Liz + Dillon | Almquist Farm
THE PLANNING
Liz and Dillon were great to plan with and very organized! All of the pre-planning for the day was done with RE owner, Kellie. The couple made great use of our primary planning program, Aisle Planner, by utilizing the month to month checklist, guest list tracker, budget tracker, and day of forms to track all of their wedding info. Since they were so organized with these elements it made for an easy transition to their lead planner, Marissa, who was eager to coordinate their day at Almquist Farm!
THE MORNING
Leading up to the wedding, the weather had been 95+ degrees. We were nervous that the hot weather would continue and impact the outdoor ceremony, but luckily we were blessed with perfect weather! 72 degrees and sunny for a late August wedding in MN… doesn’t get better than that!
The wedding party arrived on site bright and early to get ready in their respective suites. The ladies were joined by Emily Alexander Artistry and Chantell Canfield who perfected their hair and makeup! Once the guys were dressed, the RE team helped pin on boutonnieres. They were looking spiffy! Meanwhile, Liz slipped into her stunning bridal gown from A&Be that fit her like a glove!
Liz opted to do a few first looks, starting with her bridesmaids. This is always such a fun way to start the day with your girls hyping you up! She then went outside to do an emotional first look with her dad. Finally, she did the first look with her groom. There were plenty of laughs and tears as they shared their private vows!
Carly Mac Photography then took the couple around the grounds for photos, including a few with their dog and wedding party! These moments also made perfect content for B. Betting Films to capture for the couple’s wedding film.
Meanwhile the RE team was busy setting up decor before pulling the wedding party aside for a quick day-of rehearsal. We love doing rehearsals day-of for many reasons, which you can read all about on this blog.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony took place at Almquist’s outdoor ceremony site. The couple opted to change out the venue’s arch for custom baby’s breath pillars from 651 Studio Floral. We love how they turned out! The couple also chose to have memory photos of the grandparents who had passed placed on the chairs in the front row. Such a special touch!
As guests arrived, the usherettes passed out programs and greeted guests. The RE team made sure the wedding party was ready, directed guests, and stayed available for any last minute needs before the ceremony.
Once guests were seated, we began to cue the wedding party down the aisle. The two usherettes started the processional off by walking the grandparents down. Dillion then escorted the bride’s mom and returned to walk down with both of his parents. The couple had six attendants on each side and included their dog in the processional! Becca’s MN Pet Care was Lona’s pet attendant and took great care of the pup the whole day. It was then time for Liz’s grand entrance, which she made with her father to “You Are the Reason”. The couple shared a sweet ceremony with a unity rope tying, a sentimental reading, and their long awaited kiss! They were officially husband and wife!
THE RECEPTION
After the wedding party recessed, they all got on the party bus provided by Valley Limo for a little celebration bar run! Meanwhile, guests enjoyed drinks served up by Almquist Farm and snacks provided by the couple that we set out. There were also plenty of activities from cornhole to feeding the venue’s goats and chickens! 651 Studio Floral moved the pillars to be repurposed behind the head table and the RE team was there to help wherever needed and help direct!
When it came to decor for the reception, the couple wanted to keep it fairly simple to let the beauty of the venue shine! 651 Studio Floral nailed it by adding a few bud vases and candles to guest tables that had simple white table runners provided by the couple.
When it was time for dinner the RE team began inviting guests to find their seats using the escort cards the couple had made. Once everyone was seated, the couple and the wedding party did a grand entrance (as you can tell they had a lot of fun with it)! Then it was time to enjoy the delicious plated meal provided by Cannon River Catering.
As dinner wrapped up, Carly Mac Photography took the couple out for a few sunset photos. We’re obsessed with how these turned out, I mean look at that stunning veil!
Upon their return, the couple went into their first dance to “Cover Me Up” by Morgan Wallen. This was followed by the traditional parent dances before Ever After Entertainment opened up the dance floor to everyone!
Liz and Dillon then made their way to the dessert table to do their cake cutting. Then there were plenty of yummy cupcakes to go around from Sweet Kneads Farmington Bakery!
Guests spent the rest of the evening dancing and using the photo booth provided by Carly Mac Photography! Almquist Farm also started a fire and the RE team set out the s'mores supplies that the couple provided.
Meanwhile, the RE team began to clean up decor as they were able and pack it away in the designated vehicles. Later in the evening we greeted the Domino’s delivery driver who provided the pizza. Guests were very excited to enjoy this late night treat!
Liz + Dillon, thank you for having Rustic Elegance on your team! You two were a pleasure to work with and we loved celebrating your love!
VENDORS
Venue: Almquist Farm
Caterer: Cannon River Catering
Bar Service: Almquist Farm
DJ: Ever After Entertainment
Florist: 651 Studio Floral
Photographer: Carly Mac Photography
Videographer: B. Betting Films
Photo Booth: Carly Mac Photography
Dessert: Sweet Kneads Farmington Bakery
Transportation: Valley Limo
Hair: Emily Alexander Artistry
Makeup: Chantell Canfield
Bridal Gown: A&Be
Pet Attendant: Becca’s MN Pet Care
Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Kellie, Marissa, and Kierra
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol