Love Conquers All: Whitney and Sam's Big Day at The Royal Golf Club, Lake Elmo

Whitney Hernlem and Sam Schoeberl’s relationship stood the test of time—as well as the tests they faced as they planned their wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple met in high school in Hastings and had been dating for seven years when Sam proposed at sunset on a balcony overlooking the ocean in Clearwater, Florida.

Their wedding day turned out perfect, Whitney says, but the lead-up was not without setbacks and difficult decisions.

“I think we made at least 20 different versions of that day in the months leading up to it,” Whitney says.

Their smaller wedding allowed the couple time to talk with all their guests. Their Lutheran ceremony incorporated a “unity hibiscus” that the couple planted together in honor of their delayed honeymoon to Hawaii. Neutral tones of taupe, black and white formed the base palette, with flowers providing color. A mix of vintage candlesticks, glasses and vases graced the guest tables, while Sam and Whitney sat at a sweetheart table during the reception.

To avoid contact, guests grazed on individual charcuterie boxes before dinner, then had cupcakes instead of the typical and wedding cake. Whitney says one of their favorite moments was their first dance, to the Dixieland jazz-style “La Vie en Rose,” played by The Riverside Hitmen. “The band included a three-piece horn section that made our first dance one to remember.”