Rehearsal Dinner

Breezy Point Resort - Brainerd Lakes POPULAR Resort

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Proposal 5.13.23

Maria started the weekend planning on a girl's trip to Nashville. She picked out her outfit, did her hair and makeup, and waited patiently to go. Suddenly the plans "fell through" and she was no longer able to go on her trip. Ethan luckily had an idea to go on a brunch date so her hair, makeup and outfit weren't wasted. During brunch Ethan claimed to get a text that there was an event on Mud Island that they should go check out. Maria began to get suspicious about all of the "coincidences" but went along with it anyways. They parked at Mud Island, he reached into the back of the truck to grab a blanket and notebook. Maria bombarded Ethan with questions but he continued to deflect any suspicion and continued with his plan. After reaching the Memphis sign, Maria realized there was no event and her eyes filled with tears. Ethan opened the blanket, took a knee and the rest you can see for yourself!

Surprise Engagement Party

After leaving the proposal Ethan informed Maria there were a few surprises left! They were headed to Hernando, MS to celebrate with his family. The whole drive down Maria called her family and friends repeatedly to tell them the news but no one answered. Ethan calmed her nerves and exclaimed that they will get back to her and she should just focus on the celebration! They entered the house and were welcomed with smiles, hugs and love! Mr. Jeff informed Maria there was one last surprise in the kitchen. As she turned the corner, out emerged her Dad, Mom, Blair and Marissa - all of the people she was desperately trying to call after the proposal!

The Proposal

Our Love Story

How a Minnesotan and a Mississippian Meet

In the beginning of December 2021, Maria was taking her lunch break in Minnesota. She was was craving a new adventure and environment. Within her short 30 minute break she searched for jobs throughout the United States that seemed interesting to her. She applied for different counseling positions in Portland, Seattle, and Memphis. The next day she had 3 different virtual interviews for each city she applied for. She told her parents about the news. They were not surprised by her sense of adventure but were shocked to hear they were all in cities she has NEVER visited before. She stated she was excited for any of the opportunities and that she will accept the first one that contacts her. Two days later the position in Memphis called her and she accepted the job. Then, not even an hour later, the other two companies called also offering jobs but by that time she decided Memphis was the one for her. The adventure she always wanted was now starting, she signed a one year contract and planned to move the first week of January. ___________________________________________________While Maria is settling into her new apartment, Ethan is relaxing at home with his dogs, Sadie and Maverick. He goes onto his phone and decides to look into a dating app. After scrolling he see's a profile of a girl that displays pictures of snow, lakes and a location that reads, "Minnesota." Intrigued, he decides to shoot his shot by saying, "Are you from TENNESSEE, cause you're the only TEN-I-SEE." The next morning, Maria wakes up and starts her day with coffee and scrolling through her phone. She realized she didn't delete her dating apps yet since she wasn't planning on dating throughout her one year contract. She clicked on the app and saw a goofy pickup line from Ethan. Maria laughed and thought to herself, "Well, I haven't had anyone truly show me Memphis yet, maybe he can help." She messaged him back and the first "date" was planned.

Memphis: Where the Love Grew

Ethan and Maria had their first few date attempts cancelled due to bad weather and power outages. A few days later, Maria was busy with paperwork and building her apartment furniture when Ethan decided he couldn't wait anymore. He texted her and asked if he could come over and help her with whatever she needed, whether it was making dinner, building furniture or just some simple company. She exclaimed that she was hungry but did not get groceries yet that week. Within an hour, Ethan was on his way to her apartment with a cooler full of food and a plan to make her dinner as she worked. During dinner at her apartment they planned their first official date at Slider Inn Downtown. After that, Ethan and Maria spent more time together. They watched church services, went out with friends, took walks around town, drank gallons of coffee while playing Yahtzee, and really found any reason to spend time together. Then on March 31st, Ethan decided to ask Maria to be his girlfriend. She of course said yes and let her friends and family in Minnesota know that she no longer thought she was in Memphis just for a job. But she was drawn to Memphis to meet the love of her life and partner, Ethan.

