Welcome to Tony & Justine's Wedding Week!!!

The wait is over! Welcome to Leech Lake – the land of fun, sun, and relaxation!

We are both so happy and feel very blessed to be able to have our wedding here in the north woods of Minnesota, where we have already enjoyed many special memories. We are especially honored that you have traveled here to be a part of our marriage celebration.

Many years from now when we look back upon this day, we will remember that it was not the flowers, the music, or the food that made our day so special; it is the memories of you – our family and friends, helping to celebrate the beginning of our lives as husband and wife – that we will cherish most. Having you here for our celebration will make our wedding truly wonderful and we thank you for sharing in one of our happiest occasions.

Included in this post is some helpful information and schedule of events. Please take some time to enjoy our beautiful surroundings, play in the lake, and explore the area. We hope that the next few days will be as memorable for you as they will be us.

With much love and appreciation,
Tony & Justine

schedule of events
Thursday, August 26th
Welcome Gathering & Lawn Games
Approximately 8pm

Friday, August 27th
Pre-Wedding Bonfire: Don’t forget your s'mores!
Approximately 9pm

Saturday, August 28th THE MAIN EVENT!
Ceremony at 5pm
Cocktail Hour 5:30-7pm
Dinner 7-8pm
Dance 8pm-Midnight
Bonfire Midnight-whenever!

Sunday, August 29th
Farewell Brunch at IronFire Grille
Anytime between 8-11am

photo sharing
After the wedding, we will be uploading our non-professional pictures (including guest book pictures) to www.tonyandjustine.shutterfly.com. There is no username or password required to access our site. We would greatly appreciate it if you would upload your pictures from the wedding so that everyone can share in the memories and enjoy different perspectives of the event. If you prefer an alternative, you could email us at jmstein22@gmail.com, drop a picture CD in the mail to 1170 Cushing Circle, Saint Paul, MN 55108, or transfer your pics via memory card on Justine’s laptop before leaving town. Thanks!

important notes
• Get some rest Friday night after the bonfire… Saturday we will be up late partying and we want YOU to be there!!!
• Cocktail Hour on the Lawn will be hosted by us and will include Coors Light, Pinot Grigio, and Merlot.
• Reception is a Cash Bar + Free Leftover from Cocktail Hour. It truly is a CASH ONLY bar, no credit/debit cards accepted. There is also NO ATM onsite so PLEASE make arrangements beforehand (the closest ATM is located at the YMart where Hwy 371 & 200 split by the casino).
• There will be a Farewell Buffet Brunch on Sunday morning at the IronFire Grille, $13/person.
• Need your hair or nails done? Contact The Beehive in Walker.
• Hungry? Try the IronFire Grille onsite or venture into town!
• Forgot your swimsuit? Check out Reed’s Sporting Goods in Walker.
• There is free wi-fi throughout the resort, however it works best near the lodge/office.
• Questions/Concerns on the day of the wedding? Try Tony first! ;)


places to eat
Benson’s
Café Zona Rosa
Charlie’s Up North/Boat Bar
Lucky Moose
Village Square Pizza & Ice Cream
Jimmy’s
Ranch House Supper Club
502 at The Chase

things to do
Enjoy ALL of Horseshoe’s Amenities!
Bear Pause Theater
Downtown Walker Shopping
Forestedge Winery
Heartland State Trail
Itasca State Park
Tianna Golf Course/Longbow Golf Course
Northern Lights Casino

Last Minute Crafts & Bach Parties

One week to go... not expecting to see a post again until Sept? You were wrong! I'm still going!

I can be a big procrastinator sometimes but I am also a big perfectionist... a combination that can be quite time-consuming sometimes :)

Fortunately, Tony has helped me calm down a bit over the years and I think I have become much more productive and a little more forgiving over the years. Wednesday night we put together our music selections for the ceremony and start of reception. Thursday night we started the assembly on the programs and last night I finished them up! Here a few pics:

Jumbo Popsicle Sticks, Double-sided Tape, Cardstock, and Printed Program Inserts:

Variety of Color to Keep It Interesting:

Equals A Fun-Sized Fan to Keep Cool with Important Ceremony Info!

I also indulged in some pre-wedding/pre-bachelorette party pampering today! Got some waxing done and my nails done. I decided to be a little more fun and do my fingernails a bright pink because I usually just leave them clear. Not sure if I'm a huge fan but they will be gone in a week anyway.

And the theme for tomorrow's night party = pink, black, & white! Ashley has got me really excited!!! Hope I can behave ;)

See you all in a week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Engagement Pics

Engagement Pictures Are In! Check out my facebook page to see more: click here. If it doesn't work, you might have to friend request me.

Getting Crafty

So in the last week, a few things have been put in the works. All DIY, all DAY! lol

Ash, Kel, and Jen came over Friday night to work on all things paper. This included: favor tags, programs, thank you cards, water bottle labels, and welcome flyers.

