They have to thank mutual friends who inadvertently introduced them during a Facetime call a few years ago. His best bud and her gal pal were both chatting over the video platform when Marty spotted the hot brunette casually hanging out in the background. The couple wouldn't formally be introduced to each other until sometime later during a coincidental run-in at Gathofs in Minneapolis. And while Marty's first impression of Courtney might not have been love at first sight, what with the casually perched beer on her chest while she greeted him, it didn't stop him from asking her out on a real date at Bar Louie later that week.

When Marty was ready to take their relationship to the next level, he spent countless hours trying to figure out how to surprise Courtney with a proposal she would never suspect. This was a pretty tall order for him because anyone who knew Courtney knew she was the type of gal who always found the hidden Christmas presents her friends and family tucked away for her every year.

On a crisp morning in October, Courtney bounced around the house eagerly preparing for what she thought was a routine trip to Aamodt's Apple Farm with Marty, her sister, and her adorable nieces. She didn't have a clue that all of them were in on the surprise of a lifetime. While they picked and ate their way through the orchard of honey crisps, Courtney spotted a photo opportunity with the pretty apples in the background and grabbed her phone to capture a few candid shots of the day's adventure amongst the beautiful greenery. Finally, after some prodding by Courtney's sister to grab a few shots with her nieces without their jackets, Courtney discovered Marty's proposal when she unzipped them to read the phrase plastered on the back, "Make Funcle Marty Official!"

It would take her a few minutes to realize what was happening and when she turned around there was Marty with a ring box, down on one knee, delivering the most heartwarming proposal speech she'd force him to repeat later because in that moment she was so surprised and overcome with emotions, she actually blacked-out.

When it was time to plan her wedding, Courtney knew The 3 Ten Event Venue was the place it had to be. The gorgeous venue was the perfect space to hold their intimate celebration of love that felt just like the night the pair celebrated their engagement with all their closest friends and family.

Courtney made a stunning bride…and many thanks to hair stylist - Paige Palma with Juut salon
and makeup artist - Katie Kirckof Speer for providing gorgeous hair and makeup services…

Just look at her smile…totally understandable how Marty was smitten simply seeing Courtney on a Facetime screen!

I know I say this often, but–really–I’m lucky to work with gorgeous couples…inside and out!

Good people hang out with good people and Courtney and Marty are a perfect example of this notion…this group of gals and guys were top notch. Funny, kind, and all around great people to be around…

I always love the moment when a bride and groom descend the aisle as husband and wife…true bliss…

I was especially excited for the reception because Courtney and Marty decided to ditch the wedding cake in favor of donuts from  Angel Food Bakery.

I’ll end on these photos because they spent the night celebrating their love in the arms one another and their loved ones and carrying on the family tradition of signing “Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters!

VENDERS

Ceremony venue - The 3 Ten Event Venue
Reception venue - The 3 Ten Event Venue
Photographer - Rachel Smak shooting for Bellagala
Hair stylist - Paige Palma with Juut salon
Makeup artist - Katie Kirckof Speer
Donut Table - Angel Food Bakery
Florist - Bellagala
Dress shop/designer - Raffine Bridal

Tux- Mens Wearhouse

Bridesmaids dresses - Show Me Your Mumu
DJ/Band/musicians - Bellagala