Harvester Square Wedding | Lauren + Thomas
As Minnesota wedding coordinators, when a new venue opens we always patiently await our turn to coordinate a wedding there. When Thomas and Lauren booked us for their Harvester Square wedding, our team was pumped to check it off of our bucket list!
Believe it or not, this actually isn’t the venue the couple had booked when they first began working with our team for wedding coordination. Let us start from the beginning…
Back when Lauren and Thomas originally contacted us, they were supposed to get married at Circle B Ranch. When the venue suddenly closed just 3 months before their wedding, the Rustic Elegance team sprung into action.
We began reaching out to our tightly knit wedding community for help. This was such a unique scenario that most of the MN wedding vendors had not navigated before. We felt so bad for this sweet couple and did everything we could to support them during this stressful transition.
After reviewing our suggestions and doing a bit of research themselves, the couple decided to have their ceremony at Molitor’s Quarry and their reception at Harvester Square. It was going to be such a beautiful day!
THE MORNING
The thing about Harvester Square that really caught our couple’s attention is that there’s not really anything like it in the area. With limited wedding venues in Saint Cloud, we were so pleased about this beautiful addition!
When our team arrived on site, lead coordinator Marissa made sure to touch base with the venue team. This is when she found out that she went to college with the venue owner, Tessa, and was roommates with the venue coordinator, Margaret! This allowed them to fall into an easy partnership to bring this wedding to life.
Meanwhile, the ladies were getting ready in the bridal suite. Lauren’s family friends were helping out with everyone’s hair, while Ziel Bridal perfected the ladies’ glam!
Once the guys were all dressed, the RE team helped pin on boutonnieres. They were all looking dapper in their beige suits!
Lauren’s mom helped her slip into her gown from The Wedding Shoppe. It fit her like a glove and suited her so well.
It was then time for the first looks. The bride opted for first looks with her bridesmaids, her father, and of course, her groom. Each of their reactions were filled with so much love and excitement!
Uppercase L Photography took the couple around Harvester Square for a few portraits before everyone hopped onto the 1st Class Transportation shuttle to head to Molitor’s Quarry.
Upon arriving at the ceremony site, it became clear that it was a very warm day! The RE team made sure that the wedding party stayed hydrated in between pictures. This included the couple’s pup that was on site for the ceremony!
PS - check out their adorable photos on our sofa that they rented!
THE CEREMONY
As Thomas and Lauren’s 310 guests arrived at Molitor’s Quarry, they were met by a large fountain in the front. When they made their way past the fountain and to the ceremony site, they saw the gazebo canopy in front of the gorgeous, water-filled quarry. It’s truly such a beautiful space!
To line the aisle, the couple provided a variety of mismatched rugs. It was such a fun touch that really made the space feel unique to Lauren and Tom’s personalities!
Once guests were seated, Tammy (the coordinator at Molitor’s Quarry), ran the show. She has been in charge of ceremonies at this location for a long time, so we were happy to lean into her expertise.
Thomas made 3 trips down the aisle. The first was with his father, who was officiating the ceremony. He then made another trip with the bride’s grandmother, and returned a final time to walk with the bride’s mom.
The RE team then assisted in getting the 6 bridesmaids and groomsmen down the aisle. Lauren and Tom’s pup also joined the processional. We love when couples have their furbabies join for this special moment!
The two ring bearers were then pulled down the aisle in a wagon, followed by the 1 month old flower girl who was carried.
It was then time for Lauren to make her grand entrance with her father. We still aren’t sure how she was able to look so stunning despite that hot MN sun!
As we mentioned before, the father of the groom officiated the ceremony. It was his first time leading a wedding, and he did great! The couple shared sweet words, a unity candle, and a kiss before making their way down the aisle. They were officially married!
As the wedding party recessed, they made their way onto the party bus provided by 1st Class Transportation. Of course this meant they had to hit up the bar quickly during cocktail hour. It made for some great pictures by Uppercase L Photography!
THE RECEPTION
While the wedding party was bar hopping, guests made their way to Harvester Square for cocktail hour. Shortstop Catering provided a veggie display and spinach artichoke dip as appetizers.
Meanwhile, the RE team was busy getting the last minute details ready in the reception space. Each table was decorated with dried florals by a family friend, gold table numbers, and gold mercury glass votives.
Shortly after, our team began inviting guests to find their seats for dinner. Once everyone was seated, it was time for the grand entrance! The wedding party entered with drinks in anything but a glass. This was truly one of the most entertaining grand entrances we’ve seen in a while and made great content for Flower + Oak’s wedding film!
The bride and groom entered and, as soon as the cheers calmed down, went into their first dance. We love when couples go straight into their first dance as it ensures nobody will be disappointed that they missed out on seeing it! Everyone is seated and attentive.
Before dinner, Grandma Carol said a prayer. This was so special! Everyone then eagerly dug into the delicious buffet dinner by Shortstop Catering.
Before guests began to dive into the dessert table filled with cookies from Cash Wise, the couple did their cake cutting. We love the colorful flowers piped on the side of the cake!
Not long later, the 6 speeches wrapped up and it was time for the family dances. The RE team helped move tables and decor to make room for the dance floor. Lauren shared a dance with her father, followed by Tom’s dance with his sister. This was such a special moment for the two of them to share.
Once Adagio DJ got the party started, the couple slipped outside to get a few sunset portraits with Uppercase L Photography. We love a rooftop sunset session!
The night wrapped up with lots of dancing and late night pizza from Greenmill!
When the night came to a close, 1st Class Transportation was on site to safely bring guests back to the hotel.
Lauren + Thomas, we are so happy we were able to support you throughout your wedding planning journey! Your Harvester Square wedding turned out perfectly. It was meant to be!
Are you looking for someone to support you while wedding planning? We’ll be there for you no matter what happens. Check out our wedding coordination packages for more information.
VENDORS
Minnesota Wedding Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Marissa and Shauna
Ceremony Venue: Molitor’s Quarry
Reception Venue: Harvester Square
Catering: Shortstop Catering
Late Night Snack: Greenmill
Rentals: Rustic Elegance
DJ: Adagio DJ
Florist: Family Friend
Photographer: Uppercase L Photography
Videographer: Flower + Oak
Dessert: Cash Wise
Transportation: 1st Class Transportation
Hair: Family Friends
Makeup: Ziel Bridal
Bridal Gown: The Wedding Shoppe
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol