The Bluebelle Event Venue

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Dinner

Our Wedding

How We MetJohn and Leah met while she was at college in Morris and John was doing his skills training in Alexandria in the late spring of 2021. They popped up on each other's dating apps and finally connected on Hinge. Our EngagementJohn and Leah flew out to Colorado to see some of John's friends that he games with. The second day of the trip was Leah's birthday, so John made sure that the day was everything she wanted. John found a waterfall to take her to with their friends. John's original plan was to propose at the base of the falls, but there were a lot of people and some of his friends started climbing a little too soon. After walking up 244 steps and another half-mile hike, the group found another smaller waterfall back in the woods. Leah, of course, wanted a picture in front of it. She handed her phone off for a picture and hopped on a little dry spot where John was waiting for her. After taking a few photos, the phone was lowered, and Leah assumed the pictures were done. She hopped off of the dry spot. Emily (the friend with Leah's phone) quickly said that the photos didn't turn out and that they needed to retake them. Leah hopped back on the dry spot and re-posed for the pictures. John looked at her, and said, "Do you know what this spot would be really good for?" Leah responded, "What?"At that moment, John got down on one knee, revealed a ring box, and asked Leah to marry him, and of course, she said "Yes!"

Our Story

Photos

Leah Christian

Johnathan Smid

Jacey Bauer

Mason Smid

Kailey Maruska

Brandon Johnson

Kimberly Novotony

Derek Johnson

Anne Christian

Ike Volk

Corey Booker

Samuel Trego

Lillian Johnson

Samuel Johnson

Aubrey Johnson

William Johnson

Athena Van Hoof

Wedding Party

Tell us where you are staying so we can determine a shuttle location!<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA_6orcIES6f53S5Rj4os1BC54Er0GIKhRZmyRHUu-u3uKrQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA_6orcIES6f53S5Rj4os1BC54Er0GIKhRZmyRHUu-u3uKrQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor</a>

About 30 rooms are blocked under Christian/Smid. They will extend the block to Sunday night as well if you'd like and you ask.Hotel description: Be welcomed with a warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bemidji and enjoy impeccable service from our friendly staff. Located on the shores of Lake Bemidji, this hotel offers easy access to downtown Bemidji and many local businesses, attractions and recreation facilities, including The Bemidji Regional Event Center and the Paul Bunyan Trail - giving easy access to miles of biking and hiking trails. Itasca State Park is 30 miles from the hotel and is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Every beautifully decorated guest room and suite at this Bemidji Hotel features a variety of amenities to make you feel at home, including a refrigerator, microwave, HDTV, work desk and high-speed internet access. All Lake-side rooms have a private balcony overlooking Lake Bemidji. Host your next event in the spacious conference room or stay productive in the 24-hour business center, offering a range of useful services and amenities. Energize with a workout in the 24-hour fitness center, relax in the sauna or steam room or unwind with a dip in the heated indoor swimming pool or the soothing waters of the whirlpool. Read in a lounge chair, watch the kids play on the hotel’s 700 feet of sandy beaches or rent a paddleboat or canoe on the lake. After a busy day, enjoy dinner in our award-winning onsite Green Mill Restaurant &amp; Bar.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bemidji

Welcome to the Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Bemidji, MN hotel - a little slice of heaven nestled in the North Woods of Minnesota. With the calming waters of Lake Bemidji just steps away from our front door, nature's best is all around us. Savor beautiful scenery while enjoying our complimentary On the House hot breakfast, sip gourmet coffee while gazing at the lake, or unwind after a long day in our signature indoor/outdoor hot tub. Whether you're staying with us at the Hampton Inn &amp; Suites for business, a family event, or a weekend escape-- there's something here for everyone. We pride ourselves on catering to each one of Bemidji, MN's diverse visitors. Curious about Hampton Inn &amp; Suites? Just give us a call. We love to chat about local Bemidji, MN attractions, events and hotel amenities - and we love getting to know you! We're always looking to meet new friends and we thrive on making connections. We know that a visit with us at Hampton Inn &amp; Suites will be incredible! And we'd love to have the opportunity to ''wow'' you with everything we have. A word of warning though - once you get here, you might find yourself wishing you never had to leave! Thank you for considering the Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Bemidji, MN hotel. We hope to see you soon!

