Tarin + Clay | Machine Shop
THE PLANNING
Tarin and Clay’s wedding day was absolutely amazing and we loved everything about it! We were introduced to this lovely couple through our lead planner, Kayla, who is a good friend of Tarin’s. We absolutely love helping friends and family of our previous couples and team members! The RE team has helped with a lot of weddings in this friend group, so it’s always fun to see all their familiar faces at each other’s weddings.
Lead planner Kellie did all the pre-planning with the couple for their New Years Eve wedding at Machine Shop in Minneapolis. It was such a fun experience to ring in the new year with so many familiar guests and vendors!
THE MORNING
The RE team started the day by stopping at Nothing Bundt Cakes to pick up the dessert. This is a great benefit we are able to offer to our couples as our office is located right by NBC in Minnetonka! Meanwhile, the ladies were gathered at the venue and busy getting their hair and makeup done with Lady Vamp Artistry. Tarin looked absolutely stunning in her Flutter Co gown and glam!
As the ladies were prepping, the RE team was busy setting up decor and greeting vendors at the venue. As the morning progressed, we helped pin on lots of boutonnieres and also learned how to “release” the balloons for the balloon drop at midnight!
Once everyone was ready, it was time for the first looks! Tarin did a first look with her bridesmaids, then her brothers, and last (but certainly not least) her groom! Oh, and we can’t forget Clay’s adorable first look with his mom. Each one was so special, and Angela Jo Photography did a great job capturing them!
The couple made their way around the space with Angela Jo Photography to capture fun couples portraits before the wedding party joined them for a few group photos. Keep an eye out for lead planner Kayla who was one of the beautiful bridesmaids!
The main floor of the venue was beautifully decorated for the ceremony to give off all the cozy romantic vibes. Ergo Floral set up pillar vases with candles down the aisle which were reused at the head table and guest tables after the room flip! The arch was provided by the couple, and the florist added a beautiful floral install to give it that elegant touch. Lights were hung from the trusses down the center of the aisle, making the scene feel like something out of a movie!
As guests arrived, two of the bride’s cousins were busy handing out programs. We also made sure to fulfill the couple’s request of placing flowers on a seat in the first row to honor the bride’s dad who had passed. This was such a sweet way to honor him during the ceremony.
The couple had a large wedding party, so everyone was thankful we were able to do a day of rehearsal (find out why these rehearsals are so great HERE). The couple decided to include grandparents in the processional which was super sweet! Once their families and the 9 bridesmaids and groomsmen made their way down the aisle, it was time for the kiddos! The 2 flower girls tossed petals and the 2 ring bearers carried the rings and vow books to hand to the best man when they reached the end of the aisle. Tarin was then elegantly escorted down the aisle by her two brothers as she made her grand entrance!
The couple shared a wonderful ceremony, leaving their guests with happy tears in their eyes. They had a memory box for their unity symbol where loved ones brought up letters for the couple to read on their anniversary - how sweet is this?! After sharing a romantic kiss in the glow of twinkle lights and candles, the couple headed upstairs to do a receiving line to greet all their guests.
THE RECEPTION
After moving through the receiving line, everyone enjoyed cocktail hour upstairs with appetizers (both passed and buffet) and a photo booth from Studio Veil! Meanwhile, the vendors were busy downstairs working together to complete the room flip. The venue, caterer, florist, and RE team all pitched in to make the flip as efficient as possible!
The ceremony decor was transferred to the dinner tables to maintain the romantic and dreamy ambiance from the real candlelight. We placed a thank you card on top of each charger and placed name cards at each seat. There was also a seating chart to help guests find which table they were at. The head table was a stunning grand statement with tons of candles and the twinkle lights hanging overhead! The bride and groom used our king and queen chairs and sat at the head of the table. They truly looked like royalty out of a fairytale!
As cocktail hour came to an end, guests found their seats downstairs. The wedding party did a fun grand entrance dance together before making their way to the head table. The couple said a quick welcome before Deco began serving dinner. Guests enjoyed their plated meal while listening to speeches from the maid of honor, best man, mother of the bride, and father of the groom. Once guests were done eating, they helped themselves to the bundt cakes that the RE team had set up during cocktail hour. These sweet treats were delicious and quickly devoured as always!
Soon it was time for the first dances. The bride and groom shared a sweet dance, followed by a Tarin with her mother and Clay with his. You could definitely feel the love during each one!
Then it was officially time for the party to begin! DJ Cody C welcomed everyone to the dance floor and kept it packed for the remainder of the night. Cody is always so organized, cooperative, willing to make announcements, professional, and keeps a high energy party! Needless to say we always look forward to working with him!
While DJ Cody did a great job keeping everyone dancing, there were plenty of other activities to do as well. Guests filled out their resolutions at the resolution table and gathered all sorts of NYE party favors. The couple provided hats, crowns, beads, noise makers, and anything else their guests would need for a fun and festive night! While the Machine Shop bartenders were busy serving up drinks, there was also an ice luge from MN Ice for a festive specialty cocktail which served the couples signature drinks. We loved this unique touch!
As everyone was dancing and enjoying all the activities, the RE team of Kellie and Rachel worked on clearing up the decor and got ready for the big balloon drop at midnight. Deco provided late night snacks including a pizza bar and pretzel bites to go with the snack tubs the couple had brought.
As midnight neared, Machine Shop’s bartenders poured champagne for guests to grab and cheers with. DJ Cody did a countdown until midnight, and the anticipation was high as everyone waited for the clock to strike midnight! As the guests began yelling 3.. 2… 1… Kellie released the balloon drop from Andon Balloons, resulting in a successful shower of balloons falling down on the celebrating guests! The whole day provided so many amazing moments for Tross Films to capture for the couple’s wedding video.
After celebrating the new year, Schmitty and Sons arrived to ensure that guests were safely shuttled back to their hotels. The RE team had a great time ringing in the new year with this sweet couple and their guests!
Tarin + Clay, we hope that your marriage has been filled with as much love and happiness as this day was! The Rustic Elegance team always loves celebrating with your friends and families!
A big thank you to Angela Jo Photography for sharing these photos and celebrating with us!
VENDORS
Venue: Machine Shop
Caterer: Deco Catering
Bar Service: Machine Shop
DJ: DJ Cody C
Florist: Ergo Floral
Photographer: Angela Jo Photography
Videographer: Tross Films
Photo Booth: Studio Veil
Balloons: Andon Balloons
Ice Luge: MN Ice
Desserts: Nothing Bundt Cakes Minnetonka
Transportation: Schmitty and Sons
Hair / Makeup: Lady Vamp
Bridal Dress: Flutter Co.
Coordinator: Rustic Elegance
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol