Scoring points

Devising the perfect game plan for a proposal

It was love that sent Matt Jackson on his biggest life journey. Not love for a woman, but love for a game — hockey.

Matt was a standout on the Apple Valley, MN varsity hockey team and advanced to the collegiate level before a snowmobile accident sidelined his aspirations of going pro. It was during his time on Eagles high school team, however, that would change his life. It was then that he first crossed paths with Lori Taormina, the squad's team manager.

While the two never spent much time together, they obviously made an impression on one another. Years after their brief high school encounters, Matt and Lori easily noticed each other while socializing with friends at an area sports bar. A connection was made, and the two quickly started dating.

Two years later, Matt had purchased an engagement ring, had asked Lori's father for her hand in marriage, and was already plotting the perfect proposal.

Matt had treated Lori to a full-day spa treatment at the Oasis Salon in Lakeville while he was off deer hunting in Southern Minnesota. Well, at least that's what Lori was led to believe. Matt had actually postponed his trip a bit to surprise Lori as she neared the end of her day of pampering. The salon had requested me to produce photos for marketing materials so I would be on hand during all the action. Plus, we needed a model for the brochures — that's where Lori came in.

As Lori luxuriated in each phase of the treatment — hair, make-up, massage, manicure and spa pedicure — she had no idea Matt was anxiously counting down the minutes until he'd be cued to make his entrance. Matt stacked the deck and brought along champagne with personalized flutes, chocolates and strawberries, and a sushi platter on top of the stunning ring he had selected.

Finally, Matt's moment came and he was able to catch Lori completely off guard as she relaxed with a glass of wine during her pedicure. A traditionalist, Matt got down on one knee and asked Lori to marry him. In between tears of excitement and joy, she said yes.

Congratulations, Matt and Lori!!

Anthologie is movin' on up!

Please excuse our dust. Anthologie is moving even closer to you! As of March 17, 2010, Anthologie will no longer be based out of our offices and gallery at 18 Bridge Square in Northfield. We're moving 20 miles north to make it easier than before to meet face to face with our clients. So why the move? About one year ago, Anthologie embarked on a journey to operate in historic downtown Northfield. From the beginning, the venture was a test to see how we can best serve you — our clients. With a year lease on our building, the storefront would serve akin to a business incubator. While it has certainly been fun and a worthwhile learning experience, we've discovered the move mostly serviced our egos rather than the needs and desires of our client base. Anthologie, since its inception, has been dedicated to documenting your life's moments — both large and small — as they happen. That means we come to you on your terms, meeting and working at locations that make sense and are most convenient to you. Thus, our gallery and offices aren't necessary to provide you with the service you've come to expect from Anthologie. We're excited to bring you a new home showroom in the coming weeks for those clients who still desire to see our larger product offerings in a relaxed and realistic environment. More on these changes is coming soon.