Katie and Erich met through work and discovered their families were close friends. Erich’s stepdad is the godfather to one of Katie’s uncles! They didn’t really become friends until Katie moved to Nashville. They kept in touch and after she moved back home, they started hanging out and officially started dating about six months later.
They spent a lot of time at Erich’s cabin which had been in his family since he was a kid. One of their favorite things to do was to fish, then at the end of the day sit at the end of the dock and watch the sunset. One night after a full day of sun and fishing they decided to watch the sunset together and Erich stated he was going to get a drink and asked if Katie wanted anything from the cabin; she requested a blanket. Erich returned with the drinks and a blanket and knelt down in front of Katie and started tucking the blanket around her shoulders. While he was doing this, he snuck a ring box out of his pocket and said “Katie Flynn. Will you marry me?” She was caught completely off guard and replied “Are you serious!” Then SHE SAID YES to the prettiest ring she had ever seen!
Erich promised that he had one more surprise for Katie. On their way home to Maple Grove, Erich said “We have some time to kill. We are a little early, let’s drive past the house!” There was a cute townhouse for sale that they had their eyes on. Erich pulled into the driveway and the garage door opened and he pulled into the garage! She was freaking out as he laughed and said “Surprise! I bought us a house!!”
That is the story of how Katie got a man, a ring and a house, all in one weekend!
Katie and Erich chose Pine Peaks Retreat and Event Center because they wanted their families to enjoy a whole weekend of time together, rather than just a day. Erich’s family cabin was close and they loved the Crosslake area. They enjoyed coming early to decorate and made the space their own. Katie was “jumping” with excitement the whole weekend!
The couple chose to exchange their vows at 3:00 in the Little Church in the Woods, Faith Lutheran Church which is a mile from Pine Peaks. Reverend Joan Gunderman officiated the beautiful service. When asked if Katie wanted to decorate the church she replied “it is so cute the way it is, it doesn’t need to be decorated!” It was perfect for their fairy tale wedding. According to the couple, Janis Allen, the organist from Faith Lutheran was very available and great to work with.
It was indeed a fairy tale moment for Katie and Erich as they saw each other for the first time that day as Katie was escorted down the aisle by her father. Every one witnessing the event could feel the energy and love between the couple. They exchanged promises for a lifetime of love and became husband and wife!
After the ceremony, the guests were greeted with a warm welcome and a roaring fire in Pine Peaks’ fireside room. The couple provided special treats for the guests with fresh popcorn and cotton candy!! Maucieri’s Catering served Butler passed appetizers Fruit Kabobs, Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp and Asparagus, and Cream Puffs with Olive Cream Cheese. All delightful!
The cake had a replica of the couple with the groom “fishing” for his bride! Dave made the cake stand from a neighbor’s fallen pine tree which added a nice touch! The playful couple cut the cake and shared a piece generously with each other than shared a “sweet” kiss!
Kate from Bloom Designs did her magic with beautiful bouquets for the bridal party and added rustic fresh flowers arrangements to the tables. It was great to experience fresh flowers in October!
JP of Premier Entertainment announced the bridal party in the Grand March and then introduced the new Mr. and Mrs. to a dining room full of well-wishers. A champagne toast was given by the Best Men, friends of the groom, and the Maids of Honor, Katie’s triplet sisters. The couple then danced to their first dance and it was a fairy tale beginning for the rest of their lives.
Maucieri’s Catering served a fabulous plated meal starting with a house salad, then Broccoli with Hollandaise, Walleye, and Chicken Fettuccine. The plates were garnished with edible flowers which a few of the guests enjoyed tasting! Later in the evening, Kate baked her specialty, fresh pizzas from Pine Peak’s very own Mugnaini Oven! The night was FULL of treats!
We, at Pine Peaks, truly enjoyed the excitement and energy of this wedding weekend celebration and wish Katie and Erich a lifetime of fairy tale moments!
See the rest of their Facebook Wedding Album here.
– Dave and Julie Peterson