Wedding Day

Shepherd of the Valley Church

Ceremony

Belle Ame Vineyard

Reception

The Future LaLonde’s

Grace Renae Gierke & Nicholas John LaLonde

Our Wedding

Cole and Grace met at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, in the fall of 2019. They had several classes together, but despite all that time in the same room, Cole was too shy to talk to her. They finally spoke at a party. Later, Cole got Grace’s number from a friend, and they chatted occasionally. Then came covid, and were sent home from school and they lost touch. Cole wasn’t going to return to UMary, and life took them in different directions—until fate (Vaughn Dienhart) stepped in. Almost two years later, Grace and Vaughn were celebrating a friend’s birthday when Vaughn, knowing Cole liked Grace, spontaneously FaceTimed Cole while she was baking a cake. He answered, and, the two reconnected. At the time, Cole was finishing school in Missouri, while Grace was back home beginning her super exciting career in HR. Cole asked to see each other once he came home, and when the day finally came, they went on a dinner-and-movie date. They hit it off so well that they completely lost track of time, showing up 20 minutes late to the movie. Meanwhile, Cole, in awe of Gracie, made sure to get another date on the calendar immediately. Over the next two years, they navigated long-distance, deepened their faith, and spent a lot of time focused on baseball. They quickly realized how much they had in common—summers at Cass Lake, Cole living next door to Grandma Bonnie, fishing, and, most importantly, their shared dream of building a Christian family. Then, on January 11, 2025, Cole proposed—making Gracie the happiest girl alive.

Our Beginning

Our Story

The Union of Nicholas John & GRACE Renae

After this date at the Twins game we went to the Minneapolis sculpture garden where we talked until the sprinklers turned on - Cole later proposed in the exact spot. 

Our First Photo

Photos

Jill Rossi has been Grace’s best friend since freshman year of college, and from the start, their bond was strong. Jill is the funniest person in the world, bringing laughter and joy into every moment they share. Through the years, they’ve grown together, deepening their faith and encouraging one another to embrace their femininity as daughters of Christ.  Despite living over a thousand miles away they talk everyday. Jill is truly one of the most incredible people Grace has ever known, and their friendship is a gift beyond words.

Jill Gallien

Will is the Grooms younger brother and has been his best friend since day one. They bonded over video games, baseball, and spooky things. Will is playing for the Waconia Lakers the 2024 Class C state champs for townball. He is also a West Ridge legend. -Cole 
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Will or better known as, "Boss" has been incredibly welcoming and kind ever since Grace was introduced to the family. Will is thoughtful, considerate, and extremely funny. He’s always kind to Grace and, despite his preferences, can often be convinced to play board games with Cierra and her. His humor make every moment more fun, and Grace is grateful to have him as a future brother-in-law.

Will LaLonde

Rosie is Grace’s younger cousin, but more than that, she is the sister Grace never had. Ever since they were young, they have been close—spending summers together, dancing in the car, and creating memories filled with laughter. Their friendship is one of a kind. Grace has always invested in Rosie’s life, looking out for her and helping clear a good path ahead—just like a loving older sister would. Through the years, Rosie has grown into an incredible young woman, and Grace couldn’t be prouder to have her not just as family, but as a lifelong best friend.

Maddie Rose Hart

Sam has been one of Cole's closest friends since they were in High School together. They bonded over baseball, fishing and comedy.

Sam Thoresen

Jill is Grace’s sister-in-law, but long before that, she was someone Grace admired. Ever since seventh grade, Grace looked up to Jill, a high schooler who always went out of her way to include her. From the very beginning, Grace was Jill’s biggest fan—secretly (or not so secretly) rooting for her and Max’s love story to align. When Jill became part of the family, Grace was ecstatic! Jill has a servant’s heart, always putting others first, and her kindness and thoughtfulness know no bounds. She has been an incredible role model and is a true woman of God.

Jill Gierke

Mitch has been an amazing friend to Cole throughout the years, they have been friends since elementary school, even going to the family lake cabin at Cass Lake back in the day. They went to one year of college together at UMary. They became close through baseball and fishing.  Mitch has been losing to Cole in Catan for years!

Mitch Oehme 

Amber is Grace’s future sister-in-law! Grace absolutely adores Amberoo. She is like a beaming light, bringing warmth and joy wherever she goes. Plus, she laughs at everything—meaning even Grace’s worst jokes have an audience! Amber is one of the sweetest and kindest women Grace has ever met, and from the moment they met, Grace has been eager for the day Amber would officially join the family.

Amber Robey

Max, Grace's older brother has been a great mentor and friend since Grace and Cole began dating. Max is a great board game player but don't let him change the rules!!! - Cole
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Max, Grace's big brother has been someone Grace has looked up to. He has been a role model for what a Christ centered marriage looks like. Since Grace was young, he has encouraged her in her faith, always offering wisdom and support. Beyond that, Max is just a fun, goofy guy to be around—bringing laughter and joy wherever he goes. He has been an incredible big brother, and Grace is forever grateful to have him in her life.

Max Gierke

Tia and Grace met in 2022, and from the start, Grace knew how incredible she was. Over time, they grew closer, and Grace remembered thinking Tia is the kind of person you wish you had met sooner—she radiates light, bringing joy to everyone around her. She’s funny, sweet, and incredibly thoughtful. Grace and Tia share a bond over their love for fitness, reality shows, beauty, dancing and all things girly, making their friendship effortless and full of fun.

Tia Aljets

Paxton has been a close friend of the groom since college at UMary, they bonded well over their fondness for the college, and both interestingly departed from it a year after joining. They grew close from baseball but they stayed close by being a part time brother and roommate.

