Wedding Day

Blue Haven Barn and Gardens

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour, Bride & Groom Photos

Dinner and Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

How They Met It all began in the most traditional of ways: college.Jacob transferred to Northwestern College in the fall of 2021, starting his junior year just as Clare began hers. Through Clare's connections in the band program, she shared many friends with residents of Jacob's dorm wing. However, their own friendship took time to develop. Jacob needed space to adjust to his new environment, while Clare was navigating a particularly challenging period in her college career. Strengthening Their Bond Spring 2022 marked the beginning of their deeper connection. Campus-wide events, including 'Humans vs. Zombies' (a week-long game of infection tag), brought them together more frequently. Their friendship blossomed through Walmart adventures with mutual friends, and Jacob found himself increasingly drawn to Clare. He attended every one of her band concerts and recitals, and when Clare invited him for Easter lunch and they began attending church together, their bond strengthened. Jacob eagerly anticipated their weekly encounters, especially Sunday evening campus praise and worship services. The Summer The summer of 2022 proved transformative for their relationship. Their constant text exchanges allowed them to share more openly, growing increasingly comfortable with each other. As the days passed, they eagerly planned for their upcoming reunion on campus. Making it Official Back at school, their relationship quickly deepened. Jacob returned early as part of the orientation staff for incoming freshmen, spending his free moments watching Gravity Falls with Clare, delivering pie to her in the rain when she was sick, and playing pool together in the dorm lobby. Their first official date took them to the town's "Thanks with Franks" event, where they strolled the streets sampling various sausages from local vendors. Soon after, in the Fireside Room of Ramaker, Jacob asked Clare to be his girlfriend—and she said yes. Fall Retreat During fall break, they attended the campus retreat at West Okoboji. Despite Jacob's struggles with the spider-filled, cold cabins (which often led him to spend nights in the event center basement), one particular morning became unforgettable. When Clare joined him early one day, they decided to watch the sunrise from a small dock on the water. There, on September 25, 2022, Clare expressed her love for Jacob—and he reciprocated. Christmas Break The holiday season brought a significant milestone when Clare joined Jacob's family in Washington State. Jacob proudly showed Clare his childhood home, family church, the Olympic National Park, Seattle, and the Pacific Ocean. They later celebrated New Year's with Clare's family in Iowa. Finishing College and After Their final college semester passed swiftly, with Clare completing her teaching requirements and Jacob immersed in chemistry tutoring and directed studies. They graduated in May 2023—Clare with a B.A. in Secondary Music Education and Jacob with a B.A. in Chemistry and Mathematics. Clare secured her position as Band Director at Spirit Lake Middle School in February, while Jacob later accepted an Associate R&amp;D Chemist role at Diamond Vogel in June. Despite living in different cities—Jacob in Orange City and Clare in Spirit Lake—they remained close, with Jacob frequently visiting on weekends and holidays. The Proposal In summer 2024, Jacob began contemplating proposal plans. Their previous visit to a jewelry store (for Clare's birthday earrings) had given them both insight into their preferences for rings. While Clare anticipated a Spring 2025 proposal, Jacob secretly purchased her dream ring in August 2024. After receiving both families' blessings, he chose Friday, September 13, for the special moment. Almost two years after they first declared their love, Jacob proposed at sunset on the shores of West Okoboji. Our Wedding Now, we stand ready to begin our greatest adventure: marriage. We're overjoyed to celebrate our love surrounded by family and friends. We look forward to dancing, creating precious memories, and stepping into this new chapter together. Thank you for being a part of our story. With love, Clare and Jacob

Our Story

Photos

Katie Struck

Ellie Struck

Theo Jongerius

Stephen Danner

Wedding Party

**2:00 PM – Photographer Arrives** - Photographer captures venue details and pre-ceremony moments. **2:30 PM – Bride &amp; Groom Prep Time + Getting Ready Photos** - Final touches for hair, makeup, and dressing. - Photographer captures candid and posed shots of both the bride and groom, including wedding party if desired. **2:45 PM – Solo Portraits of Bride &amp; Groom** - Individual photos of the bride and groom before the ceremony. **3:00 PM – First Look with Bride’s Father** - Emotional moment between the bride and her father, captured by the photographer. **3:15 PM – Wedding Party &amp; Immediate Family Relaxation Time** - A brief break to freshen up, hydrate, and prepare for the ceremony. **3:30 PM – Guest Arrival &amp; Pre-Ceremony Entertainment** - DJ plays light background music as guests arrive and take their seats. - **Guest Welcome Table / Activity** (guest book, Polaroid station, advice cards, etc.). **4:00 PM – Ceremony Begins** - Guests are seated; ceremony lasts around 20-30 minutes. **4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour (Reception Location)** - Guests enjoy drinks, appetizers, and board games in the reception area. - **DJ-Hosted Icebreaker Game** to keep guests engaged. - **Table Games Available** for guests to enjoy while waiting for dinner. - **Photographer Captures Portraits in Separate Area:** - **Family Portraits (Immediately After Ceremony).** - **Wedding Party Photos (After Family Photos).** - **Couple Portraits (After Wedding Party Photos).** **6:00 PM – Dinner is Served** - Buffet meal; tables dismissed one by one. - **DJ entertains guests** with interactive games, music, and light commentary while tables wait for their turn. **7:00 PM – Toasts &amp; Cake Cutting** - Speeches from wedding party and family. - Cake cutting (optional). **7:45 PM – Sunset Photos** - Bride and groom step out for golden-hour portraits. **8:00 PM – First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance &amp; Mother/Son Dance** - Newlyweds share their first dance. **8:15 PM – Dancing Begins** - Guests hit the dance floor, and the party starts. - **DJ keeps energy up with occasional group dance songs and interactive games.** - **Board Game Lounge remains available** for guests who prefer a relaxed activity. **9:30 PM – Last Dance** - Final song for all guests to gather on the dance floor. **9:45 PM – Sendoff** - Guests line up for the couple’s grand exit (sparklers, confetti, etc.).

Detailed Wedding Day Timeline

3:30 PM – Guest Arrival & Pre-Ceremony Entertainment     4:00 PM – Ceremony Begins    4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour (Reception Location)  - Guests enjoy drinks, appetizers, and board games in the reception area.     6:00 PM – Dinner is Served - Buffet meal; see our website's Menu tab for meal details.   7:00 PM – Toasts & Cake Cutting   8:00 PM – First Dance, Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dance   8:15 PM – Dancing Begins - Guests hit the dance floor, and the party starts.    - Board games remain available for guests who prefer a relaxed activity.     9:30 PM – Last Dance  - Final song for all guests to gather on the dance floor.     9:45 PM – Sparkler Sendoff

Wedding Day Timeline

White Truffle Parmesan Tomato BitesBite sized tomato filled with Boursin cheese, parmesan, white truffle oil, black salt, and green onion. Caprese SkewerA cold skewer of Genoa Salame, grape tomato, fresh mozzarella, and pesto vinaigrette.

Cocktail Hour

Entrée Options Grilled Chicken Medallion with Rosemary Garlic Parmesan Cream Wet Aged Certified Black Angus New York Stripwith Horseradish Feta Crema SidesRomaine Salad, Roasted Carrots, Roasted Red Potatoes, Bread and Butter

Dinner Menu

Tiger CakeA blend of white and dark chocolate. White Chocolate Raspberry CakePure white chocolate &amp; rich raspberry in 3 delicious layers.

Clare & Jacob

Clare & Jacob

C&J

Wedding Day

4:00 PM–4:30 PM

Ceremony

4:30 PM–5:30 PM

Cocktail Hour, Bride & Groom Photos

6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Dinner and Reception