The Hopper Place ~ Rocking K Ranch

Ceremony

Rocking K Ranch

Reception

Our Wedding

Braeden and Mackenzie met on September 26, 2023, thanks to a mutual friend and the PRCA Rodeo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Braeden made the mistake of sitting next to Mackenzie during the event and had to listen to her talk about horses, roping, and living on the ranch where she grew up for the entire night. However, on the way back to Brookings, he was serenaded by her choice of classic country music which maybe changed his mind about her ever so slightly. The pair parted ways for the evening and didnt know that this was just the beginning of what was yet to come. They walked to classes together, met for lunch as much as their schedules allowed, and made an effort for movie nights with friends almost every night of freshman year. The two made it official on October 17, 2023, and never looked back. Movie nights in the fall were soon traded for night checking cows on a show stock operation and preparing for State Convention in the spring (Mackenzie served as a State FFA Officer for 2023-2024). Through the craze of calving (in SD, Willmar, and Sebeka), along with writing and revising a retiring address, the two continued to spend as much time as possible with one another. Stock shows, the State Fair, and anything involving cattle took up a large part of the summer. When it was time to go back to school in the fall of 2024, things looked a little different this time as Mackenzie headed back to Brookings while Braeden transferred to Ridgewater College in Willmar because of how much he missed the farm during the year. The pair adjusted to the distance and buckled down for their sophomore year. Mackenzie changed her major in December of 2024 hinting to her parents that she wanted to do everything in her power to graduate early so that her and Braeden could get married without still being in college. (Looks like it paid off, right?) After that, Braeden did his spring internship at the Rocking K Ranch to get a taste of what life in the North woods is like. He survived the harsher cold, some crazy Angus cows, and asking Miles for Mackenzies hand in marriage (which he was able to keep a secret for a very long time.) Braeden proposed to Mackenzie on June 19, 2025, after a picnic and short walk to the top of Lil Mt Tom in Sibley State Park, New London, Minnesota. We are excited to have you with us on May 30, 2026, to partake in celebrating the Ericksons!

Our Story

Photos

Miles & Sarah Kuschel

Brad & Shannon Erickson

Kelcie Kuschel

Bryce Erickson

Maci Lake

Collin Johnson

Courtney Siltala

Rohan Kuschel

Miriana Hartwig

Reid Huth

Katee Bruck

Revin Bruck

Alison Murrell

Breck Erickson

Elise Lorenz

Emily Ness

Curtis Ness

Stetson Erickson

Tiffany Siltala

Courtney Taibi

Levi Swanson

Wedding Party

We ask that you wear something comfortable yet classy. We hope that our day will have a semi-formal feel with a western flare, there are reference photos below for your convivence. These are ideas and are not requirements, however we ask that guests stay in the semi formal attire dress code. Additionally, jeans with holes and athletic wear are highly discouraged. Our wedding will be outside in a pasture so please chose your attire accordingly! Below are recommendations if you're looking for some ideas for your attire. -Men-Nice Jeans, Button Down or Pearl Snap Shirt, Sportscoat (Optional), Vest (Optional), Tie (Optional), Cowboy Hat (Optional), Cowboy Boots (Optional)-Ladies-Sundress, Jumpsuit, or Romper; Hat (Optional), Cowboy Boots or Close-Toed Booties (Optional), Statement Jewlery (Optional)

Dress Code

Q + A

We will be opening up our yard for family and friends who would like to come and camp on the Ranch for free. We have limited space for electrical hook ups, which are located by our shops, the house, and the Ranch Yard. Generators are welcome and encouraged. We will also have spaces for tents around the yard. Fire rings can be made available upon request.

Nimrod Campground is conveniently located next to the Nimrod Bar which offers small town food with big time flavor. Their RV Park has both 30-amp and 50-amp hookups, along with water and a dumping station. There is a playground located in the park and is within walking distance to the Nimrod Gnats Baseball Field, the Crow Wing River with a beach, swimming hole, picnic shelter (Stigman's Mound), and another playground along the river. The Nimrod Campground is a 10-minute drive from the Rocking K Ranch.

Nimrod Campground LLC DBA Paisley's Park

Walter's is a 10-minute drive from the Rocking K Ranch. Conveniently located in downtown Nimrod, Walter's can accommodate up to 10 people. Walking distance from the Nimrod Bar and the Crow Wing River. Book on VRBO.com or though Airbnb for more information!

Walter's

The Sebeka City Park is a 25-minute drive from the Rocking K Ranch. The campground offers full electrical and water hookups. There is a playground, sand volleyball, horseshoes, and disc golf course all conveniently located within the park. Hub 71 is a family favorite dinning option and is located just across State Highway 71.

Sebeka City Park

Forest Haven is 30 minutes from the Rocking K Ranch. Booking is open for "The Homeplace" and can accommodate up to 10 people. Follow the link to make your reservation!

Forest Haven Retreat

The Timberlake Hotel is a 35-mintue drive from the Rocking K Ranch. Hot BreakfastPool &amp; Hot TubDog FriendlyThere is a coffee shop and EV charging station across the street.

Timberlake Hotel

Itasca State Park is a 1-hour drive from the Rocking K Ranch. Itasca State Park is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Miles of beautiful biking and hiking trails, kayak and paddleboard rentals, the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, fire towers, historic sites, the Douglas Lodge, and much more is in store at Itasca State Park.

Mackenzie and Braeden

Mackenzie and Braeden

Q + A

Where is the Ceremony?

What is the Dress Code?

What Will the Weather Be Like?

When Should I Arrive?

Where do I Park?

What is for Dinner?