Black Woods Event Center

LaValley Reception

Our Wedding

It all started with a wedding.. Josie and Mike met a few weeks after Josie's brother, Justin, married his wife Amanda in June of 2017. As one does, Josie got her nails done for her brothers wedding and then of course after the wedding she went it to have them removed. That particular Friday morning Josie landed in Mikes chair at the nail salon. A friendly conversation was struck and needless to say, Josie was smitten: and so was Mike. Mike later messaged her on Instagram, because that's what millennials do, and they planned their first date! The first date was at the now defunct Endion Station on the shores of Lake Superior. Mike had offered to pay for her parking, and he was so nervous he didn't know how to use the park and pay machine! They both ordered a drink from the bar Josie a Duluth Mule and Mike a Hot Apple Toddy. The funniest part was what Mike ordered for an appetizer...vegetables with hummus HAHAHAHA (if you know Mike, that is definitely not a typical order for him). Josie on the other hand ordered a giant soft pretzel with cheese. After a few dates they officially became a couple. Mike was introduced to Josie's daughter Kahlea and her pal Bruno in August of 2017 and a family bond started to form. After dating for a while they found the cutest loft to call home in the beautiful Hunter's Park neighborhood in Duluth. Over the next few years the family learned a lot about love, compassion, understanding and accepting each other. Now fast forward to spring of 2019 when Mike started to plan his proposal to Josie, of course with the help of her family. It took not one, not two, but THREE attempts for a successful proposal!! July 4th, 2019 Josie and Mike had planned a quick weekend trip out to Colorado to visit their friends Jake and Brenna and Josie's sister Amber and brother-in-law, Adam. Mike had plans to propose to Josie at a beautiful scenic overlook a top a mountain with breathtaking views... BUT .... the ring didn't quite make it to Colorado with Mike. OOPS. Attempt at a proposal number two. It was July 12, 2019 Mike's 27th birthday and the trio had plans to go for a nice evening stroll and dinner to celebrate. Despite it being Mike's birthday he had taken charge of where they were going and actually was keeping it a surprise from Josie. Upon arrival at their destination Josie seen her parents waiting in the parking lot... at this point she started getting a little suspish about what was going on. Despite her suspicions they all ventured into the wooded trails of Jay Cooke State Park. Everyone was enjoying good conversation and even stopping to take a few family photos when all of a sudden things took a turn for the worse. Momma Val (Josie's mom) took a fall down a boulder and ended up spraining her ankle!!! OUCH! After making sure Momma Val was ok, the trio grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed back home for some much needed R&amp;R. Attempt number THREE. In the late hours of July 12, still Mikes birthday, he had another plan brewing. Amongst the flickering light of over 100 lit candles in their little apartment Mike asked for Josie's hand in marriage. Of course, despite her crying like a baby, she was able to mutter the words: YES! After all the botched attempts at a proposal this way was just what Josie had dreamt of. Mike also wanted to make sure Kahlea felt special and a part of this new chapter so he got her ring that looked just like Mommy's. The newly engaged couple was set to say their vows in a small beach ceremony in Hawaii summer of 2020, however COVID had other plans for them. January 23, 2021 the couple eloped in a private ceremony surrounded by towering pine trees in the beautiful Lester Park in Duluth, MN. Now the newly weds can't wait to celebrate with their loving friends and family!

Our Story

Photos

Amber Doe

Jake Turkowski

Kaylee Hagen

Victor Turkowski

Marissa Anderson

Johnny LaValley

Jessica Madsen

Jason Ojala

Wedding Party

Q + A

We currently have 10 rooms under our Wedding Room Block, but may be able to expand this number should the rooms fill up quickly.

AmericInn by Wyndham Duluth South Black Woods Event Center

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

We are so incredibly thankful for the effort you'll be making to join us for our special celebration. Your presence in itself is a present to us! But if you would like to purchase a gift for the LaValley family please follow the link to our Amazon registry or a monetary gift would be greatly appreciated. https://www.amazon.com/wedding/share/mrandmrslavalley

Gift Registry 

Josephine & Michael

Josephine & Michael

Wedding Party