the affoRdable solution

Decorah Rental Inc. 1814 State Highway 9 • Decorah, Iowa 52101 (563) 382-2351

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pictures, and will be doing the wedding as well. The flowers will come from Preston Floral, DJ Joe is in charge of the music at the dance, and the catering will go through Chic’s Pizza, which is owned by Gabby’s parents.

According to Gabby, she and John have had equal parts in planning for the big day. They chose the colors purple and lime

St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Preston, with a reception at the Lanesboro Community Center.

Gabby recently bought her wedding dress at David’s Bridal.

She and John have decided to stay with local businesses for their other wedding needs, as they really believe in supporting their community. StudioA Photography in Preston was in charge of their engagement

See KINNEBERG Page 6 

After dating for more than seven years, Gabby and John will officially tie the knot a few blocks from where they first met.

Photo by Studio-A-Photography

Beautiful Setting for your Reception Also have an

Clubhouse with lots of windows overlooking the golf course

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Site Which overlooks the golf course

Experienced staff to assist you with your planning Hold Your Rehearsal Dinner at Willow Creek Seating for up to 300 of your guests

Great food

Just ask our customers

507.285.0305

1700 48th Street SW, Rochester, MN www.willowcreekgc.com | wc@wpgolf.com

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL & OLMSTED COUNTY JOURNAL

Page 6

Week of January 14, 2013

2013 Wedding

Continued from Page 5

green because purple is Gabby’s favorite color and lime green is John’s favorite.

Old cars is an interest that John shares with Gabby’s dad, and so they have decided the wedding party will be cruising to Lanesboro in old cars, including her dad’s Cadillac El Dorado.

“I’m anxious for it to get here,” shared Gabby.

The newlyweds will not be honeymooning immediately after the wedding, but will probably travel someplace warm during the winter. They plan to remain in the Preston area, buy a house someday, and eventually fulfill their parents’ wish for grandchildren.

Gabby has some advice for other couples who are planning to be married. “Don’t be afraid to have a longer engagement. It’s actually kind of nice.”

While supplies last.

Repeat Boutique

117 Fillmore St. SW Preston, MN 507-765-2399

Formal Attire Available!

Accepting Spring & Summer apparel starting February 15th

Small Town Prices … Big City Looks

Original Elegant Modern Country Exotic Romantic

• Free Throw Bouquet • We vow to make your wedding flowers exceptional.

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• Complimentary consultations, delivery and set-up.

• Personalized bouquets and decorations to make your day. www.prestonfloraltreasures.com

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By Bill Lisser Kaisa Anderson stole Patrick Wieneke away from his best friend when they met in college. Patrick started hanging around with Kaisa all the time and did not have much time for his ol’ buddies. Patrick was on the football team and a Finance major when they met.

He enjoyed frozen pizza and going to Chinese buffets with the football team.

“We would wipe them out,” Patrick said relating to the quantity of food they would eat.

Kaisa and Patrick have found out in the seven years since they met at Gustavus Adolphus College they are a “good balance.”

“I am the planner he’s not, I worry he doesn’t, he is more laid back and patient and he is better with money,” Kaisa said. Patrick agreed with her. Kaisa likes to take care of details. “I just go and do it,” said Patrick.

“I am good at finding choices and he is good at decisions,” said Kaisa.

The week Patrick proposed to Kaisa was a very eventful week. They put an offer in on a house on Monday, Tuesday the offer was accepted, Wednesday Patrick bought the ring and on Friday he picked up the ring. “I didn’t have a plan,” Patrick said.

They drove by the house they had purchased just to get a look at the neighborhood. Patrick wanted to drive by again but it was at 10:00 at night. Kaisa was uncomfortable going back again, but when Patrick stopped in front of the house and asked her to get out of the car Kaisa thought it was “kind of creepy.”

That’s when Patrick proposed.

“It is our first memory of the house,” said Kaisa. “He is the best guy ever.”

The couple did have a few things to work on as most young couples do. It seems Patrick still likes frozen pizza and Chinese

buffets. Kaisa, a double health major in college who works at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center as a Worksite Wellness Coordinator, likes to eat healthy. Patrick will still try to sneak a frozen pizza in the

house, but Kaisa is very good at helping him with his diet.

