Unveiled
BRIDAL MAGAZINE
Unveiled
Lexi + Bryan Nahava Jr.
The Unveiled Team
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Jill Foley
Patty Stover
Chris Hilson
Teresa Nestor
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Melissa Chinn
Makenzie Jorgenson
Flint Farley
EDITORS
Heather Jordan
Margi Culhane
CHIEF OF OPERATIONS
Hanna Michels
COVER STORY
WRITERS
Sarah Grassel
Natalie Frazier
Cathie Ericson
Melanie Olsen
Michaela Feldmann
Molly Barari
Tanya Manus
Tim & Sheila LaBreche
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING
Cory Johnsen
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
BLACK HILLS
Kevin Culhane
encourage local professionals and businesses to submit articles. All articles are subject to publisher’s editing and approval. Please send your articles to the following address:
Magazine 3800 W Technology Circle Suite 102 Sioux Falls, SD 57106 www.myunveiledwedding.com
Brittany Diaz; Michelle Kaye Photography; Blue Jay Photography; Ryley Marie Photography; Tara Draper Photography; Tisha Pol Photography
THE DIRECTORY
BEAUTY & ATTIRE
American Beauty (605) 376-1782 8504 W 22nd Street | Sioux Falls, SD americanbeautysd.com
CoolCRYO (605) 301-3190 4040 Cheyenne Blvd, Suite C | Rapid City, SD coolcryo.com
Cufflinks (877) 283-3565 5000 S Mac Arthur Lane | Sioux Falls, SD cufflinks.com
Dakota Sky Stone dakotaskystone.com
671 Main Street | Deadwood, SD (605) 877-2128 511 Main Street | Wall, SD (605) 390-5500
David Jones DavidJonesFashions.com 5005 S Western Avenue, Suite 130 | Sioux Falls (605) 338-7300 5001 Sergeant Road, Suite 295 | Sioux City (712) 274-5997
Eilers Furs (605) 335-6021 2425 S Shirley Avenue, Suite 107 | Sioux Falls, SD eilersfurs.com
Gunderson’s Jewelers (800) 444-4431 Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Omaha, Fargo, Wayzata gundersons.com
Hydration Station (605) 791-3750 710 St Joseph Street, Suite 100 | Rapid City, SD hydratestations.com
Live Young Medical (712) 216-7272 112 Gaul Drive | Sergeant Bluff, IA liveyoungmedical.com
Prosper Health & Aesthetics (712) 639-6304 5402 S Morningside Avenue | Sioux City, IA prosperdirecthealth.com
Pure Bridal 7201 Mt. Rushmore Road, Suite 400| Rapid City, SD purebridalsd.com
Riddle’s Jewelry riddlesjewelry.com 3609 W 41st Street | Sioux Falls, SD (605) 361-0911 5000 W Empire Place | Sioux Falls, SD (605) 275-9161 202 Disk Drive | Rapid City, SD (605) 341-2055 2200 N Maple Avenue | Rapid City, SD (605) 342-8406
Saldare Permanent Jewelry 611 Dahl Road, Suite 7 | Spearfish, SD saldarejewelry.com
The Diamond Room (605) 362-0008 3501 W 57th Street, Suite 108 | Sioux Falls, SD thediamondroom.com
The Diamond Store (605) 996-5502 218 N Main Street | Mitchell, SD brdiamondstore.com
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Corey Gross Photography (605) 929-5920 Sioux Falls, SD coreyjgross.com
Kate Jones Studios (605) 838-7873 102 N Krohn Place, Suite 217 | Sioux Falls, SD katejonesstudios.com
Shane Monahan Photography (712) 223-1032 Sioux City, IA shanemonohanphotography.com
FLORAL
Flowercart Creations (712) 251-7140
560 River Drive | North Sioux City, SD @flowercartcreations
Petal and Thorn (712) 251-4158 33097 Gypsum Avenue | Sioux City, IA petalandthornsc.com
The Floral Shop (605) 256-4112 45493 234th Steet | Madison, SD floralshopmadison.com
VENUES & LODGING
Blue Rock Bar & Grill (605) 271-2500 4021 Bobhalla Drive | Sioux Falls, SD bluerockbarandgrill.com
Custer State Park Resort (605) 255-4672
13389 U.S. Hwy. 16A | Custer, SD custerresorts.com
Deadwood Chamber of Commerce (605) 578-1876
501 Main Street | Deadwood, SD deadwood.com
DoubleTree by Hilton (605) 399-7039
505 N 5th Street | Rapid City, SD hirapidcity.com
Feathers at the Ranch (605) 933-0178
550 N. 1st Street | Emery, SD feathersattheranch.com
Gate City Events & Lodging (605) 214-4604 47947 W 5th Street | Canton, SD gceventsllc.com
Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort (712) 777-7777 1415 Grand Falls Blvd | Larchwood, IA grandfallscasinoresort.com
Granite Springs Lodge (605) 239-4404 25840 422nd Aveue | Alexandria, SD granitespringssd.com
Great Shots (605) 312-7950 2505 W Benson Road | Sioux Falls, SD greatshots.golf
Holiday Inn City Centre (605) 330-0457
100 W 8th Street | Sioux Falls, SD ihg.com
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sioux City North (605) 206-2610
885 Cottonwood Lane | Dakota Dunes, SD ihg.com
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (605) 582-2901
1103 N. Splitrock Blvd | Brandon, SD ihg.com
Izaak Walton Event Center (605) 332-9527
5000 N Oakview Place | Sioux Falls, SD sfikes.org/event-center
K Bar S Lodge (605) 666-4545
434 Old Hill City Road | Keystone, SD kbarslodge.com
Lofted View Events (712) 948-3250
2086 210th Street | Bronson, IA loftedviewevents.com
Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront (402) 494-4000
385 E. 4th Street | South Sioux City, NE marriott.com/suxmc
VENUES & LODGING
Old Courthouse Museum (605) 367-4210 200 W 6th Street | Sioux Falls, SD siouxlandmuseums.com
Oscar Carl Vineyard (712) 898-3400 1473 Buchanan Avenue | Sioux City, IA oscarcarlvineyard.com
Shortgrass Resort (605) 340-5797 19343 Shortgrass Lane | Spearfish, SD shortgrassresort.com
Sioux City Distilling Co. (712) 279-1985 313 Perry Street | Sioux City, IA siouxcitydistillingco.com
Sioux City Orpheum (712) 258-9164 528 Pierce Street | Sioux City, IA orpheumlive.com
The Barn (605) 312-7990 2510 E 54th Street North | Sioux Falls, SD sanfordbarn.com
The District (605) 271-5600 4521 W Empire Place | Sioux Falls, SD thedistrictsf.com
The Lodge at Deadwood (877) 393-5634 100 Pine Crest Lane | Deadwood, SD deadwoodlodge.com
The Venue by El Riad Shrine (605) 360-7960 510 S Phillips Avenue | Sioux Falls, SD venue@elriad.com
Twist of Pine (605) 760-9920 Yankton, SD twistofpine.com
Woodlands Receptions (605) 393-7340 13121 Lincoln Tarken Lane | Piedmont, SD woodlandsreceptions.com
CAKES & CATERING
HAPPY Creations (712) 490-6498 Moville, IA Find Us On Facebook!
Indulge (712) 301-6254 4501 Stone Avenue | Sioux City, IA Find Us On Facebook!
