Abby + Will | Almquist Farm
THE PLANNING
Planning with Abby and Will for their Almquist Farm wedding was so fun! We worked through each detail and helped them browse our rental inventory for items that they would like to incorporate into their day. They ended up renting our barrels, barrel cocktail table tops, and easels, so keep an eye out for those throughout the photos of their day!
THE MORNING
The bride arrived at the bridal suite onsite at 9am to meet with Plush Beauty who perfected her makeup and low bun updo. This hairstyle paired with her bridal gown from The Wedding Shoppe made for the perfect timeless look!
While the wedding party was getting ready, the RE team focused on greeting vendors and setting out decor. We were available to anyone who had any questions or needed assistance, whether that is a vendor or a family member!
Danielle Christensen Photography then took the couple out for their first look and a few portraits around the venue. Her bouquet from 651 Studio Floral popped beautifully against the green summer landscape!
Speaking of color popping, check out these bridesmaid dresses! We absolutely love the variety of colors and styles in this group’s attire!
Once photos wrapped up, the RE team of Kellie and Kierra pulled the wedding party aside for a quick day of rehearsal. We love doing a rehearsal the day of the wedding for many reasons, which you can learn all about HERE. We also use this time to chat with the ushers so that they know what to do. As the ceremony neared, they were ready to help greet guests, direct them to the ceremony site, and hand out programs.
THE CEREMONY
Guests arrived via Lorenz Bus Service who ensured that everyone was transported to the venue safely. The ushers helped guide everyone to the ceremony site, which highlighted the venue’s arch that was beautifully decorated by 651 Studio Floral!
Once everyone was seated, we began sending the wedding party down the aisle. The processional song “All of My Days” was played on guitar by a friend of the couple. The couple had 6 bridesmaids, 4 groomsmen, and 3 ring bearers. With the help of the RE team, it was no problem getting this group down the aisle seamlessly! Abby then made her grand entrance escorted by her father. She looked absolutely stunning!
The couple shared a sweet ceremony with their friends and family surrounding them. Their officiant was a friend of theirs, and they had multiple readings by those close to them. Abby and Will also wrote their own vows, followed by a unity symbol. It was such an intentional ceremony! The couple then shared a kiss and recessed out as the newest Mr and Mrs!
Once the ceremony wrapped up, the RE team got busy repurposing the flowers. We placed the arch flowers on the head table, the milk cans filled with flowers to the barn entrance, and the bridesmaid bouquets to the head table. It really brought the whole vision together!
THE RECEPTION
During cocktail hour, guests gathered around our cocktail tables and enjoyed passed appetizers from Lake Elmo Inn.
As guests entered the reception space for dinner, they were met with a beautifully decorated barn! The table numbers were locations around the Twin Cities, illustrated by one of the couple’s friends. This same friend illustrated their invites, signs, etc. So cute! At each table there were gold chargers, candle holders, and a runner provided by the couple. Flowers by Erin, another friend of the couple, placed mason jars with flowers at each table. They complimented the ceremony florals perfectly!
DJ Sam Baeker then announced the couple for their grand entrance. Upon entering, Abby and Will said a quick thank you before inviting their guests to enjoy the plated meal from Lake Elmo Inn! Not long later, speeches got started. They had 7 in total, which lasted around 45 minutes. Each one was so touching!
Danielle Christensen Photography then popped outside with the couple for a few sunset portraits in the meadow. These shots turned out so dreamy! Almquist Farm has one of our favorite sunset locations.
When they returned to the barn, they shared their first dance to “Spirit Cold”, followed by the traditional parent dances. There’s something so special about these moments!
DJ Sam Baeker then invited everyone to the dance floor. It wasn’t long before it was packed with guests who kept dancing all night long!
The couple took a quick break to enjoy ice cream sandwiches from Honey & Milk for dessert before heading back to the dance floor. This dessert was a huge hit!
The remainder of the night was spent dancing with DJ Sam, enjoying the bonfire started by Almquist, and indulging in the late night pizza from Lake Elmo Inn. It was a great night of celebration! Meanwhile, the RE team was busy cleaning up and ensuring the couple and their families had nothing to worry about (thanks to our clean up package that the couple opted to have)!
To wrap up the day’s events, the couple did a sparkler exit before hopping on the last shuttle from Lorenz Bus Service who ensured everyone got to the hotel safely.
VENDORS
Venue: Almquist Farm
Caterer: Lake Elmo Inn
Dessert: Honey & Milk
Ceremony Music: Zach Johnson (Friend of Couple)
DJ: DJ Sam Baeker
Reception + Personal Florist: Flowers by Erin
Bride + Ceremony Florist: 651 Studio Floral
Photographer: Danielle Christensen Photography
Transportation: Lorenz Bus Service
Hair and Makeup: Plush Beauty
Bridal Gown: The Wedding Shoppe
Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Kellie and Kierra
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol