I’ve always been drawn to my family 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 to the back to memorize the names of my ancestors, sparked an interest in documentation. I find myself doing that very work today, 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 St. Croix Valley Magazine, of course!
This issue is centered on two love stories. Western Wisconsin natives Caitlyn and Dalton Lyons tie the knot at La Pointe Events. It’s a celebration filled with fun, guest-driven details, from personal mini cakes for each guest to an Espresso Martini ice luge. And on page 20, we speak with a pair of Stillwater lovebirds about their golf course wedding day, planned to perfection by the bride herself.
Writer Jennifer Pitterle connected with Kristen Iburg Meyer, the owner of The Jeweler’s Bench (and designer of the Lyonses’ rings), to learn more about what’s trending in engagement ring design. Iburg Meyer shares insight into ring stacks—narrow bands that allow the wearer to add rings for important milestones after the wedding, including anniversaries and vow renewals.
There are infinite ways to celebrate love. While weddings are an important milestone, the building of life and love through the years is just as beautiful. For folks who are looking ahead to their children’s weddings, don’t miss managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester’s dive into wedding prep for parents. It’s a go-to guide we hope you return to when the time comes.