SouthShore Hotel on Lake Bemidji, Trademark Coll by Wyndham

At Candlewood Suites Bemidji - Paul Bunyan, exceptional service and top-notch amenities create a memorable experience for guests. Complimentary internet access is available in the hotel to ensure you stay connected during your visit. Complimentary parking is available for guests.Always look your best in your preferred attire with the laundromat, dry cleaning service and laundry service provided at Candlewood Suites Bemidji - Paul Bunyan. Desire to unwind? Make the most of your visit at Candlewood Suites Bemidji - Paul Bunyan with accessible amenities such as daily housekeeping.Additionally, you can obtain minor travel essentials and miscellaneous items at the convenience stores without departing from the Candlewood Suites Bemidji - Paul Bunyan. Due to health concerns, smoking is strictly prohibited within the entire premises of hotel.Accommodations come equipped with all the conveniences required for a restful night's slumber. A selection of rooms at Candlewood Suites Bemidji - Paul Bunyan come furnished with air conditioning to cater to your needs and comfort.A few accommodations at Candlewood Suites Bemidji - Paul Bunyan also include unique design elements like a separate living room. A few chosen rooms are equipped with daily newspaper, television, in-room video streaming and cable TV to ensure guest amusement. In certain rooms, the hotel offers visitors access to a refrigerator and a coffee or tea maker.Candlewood Suites Bemidji - Paul Bunyan offers a hair dryer, toiletries and towels in the restrooms of specific accommodations. Are you inclined to prepare your own dishes? You will surely appreciate having the on-site BBQ facilities available.At Candlewood Suites Bemidji - Paul Bunyan, guests can take pleasure in the delightful recreational amenities provided for their entertainment.Conclude your days in complete tranquility by visiting the salon situated precisely at the hotel.At the hotel fitness center, you have the option to engage in your daily exercise routine or simply alleviate your jet lag by breaking a sweat.

Candlewood Suites Bemidji - Paul Bunyan by IHG

Offering an indoor pool and a fitness center, this hotel connected to the George Neilson Convention Center is located in Bemidji. Free WiFi access is available. All rooms feature a cable TV at Country Inn &amp; Suites by Radisson Bemidji. There is also a coffee machine. Some rooms have lake view. Extras include bed linens and ironing facilities. At the Bemidji Country Inn &amp; Suites By Radisson you will find a 24-hour front desk and free newspapers in the morning. The property offers free parking. A hot and fresh breakfast is served every morning to all guests. The hotel is 14 mi from Buena Vista Ski Area. Nymore Beach on Lake Bemidji is 0.6 mi away. Paul Bunyan &amp; Babe the Blue Ox is 3 minutes’ drive away.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bemidji, MN

Located in Bemidji, 13 miles from Buena Vista Ski Area, AmericInn by Wyndham Bemidji provides accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking and a shared lounge. Each room at the 3-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to an indoor pool and a hot tub. The property has a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. AmericInn by Wyndham Bemidji offers a buffet or American breakfast. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at the accommodation. Bemidji Regional Airport is 1.2 miles away. Please call the hotel directly to discuss available configurations, connecting rooms are subject to availability. We look forward to welcoming you.

AmericInn by Wyndham Bemidji

Places to Stay

Bemidji Area Commerce posts a list of local events weekly on their Facebook page. Some of our recommendations of local activities:- Boardwalk Mini Golf- Tubing down the Mississippi River- Fishing local lakes- Axe throwing at Hatchet House- Escape room- Watermark Art Center- Check out local shops and sculpture walk- Check out local breweries and wineries- Lake Bemidji State Park- Itasca State Park (Park Rapids)- Check out coffee shops- Bemidji Bowl- Visit Paul &amp; Babe- Watch a movie at Bemidji Theatre-Headwaters Science Center (For families with young children)

Recommended places to eat:- Fozzie's Bar &amp; Grill- Tapatios Mexican Restaurant- Ruzy's Bar &amp; Grill- New China (Order out)- Buffalo Wild Wings- Pizza Ranch- Minnesota Nice-Big River Scoop (Ice Cream)

Our favorite coffee places:- 7 Brew- Cantabria Coffee Company- Starbucks

Things to Do

Registry

Q: Are kids allowed?A: Yes! We'd love your little ones to be there to celebrate with us. Please remember to keep your eyes on them at all times. Q: Is there a dress code?A: Semi-Formal Q: Where are the ceremony and reception located?A: Both will take place at Bluebelle Event Venue. Q: Will it be an outdoor or indoor wedding?A: The ceremony will be outdoors (be weather prepared!) and the reception will be indoors. Q: What's for dinner?A: There are several options. Please make sure to fill out the second Google Form on the RSVP page so we know how many of each meals we need. Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible?A: Yes, everything is on one level and there is a gravel path between the ceremony area and reception area. Q: What is there for parking?A: The main lot can hold 50 vehicles, there is an overflow lot past the main lot. Q: When is the RSVP deadline?A: August 1st, 2026 Q: Is there a hotel block?A: Yes, at DoubleTree. See "Places to Stay" tab for more details. Q: Will there be an open bar?A: No, it will be a cash bar.Again, please do not bring outside food or beverages because there will be penalties for us.

Q + A

Please fill out by August 1st, 2026

RSVP Google Form:<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGW0Slb4cjbMyee895pn0kysSRg1EedFfUCN4iuFw8nDG12Q/viewform?usp=header" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGW0Slb4cjbMyee895pn0kysSRg1EedFfUCN4iuFw8nDG12Q/viewform?usp=header</a>

Meal Choices Google Form:<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSer5sBPMospNmEZe35DZe9yS-JWsU0WxnuFmRn_Wm5U6ax8tg/viewform?usp=dialog" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSer5sBPMospNmEZe35DZe9yS-JWsU0WxnuFmRn_Wm5U6ax8tg/viewform?usp=dialog</a>

Leah & Johnathan

Leah & Johnathan

Photos