Woodland Glasshaus at Bavaria Downs

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Sarah isn’t just Clara’s little sister—she’s her whole soul, partner-in-chaos, and the only person who can out-sass her on a good day. Growing up, Sarah mastered the art of being adorably annoying yet indispensable. These days, she’s graduated to being Clara’s go-to partner for six-hour Facetime chats, scheming ways to annoy Andrew, and coming up with wildly unnecessary inside jokes that literally no one else understands. She’s Clara's  best friend, confidant, and the one person she trusts to make sure she doesn’t ugly cry in front of the photographer.

Sarah MacIlravie Canas

Clara and Kristine met during high school soccer practice—Kristine was legitimately injured, and Clara was faking one to skip conditioning. A friendship built on mutual avoidance of cardio blossomed quickly, thanks to their shared, chaotic sense of humor and ability to find the absurd in just about anything. Back then, Clara worked at the coffee shop next to Kristine’s Qdoba, ensuring a steady supply of caffeine and burritos to fuel their antics. Years later, Kristine remains one of Clara’s most trusted and hilarious people. Kristine’s daughter, Harper Laramie, will be making her debut as the world's cutest flower girl.

Kristine Huff

Clara and Adriana met at a party freshman year and quickly discovered they were living in the same dorm, a twist of fate that led to one of Clara’s most cherished friendships. The two became best friends expeditiously (because, obviously), later becoming roommates and spending countless hours watching movies, binging TV shows, eating ice cream, and hiking through the Black Hills like they were in a coming-of-age film. Adriana is the ultimate low-maintenance friend who’s always down for anything, never demands a lot, and somehow still gives everything. 

Adriana Ortiz

Clara met Hayley in Wallerstein's Shakespeare class in college, where Hayley somehow made two broken legs look graceful. Their friendship was cemented over a shared love of writing, reading, sour beers, and self-depreciating jokes. Basically, they bonded over being insufferable literary nerds. As fate would have it, Hayley and Clara both got engaged in the same year and will be married in the same year, proving once again that they’re in sync—almost too much. Hayley’s quick wit, creativity, and ability to keep up with Clara’s nonsense makes her Clara's BFFL. 

Hayley Bowen

Clara and Annabel met at a Chamber mixer, and their brain cells immediately clicked into the same frequency. What started as a casual meeting quickly turned into an inseparable friendship built on workout classes, couch-rotting marathons, and a shared commitment to being just a lot-a bit silly. Though Annabel is Clara’s shortest friendship, it has come with a massive impact, the kind that makes life feel lighter and louder in all the right ways. If Annabel were a day, she would be partly cloudy, 73 degrees, birds chirping, and the kind of weather that makes you want to be present.

Annabel Dirksen

Clara met Laura on a Wednesday night at Covert while Clara was bartending, and what began as a casual shift quickly turned into something much more meaningful. From that night on, their friendship blossomed into one filled with being weird, “podcasting” at coffee shops, fawning over Japanese stationery, and wandering through downtown Sioux Falls. Laura brings creativity, curiosity, and glee to everything she does, making even ordinary afternoons feel special. Clara is grateful for the giggles, conversations, and adventures they have shared, and for the many still to come.

Laura Wolf

Clara met Jaci through volunteering with the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network, though their friendship did not start immediately. When Jaci invited Clara to coffee, Clara was fully convinced she was in trouble for not attending enough ribbon cuttings. Instead, that coffee turned into the start of a genuine and easy friendship. Since then, they have spent countless hours working out together, enthusiastically complaining about working out together, and balancing sweat sessions with quieter joys. Jaci and Clara bond over books, crafting projects, and the simple magic of being twenty-somethings figuring life out side by side. Jaci brings thoughtfulness, creativity, and steady friendship to every space she enters, and Clara could not imagine this season of life without her.