Minervas minervas.net Aberdeen, SD; Rapid City, SD; Sioux Falls, SD; Watertown, SD Okoboji, IA; Sioux City, IA
Nothing Bundt Cakes nothingbundtcakes.com 2101 W 41st Street, Suite 30 | Sioux Falls, SD (605) 799-1013 1612 Eglin Street, Suite #400 | Rapid City, SD (605) 939-7468
Pizza Ranch pizzaranch.com 2717 W 41st Street | Sioux Falls, SD (605) 271-8646 3115 Floyd Blvd | Sioux City, IA (712) 222-1777
CAKES & CATERING
Star Spangled Batter (605) 209-1491 2130 Jackson Blvd #2 | Rapid City, SD starspangledbatter.com
SweetWater Cafe sweetwatercafe.net
Ho-Chunk Centre | Sioux City, IA (712) 224-4225
Flatwater Crossing | South Sioux City, NE (402) 933-3419
Ho-Chunk Village | Winnebago, NE (402) 983-9457
The Cake Lady (605) 370-1909 2225 W 50th Street | Sioux Falls, SD thecakeladysf.com
The Sugar Shack Bakery (712) 252-5598 700 Jennings Street | Sioux City, IA thesugarshackbakery.com
DJ ENTERTAINMENT
Good Times Events & Entertainment (507) 519-0434 thefundjs.com INVITATIONS
Copy Country (605) 342-0425 1026 W Main Street | Rapid City, SD copycountryinc.com
TRAVEL AGENT
Sun & Sea Travel Co (605) 846-0580 6E US Hwy 12 Suite A | Groton, SD sunandseatravelco.com
THE REST OF FOREVER
Black Hills Realty (605) 791-2249 4905 5th Street, Suite 101 | Rapid City, SD bhsdrealty.com
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center (605) 217-4330 101 Tower Road #210 | Dakota Dunes, SD fyzical.com
ModHouse Interiors (712) 224-2555 255 5th Street | Sioux City, IA modhouseinteriors.com
Northwestern Mutual - Matt Culhane (605) 995-0300 909 Saint Joseph Street, Suite 202 | Rapid City, SD mattculhane.nm.com
Side By Side Ministries (712) 546-7544 112 Central Avenue NE | Le Mars, IA sidebysideministries.org
Siouxland Women’s Health Care PC. (712) 252-0501 1000 Jackson Street | Sioux City, IA siouxlandwomenshealth.com
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (605) 773-3181 sdhda.org
TRADITION
By Natalie Frazier
Photography by Brittany Diaz
Grace and Logan Ball decided that the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City was the perfect place to make their enchanted wedding night vision come to fruition.
“We looked at a lot of venues in Sioux City and The Orpheum was not only the most reasonably priced, but it was the most unique,” Grace explains. “I didn’t want another hotel ballroom wedding. I feel like no one has really done a wedding there.”
Following in Grace’s parents’ footsteps the couple decided to have their wedding on New Year’s Eve after hearing stories recalled about how fun and magical the evening was. With the date decided, they were on the search to create a memorable event for themselves.
Leaning into the intricate and vintage styling of the Orpheum, Grace recalls how the venue really fit her vision from the start.
With the addition of a few small decorative pieces the look and feel of the building was perfect for what she wanted her day to feel like.
She hosted her 225-guest wedding in the lobby area of the Orpheum and took advantage of Momo’s Bar. Her guests were able to be seated on the balcony space as well, which allowed for a little more space for mingling and without everyone to having to be right in the middle of the action.
“I feel like I didn’t really have to do much because the Orpheum is already gorgeous inside,” Grace adds. “I definitely leaned into the reds and golds of the Orpheum, which went perfectly with New Year’s Eve. I asked them to leave the Christmas tree up. We added black and gold accents, but we didn’t do much. The attention to detail in the architecture was already enough.”
Grace mentioned how incredible the process was to plan with the Orpheum especially she did the bulk of the planning her of hometown wedding from Texas. The couple was truly impressed with the seamless communication and the effortless planning process that made their day special and stress free.
“We were in Houston at the time so we relied on my parents a lot, but communicating with Val was so easy and she was always very available,” shares Grace. “We were able to get in and view the Orpheum on multiple occasions and visualize how we wanted everything laid out. It was incredibly easy to communicate with them and I think Val really understood what I wanted and executed it perfectly.”
The attention to detail and the dedication of the event staff ensured that every aspect of their day was executed flawlessly. Grace and Logan were able to really stay present in every moment of their magical night.
The couple took advantage of the inclusive services the Orpheum has to offer. The in-house catering was able to create a menu perfect for the more casual party vibe Grace wanted. She recalls the numerous compliments she received from their delicious appetizers and late-night taco bar the Orpheum was able to provide. The groom and the groomsmen were even able to watch football in the green room prior to the ceremony.
The Orpheum Theatre and Sioux City Convention Center are both managed by Oak View Group and Oak View Group Hospitality, industry leaders in events and catering. They are both ideal venues for Sioux City couples looking for dedicated support, convenience, and flexibility in their wedding planning process.
From vintage theatrical beauty to picturesque ballrooms, each of the venues include services and versatile spaces that will allow local couples to bring their vision for their wedding day to truly come to life. The Orpheum and Convention Center both are dedicated to making sure couples are able to focus on what is important on their day through diligent work taking care of all the details.
“From the first day we meet to all the way through the wedding day, we work hard to make sure all the stress is on us and their special day is as perfect as possible,” Val Peterson, Director of Development and Events states.
A One-of-a-Kind Venue at the Grand Orpheum
The Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City is a captivating venue full of vintage, theatrical charm sure to make your wedding a one-of-akind event full of timeless flair.
Adorned with elegant golds, rich reds and intricate fixtures reminiscent of a classic movie house, this historical space once used for ballets, symphonies, and other special entertainment provides a unique and enchanting space for weddings. The space is home to numerous crystal chandeliers and even detailed swan faucets in the restrooms.
Val added that the space is beautiful just the way it is, but that she has also seen numerous weddings add to the beauty by bringing their own ideas to life in the space. Couples are able to
transform the Orpheum into a perfect backdrop for their special day, incorporating the grandeur of the theater into their wedding decor and themes.
With a wide array of available services, the Orpheum is able to remove a lot of moving pieces that a couple would typically see during their wedding process. That dedicated support from staff and availability of amenities makes the venue feel inclusive and incredibly convenient for couples who plan to host their wedding there.
The Orpheum boasts a 225-guest capacity. That max capacity allows for wedding guests to still comfortably mingle and be served without getting too crowded. Couples are able to choose from the Orpheum stage and lobby area for their ceremony and reception. From dressing rooms for bridal parties to mingle and get ready, a caterer in-house, Momo’s Bar and even TVs for the occasional football loving family, couples are able to craft their day to be everything they want it to be with personal touches and with minimal stressors.
Couples can focus on their celebration without worrying about outside vendors, set up, or teardown.
“The Orpheum will work for any wedding and we want to make sure it is easy for couples,” Val adds. “I guide them and help them with each step to make their day as easy as I possibly can.”
The ornate details and vintage ambiance of the Orpheum Theatre offer an atmosphere that can be tailored to fit various wedding sizes, styles and needs. From classic and romantic to downright glamorous, or even themed weddings the Orpheum is able to make each wedding a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
“The beauty and uniqueness of this historic building is one of a kind,” Val shares. “Whether it is their names in lights on the marquee, or the beautiful wedding pictures, the building is a step above all others in this area.”
Endless Possibilities at the Sioux City Convention Center
The Sioux City Convention Center and its dedicated event management staff create a versatile environment that allows couples to bring their wedding vision to life.
Ali Brackett, from Oak View Group, explains that the beauty of hosting at the Convention Center is truly the endless possibilities. The spaces within the convention center can be tailored to fit intimate weddings or expanded to host a larger group. Every detail is taken care of by an array of precise and caring support staff that help couples make their day unique to them and their love they are celebrating.
“They truly understand every moving piece of the event,” Ali explains. “So, it does provide them an experience that builds relationships and gives them peace of mind.”
Like the Orpheum, The Convention Center is committed to relieving the stress associated with wedding planning so when the special day rolls around couples can stay grounded and in the moment. Services such as an in-house caterer, a liquor license, linen services, and more make the Convention Center an attractive and inclusive choice.
Catering can be altered and evolved to meet the specific needs of the bride and groom. Whether it is a formal plated dinner, a buffet, food stations or even a custom menu of food or custom cocktails created to reflect the bride and groom, there are many possibilities to get creative and unique with the services the Convention Center provides.
“From a bride and groom perspective, there are just less logistics that they have to handle,” Ali says.
The perks of hosting with the Sioux City Convention Center don’t stop after your big day. The venue is centrally located near hotels, food, casinos and other entertainment allowing for an incredible experience before, during and after the wedding.
