A trip to the Winona County Fair in 2021 turned into forever when Zoë and Derek crossed paths while supporting their friends in the trailer races. While neither expected this particular type of meet-cute, their connection was instant, and both decided to take a chance on love. They were also kind enough to share their perspectives on that night.
Zoë wrote,
“Amid the cheers and excitement, Derek made the first move in a playful way… That playful exchange broke the ice. I wasn’t sure what to think of him at first… until he rolled up in a shiny blue truck. At that point, I figured he might just be worth a chance. From that moment on, our connection only grew stronger. What started as a fun, spontaneous night turned into the beginning of our lifelong adventure together. Never did I think I would end up marrying a hard-working, Wisconsin farm boy like Derek, but I couldn’t imagine my life without him.”
Derek wrote,
“When I first saw her that night, she caught my eye right away, and I just knew I had to make a move. It must have worked because I have since traded in the blue truck for a red one, but the girl decided to stay around. It’s funny how life works out sometimes. I never enjoyed school much, I even paid someone to do my homework for me. Fast forward to today, and I find myself doing homework voluntarily…and marrying a teacher. It’s safe to say that if anyone had told me back then that I would end up where I am today, I would not have believed them. But I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out.”
A couple of years later, Derek surprised Zoë with a proposal on the last day of her first year of teaching. With the help of another teacher, who helped him into the building, he waited on one knee for Zoë to return after dismissing her students for the summer. She described the surprise as, “The perfect ending to one chapter and the most beautiful beginning to the next.”
The Wedding
Capturing the memories topped Zoë and Derek’s priority list for their big day, which meant hiring a photographer and a videographer was a must. forhisGlory Photography by Artina Becker and Blue Tie Productions preserved every detail, from morning preparations to reception dances.
For couples currently in the wedding planning process, Zoë advises,
“Spend the money on what’s truly important to you. For me, that was our photographer and videographer. They were both absolutely amazing, so easy to work with, and made the planning process so easy! The photos and video are something we’ll cherish forever, and I’m so glad we made that a priority.”
Florals and guest experiences were next on the couple’s list. They envisioned a modern, simple design with rustic charm and pops of colorful wildflowers. The Crossings Center, located in Lewiston, MN, offers indoor and outdoor spaces to celebrate. The rural property was the perfect step away from the city bustle, while still being accessible for guests–and a perfect backdrop for Zoë & Derek’s beautiful day.
Fashions for the day stayed classic, with Derek, bridesmaids, and groomsmen all in black. Bridesmaids wore matching, floor-length gowns with short mesh sleeves, and groomsmen wore black suits with black shoes, white undershirts, and black ties. Derek stood out slightly, opting for a black undershirt and accessorizing with a floral boutonniere.
Zoë found her dream dress at The Dress by Morgan Lynn. The whimsical gown featured layers of lace and tulle, with a structured bodice, thin straps, lace appliqués, and a full princess skirt.
Glam and Glow styled hair and makeup for the day. They elevated Zoë’s natural beauty with peachy eyeshadow, thick lashes, and a warm, subtle lip. Her hair was a more relaxed take on the traditional updo, with textured pieces and face-framing curls.
After a memorable first look at engaging private vows, the couple tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony, framed by a natural brick backdrop and sweeping greenery.
In addition to the black and white color palette, the assignment for the bouquet florist was “wildflower brights.” Zoë imagined bouquets that looked natural and freshly picked from the garden, and Heartland Store MN delivered. The bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets were a joyful, lively mix of white anemones, peach daisies, white cosmos, white lisianthus, chamomile, blue delphinium, and more.
The floral arrangements at the ceremony and reception were homegrown by Zoë’s family.
A coordinated sibling dance was one part of the reception that stands out to Zoë. She reflected,
“A few nights a month before the wedding, [my siblings and I] secretly got together to plan a dance. It was our little tradition. We’ve done a surprise dance at each of my siblings’ weddings, so it only felt right to keep it going for mine. Derek had absolutely no idea it was happening, which made it even more fun! We performed it right after the father-daughter dance, and my dad even did a few moves to help get it started! Some of the guests who had been to my siblings’ weddings were waiting for it, but for everyone else, it was such a fun and unexpected surprise. It’s a memory I’ll never forget!”
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