Carrie and Danny had been together awhile. A long while. But it was a great love story that began four years ago when this northern Minnesota girl met this California boy, and one that began it’s next chapter amongst friends and family one late March weekend.

 

As the hometown girl, it was important for Carrie to be married back home with Paul and Babe in Bemidji, Minnesota, and in typical east meets west fashion (or midwest meets west with a bit of the east along for the ride as well), well-wishers from Manhattan and San Diego and everywhere in-between met at the Rail River Folk School to watch these two, plus Danny’s two sons, become officially one happy family.  

 

Naturally, then, it was a total family affair. Carrie’s brother-in-law, Josh, served as officiant who infused this northwood’s chic wedding with nothing but warmth through humor and love. Stacy, Carrie’s sister, spoke of her ever-growing adoration for this man that would now be her brother-in-law, who she insisted would be their mother’s favorite son-in-law (which of course drew hilarious facial expressions all over the officiant). Danny’s sons also took a moment to welcome Carrie into their lives in this new role (one for which they already appreciate her, and one she clearly and dearly already loves).  As the ceremony came a close and the flower girl, the bride’s niece, clung to her daddy’s leg as he pronounced them husband and wife, it was evident to all in attendance that this was not just a wedding, but truly a marriage and definitely a loved-filled future.

 

This marriage was further celebrated with drinks and dinner of the truest Minnesota fare–beer with BBQ chicken, fancy Mac & Cheese, and coleslaw. Dinner faded into dancing, with one last toast to the couple: customized Confetti poppers, which gathered everyone in attendance under this celebratory shower for one more wish of luck and love for this new family!