Aster Cafe Wedding | Ceci + Alec
As wedding coordinators in MN, we were thrilled to be part of Ceci and Alec’s Aster Cafe wedding—especially since this one was a little extra special. They’re friends with our lead planner Kierra (we coordinated Kierra and Colty’s wedding too!), and they were so sweet and fun to plan with.
They added our photo booth, along with our coordinating services, which is always a hit! Kellie, the owner of Rustic Elegance, worked closely with both the bride and groom at our office. With 165 guests and a fun, personal vibe, their day came together beautifully.
The Morning
Ceci and her ladies arrived at 10am to start getting ready with the glam team from Spa Beauty Agency and Hali Rhiann Makeup Artistry. A couple of hours later, the venue opened to vendors at noon. Working quickly, everyone teamed up to bring Ceci and Alec’s wedding vision to life!
The RE team focused on setting up the couple’s reception décor in the Hall of Kings. We love this cozy space for Aster Cafe weddings! The tables were decorated with pillar candles, cheesecloth runners, and gold candlesticks with taper candles. The head table had special white candelabras, which perfectly marked it as the VIP table. The glow from the candlelight added the perfect touch of romance and elegance!
Ceci slipped into her gown from Vow’d while her bridesmaids changed into their mismatched black dresses. We love how each dress showed off their personal style!
The bride then did a grand reveal of her final look to her bridesmaids. We always love the energy that this moment brings. Nothing like your girls hyping you up on your big day!
Ceci and Alec then stepped outside the venue for their first look, followed by private vows on the waterfront. It was such a sweet, peaceful moment. Afterward, they explored the venue for a few portraits with Ellen Gustafson Photography before meeting back up with our team and the wedding party for a quick day-of rehearsal.
The Ceremony
As guests arrived, they made their way to the courtyard to be seated for the ceremony. We love that Aster Cafe weddings offer the chance to be outside while still soaking in those city vibes!
The couple provided the arch, which Poppy Flowers beautifully decorated with a variety of colorful florals. It added the perfect pop of color against the venue’s brick wall!
Remember how we mentioned that Ceci and Alec are friends with our lead planner, Kierra, and her husband, Colty? Well, Colty was actually their wedding officiant! This was such a fun full-circle moment for our team.
Once everyone was seated, the RE team began cueing the processional. After the wedding party made their way down the aisle, it was time for Ceci to make her grand entrance. She looked absolutely stunning as she was escorted in by her father!
Pro tip: During the rehearsal, we always show couples exactly where to stand so they’re centered with the arch. It not only looks best for photos, but it also gives couples the confidence of knowing exactly where to go. Ceci and Alec absolutely nailed it!
The couple exchanged heartfelt vows and sealed them with a kiss as their guests erupted into cheers. As they made their way down the aisle as Mr and Mrs, the sunlight cast the most perfect rays—creating photos that looked straight out of a fairytale.
After the ceremony, Colty met the couple in the bridal suite to sign their marriage certificate… then popped back out to proudly show off the newly signed, official document!
The Reception
While guests were enjoying cocktail hour with passed appetizers in the courtyard, the couple and their wedding party slipped away for a few group photos. Aster Cafe wedding portraits are always beautiful with the Minneapolis skyline in the background!
Not long after, guests were invited to find their seats in the Hall of Kings, the reception space downstairs. Our team had set up the couple’s seating chart and each seat had the guest’s place card waiting for them.
The wedding party then made their grand entrance as a group, with Ceci and Alec bringing the energy right after! Upon arriving at the head table, the couple said a quick welcome. Aster Cafe then served a delicious plated meal for everyone to enjoy.
As everyone ate, there were speeches by the father of the bride, the father of the groom, the best man, and the maid of honor. It was the perfect mix of heartfelt and entertaining while guests dined.
The Aster Cafe team then set up the dessert display. We love how seamless it is to plan an Aster Cafe wedding. There’s nothing better than an all-inclusive venue if you want to simplify your vendor list!
While guests were busy eating, Ceci and Alec slipped outside with Ellen Gustafson Photography for a few sunset portraits. There’s just something magical about St. Anthony Main at sunset!
As the bride and groom arrived back in the Hall of Kings, they took the stage for their first dance as husband and wife, followed by the traditional parent dances.
DJ Keezy, who was a friend of the couple, then took over and had guests hitting the dance floor big time! One thing’s for sure: this group knew how to party! We were so glad that Laura Sukowatey Films was there to capture it in action.
During dancing breaks, guests hit up our photo booth. They got the photos texted to them right away and the couple received the full album of all photos the next day!
While guests were busy partying, Ceci snuck out for a quick dress change before returning to dance the night away. Aster Cafe made everyone’s night by providing a display of delicious Mexican style food as a late night snack.
Ceci and Alec partied the night away with their guests while the RE team began packing up decor as part of our Clean Up Package. It’s only right that the couple and their loved ones get to spend every second celebrating!
Ceci and Alec, you were such a joy to work with! We’re so glad our paths crossed and honored to have helped bring your day to life.
VENDORS
Minnesota Wedding Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Kellie + Amy
Ceremony Venue: Aster Cafe Courtyard
Reception Venue: Hall of Kings - Aster Cafe
Catering: Aster Cafe
Dessert: Aster Cafe
Photo Booth: Rustic Elegance
DJ: DJ Keezy
Florist: Poppy Flowers
Photographer: Ellen Gustafson Photography
Videographer: Laura Sukowatey Films
Hair: Spa Beauty Agency
Makeup: Hali Rhiann Makeup Artistry
Bridal Gown: Vow’d
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol