Spirit Mountain

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Home Address 3339 Vermilion Trail Makinen, MN 55763

Our Wedding

We are so thrilled for you to be a part of our special day!

Our journey began after a very memorable first date that lasted over 12 hours and 2 meals! I know, it's hard to believe that the two of us could talk for that long! :) We both left that night thinking that we were on the verge of something special. Conversation and laughter spread with ease as we learned a lot about one another in those early months.

We bonded over commonalities such as love for the outdoors, bird watching, good food, fun facts, sports, and being hilarious! There is never a dull moment when we are together. We are so thrilled to have found the person who makes everything in this life more enjoyable and easy at the same time. :)

Our family and friends mean so much to us, it was evident right from the beginning that building relationships with our loved ones was the way to our hearts! Ryan's first experience with Laura's friends was driving out to a wedding in Bayfield on very little sleep. Once we arrived he had the privilege of meeting and hanging out with Laura's Bulldog basketball friends the whole night! Including staying in a hotel room with 7 of her friends! :) To no surprise Ryan fit in seamlessly with everyone and we had a fabulous evening! After meeting friends and spending time together, we’ve never looked back. Ryan and Laura have expanded our circle of friends, and we are beyond thankful for our continued joyful memories and experiences with everyone.

Ryan has had a lot of fun turning Laura into quite the fisherman! Laura has not only survived, but thrived and enjoyed adventures like ice camping in the portable ice house, and a grueling 15 mile trek into the Boundary Waters. The memories we have made on the water and ice have become some of our favorites.

Over the years we have both felt so welcomed and loved in one another's families. We love spending time together; whether it's cooking family recipes, hiking, playing Kubb, exploring the woods or just being together. We are blessed in so many ways!

Our Story

My amazing little sister, best friend, strongest support and partner in silliness! I'm so happy to have Becca standing up next to me on this special day. Whether it's helping me problem solve, a quick hello to check in, or a smile to brighten the day, Becca has always been there for me. She helps me to shake it off when I take myself too seriously, is my lead in quoting Friends and by my side when we laugh until we cry! I would not be able to get married without my wonderful sister supporting me!

Becca Bernhagen

Derrick and Ryan have worked together since 2016. They share a passion for the outdoors and have spent countless hours on the lakes, ice, and duck sloughs chasing those pursuits. Derrick has out fished Ryan on all but 3 of their fishing outings, but who's counting? Derrick has also guided Laura to most of the walleyes she has caught in her life. 

Derrick Deutsch

Kelcie and I quickly became friends after years of softball, volleyball and mutual friendships. We have the same humor and knack for laughing way too hard at the wrong time! ha ha Through all our summer activities, Bike Tour, and "Kelcie & Laura's Day of Fun" or making random days the best ever, our time together is the greatest! I am so happy that we have continued to build our friendship over these years. Kelcie is such a thoughtful and supportive person, I am lucky to have her by my side. 

Kelcie Smith

Andy and Ryan met playing baseball together in 2007 at Central Lakes College. They shared a similar love of the game and sense of humor and have stayed friends ever since.  Andy and Ryan can quote Bad Boys 2 from start to finish when they are together. 

Andy Jorges

Tiffany and I went to the same high school, although we were a few years  apart. Through playing up on sports teams and having a lot of things in common, we quickly became friends! Tiffany can read any situation and come through with a funny line to make me laugh, or a kind shoulder of support when I need it. With T-Money around, there is never a shortage of laughter! Her kindness radiates through her smile and infectious personality. I'm so glad to have her in my life and standing by my side!

Tiffany Montgomery

Ryan met Cody at the federal law enforcement academy in Georgia in 2011 where they were the smallest and largest people in the class. Cody lives in Illinois, but has come out to North Dakota hunting with Ryan's family several times. Cody and his son Noah even came up to Minnesota for an ice fishing trip and braved the -30 temperatures on Red Lake with Ryan and Laura. 

Cody Alger

Stephanie and I played basketball at UMD together, where we created a special bond and many wonderful memories. Between beach days on the boat or hikes around the area, we always find a memorable way to spend time together. Steph is up for anything, except ice camping, ha ha Stephanie and her husband Brian have a boat that we love to take on Lake Superior adventures. Ryan and Brian connect over fishing and navigating; while Steph and I are in charge of snacks. I am so happy she is in my life sharing in this special day. 

Stephanie Wedlund

Tom and Ryan grew up together in the early 90's playing mite hockey and baseball together in the days of mullets and zubaz.  Despite not being able to see each other often with Ryan's moves all over the country, Ryan and Tom have remained close friends that fall right back into line whenever they are together.

Tom Wall 

Around our college years (same school, different years GO DOGS!) ha ha Kylee and I quickly blended our circle of friends. Whether it's March Madness Friday or a few stops for pull tabs before camping, bonfires taller than the house or parties with more dogs than people; we always have a great time! Kylee has very similar interests to Ryan and I, so it's easy and fun to spend time together! I value Kylee's playful spirit and her love and support. 

Kylee Smith

Ryan met Charlie in 2012 while Ryan was working in Saginaw, Michigan. Charlie showed Ryan the ropes in the area. They began fishing the area and duck hunting Saginaw Bay with ridiculously large decoy spreads. 

Charlie Price

Ella and I met through UMD basketball and summer softball. Having summers off together and an equal love of campfires, bike tours, pontoons and parades made it so easy for us to grow our friendship! Fun fact... golfing and bike tour gave us some of our most creative nicknames. ha ha Ella is always there with love and kindness, I'm so lucky she's in my life. 

Ella Olson

Ryan and Smith met at work in 2015. They have shared fishing trips, ice fishing, grouse hunting, duck hunting, and garage beers. Smith provides Ryan with valuable insights from a higher vantage point while Ryan provides Smith with poor sports gambling advice. 

Ryan Smith

Katie is such an easy going friend with a variety of interests. Our time spent together is easy and fun, with new memories around every corner! Whether it's a kayaking adventure to Kabetogama, or watching some hockey, "we're doin it"!!  I'm thrilled Katie has returned to Duluth, so we can all spend more time together.  Her thoughtfulness and kindness shines through in everything she does.

Katie Haas

Jordanne played basketball at UMD and we were lucky enough to build our friendship when she moved back to Duluth. Jordanne is very much the calm to my craziness, whose soft caring words bring me back to reality. She is a friend who feels with her heart and always has outstretched arms waiting. I am so happy to have found a lifelong friend in Jordanne and look forward to making more memories along the way.

Jordanne Hartman

Jeremy and Ryan have worked together since 2015. Ryan and Laura have joined Jeremy for many a boat days on Lake Vermilion, as well as camping and fishing trips. Jeremy and Candice enjoy hosting Cinco de Mayo parties, and living room karaoke.  

Jeremy Belleville

Ryan and Matt met in class at Central Lakes College in 2007. Despite not getting to see each other often, Matt and Ryan always catch up with in depth discussions sprinkled with some Army/Marine Corps rivalry jokes. 

Matt Harris

Kim and her husband Eric are the ones who set this wheel in motion and introduced Laura & Ryan. Kim and Laura have been lifelong friends since playing basketball together at UMD.  Kim and Eric both work for St. Louis County, and it just so happened that Ryan was being trained in by Eric. Ryan began by reaching out to Laura after Eric shared her number. But.... it turned out for the past few days, Ryan had been texting the wrong number, (good thing Ryan was persistent and Kim finally gave him the correct number) Kim & Eric must've really talked Laura up! ha ha

Kim is a fabulous friend always giving love and support! I am so happy she agreed to be my friend all those years ago... or maybe I just didn't give up! ha ha Either way, she's one of a kind! Kim has a generous and kind spirit and is always up for laughter and good times!


Kim Hanegmon

Wedding Party

Engagement Photos

Making Memories & Sharing Laughter

Enjoying the views

Winter Adventures

Pictures of Us

Q + A

Area Lodging 

There are a variety of accommodations in the Proctor, Duluth and Cloquet area.&nbsp;We have suggested a few below, but feel free to look around or to ask if you have any questions.&nbsp;This is a beautiful area with many places to explore.

We have a block of rooms saved at the Comfort Inn West. Here is the link for room blocks.<a href="https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/CA48N9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/CA48N9&nbsp;</a>