They had been friends since middle school and shared the same friend group since high school, but Jess and John didn’t start dating until three years out of high school.
Thinking he was asking Jess out, John asked Jess to a Wild game and thinking it was for all the friends, she asked her friend Kate to join them. The date wasn’t exactly what he had planned, so he tried again and asked Jess to go ice skating sans friends, and at that pont the two knew that things might get more serious. A trip down to Texas where John was serving in the Army solidified that they were both intersted in making it more official and began dating.
A few years later they were in the process of buying a house when Jess got an e-mail from her realitor saying that the couple needed to meet them at the house to sign more paperwork. Thinking nothing of it, she made a call to John on the way over to the house to let him know she was on her way. He cut her off quickly and she thought nothing of it. Upon arriving in the dark at the house she found their realitor there waiting in the driveway and told her John was in the back of the house. It was the coldest day of the year, so she quickly turned the corner to enter their backyard, she found a candlelit walkway leading to John and knew what was happening! Despite the bitter cold, John was waiting at the end of the path down on one knee!
Their August wedding day was a bit different than the day they got engaged, but many similarities remained. The bitter cold was replaced with the August heat, and the dark nights were filled with sunny skies and the same sweet group of friends that they had known since 7th grade surrounded them as their wedding party! Laughter, joy and relaxation filled their day.
Maple Ridge Farm, a quaint and beautiful venue in Taylor’s Falls, MN, held both Jess and John’s ceremony and reception. Mindy, from Makeup By Mindie, made Jess and her bridesmaids look flawless and Haley from Synnova Studio created the most beautiful up-do’s for the ladies.
The bridesmaids all wore blush colored ankle length gowns from Azazie and when paired with the incredible pinks and green bouquets from Colleen’s Flower Cellar, the combination was beautiful
John and his groomsmen all wore navy suits with navy ties from Milbern’s Clothing Company and when put up against Jess’s Maggie Soettro lace back dress from the Wedding Shoppe it was stunning.
Divine Swine brought in the most perfect dinner for a barn wedding complete with BBQ chicken, salads and beans. Something Sweet by Maddie Lu created a perfect cake for the day and family brought in sweets from Sam’s Club for guests throughout the night.
One of Bellagala’s DJ’s kept the music going for the night, while guests were invited to partake in S’mores, games of corn hole, mingle on the outdoor lawn and share in a popcorn table for late night snacks while Greg Thunte captured evertyhing on video.
It was an incredible day and Jess and John, thank you so much for including me in it. I was honored and wish you both so much happiness together!
Vendors for the day included::// Ceremony and Reception:: Maple Ridge Farm// Hair:: Haley Mains at Synnova Studio// Make-up:: Makeup By Mindie// Florist:: Colleen’s Flower Cellar// Wedding Dress:: Maggie Sottero from Wedding Shoppe // Bridesmaids Dresses:: Azazie // Men’s Ware:: Milbern’s Clothing Company//Stationary:: Minted // Rings:: Gold’n Treasures // Caterer:: Divine Swine// DJ:: Bellagala // Bride’s Shoes:: Kate Spade Keds// Baker:: Something Sweet by Maddie Lu; other desserts SAM’s Club // Video:: Greg Thuente // Second Shooter:: Lily Watkins
The centerpieces on each of the tables contained succulents grown individually by Molly’s mom through the year and the theme continued as guests entered to find their seating. Individual succulents with a name card attached help friends know which table to go to.
Gorgeous!! Such a beautiful day for them! And I need that picture of my boys and nieces standing on the bench!! (Please email me for how I could buy that one??)