By Zech Sindt
When Preston native Morgan Malley married Quinn Frisell on June 8, 2024, it wasn’t just a beautiful wedding; it was a celebration of their love story and a testament to the small-town community that shaped Morgan’s upbringing. Surrounded by family, friends, and the charm of local businesses, the couple created a day to remember – one rooted in love, connection, and a deep appreciation for the talents of her hometown.
“We really wanted to have a wedding that felt connected to where I grew up,” Morgan said, reflecting on her decision to host their wedding in Preston. With a budget of approximately $20,000, Morgan and Quinn worked together to craft a celebration that was elegant, personal, and a reflection of their values.
Their story began seven years earlier at Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Morgan, a volleyball player, met Quinn, a football player, and the two quickly formed a bond that would grow over the years. “We’ve been together seven years this past December,” Morgan shared. While Morgan grew up in Preston, Quinn’s background included moving frequently before graduating high school in Plymouth. Today, the couple resides in Eden Prairie, where Morgan works as a physician assistant at Twin Cities Orthopedics, and Quinn runs his own quarterback training business full time, having previously been a teacher.
The couple’s love story took a memorable turn with Quinn’s winter proposal on the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. “I kind of knew it was coming because we had shopped for rings,” Morgan admitted. “He said we were meeting friends for dinner at a restaurant by the bridge, but when we parked and started walking across, I realized – oh my gosh, it’s happening!” A friend, who also created their wedding video, captured the moment in photos with the Minneapolis skyline as a backdrop, marking the beginning of their journey to the altar.
For their wedding, the couple chose Serenity Hills in Preston. The venue offered the perfect combination of convenience and charm. “It was amazing having everything in one place,” Morgan said, describing how the ceremony, reception, bridal suite, and groomsmen’s quarters were all on-site. “It’s just nice to have all of that onsite,” she added, noting how it compared favorably to other venues she had seen. Serenity Hills also provided bar service and a shuttle for guests, a detail Morgan appreciated. “It’s not something you see other vendors do,” she remarked, highlighting the venue’s exceptional service.
The couple’s commitment to supporting local businesses was evident in every aspect of their wedding. Preston Floral and Gift created stunning bouquets and centerpieces that perfectly complemented the classic elegance of the day. “The flowers were beautiful,” Morgan said, expressing her gratitude for the florist’s artistry and attention to detail.
When it came to capturing their wedding memories, Morgan and Quinn chose local photographer Grace Sveen. “Grace was incredible,” Morgan gushed. “Her photos perfectly captured the emotions of the day.” From the joy of their first look to the heartfelt exchange of vows, Grace’s work ensured their memories would be preserved in stunning detail.
Decor was provided by A Party Island Wedding and Party Rentals from Decorah, Iowa. “She came and set everything up,” Morgan explained. “It was super easy to take down and return, and we didn’t have to worry about what to do with all the decorations.” This stress-free experience allowed the couple to focus on enjoying their day.
Their rehearsal dinner at the Branding Iron showcased the delicious cuisine and hospitality of another local gem. “The food was really good,” Morgan said. “We had a limited menu, and the service was really fast and smooth, even though they were busy. We also had a separate room to ourselves, which was really nice.” Guests stayed at Country Trails Inn and Suites, where they experienced the warm welcome characteristic of the Preston area.
For the reception, U2 BBQ from Calmar, Iowa, delighted guests with a menu featuring pork chops, Swiss chicken, red potatoes, and carrots. “It was delicious,” Morgan said. Entertainment by OTTOmatic Karaoke and DJ Services kept the energy high and the dance floor packed, creating a joyous atmosphere that lasted well into the night.
Personal touches added even more meaning to their day. “We did a first look and private vow reading,” Morgan shared. “We were both pretty emotional.” A receiving line after the ceremony allowed the couple to personally greet their guests, a priority for Morgan and Quinn given the far distances many of them had traveled. “We had people from Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, Missouri, South Carolina, and even Austria and Canada,” Morgan said, noting how special it was to have loved ones from all over the world in attendance.
Reflecting on their wedding, Morgan expressed deep gratitude for the role of local businesses in making their day so special. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. From the stunning setting of Serenity Hills to the thoughtful touches of every vendor, the couple’s celebration was a true reflection of the charm and hospitality of the Preston area.
Morgan and Quinn’s wedding was not just a celebration of their love but also a heartfelt tribute to the community that helped shape their story. For other couples planning their big day, their experience is a reminder of the power of love, community, and the incredible talent found in local businesses.
Leave a Reply