Tammy and Steve

Wedding Date: September 17th 2022

Every weekend I find something new and beautiful to appreciate while I witness others' love stories as they exchange vows and promise forever to one another. This weekend, I traveled up North to the Brainerd lakes area to visit a few of my favorite places, Grand View Lodge and Craguns Legacy Courses, to tell the story of two amazing people bringing their families together. 

We started the day at Grandview’s new Hotel North in the beautiful and modern space overlooking the manicured grounds. I met Tammy in the bridal suite to witness one of my favorite moments of the year, a true Cinderella moment, as her daughters helped her put on the finishing touches. She looked like royalty surrounded by princesses all watching in awe and admiration. They had their first look in the grand entry of the hotel next to the towering stone fireplace. After a warm embrace and a few twirls, we were off to explore the grounds and meet up with their family. 

We walked down the path to the cute and picturesque chapel, Steve carrying the train of Tammy’s dress the whole way. Before we knew it, the doors of the chapel flew open to reveal excited guests waiting inside as the time for their ceremony had arrived. The small space was filled with cheers as they walked down the aisle after their sweet exchange of vows. Tammy had dreamed of photos on their grandstaircase so that was the first place we went to celebrate. They have a connection with this shoreline and getting to breath in the Northern air was the perfect way to stop and take in the moment.

For their reception, we traveled to the nearby Craguns Golf Course where my parents are also members. It’s a place I grew up visiting (and also golfing) so these fairways feel like home. They rolled out the red carpet for this small wedding celebration and made all of us feel like VIPs. As the sun started to get lower in the sky, we snuck away for a little time outside to admire the beautiful scenery and breath in more of that fresh pine-filled air. This beautiful show of family, love, and togetherness was something I won’t soon forget and a day I’ll cherish as I know they will as well.

Vendors: Hotel North (hotel), Grand View Lodge Chapel (ceremony venue), Craguns Legacy Courses (reception venue)