I’ve always been drawn to my family’s history. From a young age, I spent hours of family gatherings holed up in closets with albums and boxes of letters and images. Flipping through the pages, holding scallop-edged photographs and turning them over to memorize the names of my ancestors sparked in me an interest in documentation. I find myself today doing that very work, through both writing and photography. Weddings are one of my favorite places to be with my camera—rivaled only by the process of creating this weddings issue of White Bear Lake Magazine.
I feel I’ve found a kindred spirit in one Emma Sharpe, who is also entranced by her family history. You can read about the journey of her heirloom wedding dress, which was lovingly altered by Reyna Becerra of Reyna’s Alterations.
Happy stories are such a light in these times, and we’ve devoted this issue to love stories. Writer Jennifer Pitterle shares the multicultural wedding of White Bear Lake’s Nicholas Langevin to Chơnhạnh VũVân. Landon and Samantha Hoppe celebrate their reception at The Charleston Event Center, complete with a first dance on the patio under string lights, delicious food from Stonehouse Catering and stunning photos on a dock overlooking a serene pond.
There are infinite ways to celebrate love. While weddings are an important milestone for many, the building of years and life and love is just as beautiful. Writer Emily Gedde connected with Kelly Koerpel, the officiant and planner behind Cheers My Dears, to learn more about what vow renewals can look like. Koerpel has some sweet experiences to share from couples who are choosing to recommit to each other later in life.
Happy New Year, Readers!
