Bavaria Downs Hosts Wedding Day with Sublime Combination of Cultures

Willie De-Souza took his proposal to Kristin Brause to great heights. The couple, who met at Minnesota State University–Moorhead, had been dating about 10 years and were visiting their favorite city, San Diego, when Willie surprised her with a hot air balloon ride—something Kristin had long dreamed of. High above the city, with La Jolla and the Pacific Ocean in the distance, Willie proposed while a photographer (who had told Kristin she was taking photos for publicity materials!) snapped pictures. The couple’s two wedding ceremonies were a sublime combination of two cultures. A Ghanaian ceremony was held at the home of Kristin’s parents in Fergus Falls, complete with Willie’s pastor, traditional Ghanaian food made by his family members and traditional Ghanaian clothing. Flags from Norway and Ghana greeted guests at the American ceremony at Bavaria Downs, with a modern, classy vibe. The flower girl and ring bearer wore traditional Ghanaian clothing while the rest of the wedding party wore American wedding attire. The couple incorporated other special touches: minimal greenery and white flowers except for three red roses to honor Willie’s late father. And rather than a traditional wedding cake, they served Norwegian kransekake and mini desserts.