An Evening at The Charleston

by Zoe Yates | Jan 2026

Photos: Hailey Nelson Photography

The historic mansion provides a serene setting for one couple’s June nuptials.

Leading up to Landon and Samantha (née Maul) Hoppe’s June wedding, the forecast called for a 99 percent chance of rain—and rain it did. As the pair exchanged vows at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul, surrounded by 170 of their closest family members and friends, rain pattered against the stained glass.

But after the rings were exchanged, kisses shared and the marriage license signed, the Hoppes exited the church to good weather. “It just quit raining the entire day and was sunny and beautiful,” Landon says. “It was a blessing.”

The Hoppes met as children in a 4H Club in the Mankato area. Years later, they exchanged personal vows at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul.

The flow of the day was of the utmost importance to the Hoppes, and they chose The Charleston Event Center in White Bear Lake as their reception venue for its blend of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. “[We] just fell in love with The Charleston Event Center’s team and just the aesthetic of the space,” Samantha says. Guests arrived for a cocktail hour on The Charleston’s main floor with windows overlooking the idyllic pond and patio. “It was very peaceful,” Samantha says.

: Samantha Hoppe wore a sheath dress with a statement-making detachable bow, complemented by a cathedral veil handmade by her great aunt, Lori.

: Landon Hoppe selected a blue suit, along with a set of cufflinks and a watch that belonged to his late grandfather.

Dinner was served in the elegant ballroom on the lower level. The meal was a priority for the Hoppes, who did multiple tastings before settling on Stonehouse Catering. Dinner started with a Caesar Salad, followed by a main course of Marry Me Chicken or Braised Beef served with mashed potatoes and green beans almondine, and a vegetarian pasta option. Stonehouse also provided a selection of mini desserts for guests, and the head table shared a small marble cake with vanilla buttercream made by Queen of Cakes.

Samantha fondly remembers her first dance on the patio with her father, Jeremy Maul, to the tune of The Skye Boat Song, the main theme of the TV show Outlander, “a show that we both enjoy,” Samantha adds. Maul, of Scottish heritage, donned a kilt for the occasion. “I don’t know if it was the kilt or just the enthusiasm of our dancing, but he almost dropped me,” Samantha says, describing a moment where the duo nearly fell over. “It was a silly moment that definitely stuck with me.”

Landon and Samantha Hoppe wedding details shot

As the sun set, the couple walked out to the pond to enjoy a serene moment together. As they turned to head back to the party, Landon recalls the moment he caught sight of their guests, dancing and laughing on the patio. It remains his favorite memory of the day. “It just really made me think of how appreciative we are … looking out and seeing everyone having a great time,” he says.

Landon and Samantha Hoppe outside church