BRIDE’S NAME Grace Ball
GROOM’S NAME Logan Ball
WEDDING DATE December 31, 2023
CITY OF WEDDING Sioux City, IA
WEDDING DRESS Fiancée Bridal- Spring, TX
TUXES/MENSWEAR Indocino
BRIDESMAID DRESSES Azazie.com
ENGAGEMENT RING Robbins Brothers - Houston, TX
WEDDING RINGS/BANDS Robbins Brothers - Houston, TX
ENTERTAINMENT Complete Wedding & Events
CEREMONY LOCATION Blessed Sacrament
RECEPTION LOCATION Orpheum Theatre
RENTALS & DECOR
Uptown Wedding & Event
Alpha Lit Siouxland
PHOTOGRAPHER Brittany Diaz
CATERER Orpheum Theatre
CAKE Hy-vee Bakery
TRANSPORTATION
HAIR & MAKE-UP
Black Tie Limo & Ya Heard Shuttle
The White Barn Salon, Paige Hinz
OFFICIANT Father Merlin Schard
“Grace reflects on some of her favorite parts and said that one of the biggest was the seamless execution. Everything that they needed to accomplish that day was able to be done within the walls of the Orpheum from getting ready, decorating, participating in the first look to taking their professional photos before the ceremony. The Orpheum provided almost everything for us. We put our trust in them and I don’t think I could ask for anything better”
By Molly Barari
Photography by Mychelle Kaye Photography A Hole-in-One
Love Story
Tate & Cami Eining’s romance started ten years ago at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort at a Christmas party they were both attending. What they never realized was that they would end up getting married at the resort on October 7, 2023.
“We were thinking about a destination wedding, and then we realized Grand Falls would be perfect,” says Cami. “We got married on the golf course with the waterfall in the background. It was stunningly beautiful!”
The wedding was rustic, but elegant. It was boho, but sophisticated integrating the vibrant colors of autumn. Most importantly, it was everything Cami and Tate wanted, and so much more.
“The wedding definitely represented our personalities,” says Cami. “We used to have a lake house, and Tate is into hunting, so it made sense for us to have an outdoor ceremony.”
The day started in the couples’ spacious suites at the Grand Falls Resort. There was one reserved for the guys and one for the gals, offering plenty of room and a relaxing atmosphere for the wedding party to get ready.
The wedding ceremony took place at 4:00 p.m. at Hole No. 10 on the golf course.
“It’s a popular spot for weddings because it features a backdrop of the falls, and it’s close to the pool area,” explains Cindi. “We had a poolside reception after the ceremony, and then we had a dinner in our event center with live music and dancing.”
The Grand Falls Casino & Resort is a destination in itself, with a restaurant and bar on site, an outdoor and indoor pool, a gaming floor, and entertainment.
“We have a great director, and a great staff, and everyone comes together to make these events
The Eining’s worked with a wedding planner, Rebecca Carlyle, to make their special day spectacular. Rebecca took care of everything—from wedding invitations to the couple’s 400 guests to food (guests dined on chicken, steak and fish) to floral arrangements.
“Everything worked out great. I was worried it would be cold outside, but it wasn’t terrible. I honestly just had to get ready, show up and enjoy the day,” says Cami. “I’d recommend a wedding planner for everyone getting married!”
Cami and Tate also worked closely with Cindi Johnson, Group Sales Manager at the Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, to ensure their wedding went smoothly. The resort is known for hosting weddings, corporate events, golf events, anniversary parties and birthday parties.
“Tate and Cami were such a fun couple to work with,” says Cindi. “It was my job to listen to them and to help bring their vision together.”
successful,” says Cindi, who has worked for the resort for the past five years.
Cindi enjoys coordinating events and bonding with people, and her hard work was recently recognized in the community. She is the recipient of a 2024 SME Sioux Falls Women in Excellence Award.
“I still have to pinch myself,” says Cindi. “I don’t do this for awards. I’m grateful to have been part of Cami’s and Tate’s big day.”
“When I was growing up, my parents owned a small hotel and café, so this has always been my world,” she says.
“My favorite part is getting to know my clients. They usually end up becoming more like family.”
The day ended with Tate doing some gambling and Cami going to bed early. “I was exhausted,” she laughs.
The couple lives south of Sioux Falls by Harrisburg. Tate is an entrepreneur who owns Black Sheep Landscaping, along with a few other businesses. Cami takes care of things at home.
Looking back, the couple describes their wedding day as “fun, memorable and gorgeous.” It was a day they will never forget.
To learn more about planning a wedding or event at Grand Falls Casino & Resort, visit grandfallscasinoresort.com.
BRIDE’S NAME Cami Eining
GROOM’S NAME Tate Eining
WEDDING DATE October 7, 2023
CITY OF WEDDING Larchwood, IA
WEDDING DRESS Bridal Gallery, Sioux Falls
WEDDING PLANNER Serendipitous Events
ENTERTAINMENT Pinnacle Productions, Chris Hintz
CEREMONY + RECEPTION Grand Falls Casino
FLORAL The Flower Mill
RENTALS/DECOR Prairie Lane Vintage Rentals
LINENS & DANCE FLOOR Ideal Tent & Event Rentals
PHOTOGRAPHER Mychelle Kaye Photography
CATERER Grand Falls Casino
DESSERTS Chef April Austin
BRIDE HAIR + MAKEUP Chameleon Salon
STATIONERY Brandi Goebel Designs
Cami’s favorite moment of the day was taking photographs with her new groom.
“Those moments were personal and private, a time we could be alone together and reflect on the day,” says Cami, who wore a classic white gown from Bridal Gallery in Sioux Falls.
“I found it on the Internet and fell in love with it. I knew it was exactly what I wanted.”
Wedding Beauty
6-12 MONTHS
o Start drinking 8 glasses of water daily
o Take multivitamins
o Start DefenAge skin care regimen
o Exfoliate, facial regime and hair prep
o Botox / Filler / Plexr if 1st time at 9 months
o Regular facials
o Deep chemical peels, IPS laser (if not a fall wedding)
3-4 MONTHS
o Laser, Botox, Plexr, AHA & BHA peels and facials
o Hair & makeup appointment
o Dentist
1 MONTH
o Eyebrow shaping & tinting
o Facial
o Book nails & waxing
o Body moisture increase
o Let body hair grow out for final wax
o Final Laser, Botox, Plexr, Filler
o No new or hard treatments going forward
2 WEEKS
o Haircut & Color
o Deep condition 2 times a week
o Lash tint
o Gentle facial
o Buy lipstick, perfume
o DefenAge hydration of face
1 WEEK
o Final facial
o Hydration
o Wax
o Spray tan
3 DAYS
o Massage
o Full mani/pedi
o Lash extensions
Wedding Packages timeline
DAY BEFORE
o Wash hair
o Overnight hydration
DAY OF
o Water based skin care
o Makeup
LEGENDARY BRIDE - $4,500 ($1,000 SAVINGS)
Plexr: Glass Lift, Rockstar & Red Carpet Boost
DefenAge: Wedding Package, Hand Rejuvenation Package, 6 Months 150K Hair Serum
Facials: 4 Essential Facials
Jane Iredale: Primer, Powder, Foundation, Hydration Spray, Dry Sunscreen, Tinted Moisturizer, Concealer, Blush Stick, Bronzer, Shimmer Highlight, Triple Eyeshadow, Mascara Define and Lengthen, Brow Gel, Gloss, Lipstick, Lip Balm and Lip Pencil
YOUTHFUL BRIDE - $3,500 ($750 SAVINGS)
Plexr: Glass Lift, Rockstar & Red Carpet Boost
DefenAge: Wedding Package, Hand Rejuvenation Package, Facials: 4 Essential Facials
Jane Iredale: Primer, Hydration Spray, Dry Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Gloss, Lipstick, Tinted Moisturizer, Enlightened Plus Under Eye, Liquid Concealer, Mascara, Shine Control
MAJESTIC BRIDE - $2,500 ($500 SAVINGS)
Plexr: Glass Lift, Rockstar & Red Carpet Boost
DefenAge: Wedding Package, Hand Rejuvenation Package, Facials: 4 Essential Facials
Jane Iredale: Primer, Hydration Spray, Dry Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Gloss, Lipstick, Lip Crayon, Shine Control
Dawn Bonham - CNP
Boost your Wedding Day Confidence with A Body You’ll Love
By Margi Culhane
YOU’VE SPENT MONTHS FINALIZING THE DETAILS OF YOUR WEDDING DAY: the guest list is complete, your perfect venue & menu is set, and you’ve found the dress of your dreams. And on a personal level, you have worked hard to reach your fitness goals, but still have a few areas where you’d like to see improvement. It is not uncommon to have stubborn areas of body fat. For brides-to-be, finding a fast, visible way to improve your overall appearance without invasive procedures is especially important.
