We are going to end today’s pretty parade with a modern Minneapolis wedding captured by La De Da Photography. If we have to end all the prettiness, might as end with a bang, right? Well this Midwest destination wedding is just that – a big bang of beyond fab images to send you off into the evening. There is so much to love, and lucky for all of us – it’s all in the full gallery of images for safekeeping! Enjoy!
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
From the Bride, owner of Nearly Newlywed… Patrick and I grew up in the same small town in Iowa, attending the same small school but never really noticed one another until years later. Both home for the summer (I was going to college in NY and he in Illinois) we met at a bonfire, and years later, he asked me to marry him with cupcakes at my favorite NY Bakery, Billy’s.
Both living in Brooklyn, we decided to have a “destination” wedding in Minneapolis because of its close proximity to family and our Midwest roots. It is also such a fun city, we knew that our NY friends would enjoy it as well. We selected the Mill City Museum, an old flour mill converted into a historic museum, for our ceremony and reception because of its industrial and unique feel.
The wedding planning and design was something that I did with the help of my mom, mother-in-law, and groom, Patrick. We wanted the wedding to be a fun affair, with classic and warm DIY touches and enjoyed planning it together. My mom made the veil to match my dress and Patrick constructed a homemade photo booth, complete with a backdrop and a screen that showcased the photos throughout the evening as they were being taken of the guests. We also made the wishing tree where guests could sign their names and hang their wishes for us, the rock seat cards, and the hand-tied floral plate garnishes. Patrick and I picked the ceremony music together, opting for sentimental songs that held personal meaning for us both including “Such Great Heights” by Iron & Wine and “The Book of Love” by the Magnetic Fields.
The wedding was everything that we could have hoped for. When I walked down the aisle with my father and saw Patrick standing there waiting for me, it was the happiest moment of my life. Reciting the vows that we had chosen and listening to our friends recite readings and tell stories about us, the ceremony was intimate and warm, exactly what we had wanted it to be. We followed the ceremony with an informal cocktail reception in the courtyard, where guests sipped cocktails and immediately got to mingle, while Patrick and I ran off to get a few photos taken outside in the grass. When we walked back in and they announced us as Mr. & Mrs. Courtney, everyone cheered and the party began! We went inside and listened to our parents and friends say a few words about us and enjoyed dinner & dancing until late into the evening. Celebrating with all of our friends and family that had traveled from all over to our “destination Minneapolis wedding” we both felt that all of the waiting, planning, and anticipation had been well worth it.
Wedding Photography: Melissa Mlejneck of La De Da Photography / Floral Design: Sadie’s Couture Floral & Design / Caterer: D’Amico / Event Design + Planning: The Bride / Ceremony + Reception Location: Mill City Museum / Bride’s Shoes: J.Crew / Veil: Bride’s Mother / Place Settings + Favors: Bride’s Mother + Mother-in-Law / Make-up + Hair: Brett Dorian Artistry / Bridesmaid Dresses, Groom’s Suit + Groomsmen Attire: J.Crew / Officiant: Jim Albani / DJ: Mark King, Instant Request / Photo Booth: The Groom