Jaci Pieters

Sutton is Clara’s bonus daughter-to-be and built-in best friend, a role she fills with equal parts sparkle and chaos. She is one of Clara’s favorite people to be weird with, whether they are adding far too many chocolate chips to their pancakes, inventing new dance moves in the kitchen, or planning their next round of perfectly PG shenanigans. Sutton brings endless creativity, curiosity, and joy into Clara’s life, filling ordinary moments with laughter and imagination. Clara feels incredibly lucky to get to love Sutton, cheer her on, and grow alongside her. She could not ask for a more fabulous junior bridesmaid or a more magical new family member.

Sutton Uttecht

The best man of the groom Levi Butts (stiffle your laughter). Levi and Andrew were forced into friendship through student housing at the South Dakota School of Mines. Being one of 3 other roommates, Levi and Andrew bonded over studying less than they should, Andrew driving him around since he didn't have a car and enjoying a beverage or two while rushing Triangle Fraternity.

Levi Butts

Coming in at a close second, Alex and Andrew have been best of friends since Kindergarten at St. Martens in Huron, SD. Bonding over Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and any other 4Kids property at the time, this friendship has stood the test of time as either are willing to talk about complete nonsense for hours on end. 

Alex Ketcham

Andrew's oldest friend Tate, has been around as long as either can remember, through the help of their mom's friendship. Through school, hunting and various sports, Tate and Andrew have been staying out of trouble for coming on three decades. While both have lived in various parts of the state, as well as Tate traveling outside of it, their friendship remains strong through music, comedy and unsolicited advice.

Tate Sporrer

"Richard," as he likes to be referred to, is another South Dakota School of Mines and Triangle Fraternity alumni. Richard wasn't interested in entertaining any fraternities, but Andrew and Levi convinced him to because there was free food. The most studious on this list, Richard sometimes acted as a necessary counter-balance to the other brothers. It should be noted, however, that this only meant that when Richard cut loose, he did it in a big way. This is exemplified in his impromptu flip-cup record at his own bachelor party (6-0), which was against another bachelor party. We don't think Richard even remembers this. Richard and Andrew stay in touch through Richard's A+ holiday cards, phone calls (when Andrew actually answers), and Andrew entrusting Richard with his life hiking, which he has a perfect record of.

Sterling Richard

Chris and Andrew are another luck-of-the-draw scenario. During Andrew's first semester at college, he briefly met Chris at Triangle Fraternity. Afterward, Chris went on CO-OP and returned the next school year. By happenstance, Chris was included in a group chat with fellow Chemical Engineering Major Ashur Fleming, of which Andrew was a part. After watching the entirety of the "Yemes" playlist, it was hard to argue their collective brain cells hadn't rotted together. Chris and Andrew have maintained a friendship through various adventures and weddings since they are always willing to talk about their cats.

Christopher Arnott

Andrew and Keyin met at a leadership retreat in college, to which Andrew thought, "That kid is really annoying; I don't like him." Little did he know Triangle Fraternity would make him a pledge later that semester. Andrew's opinion improved slightly after getting to know Keyin a little better. As the year progressed, they became closer friends as they worked together in various leadership positions at Triangle. Once Keyin started playing video games with Andrew, Levi, and company, the rest is history. Keyin and Andrew stay in touch through video games, nonsensical group chats, and the occasional big trips with Fraternity brothers.

Keyin Burrel

James "Jimmy" "Encyclopedia James" "Mr. Salinas" Salinas has been a steadfast friend since moving to Huron in high school from North Dakota. James, wanting to make friends, decided it best to shave his head entirely as to not scare the other teenagers. From playing pickup basketball to pickup ultimate frisbee, James didn't care if he and everyone else lacked the skills to be good. What James lacked in ability to dunk he more than made up for by being a talented musician, primarily on the guitar and karaoke. James spends his free time being a father to two wonderful children, Auggie and Ella, a wonderful husband to his wife, Emily (a wonderful music teacher/singer/musician/wife/person). It should also be noted James is a second rate Pokemon trainer.

