An Intimate, Nautical Wedding at Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte, Minnesota

John Smetana (28 and a physician's assistant) and Andrea Enerson (31 and a respiratory therapist) first met in college but worked together at a hospital for three years in North Dakota. John ended up going to a Physician Assistant school in Iowa and it wasn't until he returned on break when they became good friends. John went back to school and the two kept in touch for 6 months before they were able to have their first date. After John graduated, they were finally able to begin their relationship. John started working at a rural hospital in Nevada where he would work 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Whenever he was not working, he flew back to North Dakota to be with Andrea. As Valentine's Day approached, John told Andrea he would not be able to fly to her for the holiday due to his work schedule. Unbeknownst to Andrea, John really was able to get time off. On Valentine's Day, Andrea found a note on her steering wheel leading her to clues that eventually led her to John who was waiting on one knee to propose. John and Andrea chose to have an outdoor ceremony at the Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte, MN overlooking Lake Superior. Both dressed in J. Crew attire, John in a navy, gingham collared shirt with a navy vest and tie and Andrea in a strapless, chiffon dress with a fitted bodice and added crystal belt. They chose not to have a wedding party except for Andrea's sons who walked her down the aisle in navy bow ties and suspenders. "We wanted to have a very relaxed feel and our wedding day fashions reflected this," Andrea said. Their color palette of navy and soft pinks reflected a nautical feel while mason jars holding peony-based bouquets at the reception "gave the shabby chic feel in a minimalist sort of way." After the reception, John and Andrea spent time with their 30 guests down by the lake skipping rocks and making s'mores. "The day was about us and being with the people who meant the most to us and supported us." John and Andrea's wedding was just the relaxed and intimate day they had hoped for.