Minnesota Wedding from Rocket Science Weddings & Events

Simple weddings are true gems in my book. They’re paired down to the most intimate, heart-warming details. The same details that we adore about big, grandiose affairs can be found in these images by Randi Jorgensen of 1012 photo. A whole lot of love and celebrating with your nearest and dearest… that’s what really makes this backyard wedding shine bright. See even more right here in the full gallery.



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From Gretchen of Rocket Science Weddings & Events… I fell in love with Bailey and Kyle from the moment I met them, however they have been in love for a long time. They met in 2005 while in medical school in Minneapolis, MN and after two kids and a four year engagement they decided they were ready to tie the knot, finally! The inspiration for their wedding day was “family” and they had the perfect place to have such a gathering – Bailey’s parent’s large, sprawling property (that is lovingly referred to as “shantytown”) in Pelican Rapids, MN. The ceremony site was an open clearing in the woods that created an intimate, almost magical space. Hay bales covered with burlap were arranged in a semi-circle in front of the trees for seating and guests were greeted with a signature cocktail while they waited for the ceremony to start. Bailey’s aunt officiated a personal and moving service that included a singalong to one of the couple’s favorite songs, You’re My Best Friend by Queen. The wedding party was small, just their two children Dexter and Rowan.

After the ceremony it was time to party! Guests moved from the ceremony site to the barn for dinner and dancing, and along the way were greeted with beverages, food, games and a bouncy house. Guests were also encouraged to take part in a special scavenger hunt made by the bride and groom. In the barn, we arranged three long tables for family style food service. Each table was named after an important city: where the bride grew up, where the groom grew up, and where the couple lives now. For the decor, Bailey wanted to keep it simple and rustic, like she threw the party together with items she owned, so we brought in farm tables, vintage plates, lanterns and crates. Bailey’s mom provided vintage linens for some of the tables as well. Mason jars filled with peach, pink and green floral and lots of candles made up the centerpieces for the adult tables, and in the kid’s tent (also known as the “fun tent”) the centerpieces were mason jars filled with crayons and paper runners for the kids to draw on.

No detail was overlooked, from the welcome bags and letter in the hotel rooms, to the flashlight stations so guests could get from place to place at night around the property and the vintage blankets for sitting around the campfire. The stationery pieces complemented the peach, pink and green color palate and tied all the little details together. Some of my favorite personal touches were the “just married” ATV that the bride and groom hopped on after the ceremony to get to the reception and the chalkboard signs we used as the welcome to the ceremony and the seating chart for dinner. To top it all off, at the end the night, we surprised the groom with a fireworks show!

Wedding Photography: Randi Jorgensen of 1012 photo / Wedding Venue: Woods/Barn in Pelican Rapids Minnesota /  Wedding Planning, Design, Wooden Signage + Floral Design: Rocket Science Weddings & Events / Ceremony Music + Reception Band: Rick Blomquist of Trick / DJ: Bellagala / Catering: Heidi Andermack of Chowgirls Killer Catering / Wedding Stationery (Invitations + Signage): Gretchen Berry Design Co. / Farm Tables: Alyson Newquist of Juliane James Place / Vintage Plates: Vicki Higgins of Revived Tableware / Tent + Misc. Rentals: Katiee Wandemacher of Apres Party & Tent Rental / Photo Booth: Bride’s Brother Mark / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier /Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman + TOMS /  Bride’s Bracelet: Vintage from Antique Shop / Rowan’s Dress (Child’s Dress): J.Crew / Hair + Makeup: Bride’s Friends / Groom’s Suit: Z Zenga / Dexter’s Suit: J Crew