Forevermore Forest Weddings & Events is a “little slice of heaven” tucked away off Highway 10 just west of Ellsworth, adjacent to the David Lodge & Inn.

“People tell me this is a treasure because you can’t find this connected to a motel, especially not in a city,” said Event Manager Angel Bechel. “A little slice of heaven is what we try to do here.”

The rustic building, with soaring ceilings, a fieldstone fireplace and décor reminiscent of a northern forest lodge, seats up to 90 (with wedding party) comfortably. The venue caters to small, intimate ceremonies, with an outdoor ceremony space under towering trees with a flagstone aisle lined by church pews. The interior space is also perfect for graduation parties, bridal and baby showers, family reunions, dress rehearsals and groom’s dinners.

Bechel’s parents Brian and Merry-Joy Fleming took over ownership of the David Lodge & Inn about 10 years ago from her grandparents, who died about a month apart. Bechel and her two sisters, Precious Deacon and Blessing Edwards, grew up on the grounds, which became a second home.

Bechel credits her mother for envisioning the addition of Forevermore Forest to the property, which boasts hiking trails throughout the woods and hillside. While Merry-Joy died two years ago from breast cancer, the family is dedicated to seeing her vision through.

“She had this vision of renovating this shed into a wedding venue,” Bechel said. “The dream happened with her and she came up with the name. The ceremony part is actually in the forest. My sister got married here in 2019, and so my parents were like, we could spend money on a wedding or we could renovate the shed. That’s what she did, is renovated the shed.”

Bechel, a children’s pastor at New River Assembly of God in Red Wing, is the events manager, while her sister Blessing manages the lodge.

“My mom was training me to do this,” Bechel said. “She was running it but she was very sick at the same time. She was undergoing radiation treatments and didn’t have a lot of strength. She must have known I would potentially enjoy this. When she passed away, we took time to grieve her and I kind of restarted it. In the last year is when I’ve really taken it head on.”

Bechel and Pat Olafson, who serves as the wedding coordinator, have a high expectation for customer service.

“We want to have a high level of customer service and people want to be heard and have their wishes happen, especially on their wedding day,” Bechel said. “We just do our best. I want them to be happy and have a perfect day. That makes me so happy. I don’t want them stressed at all. They should enjoy every moment.”

The staff works hard to accommodate both small and large requests. They enjoy working with local caterers and decorators to bring clients’ events to life. The indoor space seats about 90, while the outdoor ceremony space seats 125. A small kitchen space is available, along with a restroom.

Bechel takes comfort in knowing they are fulfilling their mother’s dream for what Forevermore Forest could be.

“I think she would be proud of us. My sister is running the motel. I think she would be proud of how she is running a business and having a family,” Bechel said. “She’d be proud of my dad for trucking along even after the loss of her. He is an accountant. He works full-time then comes and does this. What really makes it keep going, when you have people come here and they give you those good reviews, they’re coming and they leave happy. My mom wanted people to come here and enjoy this space. Just enjoy each other. She always enjoyed her family and loved her family. She loved decorating, so I got that from her. She knew I needed to be creative. That’s why I love being a kids’ pastor. I get to be creative all the time.”

The family also credits their strong faith in keeping them going. They want to share that with others as well. Merry-Joy often ministered to the broken and hurting, Bechel said, which is her biggest legacy.

“Honestly, that is the biggest reason we do this, so people walk away blessed,” Bechel said. “That was mom’s biggest goal, is to feel the love of God. My mom ministered to people when they came here. She just loved people and that is our biggest legacy. No matter where you come from and who you are.”

Merry-Joy battled cancer for 20 years. Bechel describes her as an outdoorsy grandma, not very girly, a little rough around the edges with a huge heart. 

“She was a fighter and the only way she could fight was with Christ,” Bechel said. “She was not your typical grandma making cookies in the kitchen. She would rather be out with a chainsaw and carve something or get dirty. And she taught us how to do everything 110 %. I appreciate that, as she always wanted us to go the extra mile. I thank God so much for the times that I had her.”

To learn more about Forevermore Forest Weddings & Events, located at W7670 Highway 10, Ellsworth, visit forevermoreforest.com, email forevermorevenue@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.