James Salinas

Last but not least is Nathan Ziliak. To quote Nathan's first words to Andrew, "Hi, I'm Nathan, I really like it here, the guys are great, and it's a lot of fun," or something cringe like that.  Nathan ended up joining Triangle Fraternity and quickly went from fedora-wearing-nerd to douchey-gym-bro, who wins over his future wife in the process. Now, this is a guy Andrew can be friends with. They lived together briefly for a summer, went to the gym, ate each other's snacks without asking, and have been incredibly close ever since. Nathan and Andrew keep in touch through more unsolicited advice, complaining about work, and lots and lots of pictures of each other's dogs.

Nathan Ziliak

Wedding Party

Q + A

The Woodland Glasshouse at Bavaria Downs is a stunning venue featuring floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking greenery views. Its modern elegance and natural charm provide a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth, creating an unforgettable setting for any celebration.

Tell the receptionist the hotel block is under "Uttecht"!

AmeriVu Inn and Suites -Waconia/Minneapolis

Located in Chaska, 7.5 miles from Paisley Park, TownSquare Place has accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a garden and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers free WiFi. The hotel has family rooms. Lake Harriet is 22 miles from the hotel, while Mall of America is 22 miles from the property. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 22 miles away.

TownSquare Place

In Chanhassen, Minnesota, Country Inn &amp; Suites offers free parking, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV. Chanhassen Dinner Theater is right across the street. All the modern guest rooms at the Country Inn feature a kitchenette with microwave, fridge and tea and coffee facilities. Some rooms include a sitting area. A buffet breakfast with hot and cold options is served each morning. Drinks and snacks are offered at the High Timer Lounge, featuring an oak bar and a large fireplace. Free coffee and cookies are available at all times. Guests can work out in the fitness center or relax in the hot tub and indoor swimming pool. The front desk is available 24 hours. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is 3 miles away. The Bearpath Golf &amp; Country Club is less than a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Chanhassen MN

Less than 19 mi from the Minneapolis - Saint Paul Metropolitan area, this Shakopee hotel is a 20 minutes' drive from the Mall of America. It offers an indoor pool located in a large central atrium. Flat-screen satellite TVs and free WiFi access are available in every room at the Baymont by Wyndham Shakopee. Some come with a microwave and fridge. Guests can enjoy 2 indoor hot tubs, a fitness center, and games room. There is a 24-hour front desk featured at the Baymont by Wyndham Shakope. A continental breakfast is severed every morning. Additional meals can be enjoyed at the on-site Arizona's Steakhouse and Lounge. Valleyfair and the Renaissance Festival are within 1.9 mi of the property.

Baymont by Wyndham Shakopee

Located in Shakopee, 10 miles from Paisley Park, Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Shakopee provides accommodations with free bikes, free private parking and a fitness center. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a business center and free WiFi. Target Field is 23 miles away and U.S. Bank Stadium is 23 miles from the hotel. Guests at the hotel can enjoy an American breakfast. Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Shakopee offers an indoor pool. Mall of America is 17 miles from the accommodation, while Lake Harriet is 18 miles away. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 17 miles from the property.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Minneapolis Shakopee

TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Eden Prairie features free bikes, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and shared lounge in Eden Prairie. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business center. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located 7.4 miles from Paisley Park. Certain rooms here will provide you with a kitchen with a fridge, a dishwasher and a microwave. Buffet and American breakfast options are available at the hotel. TownePlace Suites Minneapolis Eden Prairie has a grill. Mall of America is 10 miles from the accommodation, while Lake Harriet is 10 miles away. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 11 miles from the property.

Towneplace Suites By Marriott Minneapolis Eden Prairie

Travel

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre horticultural garden and arboretum. It'll be beautiful this time of year, and you can buy tickets in advance! (Clara strongly recommends that you visit).

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Como Park Zoo &amp; Conservatory is free and open to newcomers and frequent visitors alike all year long. You can see arctic foxes, flamingos, giraffes, lions, orangutans, sea lions, wolves, and so much more! If you're staying near Chaska, the zoo is a 40-minute drive from the venue.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

The Minneapolis Institute of Art collects, preserves, and provides access to works of art from around the world. Assuming that most of our guests are staying within the Minneapolis area, this is a must-see!

Clara & Andrew

Clara & Andrew

C&A

Wedding Day