Wedding Date: May 19th 2023

Brainerd has been my home away from home for a while now since my parents have a home there on one of the many lakes. If you’re from Minnesota or the Midwest, you know there’s something special about going up North. So having the opportunity to travel “up North” on the weekends to see family has been a real treat. Even more special is when I meet amazing people who share the same love of getting away for the weekend and spending the weekend on the water.

I met Kari and Cole at Grand View Lodge’s open house and we instantly hit it off, bonding over our worlds colliding with our love of Grand View and the Brainerd lakes area. When I attended their open house again this spring, I was happy to run into Kari and her entire family. Everyone was so excited for the big day and they have all the kind of energy that radiates love and exuberance and I couldn’t help but walk away counting down the days to their wedding too!

When the day finally came, it was the most ideal spring day with a gentle breeze blowing off the lake and rustling the new leaves in the trees. That’s the sound of peace and being “up North” for me. They started off the day in Grand View’s stunning new cabins which are perfect for a getting ready space. The girls were all excitedly putting on their finishing touches while sipping Aperol Spritz. We decided to have their first look on the patio just outside the cabin overlooking the beautiful grounds. Normally I tell the couple to take a deep breath and let the emotions flow. Well they certainly did just that! Kari giggled and flashed peace signs as she cartoonishly crept up behind Cole. He couldn’t keep a straight face for long and before I knew it, the pair was holding each other and laughing until they nearly cried. From that moment forward I knew today was going to be an epically good time…and I wasn’t wrong.

After exploring the beautiful grounds, the guests started to arrive and take their seats and music began to play. Then, all eyes were on the grand staircase as Kari floated effortlessly down them beaming with her signature smile the entire time. They exchanged heartfelt vows and the crowd cheered as they danced down the aisle. They had their boat ready and waiting at the dock so they could take their victory lap around the lake as everyone got settled in the upper room for the reception. They stood at the front of the boat and kissed and celebrated. We were the only boat on the water and it seemed like the perfect way to celebrate. They laughed and sipped water in the sunlight as we bobbed in the water enjoying every minute. Then it was time for us to head back and the boat wouldn’t start. Remember how I said we were the only boat in the water? Yep, that added an extra layer of excitement. But happily they were able to reach one of their family friends who had a house on the lake and they jumped in their boat to come and tow us back to shore.

Meanwhile back at the Lodge, Lindsay and her staff had the reception party going and made sure no one watched the clock or worried for a moment. Happily, we burst through the doors at just the right moment and the room erupted in cheers! Huge shoutout to the Grand View team who made sure everyone was having a great time as we were secretly getting towed back to shore. After a lovely meal and sweet toasts, the couple took to the dancefloor. I noticed a pair of familiar faces off in the distance, it was my own parents! They decided to wedding crash and wish the couple well as they had a mini “follow your son to work day.” Kari and Cole laughed and welcomed them wholeheartedly. So somehow we ended the night on the dance floor with my parents in toe and Kari and Cole owning the night.

Vendors: Grand View Lodge (venue and catering), Bloomdesigns (florist and decor), Effie's Bridal (dress designer), Joseph Banks Tuxedos (suit), Captivating Beauty (hair and makeup), Amy Riesenberg (stationery), Troy Iverson (dj)