A New Years Eve Wedding | Milbank, South Dakota • Xsperience Photography

We all know how stressful 2020 was, but Minnesota brides felt it on a much deeper level. With restrictions upon restrictions. Hope, followed by disappointment. Plan B’s turning into Plan C’s and Plan D’s. It truly was a test for couples to face right out of the gate. Lauren and Dustin had the perk of having family reside on the Minnesota/South Dakota border making a New Year’s Eve wedding a possibility; a much smaller possibility, but still a possibility.

“Although 2020 was an awful year for many, we wanted to be sure that our year ended on the most positive note possible. When we first set our wedding date, the first thing we thought of when hearing the word Corona was the beer, not the awful virus. As the year continued on, we made many changes to our plans. By the time our wedding date came, we were on our “Plan D.” However, as we worked through these challenges we had one clear reminder. On December 31 we would get to marry each other – no matter what. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that Life will throw us many curves and challenges, but together we don’t have to face them alone.”

The gentlemen started the day getting ready at Lauren’s Dad’s office in Ortonville, MN. The ladies hung out at Lauren’s parents house overlooking the lake, still delivering the warm and joyous feelings of Christmas. Dustin had a funny surprise when he “thought” he was seeing his beautiful bride for the first time. Some deer decided to join in on the fun. And speaking of fun…the reception in Milbank, South Dakota was exactly what all our spirits needed to bring in 2021!