Backyard Wedding :: Private Residence, MN

They were matched on Tinder and finally met in person at a Caribou. Christie and Blake ended up talking over coffee and when the shop closed, the two stayed even longer chatting in the parking lot. Both agreed to meet up the following day and spent even more time together and both knew they were meant to be together after Christie spent a weekend alone with Blake’s parents working on a gingerbread house!

After dating for a short time, both Christie and Blake knew they wanted to be married but never much thought about a true engagement story. Blake had picked up the ring he and Christie had picked out, but wanted to make the moment special. The couple was visiting Schram Winery on a beautiful summer day for a wine tasting. As they sat in the sun at the picnic tables afterward, Christie joked about Blake having the ring with him, and how perfect it would be for a proposal. She guessed that it might be with him, and after a few guesses, he surprised her with it under his hand and asked her to marry him.

Christie and Blake decided they wanted their wedding day to be less traditional and more of an event for friends and family to participate in with them. They chose to host their wedding day at Christie’s parents home in Southwestern, MN. Her parents had been updating their property for a few years and it seemed the perfect place to host a summer wedding. Christie got ready in the apartment on their property with one of her sisters doing her hair and make up. She looked stunning in her ivory Allure Bridal gown from Inspire Bridal Boutique. Blake and his father got ready in the house and he looked dapper in his grey suit from Knights Chamber Clothiers. The two had their first look in the grove of trees on the back of their property with Christie removing a blindfold off Blake. They continued with family photos there and then began the ceremony with Christie’s brother in law officiating and walked out to bubbles and whoops of celebratory cheers!

The celebration continued as Christie’s mother (a former caterer and incredible chef) created a beautiful grazing table for guests to enjoy during the cocktail hour. Guests played yard games ranging from bags to ladder ball while bartenders from the Minnesota School of Bartending mixed up cocktails (margaritas and Old Fashioned’s-the bride and groom’s signature cocktails) poured wine and served beer. Guests were encouraged to wander through the different tents throughout the property for drinks, appetizers, games, signing the poster guestbook created by Nibiru Design, speaking into the After the Tone Phone Recordings audio guestbook, taking photos at the Photo Booth, or boogie down to music hosted by Nicholas Thomas Entertainment and eventually serve themselves an incredible dinner made by Mimi Hendel. Christie’s sister, a pastry chef, created a macaroon cake and creme brûlée for guests to enjoy.

The day was hot, humid and a bit overcast, but we ended the evening by heading to Kinbrae Lake for a few photos on the water, then to Christie’s uncle’s farm for more golden hour photos and beautiful sunset photos. We celebrated with a champagne pop and sparklers. Christie and Blake ended up changing into lighter and cooler attire for the remainder of the evening where they were able to chat with friends and family and enjoy the rest of their beautiful day.

Christie and Blake, thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your wedding day. Enjoy your honeymoon in Austin, Texas!!

Caterer:: Christie’s mom, Mimi Hendel // Flowers:: Minnesota Fresh Farms and Trader Joes // Baker:: Christie’s sister, Nina Hendel // DJ and Photo Booth: Nicholas Thomas Entertainment // Stationary:: Shutterfly // Wedding dress:: Allure Bridal purchased at Inspire Bridal Boutique // Veil:: Dareth Colburn Designs // Bridesmaid dresses:: Azazie and Revelry // Men’s designer:: Knights Chamber Clothiers // Rings:: The Jeweler Ryan // Jewelry:: Tiffany & Co. // Tent/table/chairs:: Big Top Tent Rental // Lighting: Event Sound & Lighting // Audio Guestbook:: After the Tone Phone Recordings // Alcohol:: Total Wine and Spirits // Bartenders:: Minnesota School of Bartending // Shuttles:: Reading Bus Lines // Guestbook:: Nibiru Design // Bar Drink Signs::Magnolia Papers and co // Other signs – Hand drawn by Christie’s sister, Callan Oberlander //