Tell us a bit about you?

Hi, I’m Kellie, I have a strong passion for helping people, love organization and thrive with the fast paced environment of a wedding day! When I’m not at a wedding, you can find me enjoying the outdoors! I love spending time with my horse, biking, camping, hitting up the dog park, playing hockey, enjoying time with friends or getting dog snuggles in front the fireplace… Sunsets are my favorite! Family means the world to me and I’m super close with my parents. I feel so truly blessed to have found my passion in life and be able to call it my job! I have had the chance to work with the best couples and truly get a little sad after the wedding when goodbyes are said!

What makes you smile?

Sunsets, Starbucks and an organized time line!

What other hobbies do you enjoy?

Playing hockey, biking, being on the lake, traveling…

What’s your favorite flower?

Daffodils!! They are just so happy looking and once you see them start popping out of the ground you know spring is here (and wedding season is just around the corner)!

What romantic film do you like best?

The Notebook - can’t get any more romantic than that…makes me cry every time!

What’s a fun fact about you?

I have been to the Boundary Waters at least 10 times and love it!

What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

I drove a hearse in college (lol)

What is your favorite love song?

I don’t think I really have just one favorite, it sort of changes all the time. I like anything country, and I pretty much love love any song by Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland) - man that girl can sing!

What is your favorite dessert?

You can’t go wrong with a warm chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream!

Favorite quote?

Work like you don’t need the money, dance like no one is watching and love like you’ve never been hurt!

Why did you get into wedding planning?

Well, I worked in graphic design for 10 years and felt like I needed a change. I sort of felt lifeless sitting at a desk all the time and missed seeing the light of day. I had worked at fancy clubs- (Layfayette Club, the Minneapolis Club and Interlachen), all through high school and college so have always been around weddings and events and had so much fun during this time. It was my mom who suggested I combine my love of events, outdoors and organizational skills to start my own business…and so I took my moms idea and ran with it and couldn’t be happier!

What is your favorite part of the wedding day?

I love seeing the bride in her dress and all done up for the first time. We spend a lot of time working together and it’s so fun seeing her at her best, looking so happy and pretty - usually makes me tear up. I also love that moment of seeing the space, after everything is set up and ready to go. We spend months figuring out all the little details, planning and envisioning the day, and seeing it all come together brings me such gratitude and joy! I just love this moment of calmness in the space before all the excitement begins.

Why do you love backyard weddings?

I think my love for backyard weddings steams back to my childhood. I love nature and being outside and it’s so fun seeing guests enjoy the laid back atmosphere. Backyard weddings can be so much more personal/customized to fit the couples desires since we are creating a venue from scratch. I also feel like I relate to the outdoor’s type couple - our personalities usually just end up clicking. I just love the romantic feel of a space nicely decorated with twinkling lights, chandeliers and candle light. To me, this is romance at its peak!

Any great stories or moments from past weddings?

There are so many great memories and stories from past weddings! I think one of my favorites would be when the groom planned a surprise private first dance for them. They weren’t doing a large dance (it was a Sunday wedding), but the groom didn’t want his bride to miss out on doing a first dance. So he planned a little surprise one for her. They had a live guitar player for music so we coordinated with him, set up candles in the hay loft of the barn (Redeemed Farm), and he led her over to the barn “looking for his phone”. She heard the song playing as they walked into the barn, and saw the candles and instantly started crying… and so did we! It was such a sweet and thoughtful moment!

What tips or advice do you have for couples working on planning their wedding?

Look into the vendors you are hiring and check reviews! The vendors you choose are the key players of your day and you want to make sure they have experience with the type of wedding you’re looking for! Make sure to ask a lot of questions. Also to the ladies - make sure to get your dress at least 6 months before the date, don’t forget the marriage license. Lastly, make sure you pick a photographer that you and your significant other can relate to and feel comfortable around - as they will most likely be following you around all day 🙂

Best advice for the couple on their big day?

Breathe, eat, drink lots of water, and don’t sweat the small stuff! I also recommend at some point in the wedding day, taking time for just you and your partner. The day goes by way to fast and you will be pulled in many different directions. Take 15 minuets for just the two of you to enjoy!