Weddings

Celebrating Your Special Day!

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Inside

A WEDDING ON THE FARM ............ 3

MARRIAGE PROPOSALS................... 4
SOMETHING OLD............................ 8
DOING WHAT SHE LOVES ............ 12
MUSIC MEMORIES ......................... 15
THE DREAM IS REAL ...................... 16

& Much More!

January 2015 A Special Supplement to:

Albany Enterprise Melrose Beacon Sauk Centre Herald

ST R

Published
ed by:

Publications

Page 2 Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2014

Advertisers Index

1st State Bank..............................................................................................................page 19

4 Bars.............................................................................................................................page 20
Albany Country Floral...............................................................................................page 17
Albany Family Dentistry............................................................................................page 4
Alexandria Holiday Inn...............................................................................................page 7
Amps..............................................................................................................................page 4
Amps..............................................................................................................................page 8
Arrowwood Resort....................................................................................................page 2
Avon Liquor Locker...................................................................................................page 6
Broadway Ballroom Event Center..........................................................................page 10
Central Lakes Restaurant Supply.............................................................................page 19
Captured Moments Photography............................................................................page 5
Coldspring Bakery......................................................................................................page 19
Cornerstone Buffet....................................................................................................page 20
Depot Express.............................................................................................................page 7
Diamond Point.............................................................................................................page 11
Diekmans Jewlery.......................................................................................................page 10
DJ Pete...........................................................................................................................page 16
ElmerZ...........................................................................................................................page 12
Falls Ballroom...............................................................................................................page 13
Freeport Community Center...................................................................................page 12
Freeport Floral............................................................................................................page 17
Freeport State Bank...................................................................................................page 12
General Rental of Albany...........................................................................................page 13
Geyer Rental................................................................................................................page 17
Geyermans Clothing Co............................................................................................page 11
Greenwald Pub............................................................................................................page 5
Jackie Js.........................................................................................................................page 18
Kays Bouquets.............................................................................................................page 18
Linden Hills...................................................................................................................page 14
Lynn Studio...................................................................................................................page 11
MD Salon......................................................................................................................page 10
Melrose American Legion..........................................................................................page 11
Meyers Photography Studio......................................................................................page 14
Minnesota National Bank..........................................................................................page 2
Pack NGo Travel.........................................................................................................page 12
Padua Pub......................................................................................................................page 12
Pauls Par-A-Dice..........................................................................................................page 17
Pearl Limousine...........................................................................................................page 9
Pelican Lake Ballroom................................................................................................page 14
Randys Formal Wear..................................................................................................page 19
Sauk Centre American Legion..................................................................................page 16
Sensational Styles........................................................................................................page 3
Sign Design...................................................................................................................page 3
The Corral Saloon & Eatery.....................................................................................page 9
The Special Event Boutique......................................................................................page 8
The Landing..................................................................................................................page 19

Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2015 Page 3

A Wedding on the Farm

By BRYAN ZOLLMAN

For Ann Vogt,

the family farm
truly is where
the heart is

Staff Writer

Even the cows had a lip-smacking time at the

Vogt/Lima wedding held at the Vogt Dairy
Farm located near Padua.

Photos courtesy of
Shelley Paulson Photography
www.shelleypaulson.com

PADUA - Ann Vogt and Chris Lima had about

200 guests attend their September wedding. But
that didnt include the cows.
Ann and Chris decided there was no better
place for a destination wedding than Anns family
farm located near the tiny town of Padua.
Many people dont think of Minnesota, or
especially a dairy farm, as a destination, but we
wanted to show people it is, Ann said.
Chris grew up on the outskirts of Los Angeles
and both he and Ann are well-traveled (she is a
doctor and he is a biologist), meaning they had
friends and colleagues from all over the country.
When Ann mentioned the farm as a possibility for
their wedding, Chris was all for it.
He loves the farm and was excited about
having our wedding there, Ann said. He is a
country boy at heart. Even though he grew up on
the outskirts of L.A. he has loved wide open spaces,
animals, plants and all of nature since his youth.
With Chris on board, and Anns parents, Ken
and Sally, and two brothers, Ethan and Aaron (all
who work on the farm) committed to helping out,
it was time to plan.
Sally, a master gardener, grew most of the
flowers for the wedding. Both Ken and Sally lined
up vendors to help decorate and cater the event,
and even Ethan and Aaron were excited about
people coming to see their family farm.
Many of the signs were made out of pallets that
were torn apart by Ann and Chris. One sign was a
post with many directional points, showing not just
where the wedding events were taking place, but

Farm continued on page 18

any people dont think of Minnesota, or especially a dairy farm, as a

destination, but we wanted to show people it is.
~ Ann Vogt

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Page 4 Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2014

