Elegant Beach Wedding on East Gull Lake

Wedding: September 2, 2017

Ceremony: St. Thomas of the Pines, East Gull Lake

Reception: Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd

Honeymoon: French Polynesia

Although they currently live in Georgia, Stephanie Johnston and Sam Jacobs both grew up spending summers at Minnesota lakes. “We knew we absolutely had to get married on the beach at a Minnesota lake,” Stephanie says. So with the help of planner Jane Lickerman, the couple set out to create an elegant beach party. They chose Madden’s on Gull Lake as their venue and home base because of its awesome lake setting and gorgeous accommodations. “We loved the idea that once guests arrived, they could spend their entire Labor Day weekend without having to leave the resort,” Stephanie says, mentioning the on-site golf course, lake activities, art gallery and spa. Their ceremony took place at the property’s church, after which they moved the party to a tent set up on Wilson Bay Beach. Stephanie says that one of her favorite moments was during the first dance: “The lake was completely calm, the sun was a big, orange glowing ball, we had tiki torches and a fire next to the lake, and kids were running around with sparklers and glow sticks. It was magical.”