When Don Stalter left for a work trip to Berlin in 2015, he didn’t know he would meet the love of his life, Carolin Kubanke. After their first date at a tapas restaurant, followed by a night of dancing, it was clear their connection was something special. Four years later, Don pulled off a surprise sunrise proposal during a California weekend getaway. With friends and family from around the world, the couple’s elegant midsummer reception at the Glensheen Mansion overlooking Lake Superior harkened back to memories of Stalter family summers on the lake (his grandmother’s home is just down the street). Carolin’s grandparents made their first trip to the U.S. to attend, and a wildflower theme paid tribute to the bride’s grandfather, a beekeeper who preaches the importance of biodiversity. The blossoms appeared everywhere, from the welcome signs and sweetheart table to the floral installation above the dance floor. Guests wore name tags with a funny tagline to jumpstart conversations, so no one was a stranger when it was time to dance.
