Ashley and Chris met their freshman year of college playing cards in a mutual
friend Katie’s dorm room. At the time, Ashley went to Concordia and Chris went
to Southwest in Marshall. Chris was visiting his brother who went to Concordia for
the weekend. When Ashley left the room for the night after playing cards, Chris
questioned Katie about her. When Ashley heard about this she found it surprising
because Chris hadn’t even made eye contact with her throughout the night.
It wasn’t until two years later when Chris came up for another visit to Concordia
when he finally spoke to Ashley. They began to talk and got to know each other
over the next couple months, mostly on the phone because Chris was living in
Alexandria at the time. They began to date long distance for a year and Chris
decided to continue his education in Fargo where Ashley was. After they both
graduated they decided to move closer to family in Central Minnesota.
Ashley and Chris were engaged February 15, 2014. They decided they wanted an
outdoor ceremony and loved that Pine Peak’s Event Center offered a whole
weekend on the country estate to throw a celebration of a lifetime with all of
their closest family and friends.
The day was perfect with a slight refreshing breeze and a royal blue sky and
evergreens as a back drop for the garden ceremony. Chris did not see his stunning
bride until Ashley’s father walked her down the aisle. In front of family and
friends they said “I DO!” and the celebration began.
The outdoor reception was held in Pine Peak’s Pavilion with acoustic guitarist Jim
Olson playing for the guests. The guests then moved into the candle lit Dining
Room filled with fresh flowers and bling. DJ Paul of “All Tuned Up” DJ entertainment
announced the wedding party and the new Mr. and Mrs. Hanson!
Catering manager Kate and team along with Chef Brian of Maucieri’s Catering did
an amazing job with the wedding feast. They started with a Caesar Salad, an array
of fresh breads, Bacon/ Blue Cheese Scalloped Potatoes (our favorite), mixed
vegetables with Green Beans, Wax Beans and Julien Carrots, Italian Stuffed
Chicken with spinach and three cheeses served with white sauces and red gravy
AND Slow roasted Beef carved by Chef Brian and served with a
brandy/peppercorn sauce. OMG! Fabulous!
As a late night snack, complements of Maucieri’s Catering, to the guests’ delight
Kate baked fresh pizzas in Pine Peak’s very own Mugnaini wood fired oven. The
delicious wedding cake was made by Jenny from Reed’s Bakery of Cross Lake. DJ
Paul rocked the night away with the couples’ favorite songs well into the night.
Ashley and Chris presently live in Baxter, MN. Ashley is a Registered Nurse and
Chris is currently working as a Medical Fitness Specialist.
We, at Pine Peaks, were delighted to host the wedding celebration of Ashley and
Chris and wish them the best of luck and love in their journey as husband and
wife. Enjoy the ride!
Enjoy Julie’s Photos of Chris and Ashley’s big day here.
– Dave and Julie Nyland Peterson