Drawn To The Lakes Area
Okoboji summers drew Morganne to the
area, especially during her college years. Growing up in Dakota Dunes, she spent her summers working at various restaurants around the Lakes area. She especially became close friends with two ladies she considers two of her closest friends, even today.
“Kaela Delperdang and Kayla Herrig became two of my dearest friends and still are today,” Morganne shared. “I especially became very close with the Herrig family while working at their restaurant, The Hutt. Through this relationship, my sister Brook and I were invited to Zack’s, Kayla’s older brother, destination wedding in Jamaica. We gleefully accepted the invitation!”
Meanwhile, growing up in the Iowa Great Lakes, Luke has considered Zack Herrig a close friend since a young age. Their friendship evolved through their family’s close friendship and the bond of competing together in Spirit Lake athletics. So naturally, when Zack was getting married, he asked Luke to be a groomsman.
Eyes for Each Other
Luke and Morganne briefly met at a hotel in
downtown Minneapolis the night before the Herrig wedding party flew to Jamaica. There was instant attraction—Morganne began asking her friend Kayla about her brother’s friend.
“I was instantly drawn to Luke’s sense of humor, and I thought he was extremely handsome,” she said. Luke was equally attracted to Morganne’s beauty and felt they had a lot in common.
At the resort in Jamaica, the couple continued to hit it off and spent considerable time together. After returning home, they continued to go on dates and saw each other at every opportunity.
“We made the decision that even though I was leaving to start my nursing career in Iowa City, we didn’t want to say goodbye—this led to a two-year long-distance relationship,” Morganne said.
After graduation, she applied to an anesthesia program in Sioux Falls, SD and was able to move closer to the Lakes area. Luke continued to live in Spirit Lake, learning management roles at his family’s business, United States Powertrain.
“We dated through my three years of CRNA school and got engaged in September of my final year,” Morganne added. “Fast forward 5½ years, we are happily married and excited to be able to see each other every day.”
Engagement Story
On a beautiful fall weekend in September
2023, Luke took Morganne up to his family’s cabin in northern Minnesota. They spent hours enjoying the area’s beauty and went on a four-wheeler ride through the woods. The cabin is a favorite family spot and Luke wanted to share it with his best friend. “The cabin is a special place for us and Luke’s favorite spot to be at,” Morganne shared.
At one point, Luke parked the ATV at a beautifully secluded location overlooking a pond. Surrounded by fall foliage, Luke pointed out into the distance, and Morganne turned to look. When she turned back, Luke was down on one knee holding out a beautiful diamond ring from Tiffany’s. “I was completely and totally surprised and instantly filled with a joy I had never felt before,” she exclaimed.
Come to find out, Luke had picked out the ring in the Twin Cities two weeks prior with the help of Morganne’s twin sister Brookanne. “They did it all in one day! They went to the Cities to shop for the ring and then came back to Sioux Falls, and Luke came to see me and also helped Brookanne hold her dog at the Weiner Dog races,” Morganne said. “I was completely clueless and had no idea it was coming.”
Wedding Planning
After the couple set their wedding date, September 21, 2024, Morganne began making wedding decisions with assistance from her mom Tami, Luke’s mom Laura, and her sisters Brookanne and Kaitlyn.
“I wanted our wedding to be beautiful, classic, elegant and timeless,” she shared. “I picked neutral colors for our day, using soft blushes and beiges in our decorations and floral arrangements.”
They selected Oakwood Inn for the wedding ceremony, as Morganne was drawn to the venue’s beauty and loves how the inn rests in an old oak stand.
“I became even more sure of my decision after I met Bridget, one of the owners of the Oakwood Inn. Bridget is tasteful, creative, and runs a tight ship. I trusted her 100% to keep our wedding day organized, classy, and beautiful,” Morganne said.
She found a beautiful wedding gown from Ellie Stone Bride in Sioux Falls, SD, while Luke and his groomsmen got black suits with black ties from Elegance in Okoboji.
“We stuck with our theme of classic elegance and picked black suits with black ties, and my dress was also a very classic style,” Morganne explained. “My grandma D had picked out the dress and it was one I never thought I’d get. I had tried on 15 dresses and then this one—this dress was it!” The dress Morganne’s grandma picked was strapless, simple satin dress. The crinoline added body to the dress’ bottom, which added to its flair. “It was such a fun day with my family, and I picked a wedding dress I never imagined picking. I love it so much," Morganne exclaimed. "It did have a bow, which really isn't me so we had it taken off and it was used as a decoration.”
One thing special about the wedding décor is Morganne choose to display wedding dresses of both their mothers and grandmothers, and her aunts at the wedding reception. They were able to display four dresses in-person on different mannequins and showcased the rest through pictures.
The Special Day
On a gorgeous fall weekend in September, families and friends of Luke and Morganne gathered at Oakwood Inn in Okoboji. The couple rented out the beautiful Inn for their families and close friends, creating ongoing special moments for everyone who came.
Morganne said it was so special to have their grandparents, parents and close friends stay at the Inn with them. “Our family was able to eat breakfast with us and be a part of watching the bridal party get their hair and makeup done,” she explained. “The morning after our wedding, we all had a wonderful brunch together at the Oakwood Inn before everyone headed home. It was perfect.”
The morning of September 21, special ladies like Heather Carson, Isabel Jimenez, and Danica Johnson came to the Inn to help the ladies with hair and makeup.
Heather and Isabel from Euphoria Salon in Okoboji created beautiful, timeless wedding updos for the wedding party. “Heather and Izzy did a fantastic job on everyone’s hair! They listened to everyone’s requests and gave us all the unique, beautiful look we were going for,” Morganne exclaimed. “Heather was SO sweet and brought me a pumpkin spice cold brew from Starbucks, which was a lifesaver because I hadn’t slept well the night before.”
Danica Johnson of American Beauty LLC out of Sioux Falls, SD worked her magic on Morganne and her friends, exceeding Morganne’s expectations. “She made us all look and feel beautiful, and our makeup stayed looking perfect all night long,” she added. “Danica is extremely talented, and she was an absolute joy to spend time with on my wedding day. Not to mention, she did the whole wedding party and also found time to do my mom, Luke’s mom, Luke’s sister, and my grandma! WOW!”
By late morning, after countless special moments of preparation, Luke and Morganne were able to see each other for the first time. Standing on the Inn’s deck, with Luke facing out towards the backyard, Morganne walked to him in absolute beauty.
“I was so nervous and thinking, ‘What will he think of my makeup?! I never wear this much,’ She said. “The first thing Luke said was, ‘You look beautiful!’ He was just happy, with his big, cheesy grin.” The couple then took a few minutes to read some private vows to each other, which Morganne said was super emotional, “I had a hard time speaking!”
From there, photographers Dustin and Melissa from Blue Hour Creative out of Sioux Falls, SD captured the gorgeous day for Luke and Morganne to remember forever. The couple and their wedding party were photographed with the elegant Oakwood Inn as a backdrop and by the Arnolds Park Pier with the blue waters of West Lake Okoboji on display.
“Our photographers were SO good at making us feel comfortable in front of their cameras,” Morganne said. “Luke and I are not people who love getting our pictures taken, so that is saying A LOT. Our pictures turned out so natural and candid - because they ARE!.”
The wedding started at 3 p.m. at the Oakwood Inn, where white chairs were set up for guests in the backyard, amongst the Inn’s beautiful flower gardens. Stunning floral arrangements were created by Kim Henning from the Wild Flower out of Jackson, MN, Morganne’s bridal bouquet was filled with flowers like Playa Blanca roses, Quicksand Roses, Ranunculus, Lisianthus, Majolica and Sahara Sensation spray roses.
“When I met with Kim, I told her you are so good, just create! I knew I wanted neutral soft pinks, blushes and bieges – you pick the flowers that would work best for that season and time of year,” she added. “The bouquet was so pretty, as was all of the arrangements.”
The officiant was Matthew Smith, a friend of the couple, and music for the day was orchestrated by Andrew Bailie from The Toast Band out of Omaha, NE.
After the ceremony, a cocktail hour followed allowing Luke and Morganne to spend time with family and friends before driving off in a 1969 Camaro, a stunning vintage vehicle of Luke’s dad. The wedding party then joined the couple at the Majestic Pavilion in Arnolds Park for dinner.
