Despite swearing off men and being new to Shanghai, China, Ana immediately embarked on a search for a tall, dark, handsome, modest and grotesquely delusional English gentleman to sweep her off her feet.

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After a week of searching for those seven key characteristics, she decided it was a hopeless quest. Instead, she settled for some guy she met at an open mic stand-up comedy night. When Ana, with one “N”, thrust her number into Some Guy’s hand as the subway door was closing, he told her his name: “It’s Thom with and entirely unnecessary ‘H.'” He had all the best lines. 

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They knew pretty early on that they’d have to do the world a favo(u)r and get married to each other. Thom wanted to surprise Ana with a proposal in the Boundary Waters, the same area she’d gone camping every year since she was a child. The night before their camping trip, Thom, the vegetarian veterinarian, asked to join Eric, Ana’s father on a trip to the meat market. They were loading up for that evening’s family BBQ. With beef mince ensconced between his legs, Tom asked Eric for his blessing to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. The fact that their story continues tells you that it was duly granted.

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When they were finally on their way to the campsite, Thom, knowing that there was going to be canoeing involved, kept the ring in the pocket of his waterproof coat, which he insisted on either wearing or tying around his waist. The one moment he did set his coat down; Ana picked it up and felt something cube-shaped in the pocket. “What‘s this?” She asked.

Oh, that’s just my Rubik’s cube.” Thom improvised.

Ah right. Okay.” Ana wasn’t in the least bit perturbed.

Thom didn’t know whether to be relieved or crushed. Did his fiancée-to-be really believe it perfectly in character for him to bring a Rubik’s cube on a camping trip??

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It was while paddling to what would become known as Engagement Bay, that they were visited by the Engagement Eagle. The calm whooshing of this bald eagle’s wings helped settle Thom’s nerves (except for a very brief moment when those talons came a little too close for comfort, and Thom – ever the animal-lover – contemplated taking up his oar in defense).

They chose the perfect spot and set up camp and made dinner and settled in. When the moment felt right, Thom asked Ana to join him by the water’s edge. “Are we going to get married?” He asked.

Yes.” She replied.

When?” He continued.

Today.” She said matter of factly.

We can’t get married today. We have to get engaged first.” Thom reasoned.

When are we going to get engaged?” Ana picked up on the questioning.

Well…” Thom got on one knee and took what wasn’t actually a Rubik’s cube out of his coat pocket.

No! No! Stop!” Ana yelled, with her hand to her agape mouth.

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It was exactly the opposite of the response he’d hoped for. “You’re going to have to stop saying that…” With a red sun setting over his shoulder, Thom then said something terribly soppy, like “Anelise Wild Evenson, I love you more than anything else in this world, and I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

She said “Yes! Yes!”

After much contemplation, they decided that Pine Peak’s Event Center was a perfect destination wedding place for them. They would have the whole country estate to themselves for the weekend. Many of their favorite family and friends packed their bags and headed to Cross Lake, Minn. to witness this very important event in Ana and Thom’s life.

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Dave surprised the guests with a Union Jack flag which was hung in the garden. The “crew” arrived and transformed Pine Peaks into a colorful, magical space. An abundance of fresh flowers adorned the area inside and out. Tie-dye flags were hung for luck and badminton, bags and croquet filled the yard. The families coming from two continents loved spending the weekend together to get to know each other.

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An early 2:00 ceremony in the garden was planned as Thom could wait no longer to see his bride. A glowing Anelise was escorted down the aisle by her mother and father where Thom saw Ana for the first time that day. His expression was priceless. The joyful guests helped to celebrate with sing-alongs during the ceremony. You could feel the love in the air as they said “I DO!”

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In an English tradition, ice cold Pimm was served to the guests after the ceremony in the pavilion. After numerous family pictures to remember their time together, the guests joined the newlyweds for a celebration in the dining room. Many family members joined the couple at the head table. Cheers and well wishes were everywhere as the evening continued.

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Chef Brian and Kate of Maucieri’s Catering rocked the event with a fabulous feast. Later, the guests were served fresh baked pizzas in Pine Peaks’ wood fired oven. They all danced the night away and made lifetime memories…

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We at Pine Peaks were truly honored to host this destination wedding for Ana and Thom. We wish them luck and love in their future together and hope they continue to find humor in everyday life! See their Facebook wedding album here.

Dave and Julie Nyland Peterson

 

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