Powalish-Koester

Christie Michelle Powalish and Karl Anthony Koester were married Aug. 22, 2009, at Transfiguration Lutheran Church in Bloomington. A reception followed at Embassy Suites – Airport in Bloomington.

Parents of the couple are Gary and Cindy Powalish of Roscoe, Ill., and Jim and Judy Koester of Apple Valley.

Maid of honor was Sheila (Zubke) Grau of Mukwonago, Wis. Bridesmaids were Laura Smith, Amy Powalish, Kelly Pattee, Jaymie McGrath, Angela Hoover, Holly Makowka and Kimbra Johnson. Sharon Hawkins of Grafton, Wis., and Connie Rokke of Fargo, N.D., were the personal attendants. Ali Vandercook and Liz Hanson were the flower girls.

Best man was Erik Root of Waseca, Minn. Groomsmen were Mike Powalish, Mark Powalish, Ben Pattee, Jason Christianson, John Cordes and Trent Wadd. Ushers were Nick Kristan of Fargo, N.D.; Chad Oftedahl of Waseca; and David Pechacek of Hastings. Joe and Ray Stuedemann were the ring bearers.

The Rev. Vern Christopherson officiated at the ceremony. Karen Daniels was the organist.

Christie attended Hononegah High School in Rockton, Ill., and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is a marketing and communication manager at John Henry Foster.

Karl attended Apple Valley High School and the University of Minnesota. He is a prosthetic practitioner resident.

The couple honeymooned in St. Lucia at the Sandals Grande and reside in Shakopee.