Swiss Acres Weddings & Events

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story starts back to the Summer of 2023, even though we've known each other forever, I don't think either of us would have thought we would have ended up together.I was on the out of an awful relationship, so I wasn't even giving Derek a thought, or anyone for that matter. I ran into Derek a few times up at the lakes, again, not thinking anything of it, until alcohol got ahold of me one night and I told a mutual friend, "I'm going to marry that guy someday." I guess drunk words are sober thoughts. The friend then went up and TOLD DEREK that... &amp; that's when the flirting started. I guess you could say, I made the first move. :) We both knew it was going to take time, especially me, to make things actually happen, but Derek was with me every step of the way. He was so patient. Time passed &amp; we became inseparable &amp; then... official. It didn't take long for Derek to say those 3 words and it was easy for me to say it back. It felt like we had been together for years... when in reality it was a couple short months. Time went on, more summer nights, watching football games together, meeting the families, vacations together and then..we were expecting! I feel like God had a plan, and Derek was part of it. That same week I told Derek I was pregnant, he went ring shopping... (this was planned for months). December 24th 2024- It was a perfect night with just the 2 of us (&amp; baby).We were home on Christmas Eve with nothing going on, I was kind of antsy and annoyed we weren't doing anything. Derek had given me a couple Christmas gifts (I'm sure to try to cheer me up), and then he had made supper, meatballs and rice. (Interesting choice, but oddly good) Then we made our way back to the couch... again, I was pouty we weren't doing anything. A while later, Derek gets up, goes in the laundry room, comes back with a little gift bag and says he has one more gift for me that he's been holding onto since July. He gives it to me, me thinking what the heck more could he give me. He stood in front of me, which was weird, but I didn't think anything of it. I opened the bag and wrapped in tissue paper was a tiny box. Again, wasn't thinking anything about a ring... maybe earrings or a mama necklace. I opened it &amp; by the time I could process it; he was down on one knee. I immediately started bawling and those words came out of this mouth, "will you marry me?" I am still surprised I could get "yes" out, but I did. It was the most unbelievable moment a girl could ask for. It may have been 9:30 PM, but I had to call my mom right away. She of course said she knew it was coming, too, just didn't know when. It was a night/moment I will never forget, and I feel awful for being such a brat that night. LOL..I can say Derek had saved me with everything I had went through, I truly believe it was meant to be.

Our Love Story

Our Story

Photos

Jacque Ebel

Abby Wallin

Kodi Ann Stamer

Katlyn Kruger

Alyssa Bainbridge

Lexy Brannin

Heather Vande Kieft

Kellie Einck

Aaron Jalas

Travis Wallin

Kevin Jenness

Raymond Berning

Jacob Stamer

Wedding Party

Q + A

Located in Arnolds Park, 1.7 miles from Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Bridges Bay Resort provides accommodations with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a terrace. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property has an ATM, a concierge service and luggage storage for guests. Each room is equipped with a coffee machine, while some rooms are equipped with a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Bridges Bay Resort has a playground. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Arnolds Park, like fishing. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at Bridges Bay Resort. Speaking English and Spanish at the 24-hour front desk, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical guidance on the area. Sioux Falls Regional Airport is 103 miles away.

Bridges Bay Resort

Located in Arnolds Park, 3.6 miles from Arnolds Park Amusement Park, The Inn Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection has accommodations with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, an ATM and free WiFi. The hotel has family rooms. The hotel has a sun terrace. Guests at The Inn Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection will be able to enjoy activities in and around Arnolds Park, like fishing. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at the accommodation. Fort Dodge Regional Airport is 101 miles from the property.

The Inn Hotel Lake Okoboji, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Located 1.2 miles from Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Okoboji Inn &amp; Suites offers 4-star accommodations in Milford and has free bikes, a fitness center and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and an ATM, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms. The rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms have a private bathroom, a hairdryer and bed linen. The hotel has a sun terrace. Guests at Okoboji Inn &amp; Suites will be able to enjoy activities in and around Milford, like fishing and cycling. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at the accommodation. Sioux Falls Regional Airport is 104 miles from the property.

Okoboji Inn & Suites

Located in Milford, 2.7 miles from Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Rodeway Inn &amp; Suites near Okoboji Lake provides accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. This 2-star hotel features free WiFi and a spa &amp; wellness center. The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer. Guests at Rodeway Inn &amp; Suites near Okoboji Lake can enjoy a continental breakfast. Fort Dodge Regional Airport is 103 miles away.

Rodeway Inn Milford

EPS Location 1 and 2 When you stay at Vintage Block Inn &amp; Suites in Okoboji, you'll be near the beach, just steps from West Okoboji Lake and 4 minutes by foot from Higgins Museum. This motel is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Brooks Golf Club and 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Ranch Okoboji.EPS Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 54 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.EPS Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a terrace. Additional features at this motel include complimentary wireless Internet access, a television in a common area, and a picnic area.EPS Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include express check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.

Vintage Block Inn & Suites

Featuring barbecue facilities, AmericInn by Wyndham Okoboji is located in Okoboji in the Iowa region, 2.5 miles from Arnolds Park Amusement Park. Featuring a terrace, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel provides an indoor pool, sauna and a 24-hour front desk. Every room comes with a desk and a TV, and certain units at the hotel have a balcony. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at AmericInn by Wyndham Okoboji can enjoy a continental breakfast. At the accommodation guests are welcome to use a hot tub. A business center and vending machines with snacks and drinks are available on site at AmericInn by Wyndham Okoboji. Sioux Falls Regional Airport is 100 miles away.

Morgan & Derek

Morgan & Derek

M&D

Wedding Day

3:00 PM–3:45 PM

Ceremony

4:00 PM–11:00 PM

Reception