A Classic Waterfront Wedding at the Town Green in Maple Grove, Minnesota

As students at Minnesota State University, Andy (36 and a firefighter) and Nick (36 and a bank manager) met in late 1998 in Mankato. "We first connected on the internet and have been inseparable ever since our first date," Nick says. Once Andy proposed in their favorite vacation spot of Duluth, the two began planning their classic outdoor wedding in Maple Grove. "After being together for 14 years, it was no surprise that we were ready to get married," Nick says. "But the proposal made it even more special. Andy designed my ring with the help of our local jeweler." The two exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony at the town green park, situated on a peninsula on the lake with a pergola overhead. "The days leading up to the ceremony were very rainy, but there wasn't a cloud in the sky the day of our wedding," Nick says. Once the two finally said "I do," they joined family and friends in a reception at the nearby Lookout Bar and Grill, where guests enjoyed traditional BBQ treats and entertainment from the couple's favorite band, Maiden Dixie. "After dinner and cake, we served pizza to make sure our guests didn't leave hungry" Nick explains. "Our friends and family are so important to us, so we truly wanted our wedding day to celebrate not only the two of us, but the supportive people in our lives as well."