By Charlene Corson Selbee
Haley Casterton and Henry Hershberger tied the knot on September 2, 2023, choosing this date for the convenience of a three-day weekend, ensuring easier attendance for their out-of-state friends and family.
Henry’s roots are in the Prosper, Minn., area, while Haley was born and raised in Queen Creek, Ariz.
Haley shared that she first laid eyes on Henry at BBG’s restaurant in Mabel, Minn. After checking him out on Facebook page to see if he was married or not, she sent him a friend request. With both laughing they said that their first date was at the Spring Grove theater on the coldest day of the year, January 23, where they saw the movie “The Mule” featuring Clint Eastwood. Haley explained that they went into the theater and Henry told her that he had left his wallet in the truck. She thought to herself, “Great he is going to leave me at the theater.”
Now for the rest of the story.
The couple were engaged on June 24, 2022, coinciding with the 50th wedding anniversary of Haley’s grandparents, Joel “Boogie” and Nancy Amdahl.
The wedding ceremony and reception took place at Outback Ranch located in the picturesque hills of southeast Minnesota. Outback Ranch proved to be the perfect location for this Haley and Henry because of its laid back atmosphere, western flair, and outdoor venue. Both share a love of animals.
Haley selected emerald green and burnt orange as her colors, noting that emerald green is her birthstone. The bridal party wore emerald green dresses.
The colorful flower arrangements were designed by Christy Masters of A Gift to Gab, LeRoy, Minn.
Weddings are all about the memories you create. Haley purchased her wedding dress from Mestad’s Bridal and Formal Wear in Rochester but had not gone in for any fittings when she received a call six months before her wedding, instructing her to pick up her dress immediately as the store was closing. Thanks to her mother, she got her dress but then had to find a dressmaker to do the fittings and alterations. Lorna Felton, a seamstress from Caledonia, Minn., answered her desperate call.
The groom and groomsmen all wore Henry’s favorite jeans, Buckle brand.
The wedding was officiated by the couple’s minister, Pastor Mike Osterbauer of Root River Community Church. The soloist was Josh Pedde, also on staff at the Root River Community Church.
The wedding party included nine bridesmaids and nine groomsmen, two flower girls, a miniature bride and groom, two ushers, two personal attendants, and a host and hostess.
Family friend Tina Bakke catered the rehearsal dinner at the former BBG’s restaurant in Mabel, Minn. The meal consisted of beef tips, mashed potatoes, and corn. The beef tips were a hit.
R&R Catering, Caledonia, Minn., was responsible for the delicious meal which featured braised beef, champagne chicken, candied carrots, and twice baked mashed potatoes with the peels. The children enjoyed alfredo. Haley did not want a fancy wedding cake; she wanted a cake that tastes good and looks good and that is exactly what a local Mabel woman, Diane Wilder, created. Good Times in Caledonia, Minn., provided the bar service.
Outback Ranch took charge of the dance’s musical atmosphere, providing the DJ for the event. After a hot day and following the traditional dances, the bridal party swiftly changed into cozy emerald green pajamas, creating a relaxed and vibrant ambiance as they danced the night away.
Haley adhered to the age-old tradition of including something old, new, borrowed, and blue. She carried a photo of her beloved great-grandmother, Freddie. She borrowed a cross necklace from her mother and wore a blue garter. For the record, she did not like the garter, so tossed it aside before the wedding even started.
The wedding seamlessly blended family traditions, including elements from Henry’s Amish heritage. Fried pies from the Miller sisters showcased this tradition, complemented by a signature drink appropriately named “The Amish Buggy Ride.” The drink combined champagne, raspberry vodka, and cranberry juice into one refreshing drink. The celebration also featured horse drawn wagon rides for the wedding party, adding a unique and memorable touch to the event.
Opting against a traditional honeymoon, the couple indulged in their favorite shared activity – attending livestock auctions at the area sales barn to revel in the captivating chant of the auctioneer, a sound that, as Haley expressed, resonates like music to her ears. Their wedding night was spent nestled in among the trees at the Nestling Pines Treehouse and Airbnb of Mabel, Minn., which is operated by their neighbors and close friends Rodney and Brenda Rain.
Arbor & Aura Photography, Lime Springs, Iowa, took the couple’s engagement photos and Hindt Photography, Spring Valley, Minn., captured the couple’s memorable wedding moments.
The couple selected Hard Copy Film Co., based in Minneapolis, as their wedding videographer.
The bride recommends that recently engaged couples kickstart their wedding planning by promptly securing the venue and reserving dates with caterers, photographers and videographers. Due to high demand, these services are often booked a year or more in advance, which emphasizes the importance of starting the planning process immediately after getting engaged.
