Eric and Rachel grew up in Hastings and knew of each other, however, did not meet until the summer of 2011. Rachel went as her mom’s date to a wedding and Eric was a friend of the groom. (Love was in the air) They danced but didn’t talk much, however, reconnected a few weeks later at a local bar in Hastings and started dating soon after.

Eric proposed at Bentleyville, which is a Christmas light tour in Duluth, MN in November of 2012. He conspired with friend and maid of honor Jen to surprise Rachel as he popped the question with Christmas lights and the magic of the season to set the mood. She found a lot of new “sparkle” on her hand and she said “yes!”

The couple chose Pine Peaks Event Center because they loved the beautiful outdoor setting for the ceremony. They were superb planners and organizers and made the most out of the property and the available decorations for their wedding weekend.

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The groom’s dinner was held Friday in the seasonally decorated pavilion with a buffet dinner served by Chef Dewey of Maucieri’s Catering with stuffed chicken, slow roasted beef, house salad, garlic baby reds and asparagus with hollandaise.

On Saturday, their dream wedding came true as the fabulous fall colors of October provided the backdrop they wanted as family and friends witnessed the vows. The intermittent rain gave the property an earthy glow and as tradition has it, with the rain comes a promise of “luck and prosperity” in their marriage.

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The rain stopped and prompted by Mother Nature herself, a flock of Canadian Geese stole the show with a breathless fly over. The experience was amazing. After the ceremony, the shuttle escorted the newlyweds and bridal party to a neighbor’s lake property for stunning photos with the fall colors surrounding the bridal party.stoneberg1388-1024x682

They were then escorted to a local favorite Moonlight Bay for a toast to the couple! Back at Pine Peaks Event Center, the celebration continued with family and friends as the bridal party was introduced.stoneberg2568-1024x682

Fall was in the air and the Event Center was decorated inside and out. Chef Dewey of Maucieri’s Catering again pleased the guests with antipasti, fresh loaves of bread, house salad and Caesar salad, chicken fettuccine and penne pasta with spicy rose’ sauce and veggies. Later in the evening, Jodi from Maucieri’s cooked pizzas in the Italian wood fire oven for the guests. This is a Pine Peaks tradition and was a big hit!

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The couple resides in Inver Grove Heights and plans to ring in the New Year and their new lives as husband and wife in the Bahamas! We wish the newlyweds a life full of “sparkle” and many more colorful days! We were honored to host your beautiful dream wedding weekend. Best wishes! -Dave and Julie Peterson

Click here to view Eric and Rachel’s wedding album.

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