Our Story

Meet Marissa! Riss and Maria met in pre-k and spent their entire friendship dancing at music festivals, watching scary movies and enjoying late night appetizers at Apple Bees! Marissa received her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2023 and loves to celebrate her friends and her own accomplishments! Marissa pushed Maria to follow her dreams to move out of state which lead to her meeting Ethan! Maria is so lucky to have her support and guidance throughout the day!


Marissa Pacheco

Meet Blair! Blair and Maria met in college while working at Buffalo Wild Wings! Their friendship began over dealing with rude customers but continued by taking "study breaks" at Rays Corner. Blair is known to be a ray of sunshine and can make people laugh and smile wherever she goes! She also earned her M.S. R.D. and LMNT in 2022 and loves to help her clients, friends and family explore the life of nutrition! Maria was graced with the honor to stand by Blair's side at her wedding and so excited to have her at her side now!

Blair Groebner

Meet Tori! "Little Tor-Tor" is Maria's younger sister and loves to sing and dance! They spend their time laughing over Tik Toks, dancing at concerts and poking fun at each other like most sisters do! Tori graduates High School in 2024 and hopes to study Childhood Education in college! Maria cannot wait to have Tori be a part of their day!

Tori Bebeau

Meet Chloe! Chloe and Maria met through Ethan and Peyton. They spent their first time hanging out with the boys playing (and winning) cornhole at Ghost River. Maria and Chloe continued their friendship by thrifting, plant shopping, and sharing baked goods! Chloe supports Maria in all of her crazy DIY projects and is so lucky to have her support throughout the wedding!

Chloe Walter

Meet Hannah! Hannah is Ethan's sister and Maria's soon to be sister-in-law! She is a talented teacher, loving mother and supportive family member. Hannah pulled off the best Dirty Santa gift and hid a fish in along with the other presents! Now Ethan and Maria are blessed with their first fish- Blaze! Maria is so excited to have her guidance and advice throughtout the wedding day and life!

Hannah Mayfield

Meet Alle! Alle is Maria's sister-in-law and loves a good time! She is a Speech Language Pathologist who also rocks at singing, baking and supporting her friends and family. Alle is known for her positive energy and "Christmas all year round" attitude! Maria was able to stand up with
Alle at her wedding and she is excited to have her a part of hers!

Alle Bebeau

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Meet Rosie! This princess loves Frozen and will out sing Elsa any chance she gets! She enjoys getting her nails done, putting jewlery on and running around with her cousins! Maria is so excited to see Rosie rock her role as flower girl!

Rosie Goff

Meet Margot! Margot's smile can light up a room and her giggle will make anyone's day! She loves snuggling up with a soft toy or blanket while watching her sister dance and sing! Maria is so blessed to have her sweet smile lead her down the aisle!

Margot Goff

Meet Haley! "Haley-Bug" is a ball of energy who LOVES to make an entrance! She likes to wave and blow kisses to anyone she meets! Haley also has 
a blast playing with her cousins any chance she gets. Maria is so excited to see her run down the aisle and greet all of the guests!

Haley Goff

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Wedding Party

Q + A

This is where the wedding will take place! There is a two night stay minimum with tons of activities to do throughout the resort. There are also cabins/lake homes available at the resort. Just follow the website given and book what is best for you.

Breezy Point Resort

If you prefer to stay in town (about 20 minutes from venue) this is another option for you!

Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brainerd-Baxter, an IHG Hotel

Travel

Minneapolis/ St. Paul Activites

If you are flying into MSP airport and want to experience what the Twin Cities truly offers- I have some awesome recommendations for you!

Bring your walking shoes because this mall is not for the weak! It has an amusement park, multiple chances for mini golf, mirror mazes, lego world and so much more! Happy shopping and exploring!

Mall of America®

If you think Mall of America is worth the exploration, I listed below the different activities you can try inside!

Rides for all ages! Including a water ride, zip line, and ropes adventure course!

Nickelodeon Universe

Largest aquarium in the state! Go pet a stingray, see the jellyfish light show, walk underneath the sharks and come face to face with some amazing sea life!

Maria & Ethan

Maria & Ethan

M&E