CoolCRYO, located in Rapid City, offers a variety of programs to help you achieve a more sculpted and toned appearance. Unlike the nip-and-tuck approach to those trouble spots, CoolCRYO treatments are especially appealing
NO surgery NO downtime
as they are non-invasive, use no anesthesia, and require zero downtime.
Some of the most popular pre-wedding treatments include the Therma Facial and Facial +. These can be especiall recuperative and revitalizing for anyone in the bridal party after those late-night planning sessions.
The ThermaFacial improves the overall texture and tone of your skin. Benefits include fewer wrinkles, tighter, brighter skin, reduced swelling & redness as well as decreased pigmentation under the eye.
Facial+ combines their luxurious Cryo Facial, Eye Revive treatment and Red Light Therapy to create a one-of-a-kind facial experience that you cannot get anywhere else. You will notice immediate results in your face and neck area, stimulating new collagen and elastin, while reducing swelling and redness. Added benefits include brightening of the skin, dark circle eye reduction, and generating an increase in general healing energy. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this facial can even reduce the occurrence of a dreaded last-minute breakout. No chemicals, no peels, no creams-100% all-natural.
Whole-body Cryotherapy can also increase collagen production, contributing to smoother tighter skin. A three-minute session can burn calories too! Regular use of whole-body Cryotherapy not only enhances your skin’s
appearance, it’s a great addition to your fitness regimen -especially when preparing for your big day
ThermaSlim is another option to help you look and feel your best. The treatments are relaxing and feel like a hot stone massage. ThermaSlim permanently kills fat cells and stimulates collagen production, while tightening the skin. It targets the most troubling body areas-tummy, thighs, love handles, arms, chin, and more! There are fewer BMI and weight restrictions than many other non-surgical fat reduction treatments and you will see results in weeks instead of months. Again, there is no surgery, needles, chemicals and no downtime.
And for mothers-of-the-bride/groom, it is a big day for you too. Those photos will leave lasting memories of that very special day, so you, too, will want to look and feel your best. If you are struggling with extra wrinkles or stubborn body fat that diet and exercise won’t eliminate, CoolCRYO has a plan for you.
CoolCRYO is Rapid City’s premier state-ofthe-art aesthetic, wellness, and recovery studio. They take pride in leading the industry offering the most cutting-edge technologies in all of South Dakota. Their team of experienced professionals is exceptional. They are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best by delivering superior beauty, health, and cutting-edge wellness services.
Rapid City’s premier state-of-the-art aesthetic, wellness & recovery clinic
4040 Cheyenne Blvd, Suite C Rapid City, SD 57703 (605) 301-3190 (text or call) hello@coolCRYO.com coolCRYO.com
Write the Next Chapter of Your Story with the Diamond Room
By Sarah Grassel
Finding the perfect ring is a big task. It’s one of the only things that will walk with you through your entire life from this moment out. When couples make the decision to make the next step in their relationship and lives together, finding an engagement ring and wedding set can be an exciting time and experience.
For more than 25 years, The Diamond Room in Sioux Falls has been helping couples craft beautiful bands. They’ve earned the title of Sioux Falls’ Local Best for 18 consecutive years and in the recent past, been labeled as the number one jewelry store for four years.
Marketing Director Emily Arteman says, “One of the key things that makes our business unique is our in-house goldsmith.” Owner, Alon Spektor has been in the diamond industry for 40 years. Emily explains, “All of the work and maintenance is done in-house with Chad Anderson.”
When it comes down to selecting the perfect diamond there are four things to consider including the four C’s of clarity, cut, carat, and color. “If couples are looking for a whiter color, they will want to look at a higher color grade. Colors are graded using a scale of ‘d-z,’” Emily adds. “Clarity determines the internal characteristics.” “Diamonds can be internally flawless when defined as having perfect clarity or can go down to an included stone,” Emily explains. “We don’t typically recommend any included stones when it comes to engagement or wedding bands though, because the internal characteristics are usually visible to the naked eye.”
As far as the cut goes, there are many options. According to sales, recent trends lean toward a round cut or an oval. Of the nine people that work in The Diamond Room, the website indicates that nearly half of them prefer a round cut diamond!
Walking through the process at The Diamond Room is very simple. Emily shares, “We often see couples come together to shop for the engagement ring versus the guy coming in by himself. If he does come in by himself, there are many times that he has notes from his girlfriend.”
From getting the vision from their Pinterest boards to trying on rings for the first time the experience can be quite eye opening. Sometimes a bride may think she prefers white gold for the band, but then quickly falls in love with the classic yellow gold. “It’s like trying on clothes. We don’t expect our customers to purchase the first visit. It is a definitely a process.” Emily adds.
“We understand that most couples want to go home and talk over what they’ve seen and the variety of options there are.” All of the bands that are available in the store are set with imitation stones. Meaning, when
couples come to browse, the options are endless and completely customizable. The color of the band is also customizable, so the first step really is just focusing on your unique style and desires.
After the style and customization, it can take up to six weeks for an engagement ring to be finished. Emily also says, “We can of course try to meet a time crunch or deadline, but we always prefer to work with a little bit of cushion in the timeline.”
Other trends that Emily and The Diamond Room have noticed include stackable wedding bands for brides and black zirconium for men. An old trend that seems to have almost completely disappeared is matching rings. “It used to be that couples would have the same style and color, but we now see a lot of couples who are opting for alternative metals for the men and something with a little more personality for the brides,” Emily explains.
Emily Kowalski Photography
Jessica Krohn, Owner
Photography by Lauren Baker photography Images from Summer in the Garden workshop
By Sarah Grassell
Photography by Silk & Thorn
A Natural Kind of Love
Lexi and Calvin Chang met by chance. Through a single match on Tinder, the two felt a mutual pull to just see what happens. Little did they know that they actually were in the same line of work, criminal justice.
“I went to college for criminal justice and worked as a correctional officer. During our first date, I discovered that Calvin was a police officer,” Lexi shares.
The first date was pretty typical. Coffee at a local shop on Gordon, but what wasn’t expected was that it lasted more than four hours! Lexi laughs, “My mom ended up checking in because it had been so long since I told her I was meeting Calvin.”
Over the year and a half of planning, Lexi loved picking out the colors and décor most. With that being the aspect of the wedding that she could control most, Lexi really dove in and had fun. Coordinating what details to line the reception hall with and what colors bridesmaids would wear, Lexi enjoyed putting her own spin and personality into the finer details of the wedding day.
BRIDE’S NAME Lexi Chang
GROOM’S NAME Calvin Chang
WEDDING DATE September 9, 2023
CITY OF WEDDING Sioux City, IA
WEDDING DRESS David’s Bridal
TUXES/MENSWEAR Mens Warehouse
BRIDESMAID DRESSES Kennedy Blue
ENGAGEMENT RING Riddles
WEDDING RINGS/BANDS Riddles
ENTERTAINMENT DJ Deontae Williams
CEREMONY & RECEPTION Sioux City Convention Center
FLORAL DIY Kaelee Anderson
RENTALS/DÉCOR DIY Kaelee Anderson
PHOTOGRAPHER Silk & Thorn
CATERER Sioux City Convention Center
CAKE & DESSERTS Indulge
BRIDE HAIR Katie Farley
BRIDE MAKEUP Alondra Topete and Rosa Robles
PHOTOGRAPHY Panda Pics and Silk and Thorn
OFFICIANT Pastor Bill Clayes
“It’s a little cliché, but my favorite moment of the wedding was marrying my best friend,” Lexi smiles. Lexi says she has always worn her heart on her sleeve, but she jokingly blames being five months postpartum on the extra emotions from the day. She also says that Calvin is normally not an emotional guy, but he didn’t hold back at the ceremony.
Natural BeautyCommitment
By Melanie Olsen
AND
It’s only natural. You’ve declared your love for one another, and now it’s time to find the perfect venue that expresses that feeling. A place where you’re both comfortable and your guests will be, too.
Tucked away, just minutes from Sioux City and I-29, Oscar Carl Vineyard’s built-in backdrop of beautiful grapevines covering rolling Loess Hills is the perfect choice. Simple, yet elegant, with a beauty found only in nature.
Suited best for weddings of 80 or less, the venue at the vineyard has an array of options to choose from to celebrate your happy day, both indoors and outdoors. Everything from your bridal shower to your rehearsal dinner, wedding day prep, photos, ceremony, and reception. All of it at Oscar Carl.
Take inspiration from Jake and Raelee Thompson, who added a little bit of whimsy to their special day by choosing wine slushies as their signature drink.
After their Pond-View Platform ceremony, Oscar Carl’s fun and bubbly “Yaci & Yill” was the perfect toast to the new Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, under the grapevine canopy of the covered patio.
The Vineyard View and Covered Patio can be the natural location for a stress-free wedding day. With wedding chairs arranged under the cascading vines of the covered patio, you’ll walk through the 100-year-old doors, (from the first department store in Gate City, Virginia), down the aisle to take your vows and share your first moments as a married couple. With a quick re-set of the patio, you’ve got the perfect dance floor for your reception and celebrating! Open up the three glass-window garage doors to bring the feel of the vineyard inside and you’ll have the best of both worlds.
Antique architecture and furnishings flow with the natural theme. You won’t find a room full of “rounds” at Oscar Carl. The Vineyard View tables and chairs
are an eclectic collection of mid-Century modern of various shapes, colors and sizes. A joyful mismatch of whimsy and fun. But for a more formal look, just add black or white tablecloths and classic Chiavari chairs. Embrace what is natural for you!
Surrounded by natural beauty and nestled in the valley between two Frontenac Blanc vineyards, another choice for your nuptials is the new Pavilion. With a spring-fed pond as your backdrop, decorating is not a requirement. Let nature do it for you! As they take in the panoramic view, your guests will understand why the two of you chose this special place for the most important day of your lives.
Beyond the beauty of the vineyards and venue, Oscar Carl Vineyard’s wine is recognized as the best in the state. Their signature wine, Loesscato, named for the sweet style and the Loess Hills the grapes are grown in, was recently awarded the “Governor’s Cup Trophy” and “Best of Show - Sweet White” at the 2024 Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. (Another of their wines, Aunt Billie, a dry red wine, won “Best of Show - Red Wine” in 2021.) You can be proud to serve your guests Oscar Carl Vineyard wine.
Growing and tending a vineyard is a commitment –the perfect representation of your promise to one another. Whether the vines are the backdrop or the frame of your ceremony, they’re a natural reminder of your commitment to one another and the vows you are making in front of your friends and family. A oneof-a-kind venue at a vineyard, with award-winning Iowa wines. Oscar Carl Vineyard as your wedding venue –it’s a natural choice!
1473 Buchanan Avenue Sioux City, IA, 51106 oscarcarlvineyard.com (712) 898-3400
Photos taken by Edward Van Etten of Jake and Raelee Thompson Used with permission.
Lofted View Events is a spacious wedding venue for up to 300 guests, located just 12 minutes from Sioux City near Bronson, Iowa. We specialize in creating beautiful, seamless weddings.
Our indoor and outdoor spaces are surrounded by the rolling Loess Hills, gorgeous sunsets, and beautiful country setting that can be as modern or rustic as your heart desires.
FEATURES INCLUDE:
• INCREDIBLE PATIO FEATURING AN OUTDOOR BAR, DANCE FLOOR, AND FIREPIT
• 5 AMAZING CATERERS TO CHOOSE FROM
• BRIDE AND GROOM “GET READY SUITES”
• INDOOR & OUTDOOR CEREMONY OPTIONS
• YEAR-ROUND AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING
• FULL-SERVICE SETUP & CLEANUP
• BREATHTAKING AREAS FOR PHOTOS
Anna Marie Photography
Farmer’s Wife Photography
our couples are saying...
“This place was amazing to have a wedding at! They were professional and super nice! Couldn’t have booked a better place!” - Julia S. (Bride)
“When we first visited Lofted View Events, we knew right away this would be the perfect place for our daughter’s wedding. It exceeded our expectations! The bride and groom get ready suites, a beautiful outside setting for pictures, a wonderful inside reception area for the dinner, and to finish the evening we had the dance outside in a beautiful environment to conclude our daughter’s special day!”
- Paula S. (Mother of the Bride)
“My wife and I got married here, and it was just the absolute BEST!! We saw many venues before and after we met with Lofted View Events. We always kept coming back to this amazing, beautiful place. They are the best to work with, and the venue is not only beautiful, but everything from the venue, the views, and the staff are absolutely TOP NOTCH!!! So glad we chose this venue, and grateful to have worked with Lofted View!” - Kyle K. (Groom)
Find packages, pricing and open dates at www.loftedviewevents.com
J. Olivia Photography
• Hall Capacity - 300 • Full Kitchen Available • Table & Chairs Included • Choose Your Own Caterer • Bar + Bartender Provided
Wedding Gazebo
Lighted Patio
Outdoor Picnic Tables
Playground
Convenient Parking
The Sioux Falls Izaak Walton Event Center is nestled near the northeast edge of Sioux Falls in a secluded, private country setting surrounded by nature. 5000 N Oakview Place • Sioux Falls, SD 57110 • (605) 332-9527 • www.sfikes.org/event-center
By Sarah Grassel
Photography by Prairie & Wild
affair a
Like many Gen Z couples, Marissa and Braxton Large’s love story starts with Tinder. However, there’s a little extra twist! They had never met each other before, but the two lived in such a small town that Marissa actually knew Braxton’s brother who was just a year older. After matching on the app during the pandemic, the two mutually agreed to meet up for coffee and immediately hit it off.
It didn’t take long for the two of them to push past the first three or four dates to make the relationship official. Marissa remembers the date where he asked her to be his girlfriend. “We went to Tokyo 26; we both really love sushi. The mood was very romantic, and we just started talking about our goals and what we wanted life to look like moving forward.”
At the time, Braxton was just moving back to the area from living in California with an uncle, and Marissa was working in the hospital as a patient care technician. Coincidentally, Braxton’s first job back was for the same company, Sanford.
It wasn’t very long after they started their relationship that they expressed their feelings for each other. As Marissa embarrassingly recalls, she “love bombed” Braxton. “He still teases me to this day,” Marissa laughs. “I was leaving and it just slipped. I was so embarrassed, I just sped off. I was so upset because I thought I messed everything up by saying it too soon in the relationship.”
Braxton felt the same way and was quick to tell Marissa when she called in a panic, and now the two look back and laugh at the moment.
Together, the two share a European Doberman pup named Kilo. Marissa and Braxton also love traveling; specifically to the Black Hills. Marissa traveled to the Hills often growing up, and the couple just enjoys being out in nature. Locally, they take trips to Great Bear Ski Valley with Kilo to burn off energy and spend quality time together.
Recently, they road tripped to Appleton, Wisconsin where Braxton competed in weightlifting, taking home the first-place prize. “He’s been in the gym since high school. At the competition, he lifted a total score of 1,835 lbs.; the deadlift alone was at 700 lbs.,” Marissa boasts proudly. Braxton’s biggest cheerleader, Marissa is supportive of his hobby.
Today, just a few years after they met, Mr. and Mrs. Large are counting down the days until their first anniversary in the fall and they are checking off those career goals they mentioned so early on.
Braxton accomplished his goal of becoming an air med pilot after many challenging hours in the air. Marissa now owns her own esthetics salon, Beauty Charter, quitting the normal 9-5 work life. Both of them started their new paths only a month before the wedding.
