THE PLANNING

Layla and Adam knew that they wanted to get married in the backyard of Adam’s parent’s home in Cottage Grove. They decided that having a partner experienced in backyard weddings was important to them, and ultimately landed on our Backyard Package. We couldn’t wait to get started on the planning details with this sweet couple!

Upon booking our Backyard Package, Kellie (Rustic Elegance’s owner), went to the property to evaluate the space and look at opinions for the ceremony and reception locations. The family was originally thinking of renting a tent for the yard, but once we saw the property we suggested the barn instead. We made a layout showing the tables, chairs, bar, and dance floor in the barn. Everyone decided it was the perfect option! This was able to save them money and worked out great for their 150 guest count and layout needs! 

Layla and Adam rented a few items from our rental inventory, as well as renting tables and chairs from Apres. The RE team was on site when the tables and chairs were delivered the week before the wedding. While we were on site, we prepped as much as possible for the big day. The bride and groom were very organized, which was a huge help! 

We absolutely love backyard weddings! It provides us with a unique opportunity to connect with families to help create their dream venue while making sure the logistics work out and the day will flow nicely. That being said, we couldn’t wait for Layla and Adam’s big day to arrive!

THE MORNING

Layla started her morning by getting ready at Sheraton St. Paul - Woodbury, a nearby hotel. Hair by Shayla Scrupp gave her a perfect half updo, while Glam with Anna perfected her makeup. She slipped into her dress from David’s Bridal to complete her look. She looked absolutely stunning!

Meanwhile, the RE team was on site setting up for the day ahead! There was a steady rain, so we set up what we could while we waited to see if it would let up. There were so many family members on site offering assistance. You could feel the generational love that this family has! We also were able to chat with the groom’s father about the farm and how it had been kept in the family over the years. 

When Layla arrived at the farm, Karen Feder Photography captured a few getting ready photos and individual portraits of the bride and groom. Thankfully, the rain let up for a bit, so they made their way out to the tree farm where Layla and Adam did their first look. This was such a sweet moment!

Karen Feder Photography then took the couple around the property for a few portraits. We love how Layla’s bouquet from Ergo Floral popped against the green landscape and overcast skies! The rain began to come down again, so they were able to get a few photos with our clear umbrellas before heading inside to hide away prior to guests arriving.

THE CEREMONY

Due to the rain not letting up, the couple had to make the call to use the backup rain plan for their ceremony. We set up the barn with the chairs they rented from Apres and the arch they rented from our inventory. With the draping and twinkle lights that the couple hung across the ceiling, it was a beautiful ceremony setup! 

Once guests were seated, we began sending the wedding party down the aisle. This consisted of the couple’s brother and sister, the cutest flower girl, the groom’s parents, and the bride’s mom and aunt. Oh, and of course the couple’s friend, Anna, pulling a wagon with a cardboard cutout of the couple’s cat, Yawgoo (aka, the ring bearer)! Layla then made her grand entrance. She was the most beautiful bride! 

The couple shared a sweet ceremony including a unity knot tying and vows they wrote themselves. The union of Layla and Adam left smiles on every guest’s face as the couple made their way down the aisle as the newest Mr and Mrs!

THE RECEPTION

Thankfully the rain had let up again, so guests were able to head outside for cocktail hour. We placed our barrel cocktail tables outside for guests to mingle around and set their drinks on. All of the beer that was served was brewed by the bride and groom. This was such a unique idea! Mik Mart Ice Cream Truck was on site during cocktail hour serving up sweet treats. Guests loved this dessert before dinner concept!

Staying with the food truck theme, Gastrotruck was on site to serve up a delicious dinner! If you are going to have a food truck for your wedding, we can’t recommend Gastrotruck enough. They are one of our favorites (and guests loved them too)! Dessert consisted of delicious cupcakes and a cutting cake from Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe. The couple opted for a lego cake topper of two love birds and a small kitty to represent Yawgoo. So cute!

After dinner, the couple surprised guests with a fun activity - breaking open a pinata! The groom spun the bride and DJ Greg from Neckwerk Entertainment hyped her up as she took whacks at it. Once she broke it open the kids in attendance snatched up the candy. It was so much fun for everyone!

The couple then did their first dance to “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton. We love how much fun they had with this special moment! Greg, with Neckwerk Entertainment then got the party started and guests took to the dance floor to party the night away! Adam’s brother, Sam, started a bonfire so guests could enjoy making s’mores throughout the night.

As the night wrapped up, the RE team cleaned up table decor and compiled it all into one location for easy clean up for the couple and their families. This is why our clean up package is incredibly helpful with backyard weddings!

Layla + Adam, thank you for trusting us to help coordinate your beautiful backyard wedding! We love how you didn’t let the rain impact your day and kept your carefree happy vibes no matter what!

Thank you to Karen Feder Photography for sharing these fun photos with us!

VENDORS

Venue: Backyard in Cottage Grove
Cocktail Treats: Mik Mart Ice Cream Truck
Caterer: Gastrotruck
Dessert: Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe
Rentals: Apres / Rustic Elegance
DJ: Neckwerk Entertainment
Florist: Ergo Floral
Photographer: Karen Feder Photography
Hair: Hair by Shayla Scrupp
Makeup: Glam with Anna
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Hotel: Sheraton St. Paul - Woodbury
Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Kellie + Shauna

Creatively written by: Hope Konkol

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