Tyler and Kristine began their love story in the fall of 2011, when a mutual friend saw their potential compatibility and introduced them.  After the first date, both of them knew there was serious potential for their budding relationship to grow into a loving marriage. Throughout their time as a dating couple, many hours were spent going on walks, exploring the woods and relaxing on the Whitefish chain of lakes near Tyler’s hometown of Pine River in northern Minnesota.  As an outdoor enthusiast, Tyler knew Kristine was “the one” as she willingly sat by his side time after time in the stand during the chilly mornings of deer hunting season!

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He finally decided it was time to pop the question after two and a half years together.  On a warm spring afternoon in May of 2014, Tyler surprised Kristine with a picnic outside at their favorite park in St. Cloud after attending Sunday mass. With the backdrop of the Mississippi River and budding trees, Tyler got down on one knee asked Kristine to be his wife! SHE SAID YES, and the rest was history!

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The couple knew they wanted a wedding that would reflect their love for God, one another, and the Northern Minnesota outdoors. Since Tyler was from the Pine River area, they choose to begin their search for a venue in the Brainerd Lakes region. After touring Pine Peaks Event Center, no other place could compare! The venue fit everything they were looking for—a space large enough to hold all of their family and friends while still keeping an intimate, inviting feeling.

2015-02-07 03.49.59The wedding weekend went off without a hitch after spending all of Thursday and Friday morning decorating and getting all of the final details in place. The Bride and Groom planned a cozy winter wedding by bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside. They filled the event center with twigs, hydrangeas, lanterns, candles and vases containing Epsom salt to emulate snow, as well using an array of gray, blue and cream décor. The bride even created candle holders from old sweaters to add a unique touch and to bring a sense of warmth and intimacy.

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Ceremony rehearsal was held just down the road at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake on Friday evening, and the rehearsal dinner followed at the Pine Peaks Retreat House. Tyler, Kristine, and their guests enjoyed the use of the spacious kitchen and dining room to share a homemade meal for over 30 people. There was plenty of socializing and enjoyment had, including the use of the upstairs for games and the downstairs for drinks and pool. A memorable time was had by all!

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Bright and early on Saturday morning everyone was up and about in the Retreat House preparing for the “big day”! The groom and his groomsmen made use of the basement to get ready and relaxed before the ceremony, while the bride and her bridesmaids enjoyed the use of Pine Peak’s Hair Salon, with hair professionally done by Bliss Spalon of Nisswa, MN.

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The entire Bridal Party headed into Cross Lake to the beautiful Immaculate Heart Catholic Church to get dressed and get ready for the ceremony. The couple exchanged a very romantic first look at the front of the church where Tyler was in awe and Kristine’s smile had never been brighter.

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A few photos were taken outside in the brisk February air with the couple barely able to take their eyes off each other. The Church grounds offered a fabulous backdrop for the wintery outside photos. Tyler & Kristine exchanged vows with a full Catholic mass in front of their dearest family and friends. They did it, they said “I Do!”

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Although it was early February, the sun was shining bright as the new Mr. & Mrs. Johnson and guests made their way back to Pine Peaks Retreat & Event Center to celebrate their union! Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal and bar service by Maucieri’s Catering. Chef Brian prepared a feast starting with a house salad with various dressings on the table, asparagus with sauce on the side, garlic mashed potatoes, chicken Florentine and pork prime rib. The kiddos were treated to chicken strips, tots, veggies and fruit. YUM! Great job Maucieri’s! This was followed by dessert which consisted of each of the bride and groom’s favorite treats—Tyler’s being strawberry rhubarb pie, and s’mores roasted at the outdoor fire pit for Kristine!

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The rest of the evening was spent socializing and dancing the night away with entertainment and music by Quality Sounds & Entertainment. They even had a late night snack consisting of Maucieri’s handmade pizza cooked in Pine Peaks very own Mugnaini Wood Fired Oven.  After reflecting on the day, the newlyweds couldn’t have dreamed of a more wonderful and meaningful day spent with family and friends!

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After returning from a relaxing, week-long honeymoon in Riviera Maya, Mexico the couple settled into their new home in Sauk Rapids, MN.

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Dave and Julie’s message to the Newlyweds: We, at Pine Peak’s Retreat and Event Center, were honored to host the wedding celebration of the delightful and organized couple, Kristine and Tyler. We wish you the best of luck and love in your journey together. Always remember to keep each other as BEST friends. Love is easy, friendship needs to be nurtured, and respect earned every day. Be HAPPY and ENJOY THE RIDE!

See the rest of their Facebook Wedding Album here.

– Dave Peterson and Julieann Nyland Peterson

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