When it came to the wedding day itself, the most important part was family. The details and décor were beautiful. Marissa passionately picked out the theme. Describing themselves as strong and sophisticated, Marissa opted for black tie with white florals for a comfortable and timeless look. She also selected a few gold accents.
Aside from the details, family is so important to both Braxton and Marissa, so they wanted to make sure everyone was seen and appreciated. As the baby of six and the oldest of four, the wedding guest list was full of family.
Marissa explains, “One thing we did differently was that after we were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Large and finished our walk down the aisle, we
turned around and went back up to the front.” They greeted and spoke with each and every one of their guests.
“It helped the reception go smoother because we saw everyone before the party even began,” Marissa adds. Choosing to have the wedding at Laurel Ridge Barn, guests could just walk right into the reception after they were greeted and relax while the couple wrapped up formal photos.
Another thing that was unique to the ceremony was the inclusion of their church and tradition. Marissa and Braxton share a faith in the Lutheran church. Wanting a beautiful outdoor ceremony, the two knew they also wanted to incorporate prayer.
Instead of a scripture reading like some couples choose, Braxton and Marissa asked the pastor from Braxton’s childhood church to say a prayer over the marriage.
BRIDE’S NAME Marissa Large
GROOM’S NAME Braxton Large
WEDDING DATE September 16, 2023
CITY OF WEDDING Sioux Falls, SD
WEDDING DRESS Ellie Stone Bride
TUXES/MENSWEAR Men’s Warehouse
BRIDESMAID DRESSES Baltic Born
RINGS / BAND Gunderson Jewelers
WEDDING PLANNER Jane Rae Events
ENTERTAINMENT Dakota Entertainment
CEREMONY + RECEPTION Laurel Ridge Barn
FLORAL + RENTALS Jane Rae Events
PHOTOGRAPHER Prairie & Wild
CATERER Chef Dominique’s
CAKE Chef April
BRIDE HAIR The Lab by Naomi & Beauty by Tigi
BRIDE MAKEUP American Beauty
INVITATIONS Shutterfly
OFFICIANT Brian Ferwarda
HOSTS Teddi Mueller & Family
At the end of the day, everything turned out exactly the way they had hoped and planned. The views were stunning, the images the photographer captured speak for themselves, and the love was deep and felt by everyone. Marissa wants other engaged couples to remember:
“Be mindful of the day, and take three deep breaths. Regardless of the little inconveniences, everything will be okay and no one will remember the little things,”
Paul & Emily Brown Sweetness
BEYOND THE CAKE
Spirit lake, iowa • 07-27-24
“We chose Almond with Buttercream for all three tiers for our cake. We tried so many amazing flavors when sampling with The Sugar Shack, but ultimately both agreed that the classic Almond flavor was what we envisioned for our wedding and it was amazing!”
Josh & Amanda Schreck
SOUTH SIOUX CITY, NEBRASKA • 10-12-24
“We absolutely loved working with Sugar Shack! They were so easy to work with and brought our vision to life! We both grew up getting Sugar Shack cookies and treats so it was an easy decision to have them do our wedding! All of the cake and cheesecake flavors were so good it was difficult to pick just a few of each kind! We ended up choosing both mini cupcakes and mini cheesecakes so everyone could have a little of everything! Josh’s favorite were the Key Lime Cheesecakes and mine were the Pink Champagne cupcakes, which was also the same flavor of our cake. Everything was such a big hit with our guests and we were so happy with how it all turned out!”
700 Jennings Street, Sioux City , IA (712) 252-5598
www.thesugarshackbakery.com
Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 12 pm
• Personalized consultation + tasting free if booked
• Bite-sized dessert display hand-pick your flavors
• Complimentary “Dessert Board for two” with an All-Inclusive Dessert Display
• Display Stand Rentals Available
• 20% Off Bridal Shower Order for all booked weddings
• Will Travel based on availability
Persistence Wins in Love and Life
By
Sarah Grassell
Photography by Wandering Wilde Media
It’s hard to find love in a world with 7.9 billion people. It’s even harder in a small town like Martin, South Dakota. With a population of less than one thousand, it’s easy to bump into someone you already know or even someone you may be related to. Mackenzie Eastman (Yordy) was originally from the small town, but Joseph Eastman was a transplant to the area and happened to have some mutual friends who knew they would be a great fit for one another.
“Little did I know that Joe’s mom had actually been trying to get us to meet for a while,” Mackenzie reminisces.
With the help from friends the two finally met at dinner after Mackenzie led a sip and paint fundraising class for the high school art club. That was back in March of 2022.
Joseph adds, “I finally put two and two together that Mackenzie was the woman my mother wanted me to meet that night when I found out she was the high school art teacher in Martin.”
While most people might frown at a setup from a parent, that didn’t really sway Joe’s interest in Mack. Over the next few months, Joe continued to pursue Mack. “It was definitely an exercise of persistence,” Joe jokes.
Mack really just wasn’t interested in dating, but the two would continue to bump into each other through their mutual friends. After building up a level of trust and rapport, there was a moment that Mack finally decided to give Joe a real try.
In her free time, Mack had volunteered to flag at a rodeo with her horse. Joe happened to be in attendance and afterwards had texted letting Mack know how great he thought it was that she did that in her community and that he admired the work she did.
“I realized then that Joe may not be a bad guy and I really did enjoy our time together with friends, so why not give dating a try,” Mack says. It was September of that same year that they went on their first date, golfing.
Together, the two mostly enjoy just being together. They share two dogs, Maddie and Capi, who they love taking out on walks. “We also enjoy gardening together, watching shows and movies, traveling, and just sitting around the house playing board games,” Mack smiles.
Some adventures later, Mack and Joe came to the realization that marriage was the next step and it just felt right. Joe says, “There were little moments along the way where I thought to myself, this is the woman I want to spend my life with, but I can’t think of one definitive example.” Mack agrees, but she did mention one night at a friend’s wedding where the two finally admitted it to one another.
Leading up to the proposal, Joe had the perfect plan. On Mack’s family ranch, there was a spot where a beaver had made a dam. The neighboring ranch did not love the beaver family, but for the Yordy’s it was a welcome sight and a frequently visited spot.
“We would walk out there a lot and just stop to check on the beaver’s status. I knew that it was the perfect spot with a great view,” Joe explains.
In preparation, he set up a small tripod to capture the moment before taking Mack out on their
walk. Joe laughs, “However, Mack’s dad turned up shortly before we were going for our walk… with my tripod.”
Thinking that someone had forgotten it there, Mack’s dad brought it back to the house. Around that same time, Mack started to have some suspicions. “Joe started saying weird stuff and wasn’t quite acting like himself,” she adds.
Joe miraculously managed to get the tripod back out to the spot roughly where he set it up the first time and then the proposal went off without a hitch. The proposal happened only eight months after the two officially started dating, and the summer wedding was set for the following year.
“You know when you find the right person, but waiting to make the commitment of an engagement really helps you feel more confident,” Mack shares.
When it came to planning the wedding, Mack and Joe knew they wanted to have a large family presence. Unfortunately, Martin didn’t really have the hotel hosting capabilities for incoming guests.
Growing up, both Mack and Joe frequented the Black Hills often. As a part of the Rapid City Diocese in the Catholic church, Mack also had her confirmation in the Hills at Terra Sancta, and together, the decision was made to have the wedding there as well. There is a definite emotional connection for them in the Hills, and they were excited to share the moment with all of their friends and family.
On the search for an outside venue for the reception, the two happened upon Woodlands Receptions. “Dave has poured so much work into the venue, and he was so genuine and kind with us,” Mack and Joe say.
Located in the pines outside of Rapid City, Woodlands is a quick trip to and from Terra Sancta. The venue offers a large space for outdoor yard games during cocktail hour and the dance for guests who don’t want to kick it up on the dance floor. It also was large enough to accommodate the number of friends and family Mack and Joe had in attendance.
For Mack and Joe, Woodlands was the perfect fit and checked off all the boxes they were looking for in a reception venue. Having such a great host to work with was icing on the cake. Mack adds, “He genuinely cared about what we wanted and worked with us to get everything figured out.”
