Courtney had spring break at school and she and Luke wanted to get away. So they talked to Luke's sister Jen, and she had timeshares she wasn't going to be able to use, so she aske if they wanted to pick one. They picked to go to Breezy Point, MN for a long weekend. It seemed like a fun place to get away, and a bonus, was Luke has an aunt and an uncle that own a pizza place up there, so they would have great pizza!

As it got closer to the weekend, Jen asked if they would take pictures for her as a favor. The story was, Jen's youngest son, Riley, was graduating and needed senior pictures done. Their aunt had a friend that was a new photographer and she offered to give a trial run for photos--just to make sure they were good. And since the two of them would be in the area, Jen asked if they would do it. Obviously, Courtney jumped at the opportunity to take pictures with Luke, so it was set. They would take them on that Saturday.

Courtney and Luke set off for Breezy. When they left Mankato, it was 80 degrees. When they got to Breezy, it was 32 degrees and cold. There was still ice on the lakes. They checked in and got some dinner, then settled in for the night. The next day, they hiked and enjoyed the chilly weather before getting ready for the photo shoot. They got ready and set out to find the photographer's house, where they would start the session. Little did Courtney know, this was all a big plan ready to unfold.

About 5 minutes before they got to the destination, Courtney got really nervous and told Luke she was. It was weird, but left as fast as it came. They started taking pictures and had fun, but it was cold. They went to a park close by and took some pictures there too. On the last path they took, Courtney was told to leave her coat on a trailer close by so it wouldn't be in the way and they were directed to hold hands and walk through the gate down the path. So they did. As they started going, Courtney noticed an altar set up with drapery, a bottle of champagne, some candles, and a few other things. She thought it was weird, asked the photographer if she had set it up and she said "no, that was just here. Weird isn't it?" Courtney agreed and continued walking. As she walked, she turned her head to the right and saw a phone sticking out of the trees. She looked back at the altar and looked to the right again and saw it was a blonde woman, which meant Nicole or Jen. Then it all clicked. There was a photographer taking pictures, someone was recording, and it was just them...all things Courtney asked for in a proposal. As this is all clicking, Luke stops walking with her and turns her towards him. He said her full name (she looked over her shoulder and it was Nicole filming them!) and continued his speech before getting down on one knee. Neither of them remember what he said and it wasn't caught on film, but it was still the best! He asked that amazing question, pulled out that absolutely gorgeous ring, and she said "ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!" They kissed and hugged and Courtney was in such shock--all for a great reason though!

After some more pictures and letting things sink in, along with Nicole starting to help fill in some gaps, we went for pizza. When we walked in, Luke's aunt met them at the door and was so happy for them! The place wasn't too big, but she took us to the back for more space. When she opened the door, there were a bunch of family there to surprise the newly happily engaged couple!!! The rest of the night was making phone calls to more family, friends, and lots of celebrating!

Some of the gaps that were filled in was the fact that Jen had plenty of timeshares to use...they were all staying at the other end of the resort! The photographer was someone they hired and she had been doing this for 30 years. The scheme to get Courtney up there was all a hook line and sinker kind of operation-and it went off without a hitch! The ring was something that Courtney had gone and picked out with Nicole--who had already been in there with Luke a few times to pick it out, but she gave the final approval, without knowing it. Also, the jeweler was in on it all and was showing Courtney her ring the entire time!

All of it was perfect and everything went off without a hitch--even if Eric almost gave the whole thing away by not checking in at the right time! Thankfully, he knows how to hide behind his hat when he drives and Courtney is oblivious to many things it seems.

C&L

Ceremony

Reception