The Wilderness Lodge and Cabins

Rehersal Dinner

Wilderness Wedding Barn

Wedding Day

Unplugged Ceremony

Reception

Wilderness Lodge

After Party

Our Wedding

Adam and Claira’s story began in a very unconventional way and that pattern continues throughout their relationship. Adam and Claira met on a dating app with 80 miles separating them. After several weeks of texting and phone calls Adam decided to drive to meet Claira for their first date. Looking back, Adam says he almost turned around because he was scared he was being catfished. Thank goodness he didn’t because it was an instant connection.&nbsp; Shortly after they met the pandemic hit, and the only thing to do was to spend time together which only strengthened their bond. Adam began making trips to visit Claira weekly, and Claira spent weekends at Adam’s. It was not long before the two decided to move in together, and Claira was making the daily commute to and from work.&nbsp; The two fell hard and fast for each other, but when you know you know. Adam and Claira knew they were going to get married, and wanted forever to start tomorrow, so they decided to elope! Adam’s brother Chris, married them in the woods near their house where they frequently hunt together, and the rest is history. Adam and Claira are looking forward to renewing their vows and celebrating their marriage with their closest friends and family, including you!

Our Story

Photos

Emily Phinney 

Matthew Kroll

Wedding Party

Q + A

215 miles from Minneapolis qualifies as up North, making it a little challenging to find lodging. These are a few suggestions Adam and Claira reccomend!

Timberwolf Inn is a adorable, pet friendly hotel that is a 5 minute drive from the venue. There is a resturant attacthed to the hotel that has the best chicken alfredo!

Timberwolf Inn

Hotel Rapids is an extremely cute, pet friendly hotel located in Grand Rapids. It is approximately a 45 minute drive from the venue. There is also an attatched resturant and it is located right next to Taco Bell!

Hotel Rapids

The Country Inn &amp; Suites is a clean apealing hotel in Grand Rapids and is approximately 45 minutes away from the venue. It is dog friendly and has a pool. It is also located right next to the Judy Garland museum.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids, MN

Travel

Whether you plan on heading home after the reception or plan on enjoying your weekend up North, Adam and Claira recommend a few activities.

The Scenic State Park is a gorgeus state park located between Coon Lake and Sandwich lake right outside of Bigfork. This state park is known for having excellent hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, fishing, and bird watching.

Scenic State Park

Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center is a visitor and environmental education center, and is a fantastic place to get Northern Minnesota souvenirs. There is also a short walking trail to a beautiful lookout of Ranier Lake.&nbsp;

Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center

The Judy Garland museum is located in Grand Rapids and features item’s highlighting Judy’s life including her 1920’s birthplace home as well as a Wizard of Oz collection.&nbsp;

Judy Garland Museum

Thunder Alley is a great place to do some bowling or play some games in their arcade. Everyone loves bowling!

Thunder Alley XL & Big Thunder Mini Golf

Things to Do

Registry

The Wilderness Wedding Barn is truly a breathtaking venue. Adam and Claira were blown away the first time they drove up to the property. The cathedral is surrounded by large, lush pine trees and is accompanied by crystal chandeliers hanging overhead. The barn has beautiful shades of wood as well as high ceilings that create a spacious and inviting atmosphere. Bring your dancing shoes because Adam and Claira can not wait to dance the night away with you! More details can be found below:<a href="https://wildernessweddingbarn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wildernessweddingbarn.com/</a>

Claira & Adam

Claira & Adam

C&A

Wedding Day

3:00 PM–3:30 PM

Unplugged Ceremony

4:00 PM–10:00 PM

Reception