Erin’s closest friend, Dani, and Keith’s closest friend, Joe, happened to be brother and sister which led them to be introduced to one another at Joe’s high school graduation party in 2007. Keith thought she was pretty and Erin was intrigued by his shyness.
Erin decided to steal Keith’s number from her sister’s phone and made the first move. She sent him a text to which he was pleasantly surprised and asked her to a movie, “Chuck and Larry”. After the date, Erin thought he would kiss her. He didn’t. Several dates later he still hadn’t kissed her so she kissed him! They became an exclusive couple shortly after.
Erin was attending college in Duluth and Keith was working in Princeton, so they struggled through the first 5 years of their relationship long distance. As graduation from Pharmacy school approached, Keith decided to seal the deal! He proposed February 11, 2012, using a candy box while Erin was mid nap and they were alone at her parent’s house. She was completely surprised and he had picked out the perfect ring! After the initial shock wore off, SHE FINALLY SAID YES!
Keith and Erin bought a house in Princeton, MN in January 2013 where they live with their puggle, Penny. Erin works as a pharmacist and Keith works in production at a distillery in Princeton. After 7 years of dates, first times, good times and hard times and when the timing was right, they decided to tie the knot.
The couple toured many wedding venues before deciding on Pine Peaks for their wedding weekend getaway. They wanted an up North, weekend-long affair where they could spend quality time with their family and friends surrounding the event. Many venues in the Brainerd area offered this destination type experience but were lacking something so important-privacy!! They did not want to share their wedding with another couple, or a connected bar/restaurant or strangers on a golf course. They wanted privacy which is exactly what they had at Pine Peaks.
The rehearsal dinner was held Friday night, barbecue style, with Erin’s dad grilling his famous pork chops! They were able to comfortably host the rehearsal for 40+ people inside the Retreat House and it was a blast! They had the entire wedding party and their significant others stay with them in the Retreat House which gave everyone a chance to get to know each other.
The décor in the dining room was romantic with Kate from Bloom Designs doing the decorating. The Bride just loved the bouquets Kate put together and said, “These are just perfect with all my favorite colors.” The pink flowers popped against their colors of navy and gray. Erin made the fireside room her own using many of Julie’s decorations.
Saturday was chilly, but the wedding was BEAUTIFUL! The bride was walked down the aisle with her father to an awaiting groom. They said “I DO!” and the party began! The kids had their own gift bags waiting for them at the guest book. What a cool way to make them feel special! All of the guests enjoyed the popcorn bar!
Maucieri’s Catering worked their magic with Kate leading the show. The dinner was amazing, once again Chef Brian outdid himself. The guests were served a plated Caesar salad first, then a buffet of green beans almandine, maple leaf chicken and slow roasted beef with brandy peppercorn sauce with Tony Maucieri Sr. at the carving station. Great job again, Maucieri’s!
Cake and cupcakes were made by Kakes by Kelsi. Amazing! The guests danced the night away until Kate from Maucieri’s baked her homemade pizzas in Pine Peaks own Mugnaini Wood Fired Oven.
The night and day were AMAZING and exactly what they had hoped for according to the newly married couple. They enjoyed a Honeymoon in Jamaica and returned to Minnesota for the “Happy Ever After!”
We, at Pine Peaks, were honored to host this lovely, romantic wedding! We wish Erin and Keith luck and love for an eternity. Be HAPPY!
View Erin and Keith’s Facebook Wedding Album here.
– Dave and Julie Peterson