Our Ceremony

The location is my home church in Baraboo, WI. Se llama... Walnut Hill Bible Church.

It is a quaint 500 member church with a Midwestern feel of warmth and family.

My youth pastor, Dan Gunderson, will be officiating the ceremony. He and I have had some great conversations about the Lord, how I got where I am today, and how great NWC is (he is a grad of NWC, too). He is now the associate pastor and I enjoy seeing him whenever I come back to the home church.

Here is a photo from my bestie's wedding at our home church for a lil preview:

 

Pretty Cute Church, No?

The Fine-Suited Gentleman of the Party

BEST MAN

Gabriel Keith Long:  I have known Gabe for a long time, but became real close friends with him when we roomed together at college.  We did a lot together during those years and had a lot of fun doing it.  Hands down, he was one of the greatest friends and role models I had going through college.  His actions and just the way he lived his life had a huge impact on me.  I would not be the man I am today without having Gabe in my life.  He is truly an awesome guy, and I am so thankful to have had the chance to get to know him.  He is currently living in Seattle, WA with his wife Naomi.  How fun is that!?  Super fun!

GROOMSMEN

Nathan Paul Klinge:  My oldest and tallest brother.  I looked up to Nate, literally and figuratively, all throughout my childhood and really thought he was the coolest.  Boy, was I wrong... just kidding!  I started to like a lot of things just because he liked them.  I started playing baseball because he loved baseball.  I became a fan of the Oakland A's and the Chicago Bears just because he was a fan.  And to this day, I love all of those things.  He has been a great older brother.  He is now married and has the best little nephew I could ever have.  He works as an architect in Chicago and loves life.

Timothy Fredrick Klinge:  Tim and I did a lot together when we were younger.  Whether it be playing Lego’s, building our own BMX bike, or driving to Chicago to buy a new car, we hung out a quite a bit.  Tim is Mr. fix it and can do just about everything.  He has saved me countless dollars by helping me fix my cars over the years.  What a guy!  He is married and has an adorable little daughter.  They live in Gladbrook, IA and Tim currently works as an engineer at Emerson.

Titus Harrison Klinge:  My little brother that is smarter than anyone in the world.  Tim and I would get so mad at him when he would beat us at our monthly home-school spelling exam.  Tim literally cried when Titus beat him one time.  Right now Titus is in graduate school at Iowa State University.  He is studying computer science and I would assume he is at the top of his class.  He is not defined by his academic success though, instead he is defined by the way he walks through life, striving to be more like Jesus and serving everyone around him in everything he does.  It has been so awesome to see him grow into such a great spiritual leader.  

Joshua David Klinge:  The youngest of my four brothers.  Little buddy Josh and I have had times of being best buds and times where we hated each other.  So pretty much a normal brother to brother relationship.  But in all seriousness, Josh is growing up into a pretty cool cat.  He is finishing up high school right now and is working at a local grocery store.  He also has the sole responsibility of protecting our mom and dad, seeing that he is the last sibling at the homestead.  Good work Josh, keep on keeping on.

USHERS

Joel Thomas Groten:  Met this guy during the first week of college.  We lived in the same hall and had a few classes together our Freshman year.  Me, Joel and a few other guys forged a strong bond during our Sophomore year.  He and I were driving buddies on our trip down to Florida.  Side note, Joel almost killed us all and continually fell asleep during our driving sessions.  But I love him and am super thankful to have him as a friend.  He is currently finishing up graduate school at the University of Minnesota and is getting married two weeks before Laura and I am.  So fun!

Levi Budd:  Really got to know this "budd"y over the summer after my junior year.  He slept in the 'napping quarters' underneath our lofted couch.  That was probably the funnest Summer I've had yet.  We just hung out and played games.  Highlight moment; Levi and I are playing Gabe and Jake in whiffle-ball.  It was the final inning and we were down by one run, and Gabe's pitching was virtually unhittable.  With two outs, Levi blasted a game tying homer!  The next inning he launches another two run shot to win the game.  Levi was a hero!  He is currently in graduate school at the Art Institute of Chicago.  Best artist hands down, see some of his stuff at www.levibudd.com.

ASSISTANT TO THE GROOM

Timothy Utecht:  Tim and I got to live together during our senior year at the 'Bestie' house.  He is one of the smartest and studious people I know.  Tim lives in Stillwater, MN and works at a lab testing blood samples.  He is getting married this Summer, and I am honored to be in his wedding.  What an awesome, loyal friend!   

THE BAND (Royal Engine Company)

(Mentioned Left to Right)

Micah Don Patchin(master guitar player):  He hated me our Freshman year, but that hate turned into a beautiful friendship our Sophomore year.  His fun, crazy personality always keeps things interesting.  Random trips to his families’ cabin in Wisconsin are some of my favorite memories of college.  He is a very talented musical mastermind.  And his passion for creating joyous music is always evident.  He is currently living in Minneapolis with me and a few other guys, what fun!