Paxton Thompson

Cierra—Will’s girlfriend and proud dog mom to Cole’s furry nephew, Ralph—has been a wonderful friend to Grace over the past few years. From countless weekends spent together in Minnetonka to endless board game nights, reality TV binges, and embracing their roles as baseball girlfriends, Cierra and Grace have found so many things in common. Cierra is witty, funny, and always knows how to make any moment more fun. She’s also incredibly supportive, caring, and full of love—someone who brightens Grace’s week without fail. A veteran of the LaLonde family, Cierra has welcomed Grace with open arms, making her feel right at home.

Cierra Nagovsky

Hank has been a very funny and good friend of the groom since he has dated Grace. They have bonded over lots of time with the Gierke family. Hank enjoys being out fished by the Groom on a regular basis - Cole

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Hank is Grace’s younger brother and one of her favorite people in the world. His energy and humor make every experience more fun, and he has a way of bringing joy to any moment. Growing up close in age, Grace and Hank had their fair share of arguments—but even more laughter and unforgettable memories. Now that they’re older, Grace deeply appreciates their bond and loves spending time with him. Having Hank by her side on such a special day makes it all the more exciting!

Hank Gierke

Kate is Grace’s future sister-in-law, and there’s never a dull moment when she’s around. She is extremely funny and has a way of bringing energy and excitement wherever she goes. Kate cares deeply for her family and always finds ways to show her love and support for them. Grace is excited to join the family and have Kate as a sister in law. 
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Kate is Cole's younger sister and has been trying to follow in his footsteps since day one... just kidding all she did was get in trouble.  - Cole

Kate LaLonde

Vaughn Dienhart is the most interesting man in the world don't get it twisted... Vaughn was roommates with the groom for a year at UMary and has been pushing himself to the limit, starting an app, almost qualifying for the Olympic trials for Javelin, and pushing his delusion to new heights. Vaughn also set the Bride and Groom up so he is a real matchmaker!

Vaughn Deinhart

Elise, Grace's good friend, first met playing Junior Olympic Volleyball for the same club in high school, but their paths truly crossed post-grad when they started their first full-time jobs together. Their days at the office were filled with laughter, and even after moving to different companies, their friendship remained just as strong. Elise is kind, supportive, and has a calming presence—someone you can always count on for fun and great conversation.

Elise Banitt

Big Al has been a very close friend for a long time. Cole and Alex played baseball together when they were 15, and then again for two years at Century Community College.  They bonded over baseball, volunteering for Gopher and Viking football games, and serious competition on the sports court.

Alex Evenson

Victoria, Grace’s cousin, is one of the sweetest and most helpful young girls. She is growing into a strong woman of faith, and Grace couldn’t be more proud of her. Every week, they get to see each other at church on Wednesdays—Victoria as a student in ministry and Grace as a small group leader. Victoria is a fun, goofy, and joyful presence, always bringing laughter and light to those around her. Grace loves spending time with her and cherishes their bond. Growing up, Grace spent her summers watching over Victoria and her sister, Alexandra, and it has been incredible to see Victoria grow into the amazing young lady she is becoming.

Victoria Palodichuk

Don't ask Evan about Philadelphia sports, somehow this cowpoke from Oklahoma is a diehard Eagles and Phillies fan and he'll let you know about it. Please don't leave any preworkout, energy drinks, or highly caffeinated drinks with you. Evan is like a bloodhound for that stuff. Evan was a roommates with Cole for one year at Central Missouri and has been an incredible friend to both Grace and Cole since.

Evan Jacoby

Natalie, Grace’s cousin, was like the sister she didn’t have growing up. Many of Grace’s earliest childhood memories were spent with Natalie—whether it was Grace happily "playing" by cleaning Natalie’s room or Natalie pretending to be a spelling teacher (both things they desperately needed help with). Through the years, their bond remained strong, filled with laughter, love, and a shared appreciation for early 2000s Barbie movies. Today Natalie is still one of the sweetest, funniest, positive girls and Grace loves spending time with her. Natalie is someone Grace will always cherish.

Natalie Gorres

Schroeder one of the grooms' roommates for two years at Central Missouri. They bonded over making fun of their other roommate Evan and making terrible takes about sports. He also enjoys meowing and if you give him 20 bucks he will meow for you.

Cole Schroeder

Xandra is the cutest funniest little girl around. Gracie and Cole love being her cousin.

Alexandra

Little Ruth is the cutest baby ever. Being an Aunt has brought Grace so much joy in life. 

Ruthie Gierke

Ralpha is the cutest pupper ever and we love being his aunt and uncle.

Ralpha Anakin LaLonde

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Timeline

Near University of Wisconsin River FallsMake yourself at home in one of the 80 guestrooms. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and toothbrushes and toothpaste. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards, as well as phon

Radisson Hotel River Falls

Near Hudson Hospital & ClinicMake yourself at home in one of the 99 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. LED televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and complimentary weekday n

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hudson I-94 an IHG Hotel

Travel

Our wedding is a formal celebration. Ladies, we kindly ask that you wear a floor-length gown, cocktail dress, or other formal attire. Gentlemen, a tuxedo or suit is appropriate. Our wedding colors are shades of pink and black. While not required, you’re welcome (and encouraged!) to incorporate them into your look if you’d like to match the celebration.

The cocktail hour and dinner will be held outdoors. Since late September weather can be unpredictable, Ladies we recommend bringing a shawl.

Grace and Cole