Erik and Monica Goetzke. Photos: Tim Larsen Photography
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 couple shared their “I do’s” in front of their closest family and friends at the Lasley family cabin in Deerwood, Minnesota.
Memories of Their Lives: The couple married at Monica Goetzke’s family’s cabin, a location that already held beautiful family memories. “The ceremony was on the beach … The bar was in the garden shed on a workbench of Monica’s great-grandfather that her father refinished,” photographer Tim Larsen says. “Everything was so familiar and comfortable to everybody in the wedding.”
“We love the outdoors and the Northwoods, so we wanted to incorporate that into our wedding,” Monica says, noting the cabin also served as the venue for her sister, Savannah Johnson’s, wedding three years ago. Together, the couple, whose love first ignited on the dating app Bumble, shared a moment as a soon-to-be-wed couple during their private first look and vow reading.
Elements such as the round backdrop adorned with Sola Wood Flowers, rustic centerpieces and place cards, and the handwritten wooden welcome sign, set the stage for their celebration on the dock near the shores of Crooked Lake. During the ceremony, Monica and Erik held a unity sand ceremony, signifying their newly unified life. Monica’s younger brother, Logan Lasley, officiated, making the ceremony all the more touching. “It definitely made our ceremony more special having him be the officiant,” Monica says.
Guests dined together under a canopy, embellished with twinkling lights, while the newlyweds shared a private moment at their sweetheart table, looking out to their loved ones. The reception was complete with touches unique to their family. “My dad refinished his grandpa’s workbench into the bar for the wedding,” Monica says. “And we both love Margaritas, so we served those at our wedding, too!”
Stationed appetizers included Brie-Fig Pear Bites, Marinated Steak Crostinis and Buffalo Meatballs. The plated dinner included an Arugula Pear Salad accompanied by dinner rolls, followed by three options: Mediterranean Chicken, Beef Medallions or Salmon.
For the cherry on top, the Goetzkes added a quintessential Northwoods touch—Betty’s Pies—a favorite of Erik’s. “We thought it would be fun to have something a little more unique than cake,” Monica says, noting apple, blackberry peach and bumbleberry were the three flavors served up. “It was a hit!”
The July evening was an idyllic backdrop for their intimate wedding, and the Goetzkes were present with each of their guests. “We kept the wedding small, so we had enough time to connect with all of our guests,” Monica says.
The beautiful evening ended with a sparkler send-off—lighting the way for the new Mr. and Mrs. Goetzke.
An Idyllic Bride: Monica Goetzke’s wedding dress from David’s Bridal is the epitome of a beautifully rustic bridal look. The all-over lace embraces romance, while the rhinestone crystal belt adds a touch of glamour to the bride’s look.
Something Blue: Erik Goetzke’s suit from Men’s Wearhouse showcases a classic groom’s look. The shades of blue found in the accessories elegantly pair with the gray three-piece suit.
From a Photographer’s Perspective …
Tim Larsen of Tim Larsen Photography says the key to a peaceful and enjoyable wedding is all in the planning. “A peaceful day leads to better photography because you have emotional space to have the emotions of your wedding day rather than always having the emotional overlay of worrying about how things are going logistically,” Larsen says. If you feel comfortable planning your day, take charge—if not, Larsen recommends considering an event planner to point out unexpected details.
When connecting with photographers, Larsen recommends finding a photographer who is willing to take charge in the moments when needed—but not one who commandeers your day. Larsen also poses questions to take into consideration: “Are you hoping to enjoy reminiscing about your day every anniversary and sharing your photographs with your children to show your love, personality and story? Or are you hoping to make a splash on social media to garner likes from your friends or followers?” he says. “Neither is right or wrong, but knowing this will help you pick a photographer you love.”
Vendors
- Alterations: Rosemary Whowell
- Catering: Gather On 3 Catering, thewoodsmn.com
- Dessert: Betty’s Pies, bettyspies.com
- Event Planning: Savannah Johnson
- Florals: Sola Wood Flowers, solawoodflowers.com
- Hair and Makeup: Marcie Kemper, Instagram: @marciehairmakeup
- Jewelry: Wedding Day Diamonds, weddingdaydiamonds.com
- Photography: Tim Larsen Photography, timlarsenphoto.com
- Rentals: Party Time Rental, partytimerentalmn.com
- Venue: The Lasley family cabin in Deerwood, Minnesota
- Wedding Attire: Men’s Wearhouse, menswearhouse.com; David’s Bridal, davidsbridal.com
