Carson and Grace Axford — Beautiful Rustic Wedding at The Bend
“Carson and I have known each other for a long time,” Grace shared. “While in high school, our paths didn’t cross much as he was a year older and we had different friend groups, but that changed after I graduated from high school.”
The summer after Grace’s freshman year at Northwestern College in Orange City, Carson added her to Snapchat. They started talking and catching up and both genuinely enjoyed their conversations. Since it was the middle of an Okoboji summer, the two started going out on some dates for fun.
“It wasn’t too long after that we were officially dating,” Grace said. “It’s so hard to believe that was already 3½ years ago! The Lord has been so good to us and challenged us for the better over these last few years. We’ve definitely grown so much!”
The Big Question
Carson and Grace discovered they had a lot of similar interests and things in common. With Grace pursuing a nursing major at Northwestern and Carson completing an apprenticeship through Iowa Lakes Community College via Philip’s Electric, they often connected over the weekends.
Right after Grace’s junior year in college, they went on a double date with Carson’s twin brother Carter and his fiancé Shaylen to Sioux Falls. As they drove to Falls Park, Grace was completely clueless at what was ahead. She knew the question was coming at some point but didn’t think Carson had the gumption to ask her dad.
“There were many hints I could and should have picked up on, but he totally surprised me and then I almost pushed him in the water when he proposed,” said Grace. “I found out that he had asked my dad while I was gone on a college spring service project several months prior.”
Carson found a beautiful engagement ring from Spirit Lake Silver and Gold, and Grace had no clue that this ring was sitting in his nearby pocket. On May 31, 2024, the groups began taking couples’ pictures by the Falls, when all of a sudden Carson popped the question. His brother Carter kept taking pictures and video of the special occasion. “It was so obvious and I was completely oblivious at first,” Grace said with a laugh.
Planning for the Special Day
They found most of the decisions to be easy as they have similar tastes. The couple decided on The Bend for their wedding location because they loved the rustic feel of it. “The Bend totally fit the vibe we wanted for our wedding and our style,” Grace shared. “We loved the rustic character of the barn, the wooden doors, and they had lots of décor to pick from like signs and table pieces.”
Over the winter months, Grace’s mother Erin made Sola Wood Flowers in preparation for the wedding. They started with white wood flowers and then dyed them, gradually adding more colors and making different pieces. “I was hesitant about how they would turn out at first, but I was very pleased with the final product. People laugh at the fact that we chose to do wood flowers because my mom plants flowers for a living,” Grace said with a laugh. “She made sure to include a variety of real flowers on the wedding day as well, but the best part about Sola Wood Flowers is that I still have my bouquet, and it looks the same as the day of our wedding!”
Carson and his groomsmen found their clothing items at Evan’s Clothing & Shoes. The dress shirt was paired with a navy/mauve striped tie and an added vest with jeans and cowboy boots. The groom and both dads wore suit jackets.
“I was super happy to get to wear jeans and boots on our wedding day, alongside my groomsmen,” Carson said.
Grace found her perfect dress at Elegance in Okoboji. The Stella York gown had a 3D floral bodice and a Mikado skirt. She loved the lace detailing on the top as well as the open back style. The bottom was a classy ballgown which she loved AND it had pockets!. They added a complimentary cathedral veil from Casablanca Bridal, which Grace felt tied both pieces altogether. She had originally planned on wearing heels but rather chose cowboy boots.
“My boots were brown with blue detailing to give me my ‘something blue’ on my wedding day,” she explained.
Their Special Day!
May 31, 2025 arrived! Exactly a year later from their special engagement. The girls got their hair done at the Hair Team in Spirit Lake. Grace had a half up half down style with a braid on each side. While the groomsmen got ready at the best man’s house, Carter. The girls finished getting ready at the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake.
Photographer Michael J. McKim oversaw the pictures at the church and later at the Bend. “Mike did a wonderful job all day long. He was dedicated to making our wedding day as stress free and smooth as possible,” Grace shared. “He went above and beyond! He got the best pictures but never wanted to be in the way.”
The families were a bit worried about the weather ahead of time, often checking it prior to the big day. For several days before the wedding, the forecast said heavy rain. “Carson told me over and over not to worry about it, but we were also planning on an outdoor ceremony. When it came down to it, there was absolutely no rain that Saturday. I felt like God’s hands were all over our special day. The weather was beautiful!”
She added that there were also Canadian wildfires going on at this time, “The sky was pretty hazy most of the day and ended with a beautiful smoky sunset.”
The wedding ceremony began at 5 p.m., followed by a reception that was held inside the Bend’s barn and lasted until midnight. The officiant was Pastor Clint Loveall of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake.
During the ceremony, the couple tied a unity braid, symbolizing Ecclesiastes 4:12. SAPS of OAKoboji by Kevin and Jlynn designed a special braid and wood for them.
The DJ was Jerry Gladis of Tracy, MN and a family friend of the Axford’s. Lidderdale Catering out of Lidderdale, IA provided prime rib, pork chops, and chicken breast for their guests, as well as numerous salads and green beans. Stacy Wiebersch of Lakes Baked Cupcakery made tasty cupcakes such as Reese’s, Raspberry Lemonade, Red Velvet, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Thin Mint. Mints and frosted cookies were compliments of Shelly Coburn and Heidi Axford.
The couple’s first dance was to “With You I Am” by Cody Johnson, starting out the night for dancing. They said the dance floor was packed all night long and they had so much fun with their friends and family. “Carson and I actually had no set time we were planning on leaving the venue. Anyone who knows us knows we are not big dancers, so we surprised many including ourselves when we danced all night long,” Grace added. “It makes it so much fun when all your favorite people are on the dance floor!”
Some of their favorite moments of the day were taking pictures at the church, as well as their private vows they shared with each other ahead of time. Other highlights were the speeches given by their dads, Brian Axford and Darin Radcliffe, and Grace’s Maid of Honor Mary Walnofer and Best Man Carter Axford.
“They were so meaningful and definitely a favorite part of the day,” Grace said. “Another favorite memory was entering the reception and being hit with lots of confetti cannons! Then when Carter walked in, ripping off his jeans to show off his jorts was hilarious. I also had a maid of honor and best friend that helped make the little moments of the day so special—she also led the girls in prayer before the ceremony started.”
Carson added, “Everything felt surreal. Being married was something we had been talking about for so long, and it was finally our reality.”
Both said the day was better than they every could’ve imagined! They are so thankful for all of the wonderful people in their corner, especially their parents, siblings, Jay and Laura Fagen (bartenders), and Damon and Amy Radcliffe (host and hostess).
Carson and Grace enjoyed a honeymoon in Nashville, TN, where they loved riding side-by-sides and the Grand Ole Opry! They recommend always finding things you both love to do together. “Then continue to spend intentional time with just the two of you,” they said.
The couple works in the Iowa Great Lakes area: Carson working for Comfortec in Spirit Lake, while Grace is a registered nurse on the Med Surg floor at Spencer Hospital.