Aaron Bristow(boss of the upright bass):  The younger cousin of the aforementioned Micah Patchin.  First met Aaron during an excursion to Micah's house in Wisconsin.  He is also a current housemate of ours in Minneapolis.  He is basically a funnier version of Micah.  The house is definitely a livelier place when Aaron is around.  He is currently attending the University of Minnesota and is greatly awaiting his girlfriends return from her semester abroad.

Zak Stelter(banjo extraordinaire):  Met Zak during the first couple weeks of school when Joel and I needed the 'correct' answers to a biology assignment.  I knew I liked Zak when he gave his student government speech and explained everything in biology terms.  I didn't become close friends with Zak until our sophomore year when we, and a few other friends, hung out all the time.  He loves to make Star Wars quotes, and in Joel's words, is a one trick pony.  He is the best banjo picker in the tri-state area, no doubt.  He is currently working at the University of Minnesota, but would much rather build cabins for a living.

 

ONE MAN BAND

Seth Randall Conover:  We go way back!  Back to the days of our home-school basketball glory.  We were part of an unbeatable, five man basketball team that won countless championships.  Our friendship continued through high school and into college, as we both attended Northwestern. We have had the privilege of living together for the past couple years now.  Seth dominates with his song writing abilities, no joke.  Some of his classic songs, such as "Froblems" and "The Bluegrass Breakup" will always ring through my head.  He is currently working at Northwestern College but plans on attending graduate school in Chicago in the near future.

MC's

Curt Folkestad:  Have gotten to know this guy better over the past few years.  We met at Northwestern College and struck up a friendship.  He is pretty funny and always seems to get people laughing.  We have a mutual love of disc golf which allows us to enjoy a the great outdoors as well as each others company.  Curt is currently working at at US Bank and will be attending graduate school at Saint Mary's University in Minneapolis this fall. 

Jake Otterness:  Jake is a "mad dog"!  His strong, overly aggressive personality was way too much for me to handle at first.  After that freshman we decided to be friends.  If I want to do anything active or involving a ball, Jake will be there in the blink of an eye.  It is super fun to have a friend that is always willing to play catch or help round up enough guys for a basketball game.  We have very similar interests, which makes it easy to have a blast all the time.  Jake is currently married and attending graduate school at Saint Mary's University in Minneapolis.

The Ladies (and lil man) of the Wedding Party

 Here Comes The Bride(smaids)

 

Hannah: My best friend from highschool who will always hold a special place in my heart. She and I have helped each other through think and thin. She knows I always have my opinions but I will never stop protecting her heart and making sure she feels loved. I love you, lover.

 

Heidi Lee: This girl is like my favorite person. We met four years ago on a mission trip to Mexico. It was written in the stars for us to meet in Mexico and it was meant to be that we have lived this season of our lives together side by side. She could make me laugh at any point when she talks about her life. I honestly think the Lord has blessed me with her just to stop taking life seriously and lighten up. She is like the coolest person to have coffee with and she makes sure I do not loosen my grip on her life. I can for sure count on her to make me feel loved and to tell me how it is even if it stings a lil. You are the strongest, heartfelt friend, Lee. Much Love.

 

Ash: This girl may live far away in CA but her idea of a intentional skype date is an indefinite amount of time and full of honesty and living life together. I may make dinner with her or I may do homework beside her but I always know that the distance between us will never be more than a skype call away.  We were on reslife staff together in 2009/2010 but we really got close when she came back to MN for her husband's first deployment (she is a marine wife) and we haven't lost our closeness since. Her husband is deployed again so I am praying a prideful prayer for her to bring herself home to visit while he is gone. <nudge. You are a solid friend, Ash. Thank you for never changing who you are in all circumstances.

 

Bek: This girl and I met on the reslife staff of 2009/2010 also but we actually got close last year around this time when she came over for weekly sleepovers to Sarah and I's dorm room. Holy smokes, this girl is the best type of friend you could have, all ya'll should be taking tips from this girl. She could sit and listen for days if that is what your heart was needing. She is an incredible listener and I get so much life from her. She just got married and so I am also learning a lot about what a Godly marriage should look like from her and her hubs, Mike. I would not have made it through Spain without her weekly commitment to my life through 5:45am skype visits. Wow, thanks for all you do for me, Bek. It does not go unseen.

 

 Sar Bear: My roommate of two years, my go-to girl, my bestie. I love her a lot. I cannot handle how much she gives for me and how much she hears me out like no one else get get out of me. I fall short for words to describe her but I do know that we met our freshman year of college when we lived in the same dorm floor but we got close during our time on reslife staff 2009/2010. We will be friends forever and we always have a place for eachother to be occasional roommates again. I just know it, love you baby girl.