The morning before the wedding, both sides of the family came together to put the reception space together and it was beautiful. There were so many hand-made details from several individuals including the bride herself.
Both Mack and Joe mention that time together with family and friends was one of the best moments from the weekend. There were a lot of moving parts, but watching it all come together was stunning.
Weddings are easy to get wrapped up in. The details. The colors. The people, venue, cake, food, etc. There are so many choices and options. Mack suggests to couples who are in the planning stage to get a quality planner book to help stay organized and remind you of tasks that should be completed by a certain time in the wedding timeline. “Find your venue and set the date first, and everything else will fall into place,” Mack says.
Joe’s advice was a little more sentimental, “Take it easy and focus on your marriage prep. What you are preparing for is the rest of your lives together. The wedding is just for one day.”
BRIDE’S NAME Mackenzie Eastman
GROOM’S NAME Joseph Eastman
WEDDING DATE June 1, 2024
CITY OF WEDDING Rapid City, SD
WEDDING DRESS Little White Dress - Denver, CO
TUXES/MENSWEAR Main Street Menswear
BRIDESMAID DRESSES Audra’s Bridal
ENGAGEMENT RING Gunderson’s - Sioux City, IA
WEDDING RINGS/BANDS Riddle’s Jewelry
ENTERTAINMENT MC Productions - Gillette, WY
CEREMONY LOCATION Terra Sancta Retreat Center
RECEPTION LOCATION Woodlands Receptions
FLORAL & DECOR Handmade
PHOTOGRAPHER Wandering Wilde Media
CATERER Black HIlls Butcher Block
Dutch Oven Catering
DESSERT TABLE Rustic Nook Bakery
COFFEE BAR Cup of Joe & Mack-a-Ron Table
TRANSPORTATION Skywalker VIP Bus
HOTEL / LODGING Canyon Lake Resort
HAIR STYLIST Mystique Edge
OFFICIANT Father Tyler Dennis
After the wedding day, Mack and Joe swiftly flew off on their honeymoon. They traveled to Italy, Greece, and Iceland for an adventure to kick off their lifetime of adventures.
A Home You’ll Love
Tips for Designing Your Home Together
By: Tanya Manus
YOUR HOME SHOULD BE A COMFORTABLE, INVITING HAVEN where the two of you can retreat, relax and enjoy life together.
Decorating, like marriage, takes communication and compromise, but in the end, you can create a space that you both love. ModHouse Interiors in Sioux City offers tips for newlyweds who are blending couple’s styles and tastes into one harmonious home.
Create a Plan
You’ll likely be merging two households and two different opinions about design styles. Dedicate some time, or even a date night, to talking with your partner about how you want your home to look and feel. Ultimately, designing your home together is less about following rules and trends, and more about blending aesthetics into rooms you’ll both love.
A theme, such as rustic mountain cabin, casual lake house or modern farmhouse can be a good starting point. Focus your decorating decisions on the overall ambiance you want in your home.
Consider all the furnishings and decor you both have, and take time to declutter and organize them. Decide which furnishings you each want to keep, and which ones you’ll donate or sell. Take inventory of what you keep and what furnishings or décor you’ll add or replace. If you buy furniture, opt for investment pieces that are well made, comfortable and that you both like.
Merge Design Styles
For partners who have seemingly opposite taste and design styles, finding common ground could be challenging. But just as opposites often attract when it comes to love, the same can be true in design. Consider these ideas for successful pairings, and choose a primary and secondary styles you want to use in your home.
Traditional and industrial: The curves, patterns and details of traditional design beautifully complement the sleek, angular lines of industrial style. The key to blending them together to begin with a neutral color palette, along with industrial materials such as wood and metal. Mix in cozy elements such as an elegant rug, then add furnishings and accessories with traditional curved silhouettes.
Traditional and mid-century modern: Mid-century modern design is known for its clean, unfussy lines and geometric shapes. Mid-century modern also focuses on natural elements like wood and pottery, and a neutral, earthy palette. Incorporate wooden end tables, coffee tables and media consoles with traditional curved couches and decorative rugs. The look is relaxed, inviting and chic.
Contemporary and glam: Contemporary style takes a minimalist approach, favoring open, uncluttered spaces. Glam is lavish, luxurious and glitzy. Meld sleek contemporary furnishings with lush details like silk drapes and elegant mirrors to strike a pleasing balance.
Color Your World
Color schemes can help pull together all the elements of a room. Classic neutral white, beige and gray are ideal for walls and larger furnishings.
Determine which colors you both love and incorporate those when selecting throw pillows, vases and other accessories. Take inspiration from a favorite painting or area rug when selecting accent colors. Blues and greens set a calming tone, while red and orange energize and brighten a room.
Turn Yours & Mine into Ours
Incorporate elements into your home that define your personality as a couple. For example, put together a gallery wall of photos from favorite vacations, concerts and other special events you’ve shared. In your bedroom, celebrate your love story by displaying photos and mementoes from your engagement, wedding or other romantic times together.
Be fearless and have fun as you experiment with mixing and matching your furniture, accessories, favorite colors, books, art, collections and treasured possessions. Ultimately, your home will become a beautiful place you both love.
255 5th Street, Sioux City, IA
712-224-2555
modhouseinteriors.com
Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm
Lisa Kalaher owner
BACK TO BASICS
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR YOUR PELVIC FLOOR
By: Michaela Feldmann
It’s more than just Kegels.
Keeping up your pelvic floor healthy can sometimes be confusing. Where do you start and what really is your pelvic floor? If you aren’t quite sure, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
Dr. Mallory Hertz is a physical therapist and clinic director at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Dakota Dunes. She spends most of her days educating and helping treat issues surrounding your pelvic floor.
“One thing I hear the most is ‘PT for what?’,” she said. “They have no idea that physical therapy even treats this. People also think things in the pelvic health region are embarrassing, but they shouldn’t be. That can cause people to not bring up concerns and can leave them feeling isolated.”
So, let’s start with the basics. The pelvic floor is made up of bones, muscles and ligaments that help with things like bladder, bowels and babies. When this area is weakened, such as during pregnancy or postpartum, you can experience problems like back pain, abdominal issues and pain or scar tissue, pain with intercourse or incontinence.
That’s where Dr. Hertz and her team come in. “Pelvic health physical therapy helps to treat these issues,” she said. “Treatment really depends on what you’re coming in for, but it can include bladder training, manual therapy using hands-on pressure and instruction on pelvic floor exercises for your diaphragm and core.”
While anyone can and should seek therapy for their pelvic health, Dr. Mallory says typically those being referred are having issues postpartum or experiencing pain during pregnancy.
“Unfortunately, our society has this notion that birth is a natural process and your body
will bounce back,” says Dr. Mallory. “The truth is it really doesn’t without some help or encouragement from the right direction. Without it, we compensate. By the time we hit menopause, these problems start coming to light. Now suddenly we have incontinence. In reality, it probably stemmed back to childbirth because those muscles never recovered.”
Dr. Hertz treats issues like a split in your ab muscles, SI joint pain in your lower back, bladder leaking or urgency, scar tissue or prolapse.
“It’s never too late to get physical therapy for your pelvic health,” she said. “Recently, I was helping a woman who had a C-section 50 years ago which goes to show that these issues can continue for years to come. Though no referral is needed to go to PT, it is my hope that one day every postpartum woman would receive a physical therapy referral when they go in for their six-week checkup. There are also benefits to seeing a pelvic PT prior to birth to learn about stretching to prevent tearing, as well as muscle control and biomechanics.”
It’s expertise like Dr. Hertz’s that makes FYZICAL stand out.
“We have the most years of combined experience, as well as the most advanced training in pelvic health within one clinic,” she said. “We have team members whose workload is dedicated to pelvic health, and we have the most advanced treatment techniques and equipment.”
If you’re struggling with any pelvic floor issue, Dr. Hertz said it’s important to remember, you’re not alone, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. For her, seeing the change she can help create makes it all worth it.
“If I can make an impact in someone’s life in the realm of pelvic health, that makes a huge difference in their overall well-being and that’s incredible.”