Since we are only 12 days from the big event, and work is crazy busy, this post is short and sweet! Enjoy the pics :)

Hair & Make-up Trial

Ashley and I ran up to the cabin late Sunday night to get a few things lined up. First thing Monday morning, we went to The Beehive for my make-up and hair consultation. It was at 8:30am and after a long night of driving... we were lookin a little rough. Thankfully Stacy is fabulous and made us feel super at ease with the plan for wedding day!


We ended up just playing around with my hair instead of doing a full trial. The plan is to wear it in a low, side, curly ponytail and then convert it up into a low, side bun for the reception if I start getting too hot. If it's anything like the weather has been the last few days here (90 and crazy humid) we will skip straight to the bun. What do you think of the flower? Too big? Just the right size?

In other news... my dress fitting "Take 2" went much smoother. I should be able to pick up my dress tonight! :)

Pics from Date Night!

Last night was AWESOME! And much needed :)

I got stuck at work a little late, then had to get gas on my way home. So by the time I got home, it was almost 6pm. I had wanted to stop at Target and pick up a new sundress. And I had wanted to take the time to do my hair and get "prettied up" for my man. Needless to say... my plans flew out the window. My hair was a mess, my dress wasn't my fav, and it was hot and humid out.

But... every little stress seemed to flow out of the car as we eased down the hill into old downtown Stillwater. The closer we got to the water, the better we felt. I love how water eases my troubles! I've had a love affair with water since I can remember.

Our first stop was at Northern Vineyards for a little wine tasting. We tried four whites, one blush, four reds, and a dessert wine. Some were fabulous and some were almost gross. We agreed on three bottles to purchase: Yellow Moccasin, Old Vines, and "Red". Then we each got a glass of our favorite taste of the evening and headed upstairs to their shaded deck overlooking the river. I chose Mainstreet Red and Tony chose "Red"... they were huge portions for only $4 each. Yum! We were feeling pretty good and definitely very hungry by the end of our wine excursion.

We walked down the street to a place called Charlie's looking for a good app and a cold drink. Unfortunately their kitchen was super backed up because of a wedding (about 30-45 minute wait on any food order). We were starving so we kept walking. We came up to the Freight House next and sat on their ginormous patio for some artichoke dip and drinks. After a little more walking and the sun setting, we were ready for some dinner.

We picked the Dock Cafe and it was absolutely delicious! I highly recommend it! I had the halibut with mango pineapple salsa, asparagus, and herb baby reds. Tony had the twin tenderloins with green beans and mashed potatoes. It was melt in your mouth wonderfulness! See his excitement below:

After dinner we walked along shore back to our car, listening to the waves, faint music in the background, small lights flickering here and there. Date Night was a SUCCESS!

Date Night

Tony and I are having a wedding-free date night tonight! We are venturing out to Stillwater for some yummy wine tasting at Northern Vineyards. After that, we are planning to do some window shopping around town and grab a bite to eat. Hopefully this rain will stop! Any good recommendations on places to eat in Stillwater?

DIY!

Check out these awesome signs Tony made! And I thought I was the crafty one...

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Rough Draft of Important Check-in Notes!

Heyo!

We will be making a little flyer that the staff at Horseshoe will hand out to you as you check-in (or if we can manage the logistics, we will have it waiting in your room for you). It will contain a little schedule of events and important notices. Something along these lines:

Thursday Evening:
8pm Welcome Cocktails on the Lawn Outside IronFire Grill

Cocktails

Friday:
5pm Rehearsal at Ceremony Site (Wedding Party and Immediate Family)
6:30pm Rehearsal Dinner @ Benson's in Walker (Wedding Party and Immediate Family)
9pm BONFIRE! Everyone Welcome! Located on the Beach in Front of Courtyard Suites

Campfire

Saturday:
5pm Ceremony
5:30pm Cocktails on the Lawn
7pm Dinner in the Banquet Hall
8pm DANCING!
11pm "Midnight Snack" + More Dancing + Karoke + Bonfires + Awesomeness!

Dancing

Sunday:
8-11am Brunch at IronFire Grill - Everyone Welcome!
11:30am Gift Opening in Family Room of Courtyard Suites
1pm Michele and Gerry's Open House (lunch, swimming, boating, chilling)

Important Notes:
* Cocktail Hour will be hosted by us and will include Coors Light, Pinot Grigio, and Merlot.
* Reception is a Cash Bar + Free Leftovers from Cocktail Hour. It truly is a CASH ONLY bar, no credit/debit cards accepted. There is also NO ATM onsite so PLEASE make arrangement beforehand (the closest ATM is located at the YMart where 371 & 200 split by the Casino).
* Get some rest Friday night after the bonfire... Saturday we will be up late partying and we want YOU to be there!!!
* Need your hair or nails done? Contact The Beehive in Walker.
* Hungry? Try the IronFire Grill onsite or venture into town!
* Do NOT forget your swimsuit - they have an awesome beach!
* Questions/Concerns on the day of the wedding? Try Tony first! ;)

ATM