Wedding Date: October 1st 2023

This one hits close to the heart. When I asked the woman of my dreams to marry me on the stormy shores of Lake Superior one chilly night, I knew this coastline would have a special place in our relationship storyline, but I had no idea the full circle it would make so many years later. When we were planning our own wedding, we searched every possible venue, big city, and small town, but ultimately ended up landing on the Glensheen Mansion. It was the perfect blend of a destination wedding and a hometown favorite. Elegant, stylish, private, and filled with history, it was perfect for us. I remember stepping into the space where we would be married months later and feeling all the love stories that came before us. Knowing we would add to its history gave me goosebumps and I couldn’t wait to create our own memories here. Our wedding was like most peoples in that it was full of love, laughter, and also had a few bumps along the way, but to us it was perfect. We met some incredible people there and Reggie helped us pull off a day we will never forget.

When I got the call from Kimberly and Ted and they told me they were getting married at the Glensheen Mansion and it was a referral from them, there’s no possible way I would miss this day. We hit it off right away and started what would be a 2.5 year planning journey with this wonderful couple. The mansion was undergoing renovations, but just like us, they felt a deep connection and didn’t mind waiting. Then we got the news that although they would remain open as a historical property, the Glensheen Mansion would no longer be hosting weddings and Kimberly and Ted’s would be the last one…ever. It felt so serendipitous and I immediately got off the phone and told Janelle to block the date and join us.

We drove the familiar road up the shore that we had taken so many times before, but now, many years married and with two growing boys. My heart raced a little faster knowing how important this was to so many people and I felt like I was being reunited with an old friend after many years apart. Fog rolled in off the lake and hung low in the air. It gave the entire place an extra moody vibe which seemed fitting and gave me goosebumps as I walked in the doors of their nearby getting ready space, but the moody atmosphere outside instantly fell away as soon as we saw Kimberly. She greeted us with a huge smile and a hug while laughter and love filled the air. Their little girl looked adorable in ringlet curls and a monogrammed pink robe, ready to get the day started. Their smiles continued to grow bigger as we pulled up to the mansion and the grandeur of the place filled our gaze. Ted stood outside waiting for his bride, blanketed in fog facing the lake. I thought my heart would burst seeing the two embrace with so much love and joy that their eyes squeezed shut while their smiles turned to laughter.

This magical place continued to share its secrets as the fog created a swirling mist around us at every turn and the water lapped against the shore for the perfect soundtrack. We visited some of my favorite places and places that we used for our own wedding. I could almost see Janelle posing in the trees in her beautiful wedding gown as I watched on. I smiled letting the memories flood over me while I shared these places with two of the most amazing people. Their family and wedding party joined us while we went in search of the most colorful trees and tranquil places, some of them new to me, while others were old favorites.

We retreated indoors while the guests arrived and took their seats outside on the lawn. They sat looking out over Lake Superior while the mansion kept watch behind them. Kimberly walked across the green lawn littered with colorful yellow leaves toward Ted who was smiling wide enough for the whole world to see. They exchanged their sweet vows while Janelle sat in the back and I caught her gaze and we both smiled a knowing smile; now their story would too be part of this amazing place and join ours in the history of the mansion.

The fog lifted a bit as the guests went to the terrace for cocktail hour and Kimberly and Ted joined me on the shore for a stroll. We walked along the rocky coastline and tossed a few stones in the rolling waves before going back to join the party. As the last beamed of light dipped below the horizon, the guests were seated downstairs in the winter garden. Our dear friend, Reggie, sadly couldn’t be there for the event, but she was on everyone's hearts and minds while they all rallied around this special couple to make it the best night ever. The room looked spectacular and everyone was glowing with the palatable joy that filled the space. Their family is very important to them and you can see the deep bonds they share as they gave toast after toast.

Laughter rang throughout the halls and after they shared a dance, I asked if they wanted to walk the halls one more time on their own. They twirled near the grand staircase, smiling and laughing the entire time. It felt like their joy was being imprinted in the walls with each step they took, adding to this beautiful history. We stepped outside for a quick evening stroll and were treated to a stunning blanket of fog that glowed purple and yellow from the lights of the mansion. It felt surreal and so fitting, like a dramatic ending of a great romantic movie, but the best part was for Kimberly and Ted, this was just the beginning. So cheers to you both and your journey in life and love. And cheers to this iconic castle on the shore.

Vendors: Glensheen Mansion (venue), Bloom Wilder (florist), Lace and Brass Events (decor), Duluth Event Lighting (lighting), Blackwoods (catering), Snazzy Cakes (dessert), Essence of Australia (dress designer), Luxe Bridal (dress boutique), Men's Warehouse (suit), The Beauty Collective (hair and makeup), A Milestone Paper Co (stationery), Sounds Unlimited Entertainment (dj), Pure Event Planning (day of coordinator)