“I do like to eat healthy but it takes too much time to make it,” said Patrick.

“Most guys gain weight when they get married,” Kaisa said.

“He lost weight. I want him to See WEINEKE Page 7 

The Perfect Wedding We have the facilities to make your wedding memorable!

eler e h Harmony, MN 507-886-4444

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Full Bar - Seating up to 500 people We can meet all your catering needs

Mabel , Minnesota

Looking for a great, new facility to host your event?

From a small shower to a reunion, an employee meeting to a large wedding reception, the Mabel Area Community Center is your answer!

The Banquet Hall seats 300 to 350 people and has a full bar, state-of-the-art kitchen and quality audio system. Linen and glassware rental options are available.

Rent the entire Banquet Hall for $450 or just the large meeting room for $60. Call for other rental options!

Mabel Area Community Center

201 Main St. S. • Mabel, Minn. • www.cityofmabel.com Call 507-493-5299 to book your event today!

Week of January 14, 2013

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL & OLMSTED COUNTY JOURNAL

2013 Wedding WEINEKE

Continued from Page 6

Kaisa and Patrick Weineke of Rochester were married recently.

Photo by Bliss Photography

For your special day...

Kelly’s is your

Wedding Headquarters!

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507-765-9805

21142 Hwy 52 S., Preston, MN

be around a long time, so I try to keep him healthy.”

“Kaisa helps me eat better or I would still be eating pizza,” said Patrick.

The couple likes to travel and experience new places. So, they are looking forward to their March honeymoon. They are leaving on a 16-day adventure to Brazil and Argentina. The plan is to visit the major cities including Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. They will spend some time on the beach and then venture out and do some hiking and visit a ranch to see the Gauchos. They both like to have very active lives. They bike the local trails and work out at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center.

Kaisa grew up in Zumbrota and Patrick grew up in Jackson. After meeting in college at St. Peter, Patrick lived in a number of different places including St. Paul and Eden Prairie while Kaisa finished up graduate school. They moved to Rochester together over a year ago. They both like Rochester because they are closer to family, people are friendlier and you see people you know all the time.

Both Kaisa and Patrick said their favorite thing is “No traffic.” When asked about the future they said they hope for some little football players for Patrick and some little dancers for Kaisa, but not any time soon. Right now they are happy

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sushi. “It is a good, healthy and cheap meal,” said Patrick.

“He is the best guy ever,” said Kaisa.

with Sammy their Cocker Spaniel-Bichon mix dog. By the way Patrick is doing very well with eating habits. The couple enjoys

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Celebrate!

Celebrate a birthday, anniversary or congratulate a loved one with a happy ad in the Fillmore CountyJournal!

Email your ad and a photo to ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com and we’ll add the artwork!

Fillmore County Journal P.O. Box 496, Preston, MN 55965 Ad deadline is Wednesday Noon for the next Monday’s edition.

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l o ffic e !

r page x ..........50¢ pe In com ing Fa page ...... $1.00 pe r Ou tg oi ng Fa x

136 St. Anthony Street, Preston P 507.765.2151 • F 507.765.2468

“the Best Dance Floor in Southeastern Minnesota”

Lanesboro Community memoriaL Center

For your Wedding Reception & Dance Lanesboro’s Modern Community Center is an unusually attractive location for weddings, receptions and dances.

It houses a ~4,300 square foot Auditorium/Gymnasium ~1,500 square foot Community Room & Kitchen ~850 square foot meeting room ~ fully furnished, handicapped accessible and air conditioned throughout. ~ Equipped with wet bar, tables & chairs.

The Gazebo in the Park is also available for weddings.

Stop in anD take a look!

For more information & to make a reservation.

Call 507-467-3722.

Let us help with your special day!

Party Trays Meat & Cheese Trays Veggie Trays Cookies Open Daily! 7am-9pm 507-346-2804 501 N. Park Drive, Spring Valley, MN 507-867-4272 237 Main St. North, Chatfield, MN 507-374-6440 20 Airport Rd. North Dodge Center, MN www.sunshinefoodstores.com