Q&
A

Marriage Proposals
Amy Marthaler
St. Cloud
Maiden Name: Waldorf
Hometown: Melrose
Age: 25
Husband: Kyle Marthaler
Occupation: Amy Account Manager at Roadrunner
Specialized. Kyle Software Quality Assurance Engineer at Wolters Kluwer Financial Services.
How did you meet: We went to high school together,
hung out with mutual friends but didnt talk to each other until senior year.
How long did you date: 5 years
Tell us the story of your proposal: In March, 2013, we
took a weekend getaway up north to Lutsen. On Saturday I had a hunch, but didnt know when it was going to
happen. We went snowshoeing all afternoon, then ended with a nice dinner at the resort. After we headed back
to our room, but had to cross a bridge to get there. The
steps were icy and Kyle helped me
down them and as soon as I got
to the bottom step, I froze I see
rose pedals leading to the middle
of the bridge. He walks with me to
the middle of the bridge to a Shutterfly book full of pictures of our
relationship. When I turned to the
last page, I read: Finally, 5 years,
10 months and 18 days later, will
you marry me? I look up and see
Kyle down on one knee, and of
course I say yes. Meanwhile he
had a worker at the resort to take
pictures of the entire thing!
When did you get married: May
31, 2014
Where did you go on your honeymoon: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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History Behind Proposing on

a Bended Knee
There is no clear historical origin of the idea
of proposing on a bent knee, but the gesture
bears striking resemblance to many other
ceremonial situations, including:
Religion: Kneeling is appropriate during
prayers and other religious ceremonies, including
wedding vows for some faiths. Kneeling is also
done to genuflect when entering a church or
temple. When proposing, kneeling can have the
same spiritual connotation and can be
seen as a sign of respect.
Royalty: Knights kneel while being awarded
honors from kings and queens. This can hold true
for a proposal of marriage and can be seen
as an honor.
Surrender: Bowing in supplication before a
victorious enemy is typically seen as a gesture of
surrender. When proposing, a couple commits to
one another and surrenders themselves to being
part of a couple.
Regardless of the origin, the idea of asking
for a loved ones hand in marriage while
partially kneeling is a highly-symbolic gesture
embodying the very essence of committing
ones life to another. The idea of goodwill,
honor, and trust in that one person is
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Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2015 Page 5

Q&
A

Chelsea Marthaler
Long Prairie
Maiden Name: Swenson
Hometown: Sauk Rapids
Age: 28
Husband: Eric Marthaler
Occupation: Special education teacher and farmer
How did you meet: My sisters best friend owns the
bar in West Union. One night at an anniversary party
for owning the bar, my sister and the bar owner gave Eric a piece of paper with
my name on it and said, Heres your future wife, check her out on Facebook!
The next day, I received a message on Facebook from Eric. We started talking
and about three weeks later, he asked me if I wanted to meet him in person,
I said yes. We had our first date, and kept seeing each other from then on.
How long did you date: 3 years
Tell us the story of your proposal: We were camping near Walker with my
sister, brother-in-law and family friends. One night after a day of being out on
the lake, Eric asked if I wanted to take a walk around the campground.
We walked by the beach, and ended up sitting by
the lake on the rocks near the docks. We sat
there a while talking as the sun was setting.
The mosquitos were starting to come out,
so Eric suggested we head back to our
campsite. I got up and started walking
away, he had to crawl off the rocks to
get up. He was struggling to get
up. As I was walking away, he said,
Chelsea I said, what and turned
around. When I turned around, I
was in complete shock, he was
on one knee and had a ring. He
said my face was priceless; my
eyes were huge and my jaw
was almost to the ground. He
continued and said, Chelsea, will
you marry me? Very ecstatically
I said, Yes! We walked back to
the campsite and my sister and
niece had decorated the campers
with lights. They made chocolatecovered strawberries and had
chilled wine on the table. We toasted
around the campfire with friends and
family to a long life of happiness and
love.
When did you get married:
August 9, 2014
Where did you go on your honeymoon:
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sarah Heinen
Albany
Maiden Name: Theiler
Hometown: New Munich
Age: 27
Husband: Matt Heinen, 28
Occupation: I am a certified veterinary technician at
the Minnesota Veterinary Associates in Rice. Matt is
a welder/fabricator at Millwood Metal Works.
How did you meet: We were set up on a
blind date by Matts brother and my cousin.
Matt was given my telephone number
and planned our first date. We went to
Applebees in St. Cloud.
How long did you date: Almost a
year. Our anniversary was on Oct. 3
and he proposed on Sept. 21
Tell us the story of your proposal:
We had just gotten home from
trap shooting at my dads cousins place. Matt had asked me to
try on one of his old snowmobile
jackets, which I thought was really weird at the time. Once I
had the jacket on, he asked me
to check the pockets. I did, still
thinking he was acting weird.
I couldnt find anything in the
jackets. He asked me to check
again, specifically in the top right
pocket. In that pocket, I pulled
out a ring that was attached to one
of my hair ties. It was such a fun
proposal.
When did you get married:
April 12, 2014
Where did you go on your
honeymoon: Khai Island, Hawaii

Q&
A

Carol Inderrieden
Meire Grove
Maiden name: Van Beck
Hometown: Greenwald
Age: 67
Husband: Herb Inderrieden
Occupation: Carol: Retired 2014, Deputy Treasurer,
City of Sauk Centre
Husband-Herb: Retired 2006, Stearns Electric
Association, line department
How did you meet: We knew each other as children growing up. Our parents
belonged to same parish and church, St. Andrews in Greenwald. I cant recall
when we actually could say we first met. Herb was seven years older than me,
but I did know him from church and he played baseball on the Greenwald
baseball team. As kids, our Dad occasionally took us
to Sunday baseball games in the summer. I knew
him as being on the local team. At a dance
at Spring Hill on St. Patricks Day in 1967,
Herb asked me out for our first date,
which was Easter Sunday in 1967. In
those days, there were no dances or
social events during Lent, except St.
Patricks Day.
How long did you date: Two years
and three months (March 1967 to
June 1969)
Tell us the story of your proposal:
After dating about a year, an
engagement ring was presented to
me at a dinner date at Henningtons
north of Sauk Centre on Mothers
Day in May 1968. I accepted.
When did you get married: June
28, 1969
Where did you go on your
honeymoon: Up the north shore
of Minnesota, to Duluth and Grand
Marais, then west to Blackduck,
and spent a few days with Herbs
uncle and aunt, Rose and Norb
Fladung. While there, Herb helped
his uncle Norb shingle the roof on
their house in Blackduck.