A Love Like the Movies
By Sarah Grassel
Photography by South of Indigo
It started off as a simple friendship. The best relationships always do. Lexi and Bryan Nohava Jr. were both athletes and attended North Dakota State University. “Our story is your pretty boring, basic movie,” Lexi starts.
Before dating, Lexi was the girl in class that brought enough materials to share with classmates, and Bryan was the guy who always came a little unprepared. Chatting over notes, homework, and shared pens and paper, a friendship blossomed that landed them where they are today, almost one year into a beautiful marriage.
Lexi adds, “We were friends for about six months before we started dating. At first, we hung out with a mutual group of friends watching movies in the dorm, and then we both mutually decided to go out for dinner. That’s when our friendship turned into something more.”
Together, the two really love working out. In college, Bryan was on the football team and Lexi was on the track team. Being active is a big part of how the two spend their time together. They enjoy taking their dogs out for walks every chance they get, playing pickleball, skiing in the winter, and just being together.
“We are that couple that genuinely enjoys each other’s company. We have a lot of genuine conversations,” Lexi shares.
When it came to the proposal, Lexi and Bryan were on a vacation in West Glacier with a couple of great friends. There were no plans set in stone for exploration. It was more like a few general areas that they all wanted to stop. However, one rainy and gloomy day, they all got up really early to visit Lake McDonald.
“I wondered to myself why we were hitting the trails so early, but I figured everyone was just eager to check off all our boxes for the trip,” Lexi admits. Little did she know that Bryan had set up a time with a photographer to capture the special moment. Looking back, there were little hints throughout the morning, but Lexi just took them as sweet
gestures from a loving boyfriend. She adds, “He kept asking me if I needed water, coffee, a hug, etc. I kind of had an inkling he was up to something, but I was shocked when the proposal happened.”
Walking around the lake, the group of friends were exploring the gloomy day together and soaking in the quiet moment in nature. Bryan walked Lexi to the edge of a dock where he got on one knee and popped the question.
Officially dating in 2019, the two were engaged by 2021, and took a longer time to enjoy their engagement while planning their summer 2023 wedding. It has been 1.5 years into their marriage now, and the couple still has positive reflections about the planning process that went into their special day.
Lexi loved everything about the planning process. “The best part was our longer engagement. We both agree that it was a huge contribution to our successful and beautiful wedding day because the extra time allowed us to be more intentional with our planning,” she says.
It also allowed Lexi to finish up her schooling. With a master’s degree in architecture, one of the first steps was finding the right venue for the big day. Right away, she knew she wanted something a little unique.
“I worked in the wedding industry at a floral shop during college and had been to most of the venues in our Fargo area,” Lexi admits. “I wanted something really different, and when I found Pinewood Weddings and Events on Instagram, it was our first (and last!) to check out.”
Lexi and Bryan felt that the family who owned the venue really aligned with all of their values as a couple. It didn’t take long for the couple to fall in love with their operation and the two really loved supporting a business in a smaller community.
Located on 11 acres and surrounded by towering pines, the scene made their story feel even more like that of a movie. The venue itself was a perfect match for Lexi’s ideas. She says, “It was a blank slate, a really good canvas for whatever we wanted to make of it.”
Because the couple knew that the venue was the one, the next step was finding a date available in the year that Bryan and Lexi wanted to get married. The soonest date after graduation was June third, so the announcements were sent out!
While the top priority was a venue, Lexi does advise that other couples look for their photographer and videographer first. She says that in her experience, it seemed like many of them were booked out one to two years, or more, in advance.
Lexi also adds, “Don’t forget that things are the way they are going to be. We (as the bride/ couple) have done all the prep work, but on the wedding day, however it goes there’s no need to stress,” Lexi explains. “Soak in the time together with your loved ones and significant others.”
CITY OF WEDDING Cambridge, MN
WEDDING DRESS Grace Loves Lace - Minneapolis, MN
TUXES/MENSWEAR Halberstadts - Fargo, ND
BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bohme Online
WEDDING RINGS A Cutting Edge Gallery - Fargo, ND
EVENT PLANNER Ashley Skeie Events
DJ Harmony DJ Entertainment
CEREMONY + RECEPTION Pinewood Wedding & Events
FLORAL Ashley Skeie Events + Floral
RENTALS/DÉCOR Apres Rentals - Minnetonka, MN
PHOTOGRAPHER South of Indigo - San Diego, CA
VIDEOGRAPHER Zeitlos Studios - Minneapolis, MN
CATERER Lefebvre’s Catering
CAKE Habitue - LeMars, IA
BRIDE HAIR Glady Vamp Artistry - Minneapolis, MN
BRIDE MAKEUP Facewell Artistry - Grand Forks, MN
STATIONERY Minted.com
“There
are three phases of a relationship. The dating phase, engagement, and marriage. A marriage is going to last forever, so remember to enjoy the engagement and look forward to the next chapter of your life.”
In our almost thirty years of marriage, we’ve attended various conferences and retreats to improve and invest in our marriage. While we did get some nuggets of gold that we applied, it was often sifting through hours of boring “dirt” to find those nuggets. We often felt like we were in lecture halls being talked at. However, our experience changed almost five years ago when we attended an online retreat during covid. Dr. Don and Renee Worchester led us through a virtual retreat that was hands-on, interactive, and about more than just what to do. It was how to do it. How to put God first in our lives individually and how to apply God’s truth in our relationship. Over the next 3 years, we were blessed to attend Don and Renee’s in-person retreats in the Siouxland area. It has grown each year, impacting the relationships of both new and returning attendees. We have grown personally and as a couple because of the time spent with the Worchesters.
Don and Renee can teach and communicate so clearly because they’ve walked where we all have. They are vulnerable and share their experiences in a way everyone can relate to.
One of our favorite experiences is what Don and Renee call “Knee to Knee.” In these times, we sit knee to knee, face to face, with no room for excuses between us. Nothing distracting us. Eye to eye, we share our hearts, our hurts, and our truths. We both have
cherished this intimate moment of vulnerability, and God has used it to help us see things that were in our blind spots, allowing us to heal small and large wounds we’ve inflicted on each other and to rekindle our love and respect for one another. We’ve also loved the joy and laughter that Don and Renee bring. It’s not boring – that’s for sure. Having fun together is important, and you will definitely experience FUN.
Dr. Don and Renee will again come to the Siouxland area on Friday and Saturday, March 21-22, to help couples renew and strengthen their relationships. In partnership with Side by Side Ministries and Sunnybrook Community Church, they will prepare a place where couples can get away for valuable time together. Whether you need serious help in your relationship or just a sweet time away to focus on each other and invest in your relationship, we know from experience that this time is worth every minute and every penny.
This event will be the 5th year Dr. Don and Renee will impact marriages in the Siouxland area. We are excited that the retreat is moving to our wonderful community of Le Mars. Side by Side Ministries will host the event at the all-new Headline Event Space in The Sentinel Building downtown. Once again, the retreat cost has been discounted by Side by Side Ministries as a way for couples to get away and invest in their marriage. The cost per couple
to register is only $99. Hotel rooms are a separate cost for Friday and/or Saturday nights at a special price of $110/ night at Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Le Mars. There are also other accommodation options in Le Mars for your overnight stay, including the Inn on Central.
The event will start at 6pm on Friday, March 21st, at The Headlines Event Space and end with a treat at Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor. We will start up again with an optional discounted breakfast at Habitue Coffeehouse and Bakery and then a day filled with interactive, soul-level experiences and some fun and games. Lunch is included in your registration fee. We will end the retreat with a fun cocktail hour at The Garage at 800, an exclusive 50’s-themed car museum, with cocktails and appetizers. We encourage couples to make dinner reservations in Le Mars on their own to end their time together. A detailed list of hotels and restaurants will be shared once you are registered for the retreat.
Again, we cannot recommend this time away enough. Instead of getting the random gold nugget of useful information, these times away have been a gold rush not only in our marriage but also for each one of us personally as we’ve drawn closer in our relationship with our Savior.
We hope to see you there, Tim & Sheila LaBreche
Dr. Don & Renee Worchester
