Villa Bellezza Winery

Wedding Day

Guest Arrival

Ceremony

Celebration

Our Wedding

Grant and Sam matched on Bumble in December of 2021. After a very short period, they began texting every day without fail, even through the busy holiday season. They were finally able to meet up for drinks at a sports bar, B52 Burgers and Brew, at the beginning of January 2022. Only a few minutes in, a teasing comment or two helped them both open up and get comfortable giving it right back to each other. They were both a little on edge meeting someone they were so clearly into on a first date that, even though they were both starving, Sam only ordered an appetizer and Grant did not order any food at all. This resulted in some liquid courage by the end of the date, and Sam easily told Grant that she would like to do this again soon, which Grant returned in kind. Both parties left the night knowing that was one of, if not THE best first date they had ever had. Sam and Grant found each other's company refreshing as the world came out of COVID, and things progressed readily until they were officially dating three months later in March 2022. Since then, they have tackled many large life milestones together and look forward to navigating many more to come. Grant proposed to Sam at Franconia Sculpture Park on a cold and misty December morning, in the same place as their third date and first kiss, proving he is a romantic at heart. At least, Sam thinks so.

B52 Was the Beginning of I Do

Our Story

Photos

Lillian Whall

Reid Anderson

Katie Sivek

Weston Schneider

Mary Fohrenkamm

Michael Osterman

Emma Croone

Trevor Stone

Mary Anne Mager

Kellen Tracy

Wedding Party

Q + A

Pepin, WI, is a very small town with a population count of 740 people. There is a motel in town, or a couple little bed and breakfasts, but the best option for overnight stay would be an AirBnB or a nearby larger town. Just south of Pepin there is a crossing over to Wabasha, MN. An AmericInn is available there, along with some other smaller places to stay. Alternatively, a little farther ways up and across the river from Pepin is Red Wing, MN. This is the largest town near Pepin, so they do have a great assortment of hotels and other places to stay.

AmericInn by Wyndham Wabasha

Quality Inn & Suites Red Wing

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Red Wing by IHG

Nichols Inn

Travel

Sam Approved! Stop on in if you have the chance for a slice of delicious homemade pie and eat it in the general store, out on the storefront, or around the corner in their little garden.

Stockholm Pie and General Store

Just a little farther down the Mississippi in Alma, WI, find your way to the top of a bluff and take some time to truly admire the scenery you've been driving through at a bird's eye view. Views include the Zumbro River tributary, a Lock &amp; Dam, and usually many eagle sightings. Great spot for a little picnic!

Buena Vista Park

Any visit through Nelson, WI, would be incomplete without stopping at the Nelson Creamery. Check out a great selection of fresh cheeses, curated meats, wines, and some of the best ice cream you'll eat inside or on their patio. An even greater stop if you are on your way to Beuna Vista Park and Overlook!

Nelson Creamery

If you're feeling extra well the day after the wedding and are up for a hike, or even want to see more views of Lake Pepin, stop in at Frontenac State Park. Located just south of Red Wing on the MN side, it holds a great vista of the lake and usually many eagles and other birds.

Frontenac State Park

Another great hiking option to the top of a bluff. While you are no longer going to view Lake Pepin, the view of the Mississippi River and Red Wing are top notch. Please note that there is no way to drive to the top of this bluff; it is hike-in only. Be sure to refuel in Red Wing at one of their many restaurants!

Barn Bluff

Things to Do

Registry

Samantha & Grant

Samantha & Grant

Photos