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Page
Page 6 Star Publications
Publications - Wedding
Wedding Planner -- January 2014
2014

LaShana Tschida
Sauk Centre
Maiden Name: Pitcher
Hometown: Melrose
Age: 28
Husband: Chris Tschida
Occupation: Parts sales at Dairyland Supply and
Chris is a farmer
How did you meet: Through friends and we
dated when we were younger and got back
together three years later.
How long did you date: Two-and-a-half
years
Tell us the story of your proposal:
Well, his sister got engaged after six
months with her husband and I got a
little irritated because we had been
going together for a couple of
years and talked about marriage
a few times. So, about a week or
so later I was watching TV and
he came in the living room, got
down on one knee and asked me
to marry him. We still joke about
me getting mad to this day.
When did you get married:
March 20, 2010
Where did you go on your
honeymoon: Nowhere. Being
married to this farmer there are
no vacations!

Q&
A

Q&
A

Q&
A

Kaitlyn Eiden
St. Cloud
Hometown: Albany
Age: 20
Fianc: Christopher Raab (Hometown:
Holdingford)
Occupation: Pricing Manager at Old Navy in
St. Cloud
How did you meet: We met through a few friends
in the fall of 2012. I was busy with school, work and
the Holidays though, so it took a couple of tries before I was able to go on
our first date.
How long did you date before the proposal? We had been dating for one
year, six months and 18 days when Chris proposed to me.
Tell us the story of your proposal: We got engaged in Alaska during a
vacation visiting my parents. During our trip we went down to Homer,
Alaska for a mini vacation during our actual vacation to do some halibut
fishing. After fishing in the morning on July 31, 2014, Chris had asked me to
go for a walk on the beach. As we were walking about, Chris had intentions
of walking about two miles to a rock wall he called it. Well, I was wearing
flimsy sandals and was definitely not planning on walking that far! As we
were walking along, Chris told me that my dad had given him something
that he wanted to show me. I told him to just show me later, because it was a
little windy and I didnt want him to drop or lose whatever it was he wanted
to show me. But he insisted on showing me anyway, and before I knew it,
he was down on one knee! He asked me to marry him at 7:15 p.m. (Alaska
Time), on the shores of Homer, and I couldnt have been more excited to say
yes!
When are you getting married: We are getting married on Oct. 24, 2015!
Where do you plan to go on your honeymoon: We havent quite decided
on a honeymoon destination yet, but I would love to go relax on the beaches
in Mexico. Chris, on the other hand, now his dream honeymoon would be
snowmobiling out West in Yellowstone!

Q&
A

Jean Hellermann
Melrose
Maiden name: Schmiesing
Hometown: Fritz-Melrose;
Jean-Meire Grove
Age: 46
Husband: Fritz Hellermann, 55
Occupation: Fritz Jennie-0
warehouse;
Jean Healthcare, Lutheran
Social Service
How did you meet: We were
camping and Fritz came out for
a visit.
How long did you date: Four
months
Tell us the story of your proposal: Fritz proposed to me in
his trailer house on Halloween,
and his sisters came over and were
the first to find out.
When did you get married:
August 27, 1988
Where did you go on your
honeymoon: Lake of the Woods
fishing at Sportmans Lodge

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Rosie Meyer
Greenwald
Maiden Name: Haider
Hometown: Greenwald
Age: 79
Husband: Phil, 81
Occupation: Phil is a school bus driver and I am
a part-time secretary at the tri-parishes of
Greenwald, Meire Grove and Spring Hill.
How did you meet: Back then, it was
popular for the young ones to go to
dances. Phil and I were both at a
dance in Spring Hill, where we first
met and started talking.
How long did you date: It was
only a few dates before Phil left
for service. We corresponded
with letters for two years while
he was away then dated another
year after he returned home.
It was probably close to three
years that we dated before
becoming engaged.
Tell us the story of your
proposal: It was my 22nd
birthday and Phil and I went to
a dance in Spring Hill. After the
dance was over, he had asked
me to marry him. He kept it a
very good secret because I was
surprised, but after two years of
writing letters I had figured it was
bound to happen at some point.
When did you get married: June
10, 1958
Where did you go on your
honeymoon: North Shore Drive in
Duluth

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Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2015 Page 7

Q&
A

Jennifer Hellickson
Greenwald
Maiden Name: Peters
Hometown: Willmar
Age: 33
Husband: Jason Hellickson
Occupation: Teacher
How did you meet: We were set up by one of my
moms friends. Her daughter is friends with
Jason and she thought we would be a good
match.
How long did you date: We dated for
one year before we got engaged.
Tell us the story of your proposal:
Jason proposed to me on his birthday. It was a Friday and my mom
asked me to drop off a few things
at my cousins house on the way
home from work. I planned on
just stopping by for a few minutes but she kept talking and
talking and I ended up staying
there for awhile. I was anxious
to get home and get ready for
his birthday, plus I had an ice
cream cake in the car that was
melting. When I got home, Jason opened his presents from
me and when he was done he
said that there was one more
thing he wanted for his birthday...and he got down on his knee
and asked me to marry him! We
already planned to go out to dinner
for his birthday so we went out to
celebrate his birthday and our engagement. It turned out that when I stopped
by my cousins house she was stalling
me on purpose. The ring was ready that
day and Jason had to go pick it up and didnt
want me to beat him home. Our families both
knew he was going to propose.
When did you get married: October 5, 2013
Where did you go on your honeymoon: New England. We flew into Boston
and then rented a car and drove through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
We went right after our wedding in October and it was beautiful!

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Q&
A

Mary Ann Middendorf

Melrose
Maiden Name: Van Heel
Hometown: Melrose
Age: 67
Husband: Gene Middendorf, 74
Occupation: Gene is a retired dairy farmer, but still
spends his days helping our son, Joel, out on his farm.
I sometimes work as a bartender at Middys for our two sons.
How did you meet: Gene and I met on a blind date. Our friends set us up
and we had dinner at a drive-in diner that used to be in Melrose.
How long did you date: We dated for a year-and-a-half before getting
married.
Tell us the story of your proposal: There was no proposal. At the time,
we just decided to get married.
When did you get married: February 8, 1964
Where did you go on your honeymoon: Because Gene was busy dairy
farming, we couldnt spend too much time away from the farm. After our
wedding we spent two nights in St. Cloud at a nice motel, touring the city
and having dinners.

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Page 8 Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2014

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they receive appropriate

items from family and
friends. Each of these has
true meaning when they
are given by a person
who is special in the
brides or grooms lives,
o whether they are alive or
n here in spirit.
e That is especially
m true for Kieshia. In her
a bouquet,was one of
e her grandma, Julianna
, Triskos, old necklaces.
On Dec. 15, three
months after Kieshia and
y Chris wedding, Julianna
passed away. Kieshias
memories
of
her
. grandma now include
. how she played a part on
. their wedding day, even
though she wasnt up to
y attending their wedding.
old
s Something
was also evident when
another of my nephews,
Matt Moorman, married
Emily Beuning on Jan.
11, 2014, in Sacred Heart
Church in Freeport.
A few weeks before
the wedding, Barb, the
mother of the groom,
the grooms sister, Krista,
and I were at my mom,
Dorothys, house. We got
on the topic of moms
wedding dress and went
upstairs to take a look at
it. The lacy, long-sleeved
dress had yellowed since
July 6, 1954, when mom
wore it on their wedding
day, but Barb asked if she
could take the veil.
Before Emily and

BRIDES & GROOMS

PREFER THE

Elegance
OF

The something old on Kieshia and Chris Negens

brides table was dads jiggle stick with his lure on
top. Above, they get ready to toast while listening to
a speech made by Chris dad, Jim.

Matts wedding, Barb

showed
mom
that
Michele Schulzetenberg,
from Freeport Floral, was
able to place lace from
moms veil around the
base of Emilys bouquet.
To make it more special,
ribbon from Emilys
mom, Judys, wedding
veil was also in the
bouquet.
Personal items make
weddings special
Im sure dad was
pleasantly
surprised
with Chris and Kieshias
fishing-themed
wedding. Sitting in the
pews, wedding guests
smiled when ringbearer
Tim Spoden walked
down the aisle, with his
sister, Diane, Tim carrying
a fishing pole with a sign
on the back that read, A

Catch of a Lifetime.
I smiled when I saw
my brother-in-law, Mike
Hellmann, wearing dads
favorite red and black hat
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Page 12 Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2014

Doing what she loves

Dorrian follows her heart to make glamorous
weddings come to life
By LIZ VOS

Staff Writer

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natural drive and talent.
Her success stems from
the work ethic and
integrity she was raised
on. And although she only
saw glamorous dream
weddings in movies and
magazines as a child, she
always knew she was
meant to play a role in
one of the most important
days in anyones life: their
wedding.
Brett
(Blonigen)
Dorrian, a 2002 graduate
of Albany High School,
launched Brett Dorrian
Artistry Studios in 2008
and says to get started
in the high-end metro
wedding
scene
she
needed to say yes to
every opportunity that
arose in order to network
and gain notoriety, but
she also needed what she
obtained in her smalltown upbringing.
Growing up here
taught me solid work
ethic and old-fashioned

Brett Dorrian puts the finishing touches on bride

Beth Keatings hair during a wedding day session by
Brett Dorrian Artistry Studios.
values,
Dorrian
explained. In hindsight,
that was really more
valuable than anything
else I have learned.
Dorrian took the
essential building blocks
from her youth and
proceeded to earn her
undergraduate
degree
in studio art and theatre
at the College of Saint
Catherine in St. Paul,
where she later earned
her Masters degree in
business.
I
had
really
wonderful mentors who
encouraged me to go
further, said Dorrian,
who had been exploring
the idea of a career
in
higher
education

leadership. But I came to

a point where I needed to
do what I really wanted.
Before that, I held back
and thought I couldnt
do it because it was too
far out of the box. I had
to walk away from what I
was planning in order to
do what I really love.
What Dorrian really
loves is making dreams
come true for the brides
she feels fortunate to
work with throughout the
year. Its a passion she
has had since she was 15
years old and now lives
out each day in multiple
capacities.
I always knew this
Love continued on page 13

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Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2015 Page 13

Love continued from page 12

was in me, but I was so

interested in the arts and
didnt know such a career
existed where I could
have it all, she said.
Through
makeup,
hairstyling, wig styling,
camera-ready makeup,
tattoo and scar cover and
more, Dorrians team of
trained artists brings elite
and professional services
to brides, grooms and
bridal parties in the
metro, across Minnesota
and beyond.
We go to our
clients, Dorrian said.
Whether that be at
their home, a hotel or
wherever the bridal party
is gathering to get ready,
we are there. We are there
for them at the start of
their special day and our
work stays with them the
entire time, so we have to
do our best every time.
We care for them. It is all
about the client.
Its a motto Dorrian
again attributes to her
upbringing in small-town
central Minnesota, where
helping others and treating
people well was simply
the right thing to do.
When I trained on
the east and west coast, it
just solidified the fact that
Minnesota is really where
I belong. I wanted to be
able to bring the glamour
of New York and Los
Angeles to brides in the
Midwest.
Along with bringing
the glamour to Minnesota
brides, Dorrian has also

Bride Beth Keating got

the look she was looking
for on her special day
with hair and makeup
completed by Brett
Dorrian.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY
BRETT DORRIAN ARTISTRY
STUDIOS.

embraced the opportunity

to bring her experience
back to inspire other
artists and take on the
roles of mentor, teacher
and employer to other
aspiring individuals.
The
dream
is
possible to achieve here
in the Midwest, Dorrian
explained. You dont
have to leave to do this. I
dont want to be anywhere
else. No one is nicer that
people in Minnesota.
Dorrians desire to
stay in her home state has
been met and though she
and her husband, Chris,
who she married in 2007,
have made St. Paul their
place of residence, Dorrian
notes that coming home
is always a joy.

Bride Lauren Carlson and her bridal party gather for a toast after their hair and
makeup was done by Brett Dorrian and her team of artists. Dorrian insists on
making every client feel special, particularly the bride.
My mom lives in St.
Martin and when we come
to visit, it just feels so
good to be back where my
foundation was built, she
said. I have come back
home to do weddings for
friends and family and
they always say they feel
lucky to be working with
me, but I am the lucky one
to come back and do that.
You cannot forget where
you came from.
Success has been
proven over the first years
of Dorrians business
ownership, marked not
only by elated brides
and their many positive
reviews and referrals,
but also by the long list
of awards earned by her

and the team she has

built and mentored. Brett
Dorrian Artistry Studios
is the 2014 Minnesota
Bride Magazine Best Of
winner for bridal hair and
makeup and was a finalist
for the honor four years in
a row prior to the win. The
studio was also honored
with the Peoples Choice
Award
for
wedding
hair and makeup from
Mpls. St. Paul Weddings
Magazine and is a finalist
in the 2014 Diamond
Awards; results will be
revealed in early 2015.
The studio has also been
seen in such publications
as Lavender Magazine
and the Star Tribune and
has made an appearance

on Twin Cities Live.

Through
her
experiences with the
ever-developing wedding
scene,
Dorrian
has
learned a lot and narrows
her suggestions down for
future couples as they
make their plans.
Your wedding day
is likely going to be the
biggest planned event
of your life. Its a day
that has really become a
huge part of society and
its important to embrace
that, she said.
Dorrian suggests that
couples decide on a few
items of importance for
their wedding. Whether
that be hair and makeup,
photography, the venue,

food or honeymoon. Once

those items are agreed
upon, she says those are
the places to indulge and
get the very best.
The other details
of the wedding can be
budgeted a little tighter,
but if there is something
you really envision for
that day, make it happen.

Dorrian, who typically
books her services 12-18
months in advance, also
recommends
planning
well ahead of the wedding
date, noting that many of
the top vendors are owneroperators, which means
they are less flexible with
scheduling because they
can usually only commit
to one wedding each day.
We cannot be in two
places at once, she says.
Plan ahead and you are
more likely to get what
you want.
Giving her clients
what they want is
something Dorrian is
committed to, and while
her services and her brand
are high-end, she points
out that she is not out
of reach for brides on a
budget.
I stay conscious of
pricing in order to stay
accessible to everyone,
she said.
With another wedding
season looming, Dorrian
is excited to continue
combining her hometown
values
with
big-city
training to make dreams
come to life for her
clients; after all, it is what
she really loves to do.

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Page 14 Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2014

The question in the sky

By LIZ VOS

Staff Writer

On a crisp fall morning in 2006, with
the Colorado Rockies as a backdrop,
Tim and I piled into a hot air balloon and
began an ascent above the tree line.
We had been dating a couple years
after having known each other since we
were kids. I had just graduated from
college, and as a gift, Tim planned a
vacation. All I knew was where we were
going and when he took care of the
details.
Tim woke me very early one
morning during the trip, insisting that we
watch the sun rise. I was tired, but pulled
myself out of bed and we hopped in our

rental car.

Tim said he had forgotten something
and had to go back to our room and I
dozed off while waiting for him. I had
been asleep for a couple of minutes
when my door suddenly opened, letting
the chilly air rush past my face. My
eyes bulged open with fright and my
adrenaline kicked in.
It was Tim, but standing next to him
was an older man a stranger. Liz, Tim
said, This Frank, our hot air balloon
pilot.
I was baffled. Apparently, Tim had
been planning the surprise ride for six
months.
We rode with Frank to a vacant field.
I just kept looking at Tim as if to say,
what on earth are we doing? What if
this guy isnt even a pilot?
As it turned out, Frank really was a
hot air balloon pilot and after the balloon

was filled and ready to float, Frank invited

us into the basket, which was barely big
enough for the three of us. I was starting
to really wake up at this point and finally
realized what an awesome surprise this
was.
We rose above the trees and the
city, gazing at the horizon where the
mountains stood tall and the sunshine
kissed the peaks. Below us, cars bustled
along and crisp, fall leaves twitched in
the breeze.
I knew I would never forget this
moment but we needed to take pictures.
Tim leaned down, getting his camera out
of his bag.
He handed me the camera. Take my
picture, he said. It was an odd request
since he was just kneeling on the inside
of a giant basket in the air. But soon, I
found out that wasnt all he was doing.
Just after I snapped his photo, Tim
lifted something shiny up toward me.

I leaned down toward him, my jaw

dropped; it was a ring.
He had gone to an extreme length
to ask me to marry him. He could have
asked me anywhere and I still would have
said yes, but Tim wanted extraordinary.
Our hot air balloon story has been
followed by a thousand other stories and
I love them all. Marriage is hard but its
easy to love someone who goes above
and beyond for me, even to ask a simple
yet profound question.
Seven years of marriage pales in
comparison to the 40, 50, and 60-year
celebrations others celebrate each day.
However, where it lacks in time, it makes
up in content. Our ride was on Sept. 28,
2006, and exactly one year later we were
married.
I look back often on Tims question
in the sky and I smile. It was a beautiful
moment, sparking what we hope to be a
lifetime of adventure.

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Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2015 Page 15

Niehaus enjoys making

s
e
i
r
o
m
e
M
c
i
Mus
By CAROL MOORMAN

Staff Writer

MELROSE Singing comes naturally for Kayla
Niehaus. This vocalist enjoys making musical
memories for brides and grooms on their wedding
day.
Her repertoire of wedding songs she has sung
is growing.
I think my favorite wedding song is The
Prayer by David Foster. It is a beautiful duet
partially sung in Italian. I really enjoy singing this
song because it fits well with the range of my
voice. The hard part is finding a guy who wants to
sing it with me because it is quite high, said this
23-year-old Melrose woman who, at around age
15, sang for her first wedding.
But her love of music goes back to her
childhood.
I was obsessed with Disney movies and
would sing along to every song. Actually, I still do
that! One of my biggest dreams to this day is to be
the voice of a Disney character, she said
She recalls, as a child, being nervous to sing in
front of anyone.
But my sister, Katie, made me do it anyway,
said Niehaus, adding, In a way, I have to thank
her for making me sing. Otherwise, I would have
probably never gotten up the courage to sing.
The first time she sang a solo was as a sixth
grader in the St. Marys Christmas program.
It was during the play, The Missing Magi, and
I was the farmer. That was when I realized that I
really wanted to be on stage and sing! That next
summer I auditioned for my first musical, Damn
Yankees, said Niehaus, who lives on a fourthgeneration dairy farm about two miles north of
Melrose, with her parents, Anthony Butch and
Mary Niehaus, and her four-year-old daughter,
Elise. Niehaus has two sisters, Katie and Kristie,
who live out of town.
Niehaus just finished her second quarter at
Rasmussen College in the Professional Nursing
program and works part time at Pine Villa Care
Center in Melrose as a nursing assistant. When
she is not doing homework or working, Kayla is
running around with Elise, which usually means
we are in the barn since she loves the kitties.
Elise is also a big fan of Disney, so we sing a
lot of songs together, especially from Frozen and
The Lion King, said Kayla.
So, its like mother, like daughter, when it
comes to singing.
Niehaus hasnt had a lot of formal training,
taking only one semester of private voice lessons
in college a few years ago.
I would love to take more private lessons to
see what I could all achieve, she said. Sometimes
I will sing with Andrew Engel, and he gives me
some pointers. Maybe someday, when I am not so
busy, I will be able to take some lessons again.
She has sung for weddings, funerals,
anniversaries and the national anthem for high
school state tournaments.
Her first time singing for a wedding was in
May of 2006.
I was a terrified eighth grader, and my mom
had to drive me to the rehearsals in Sauk Rapids,
she recalls.
She feels honored when asked by family
members and friends to sing at their weddings.
I think it is a lot of fun singing for family and
friends, yet I get a little nervous. I do not know
why, but singing in front of family and friends is
more difficult than singing in front of a group of
unfamiliar people. My family hears me sing so
often they know pretty much everything I have
done. I think that I just want to make sure I do my
best because they will be able to tell if I am not

with Brides and Grooms

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

Kayla Niehaus and Jesse Kuechle sing during a wedding last January at Sacred Heart Church in
Freeport. Calli Poepping accompanies them on piano.
on my A game, she said, adding. I know its just
singing, but I take it seriously. Its like a job. I want
to do what I am hired to do well.
Once contacted by a couple to sing for their
wedding, she sends them a list of the wedding
music she has done.
This just gives them a place to start, if they are
stuck and havent been able to think of anything
they like, said Niehaus. I ask that I have the final list
of wedding songs at least three weeks before the
wedding. This gives me time to learn new songs,
find any additional music and gives the pianist
time to practice as well.
If a couple wants a song not on her list of
wedding songs, she is willing to learn it.
If I dont have the music I will go online and
see if I can buy it and print out a few copies. Then I
can give a copy to the accompanist, if they do not
have it, said Niehaus. If its very unfamiliar, I will
listen to it on YouTube so I can get an idea of how it
goes. Then I will sit by my piano and practice it until
I know it.
I want to do everything I can to help make
their wedding special, she said.
That new song is added to her collection of
wedding songs.

Since Niehaus does not play piano while singing
at weddings, they also discuss an accompanist,
and she will give the couple a list of people she
recommends, unless they have someone in mind.
I am willing to work with anyone, she said.
Ashley Klaphake and I have worked together
for many years. I have done quite a few weddings
with Calli Poepping and Andrew Engel as well, said
Niehaus.
As a vocalist, for about 50 percent of the
weddings she has sung alone and the other 50
percent with another vocalist.
I have sung with other talented musicians,
such as Jesse Kuechle; my uncle, Bob Niehaus,
Amy Borgerding and Andrew Engel, said Niehaus,
adding, I enjoy both singing alone and with
others. I think when there are two voices, it can
really bring some dynamics into the music. Then
we can do harmonies that can give a song a little
extra something.
Song choices often depend on where the
wedding is taking place.
Some churches require all the songs to be

religious, while others allow more modern songs. I

have sung quite a variety of music, from Schuberts
Ave Maria to the Jackson 5s I want you back, said
Niehaus.
Many parishes want to see the music before
the wedding and will say if something needs to be
changed.
Niehaus said weddings take more planning
than other events she has sung for.
There are so many options when it comes to
wedding music, and a lot of the time people have a
hard time choosing, she said, adding, Well, that is
not always true. Some couples know exactly what
they want right away and it is extremely helpful!
If there are other accompanists, such as a
guitarist, violinist and other singers, rehearsal
times have to be coordinated, which sometimes
can be challenging. That was the case the time
she sang with a string quartet and musicians came
from all over the state.
All of the weddings Niehaus has sung for have
been in churches; most with unique stories.
Weve had a groom almost pass out, the
ceremony almost going completely backwards,
even bats flying around during the vows, she said.
Wedding music has changed over the almost
10 years Niehaus has sung.
When I first started, most of the music chosen
was very traditional, religious church music. This
past year almost every wedding I sang for had at
least two country songs. I sang for close friends
at their wedding and they chose country songs
for almost everything except the Mass music, she
said.
God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton has been
very popular the last two years, Niehaus said.
Niehaus said there are many wedding songs
she loves, and she has a couple in mind for when
she gets married.
They are all very non-traditional songs, mostly
from musicals, so hopefully wherever I have my
wedding, they will let me use them, she said. Also,
during my wedding or reception I would like to
sing to my husband-to-be. But it will be a long time
before that will happen, so I have time to work out
the details.
Niehaus looks forward to making music
memories for brides and grooms for years to come.

Page 16 Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2014

The
dream
is
real
Donabauer revamps salon, creates stylish space fit
for wedding day preparations

By LIZ VOS

Staff Writer

AVON Missy
Donabauer
still
has
surreal moments as she
bustles through her work
at MD Salon & Spa along
Avons Main Street.
Though it will be a year in
February since the dream
of owning her own salon
became a reality, some
days it just doesnt feel
real.
I still cant believe
it sometimes, Donabauer
said as she sat in the
newly-renovated
guest
and waiting space at the
salon. This year flew by
and it has really come
together.
Donabauer
has
worked hard over the past
year, managing through
the
renovations
that
transformed two separate
spaces of a salon and a
laundromat into one wideopen space, complete
with an expanded guest
seating area, stations for
manicures and pedicures
and two private massage
rooms that can also be
opened and connected for

couples massages.
The original salon
space has not changed
a whole lot, but it was
given some new touches
to match the renovations
on the other side of the
building,
Donabauer
explained. Now its
really a lot more open and
there is plenty of room for
large groups to be here
together.
Part of Donabauers
mission when she began
renovations was to be able
to accommodate the larger
groups that often come
when wedding season
arrives. Groups of up to
15 people have come in on
the morning of a wedding
and the expanded space
allows them to relax
and enjoy the start to the
exciting day ahead of
them.
We have counter
space near the seating area
for bridal parties to use if
they bring snacks or if they
want to enjoy mimosas
while they get their hair
done, Donabauer said.
It can get a little chaotic
at times, but we make it
fun for them. Having this

Sam Gertken prepares for a pedicure appointment in

the newly-renovated spa space at MD Salon & Spa.

extra room to relax is

helpful.
Donabauer
and
her team look forward
to wedding days. The
emotions and anticipation
of the group paired with
seeing the transition
right before their eyes
brings a huge sense of
accomplishment to the
stylists.
Its so fun for us
to see them make the
transition from when they
walk in the door to when
they leave, Donabauer
said. We have even had
bridal parties get dressed
here, which is even more
fun because then we get to
see the final product.
In her experience,
Donabauer offers two
pieces of advice to brides:
dont forget the veil and
start hair appointments
as early in the morning as
possible.
One of the most
common
things
that
happens is that a bride
will forget her veil on the
morning of the wedding,
said Donabauer. She has
a lot to think about that
day and the veil is not at
the top of the list.
In regard to time,
rushing is not ideal for
such an important detail
of the day. The earlier the
better, she says.
All in all, the added
space has created an
atmosphere of style,
relaxation and fun, which
is just what Donabauer had
in mind when she began
making the big transition.
The final product is also
a physical reminder of
the accomplishment of
reaching her goal.
I started out by
doing my friends hair for
their weddings and really
enjoyed it. Now I have
come this far, she said.
Its been flying by but it
is so exciting to actually
see it happening, even if
it doesnt always seem
real.

Missy Donabauer stands at the entrance of MD Salon & Spa. Through

renovations over the course of the past year, Donabauer replaced a
laundromat with an open seating area; manicure and pedicure stations and
two massage rooms.

A spacious and welcoming seating area was a priority in the renovation plans
for the salon. PHOTOS BY LIZ VOS

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Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2015 Page 17

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Page 18 Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2014

Farm continued from page 3
also signifying the many places in the world Ann and Chris had visited that were
important to them.
Guests were given pint-sized mason jars decorated with their names
on chalkboard stickers. The jars were used to drink their beverage of choice
throughout the night and then bring home as a wedding souvenir. Centerpieces
consisted of wood slabs, mason jars, and the flower arrangements put together
by the family. The wood slabs were taken from a downed tree in the woods on
the farm that Chris cut up specifically for the occasion.
One day he was chain-sawing all day and then cutting out paper hearts at
night, said Ann, describing the array of responsibilities that goes with a farm
wedding.
The guests didnt sit on folding chairs or church pews, but instead on straw
bales covered in canvas. Some guests arrived early to enjoy yard games and
explore the farm before the ceremony was to begin at 5 p.m. There was a shuttle
to and from Sauk Centre, but those who drove parked in a nearby alfalfa field
behind the house. Portable bathrooms included rugs, tables and a full-length
mirror.
The day began perfectly, the sun shining and the temperature a comfortable
75 degrees. But as with any outside wedding there were concerns about if the
possibility of inclement, which was forecast on this September day. In fact the
forecast called for 100 percent chance of thunderstorms from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
But dealing with weather was nothing new to the Vogt family, who immediately
went to work.
We watched the radar closely and realized it was imminent, Ann recalled.
We took down the ceremony site and we covered the
bales and seats with plastic that we normally use to
cover piles of feed, and weighed it down with tire
bead.
The only difference was the workers were dressed
in expensive suits and sleek shoes instead of dirtcovered overalls and muddy boots.

The family and wedding party watched from inside the house while sipping
cocktails and eating snacks as 60-mile-per-hour winds swept through, shaking
the tent. A shuttle full of guests arrived mid-storm, but they found shelter in the
tent and started in on the cocktails.
The storm eventually passed and the family went back to work.
All the men in suits stacked tire beads and pulled off the plastic and our
family and friends helped set everything back up, said Ann.
The ceremony began on time, but as soon as the wedding party started
walking down the aisle the clouds reappeared and the wind picked back up.
I was sure it was going to rain again, said Ann.
But as Canon in D started to play and her father took her hand and began
walking her down the aisle, the clouds parted and the sun came out.
I cant say it wasnt a little chilly, but I didnt notice, she said.
For farmers, rain can be a blessing. When it did rain again later in the night, it
brought everyone inside the tent for dancing.
I wouldnt have changed a thing, said Ann.
Ann and Chris both received positive comments from guests, many who have
never been on a farm before.
Everyone loved seeing the cows, and especially the young calves, Ann said.
They were all fascinated by the daily workings on a real dairy farm.
As the guests milled about many of Anns family members answered
questions about the farm and farm life. Local guests were unfazed and did their
share of explaining country living as well.

Farm continued to page 19

veryone loved seeing the cows, and especially the young calves. They were all
fascinated by the daily working on a real dairy farm.
~ Ann Vogt

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Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2015 Page 19

Farm continued from page 18

Baking for your

A common question was what we did with the cows in the winter, said
Ann. There were also a lot of questions about the machinery, the crops,
feeding, milking and the big piles covered in plastic and tires.
For the guests it was an educational experience of sorts, but for Ann it was
a homecoming.
The farm has always been central to our family, she said. I value having
grown up on the farm, and I cant think of a better way to develop a strong
work ethic than working your butt off every day.
Ann, who now lives in California with Chris, said she misses the wide-open
spaces, the beautiful starry skies and the miles of dirt roads she ran down and
explored as a kid. It is is why the most important day of her life was held at the
place that has held her heart for so many years.
It meant the world to me to have it here, she said. We are proud to call
this place home and share it with our family and friends. No matter where in
the world I am living, the farm is still my home, and I really couldnt imagine
getting married anywhere else.

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Page 20 Star Publications - Wedding Planner - January 2014

LAST SINGLES NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN?

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Melrose, MN

320-256-6001