THE PERSONAL ATTENDANT

 

Kate: Well this girl gets some major recognition for being the most detailed-oriented, on task, organized friend that is like the mother of the group. She is the ideal personal attendant and she is the ideal friend to have if you need someone you can count on no matter what. She has come to my rescue on multiple occasions and she has been that listening ear when I thought no one could hear my covered up emotions. We met on the reslife staff of 2009/2010 (sound like a close family of resident assistants? It was!) and we have been friends ever since. We lived one door down from her and would rampage her early night sleeps with late night rendezvous to who-knows-where. She is a trooper for sticking with my crazy surprises but she is a loyal one that I will always cherish. Thanks for all you do, Kate. Love!

THE WEDDING SINGERS 

  

Anna (Sister A): You all will be delighted to know that this girl is more than just sweet and adorable but she also plays a mean ukulele. She and her big sis will be rocking Caleb and I first dance, holla. Anna and I met in 2009 at a Klinge Kamping adventure during fourth of July weekend. She is definetly the baby sister and holds all the innocence of the family dynamic. I cannot wait for ya'll to hear this girl sing. Sheesh. 

 

Beth (Sister B): This is the older sister of the bunch that I click with the best. There is something about how she does life that I kinda side with and just love talking to her honesty and sincere look to life. She, too, will be vocalizing the first dance of Caleb and I with her sister, Anna. There are a great singing duo.  

FLOWER GIRLS

Adelyn and Paisley (they are twins, A is on the left and P is on the right): These two little girls will be one year olds and walking by the time they walk down the aisle. Aren't ya'll just itching to see these two flower girls in matching dresses wabbling down the aisle? I am waiting for the call that they will be early walkers, no pressure, Beth. Too cute not to have them steal a lil bride thunder, right?

 

Kendy: She is my niece that shares the best day of the year with me (9/23) for a birthday. Because of this we are very much the same and understand each other immensely. Joke. No, in all honesty, Kendy is my two-year-old flower girl and she has a special place in my wedding that I know all will be excited to see. Look at those eyes, just a cutie for me. 

RING BEARER 

 

Miles: This guy is probably the coolest three year old to ever reign in the Chicagoland area. If you want to challenge him, please visit his personal website (klingefam.blogspot.com). He is going to be the coolest dressed boy in the room and give Caleb a run for his money for best suit in the room. He is a ham for a camera and I can't wait to see what photos we can squeeze out of him.

The Engagement: His Perspective

Laura was in Spain and I was stuck in America, it was the worst.  She left in late August for her great European adventure and I was left to continue my everyday life...or was I?  Little did she know, I had been scheming for weeks!  I could not let this once in a lifetime opportunity pass me by, so I bought a plane ticket.  I flew out from Chicago, days after I was able to get her wedding ring finished.  After several stops in Frankfurt and Barcelona, I finally arrived in Sevilla on Tuesday, October 11th.  Laura's roommate had agreed to lure her to a nearby bridge where I planned on meeting them to surprise her.  I hadn't got confirmation on if the exact meeting time would work, so I tried calling Laura's roommate when I got to my hostal, but there was no answer.  It was 6pm and I had until 8pm, so I decided to explore a little and make sure I could find the bridge.  I wandered around for over an hour, found the bridge, but realized I had no clue how to get back to my hostal.  I wanted to get back to the hostal so I could try calling Laura's roommate once more to confirm the meeting time.  After coming to the realization that there was no way I could find my hostal, call her roommate, and still make it to the bridge by 8pm, I decided to try and call her with a payphone.  Thirty minutes later I had managed to waste five euros and and get really frustrated.  I knew virtually no Spanish and could not figure out how to use that phone to save my life.  I finally said, "forget it", and literally ran to the bridge.  I got there ten minutes late but saw Laura standing with a group of girls.  All my frustration and worries melted away when I saw her beautiful face.  As I approached, her friends saw me coming and started walking towards the end of the bridge, leaving Laura alone.  I walked right by her, but she didn't notice me.  I looped around, put my arm on her shoulder and said, "hey Laura".  She immediately shrugged my hand off her shoulder, put her head down, and began to walk faster.  Then I said, "Hey Laura wait, it's Caleb".  She spun around with the most confused look on her face and we embraced for quite some time.  Then she said, "wow, what now!?"  So I dropped to a knee and pulled out the ring.  I had prepared an elaborate speech, all in Spanish, about how much I loved her and why I wanted to marry her, but my mind went blank.  I muttered the only words I could remember, "Te casarias conmigo?"(will you marry me?).  She responded by screaming, "Shut up!" and eventually, "YES!".  ...Mission accomplished!