As MN wedding coordinators who specialize in backyard weddings, we love transforming a couple’s special place into a functioning venue. Bri and Tommy came to us with the dream of gathering their loved ones at his parent’s house for a backyard wedding in Saint Paul!
Since the couple lived out of state, Lead Planner and RE Owner Kellie planned with the couple via calls and Zoom meetings. It was important to Bri and Tommy to have an experienced backyard wedding planner, as they wouldn’t be able to be involved hands-on for some of the planning process.
Our Backyard Package was the perfect fit for their needs. We met with the couple’s moms prior to the wedding to walk the property, helped figure out the best layout for the space, and assisted in finding the rental items that were needed from Apres Party Rental and Phos.
This package also has our team on-site the week prior to the wedding to get eyes on all the decor and to plan for the day. We’ll set out things like garbage cans, run extension cords, and create a prep area for our team to use day-of.
As all of the pieces came together, our team couldn’t wait to help Bri and Tommy celebrate with their 300 guests in a location so important to them!
THE MORNING
It was a beautiful day as we arrived on the property. The father of the groom was ready to greet us and was super sweet and helpful. It’s always so great when we get to connect with a couple’s family during the planning process, too!
Our team started by placing the linens and table decor on all of the reception tables, while also being sure to greet vendors as they arrived. The decor consisted of battery lamps, flower bud vases made by the family, lemons, place cards, candles, menus, and napkins. We loved that they had mini clothes pins for the menus/place cards to be pinned to the napkins to help secure them from the wind!
We also made sure to set out the ceremony decor that couldn’t be set out the day prior. Everything was coming together so beautifully!
Meanwhile, the ladies had spent their morning getting ready with their glam team! Danielle Osbeck and Jessica Monson handled the hairstyles, while Beauty by LC and Makeup by Jeanette worked together on makeup. The girls looked stunning!
Once Bri slipped into her wedding gown from Anthropologie, it was time for the first looks. She started by revealing her full look to her bridesmaids, followed by a first look with her dad and brother. The bridesmaids were so cute as they secretly watched this moment from the window!
Bri then made her way into the yard for her first look with Tommy, followed by fun portraits around the property!
The couple’s large wedding party then joined them for group photos. Emma Grace Photography did an awesome job capturing the group of 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen!
While we waited for photos to wrap up, we worked on setting out the gift, card, and guest book items. The guest book was a coffee table-style book, which was a wonderfully timeless choice! We also made sure to set out the memorial table details, which were placed on two round tables with umbrellas that marked the entrance.
Then, our team pulled the wedding party aside for a quick 15 minute day-of rehearsal to work out all the ceremony kinks. We also made sure that the couple’s officiant (who was also a groomsman) felt comfortable and touched base with the ushers.
Once we wrapped up, the wedding party hid away inside before guests began to arrive. Our team took this time to check in with the bartenders, who were friends and family of the couple. There were 5 bars in total, including a boat bar!
THE CEREMONY
As wedding planners, we like to call ourselves Professional People Movers. AKA, we’re there to greet guests when they arrive, direct them to the bar to grab a drink, and then make sure they get seated. All while getting the wedding party lined up and ready to walk down the aisle!
The couple had a large crew that we queued down the aisle including 3 ushers, a ring bearer, 2 flower girls, 10 bridesmaids/groomsmen, and of course the couple with their parents! Bri looked absolutely stunning as she made her grand entrance with her parents escorting her.
The couple shared a touching ceremony surrounded by their friends and family. It included readings by the couple’s aunt and uncle and vows that the couple wrote for one another. We loved that the grandparents had a special shaded area to watch the whole thing! After sharing a long awaited kiss, the couple exited as husband and wife.
THE RECEPTION
After the couple recessed down the aisle, they signed their marriage license in the house. Our team made sure to bring them a celebration drink and plate of appetizers to enjoy!
Meanwhile, guests made their way to cocktail hour in the backyard by the pool. There was a live saxophone player from Rock With U that brought all the luxury vibes!
While guests enjoyed passed appetizers and socialized, our team was back in action to get the next stage of the day prepped. We moved the altar flower to the DJ booth on the stage, brought the aisle flowers to the tent, and placed the bridesmaid bouquets in vases at the head table. We were so happy to repurpose these stunning designs by Studio B Floral!
The family also hired movers to help move the ceremony chairs to the tent, and they also assisted in lighting the candles. This was a huge help as there were lots of guest tables and a big head table for 44 guests, all adorned with real candles. It was stunning!
It wasn’t long before it was time for guests to move up to the tent for dinner. Once everyone was seated, the wedding party and couple did a grand entrance into the tent. The saxophone player led the way, followed by the wedding crew carrying tambourines and wearing sunglasses. Everyone headed to the dance floor for a little dancing, and guests were able to join in for a few songs. The vibes were high heading into the evening!
The couple then did their first dance before inviting everyone to be seated to enjoy a delicious family-style dinner catered by Baba’s. The bartenders were also on wine service duty, offering guests wine as they enjoyed their meals.
While guests ate their meal, our team began flipping the gift and card table to become the dessert and coffee table. The assorted mini cupcakes from Sammy Sweets looked so yummy!
After a few touching toasts by the father of the groom, maid of honor, and best man, it was time for the traditional parent dances. These are always so sweet to watch!
Bri and Tommy said a little speech after these dances and then the party began! Our team turned on the couple’s uplights and set out the dance party items.
As the party was in full swing, our team said our goodbyes and called it a night. It’s always hard to say goodbye to our awesome couples and their families after such a fun day!
Guests closed out the night with lots of dancing, a late night snack from Taco Bell, and a safe ride to the hotel from Richfield Bus Company.
Bri + Tommy, thank you for trusting our team to help coordinate your wedding as you planned from afar! It was such an honor to work with you and your families.
Huge thank you to Emma Grace Photography for sharing these lovely photos with us!
Vendors For This Backyard Wedding in Saint Paul, MN
Wedding Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Kellie + Kierra
Venue: Family Home
Caterer: Baba’s
Late Night Snack: Taco Bell
Dessert: Sammy Sweets
Rentals: Apres Party Rental / Phos
DJ: Rock With U
Florist: Studio B Floral
Photographer: Emma Grace Photography
Transportation: Richfield Bus Company
Hair: Danielle Osbeck and Jessica Monson
Makeup: Beauty by LC and Makeup by Jeanette
Bridal Gown: Anthropologie
Bathrooms: Jimmy’s Johnnys
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol