A Backyard Wedding in Grand Forks, ND

Both Grand Forks born-and-bred, Nile and Derek didn’t meet until a mutual friend -- from Norway, no less! -- introduced them and the pair hit it off immediately. On April Fool’s Day two years later, Nile was waiting outside of Derek’s parent’s house when their dog ran out the front door. He had a giant red bow tied around his neck, which was attached with a white box holding the ring. When Derek knelt to propose, Nile assumed that it was just a joke he had plotted with his mom, who is a notorious practical joke. She almost brought him to tears with her rant about his scheme, but his honest embarrassment finally convinced her of his sincerity -- and she of course accepted! The Bride Nile A. Spicer, 28, property manager The Groom Derek E. Kobetsky, 27, property manager The Date July 18 Both Derek and Nile’s families are from Grand Forks, so a hometown wedding was a natural choice. They held their ceremony on a warm summer day in Nile’s aunt’s house, on a tree-lined street with a huge backyard. Her aunt planted hydrangea, their wedding flower, in the garden especially for their wedding. The couple used nature as their inspiration and decorated with soft, romantic colors.