Park Rapids has been the center of gravity for the Carter family since the 1950s, when Steven's grandpa and grandma moved from Michigan to the Minnesota heartland as rural missionaries. The Carter farm has been in operation since 1956, and the Park Rapids area has been a place where the Carter family has gathered and loved since.

With Minnesota an in-between for many loved ones on opposite coasts, S&R wanted to celebrate the beginning of their marriage in Park Rapids. After a number of cherished visits as girlfriend and then fiancée, this well-nurtured land now holds for Renee, as well as Steven, both memories of yesterday and promises for tomorrow.

Children are very welcome--we can't wait to see them!

I (Renee) have found it's easiest to introduce Steven Bratton Carter to others as an "intellectual farmer." Which is, of course, sufficient but not comprehensive. If you know him a little, you'll know he's a steady presence, a sharp dresser, and a history buff. If you know him pretty well, you're hear his giggle, keen observations, and impassioned views. And if you know him as family, you'll watch him pace, process, pray, and wear his slippers and sweats.

I first met Steven with a distinct impression that he had a powerful presence, a penitent heart, and a timeless devotion to others. And I wasn't wrong--so I said "yes" to this gift of a man, and I'm ready to build something beautiful with him.

If he was in a...

movie: John Krasinski in "A Quiet Place"

book: a cross between Darcy in "Pride & Prejudice" and Laurie in "Little Women"

song: "Wild Mountain Thyme" by Oria Fallon

painting: "Aldetun" by Robin Elise Pieterse: https://rb.gy/76tlwk

poem: "Digging" by Seamus Heaney

emoji: 😮

Renee Lauren Waller is a mirthful, curious soul.

When Steven first met her, he was enchanted by her seemingly mix of qualities that are often not found together in the same person: her joy and compassion, and her confidence and passionate ardor. If you know Renee at all, you know that the person she's talking to, no matter what, is the most important person to her in that moment. You also know that she doesn't nod along to *show* interest. She does so because she *is interested.* Renee is a genuine soul whose whole being is right in front of you. She doesn't hide her joy and there's always an open invitation to anyone to join her in being as happy about life as she is.

In a book...she is Natasha Rostov from "War and Peace," for her natural charming and caring quality and her ability to enjoy life boldly and earnestly, with a bit of Amy March from "Little Women," for her ability to talk effortlessly with any and everyone and her graceful presence, and "Lizzy Bennet" from Pride and Prejudice, for her intelligence and fearless disposition. If she was a painting: "Summertime" by Joseph Farquharson. If she was a Christian song: "What is My Hope" by Tenielle Neda. If she was an emoji: 🤗