The Couple & Their Story
Some love stories begin with a spark; others take years to find their moment. For Nathan and Kayla, their story was decades in the making in this winter wedding story. Their families had known each other for years—Nathan’s dad and Kayla’s dad were high school friends—so family gatherings and familiar faces were nothing new. Yet, despite growing up around each other, Nathan and Kayla never really connected until life brought them together in an unexpected way.
In 2023, after the passing of Kayla’s father, both families came together to honor his memory. During that time, Nathan and Kayla found comfort and connection in each other’s company. What began as shared grief turned into something beautiful—an undeniable bond that grew stronger with every conversation. “Something just clicked between us,” Kayla shared. “And the rest is history.”
The Proposal
Fast forward to Christmas Eve—a night already filled with warmth and tradition. The couple was getting ready for church and planning to meet Nathan’s parents. Kayla was rushing to get out the door, while Nathan seemed unusually calm. “He kept saying, ‘We have time, we have time,’” she laughed. “I kept thinking, time for what? We need to go!”
Moments later, Nathan dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. Turns out, they really did have time—time to begin forever.
Wedding Vision & Planning
Inspiration & Theme
For their February wedding, the couple wanted a celebration that reflected their love for the outdoors. “We’re both outdoorsy people,” Kayla explained. “Adding deer antlers to our tables felt like the perfect touch.” The venue’s rustic charm and natural beauty brought their vision to life, blending elegance with a cozy, natural feel.
Choosing the Venue
Winter weddings in Minnesota can be unpredictable, so finding a space that was both spacious and stunning indoors was key. “We needed a venue that could hold all our guests and still be beautiful if the weather didn’t cooperate,” said Kayla. They were able to capture breathtaking outdoor photos but also took full advantage of the venue’s warm, inviting interior for most of their photos.
The Vibe
The couple’s goal was simple: fun, laughter, and a full dance floor. “We wanted everyone to relax and let loose,” Kayla said. “We love to have fun, and we wanted every guest to leave saying they had a great time.”
Top Priorities
Their top three priorities were clear—great food, a packed dance floor, and an unforgettable celebration. Every detail was chosen with their guests’ enjoyment in mind.
The Challenges
Like many couples, decision fatigue hit hard. “The most challenging part was having to make every little decision,” Kayla admitted. “I’m not one to make decisions easily, so that part was tough.” But with support from family, friends, and vendors, everything came together beautifully.
Details & Personalization
Personal touches made the day uniquely theirs. One of the biggest hits? A custom shot-ski that guests could sign and use throughout the night. “It was such a fun way to get everyone involved,” Kayla said. “Our guests loved it!”
The couple also shared a deeply personal moment before the ceremony—reading their handwritten vows privately. “It was emotional and special,” Kayla recalled. “It gave us a few quiet minutes to express our love before the whirlwind of the day.”
Their first dance was to “The Painter” by Cody Johnson, a song that perfectly captured their story and the love they had built together.
The Wedding Day Experience
Favorite Moment
Among all the laughter, dancing, and celebration, one moment stood out above the rest—the first look. “Seeing each other all dressed up made everything feel so real,” Kayla said. “Our photographer gave us a few minutes alone, and it was so special to just soak it all in together.”
Unexpected Moments
The morning of the wedding brought a bit of chaos when the church greenery didn’t arrive. With time running out, Nathan’s family came to the rescue. “They have hunting land nearby, so I sent Nathan out to chop down some branches,” Kayla laughed. “We made our own greenery, and no one ever noticed! Now it’s one of those memories we’ll always laugh about.”
Most Emotional Moment
For Kayla, the most emotional part of the day was seeing Nathan for the first time. “It was just the two of us,” she said. “Being able to process everything together made it so real and so emotional.”
Advice for Future Couples
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but Nathan and Kayla encourage couples to focus on what truly matters. “Don’t stress over the little things,” they shared. “At the end of the day, it’s about celebrating your love and having fun with the people who mean the most.”
Their winter wedding was a perfect reflection of who they are—down-to-earth, joyful, and deeply connected. From a Christmas Eve proposal to a celebration filled with laughter and love, Nathan and Kayla’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones that take their time to find you.
Photography: A. Lee Photography
Desserts: Butter and Batter
Make-Up: BAKE Beauty
Hair: Greta Rieland Hair
Transportation: Mobile Shenanigan’s