The dinner was catered by the Hi-Lo Club and showcased sirloin steak, candied carrots, green beans with silvered almonds and bacon, and baby red garlic potatoes. The delicious white wedding cake was created by Heather Baumgard of Playful Cupcations. She also made cupcakes: pink velvet, hostess with fudge frosting and cream inside, chocolate with chocolate frosting, white with white frosting and white cupcakes with raspberry whipped frosting.
“I was blown away with how beautiful the cake was,” Morganne said. “Heather does such great work. We still have some in our freezer and I take one out every once in awhile to enjoy.”
Speeches were given by Morganne’s twin sister, Maid of Honor Brookanne Pfaffle, and Luke’s close friend, Best Man Casey Jones. They were followed with first dances and an anniversary dance that Morganne’s step-grandparents Frank and Dianne Neville won. “They have been married for 62 years,” Morganne added.
The Toast Band out of Omaha produced live music throughout the night and the couple loved how it was customizable based on their budget and event size.
“Andrew Bailie puts together the band that you need and want for your event, and they are absolutely amazing. It completely made our reception,” she shared.
Luke and Morganne’s first dance song was “Forever and Ever Amen” by Randy Travis, which was also Luke’s parents’ song at their wedding, 33 years ago. “It’s special we share the same anniversary date as Chris and Laura,” Morganne added.
One of their favorite wedding reception traditions they used was a picture slideshow showcasing Luke and Morganne’s story – growing up, meeting, dating and eventually getting engaged. “I love to see a snapshot of both of our lives and roads and how they connect to each other, and it also allows our weddings guests to get to know our life stories a little bit better,” she added.
This January, the couple went on their honeymoon in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at an all-inclusive resort. They reside in the Iowa Great Lakes area where Luke is the President of United States Powertrain in Spirit Lake and Morganne is a certified registered nurse anesthesiologist at Northwest Iowa Anesthesia Associates.
Wedding dreams come true at Oakwood Inn! This grand estate is filled with picturesque backdrops that make your special day unforgettable. Innkeepers Bill and Bridget Johnson are seasoned in high-end weddings and ensure every wedding at the Oakwood Inn is truly unique and a stunning celebration.
“The Oakwood Inn is so beautiful and a quiet, quaint place to get married,” Morganne Kabele said. “We rented it out for our whole family, and it was one of the best things to do, as it made it more intimate. I was able to have more time with my best friends and close family members. I could spend time with my parents and grandparents during the day.”
Multiple customizable wedding packages are available for bridal couples and their guests. Bridget says they ask that the whole inn is rented out the day before and after the wedding. She helps the couple with every detail, drawing upon her years of experience at luxury hotels in Minnesota, Colorado and Texas.
“I love helping the couple create the wedding of their dreams and being able to coordinate everything,” Bridget explained. “We recommend vendors and can take any idea and help customize it for your wedding.”
The Oakwood Inn is ideal for accommodating out-of-town guests and intimate weddings for up to 100 guests.
“We work with the bride and groom on the timing of their day. For Morganne, she wanted breakfast served at 7 a.m., to allow the ladies to get ready,” Bridget shared. “We can serve the men in the den, where they can relax by watching television and playing pool, feeling comfortable in their own space. While grandmas can also feel comfortable. The Inn has so many different spaces for everyone to feel relaxed and enjoy the day.”
Bridget added that they love specializing in the ceremony portion of a wedding, as the pristine outdoor grounds cover two acres and display 14 perennial beds. The charming gazebo offers the perfect location for the nuptials, with guests overlooking the beautiful oak savannah. Cocktails are provided for guests between the ceremony and an offsite reception.
“There isn’t a problem that I haven’t encountered, which allows me to help create a special day for the wedding party,” she said.
Morganne added, “Bridget is on top of everything. She’s super organized and such a great cook. She pretty much took the reins on our wedding day and did it with grace! She is so classy and good at what she does.”
To learn more details about beautiful wedding opportunities at the Oakwood Inn, visit theoakwoodinnokoboji.com.