by Hailey Almsted | Jan 1, 2025 | Featured
Dear Readers, welcome to our first issue of 2025. This year is full of exciting celebrations, and we’re kicking it off with our first annual Special Wedding Issue. These pages are chock-full of inspiration and creativity, ranging from florals to desserts. It was...
by Editorial Staff | Jan 1, 2025 | Best of Maple Grove, Noteworthy
It’s time to celebrate the best that Maple Grove has to offer! Our Best of Maple Grove 2025 annual readers’ poll offers a fill-in-the-blank voting system, making it easier for voters to nominate the businesses, organizations and places that serve the Maple Grove...
by Editorial Staff | Jan 1, 2025 | Featured, Weddings
From cityscapes to country roads, editors offer us a look at their unique and intimate weddings. The celebration of love and unity and the start of a new chapter in life—weddings bring together family, friends and cherished traditions while creating new memories to...
by Editorial Staff | Jan 1, 2025 | Featured, Local Makers, Weddings
Bakers and makers are charting new territory when it comes to wedding treats. The topography of the reception dessert table is evolving. The towering white wedding cake is no longer a given, and it’s ceding space to more varied terrain. Whether you want to scale a...
by Hailey Almsted | Jan 1, 2025 | Community, Outdoors
A seasonal celebration returns to Maple Grove. Experience the magic of winter in Minnesota at the annual Wonder of Winter from 1 to 4 p.m. February 1 at Central Park, 12000 Central Park Way. “What makes this event so spectacular is its ability to turn a cold winter...
by Mollee Francisco | Jan 1, 2025 | Shops, Weddings
Discover how florals are becoming the life of the (wedding) party. From dahlias to delphiniums, lilacs to lilies, ranunculus to roses, there is a seemingly endless array of options when it comes to wedding flowers, and the trends are ever-changing. For those without a...
by Hailey Almsted | Jan 1, 2025 | Entertain, Featured, Weddings
Surrounded by towering trees and family memories, a couple says, “I do” at the place where love feels most like home. For Erik and Monica Goetzke (née Lasley), a weekend at the lake is now a sweet reminder of their everlasting love. On July 13, 2024, the Maple Grove...
by Mollee Francisco | Jan 1, 2025 | Book Club, Noteworthy
Since its debut five years ago, Love is Blind has become a reality TV phenomenon as it asks the question of whether people can fall in love sight unseen. The popular Netflix series has spawned eight seasons in the United States and several international versions. This...
by Hailey Almsted | Jan 1, 2025 | Style, Weddings, Wellness
Accessibility, efficacy and transparency are at the forefront of Cleo Skin + Laser. Editor Hailey Almsted shares her experience at Cleo Skin + Laser, where she learns about the benefits of laser facials and other services. Walking into Cleo Skin + Laser, I’m greeted...
by Rachel Schuehle | Jan 1, 2025 | Shops, Style, Weddings
Mens’ wedding fashion has evolved—look toward uniquely you suits for your big day, or perhaps a navy or black suit for a classic option. Choosing the perfect outfit can be one of the most taxing tasks, especially for one of life’s most important days. Finding a suit...
by Nikki Steele | Jan 1, 2025 | Noteworthy, Style, Weddings
As we step into 2025, weddings are set to sparkle with fresh trends that blend tradition with modern flair. One standout color that is making waves is Verona Sunset—a stunning reddish-orange hue. This vibrant shade is perfect for brides, grooms and guests alike,...
by Hailey Almsted | Jan 1, 2025 | Photo Contest
“The kaleidoscope sky presented beautiful, breathtaking arrangements that magically changed minute to minute. It was the perfect backdrop for this young couple’s first date,” says amateur photographer Sharon Kotula. “It was impossible not to be inspired by both nature...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Nov 25, 2024 | Education, Featured, Sports
After an undefeated season, the Crimson beats Minnetonka, with a final score of 28–21. On November 22, Maple Grove Senior High School’s (MGSH) Crimson Football team returned to U.S. Bank Stadium to square off for the 2024 6A Championships game. Family, friends and...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Nov 13, 2024 | Education, Featured, Sports
The team squares off against Shakopee in the State Tournament semifinal. Maple Grove Senior High School’s Crimson Football team is riding high on an undefeated streak this fall. “We’re having a good season, that’s for sure,” head coach Adam Spurrell says. Spurrell...
by Hailey Almsted | Nov 1, 2024 | Featured
Readers: Welcome to our final issue of 2024. This November/December issue is all about food, entertaining and giving back—and we have a lot of exciting stories to tell. Let me start with one of my own. One of my favorite annual family traditions is our cookie-baking...
