Hidden Meadow and Barn Wedding | Cathy + Jesse
As Jesse and Cathy were planning their Hidden Meadow and Barn Wedding, they relied on venue owner Angela to direct them to a wedding coordinator. We were so honored that she felt we would be a great fit for them!
The couple booked us around 2 years prior to their wedding date, so we had lots of time to get to know them and work through all of the planning details. Lead planner Kellie did most of the planning with Jesse via Zoom, as the couple lives in Fargo. It was so fun for us to work closely with the groom on all of the wedding details!
As their spring Hidden Meadow wedding day approached, we were so excited to finally pull everything together for the sweet couple and their 100 guests!
THE MORNING
It was a slightly chilly May morning, but thankfully there was no rain in the forecast. Cathy and her gals arrived bright and early at 8am. Hidden Meadow had a mimosa bar ready for them, which immediately created the best vibes. Can we wake up to a mimosa bar every morning?!
The ladies each did their own hair while Diamond Jay perfected their glam. They all looked stunning!
While the morning was growing with excitement, our team was hard at work. We helped ensure their decor got to the correct places throughout the space. This included memory photos, a card box, an audio guest book, table numbers, and guest favors at each seat (which were his/her favorite candies). We also reviewed the seating chart to make sure that each table had the correct number of chairs.
Lastly, we set up our barrel table which uses our wine barrels and rustic door. This is where we precisely displayed each escort card for guests to find their seating assignments (and later used as the dessert table).
In between tasks, we also kept an eye out for vendors who were arriving. Our team was there to greet them and direct them to where they needed to be!
Before photos started, our team popped into the groom’s suite to help pin on their boutonnieres. All of the floral details from E.L. Design Rentals turned out so beautifully!
The couple put so much thought into their wedding, so it was important to them that they had it captured in detail. Between the 2 photographers from Savannah Steiger Photography and 2 videographers from Harvest Film Co, there were no details left behind. We truly admire how seamlessly these teams worked together!
The content team set Cathy and Jesse up for their first look in the outdoor ceremony space. The bride emerged from the doors to greet her groom. With teary eyes, the couple admired one another – it was such a touching moment!
After a few couple portraits, the wedding party joined for group photos. We love how Jesse’s navy blue suit and Cathy’s white gown made them stand out as the couple of honor!
As photos wrapped up, our team pulled the group aside for a quick day of rehearsal. We also took this opportunity to chat with the usher to make sure he knew what to do. This is such a valuable opportunity for us to provide a quick walkthrough of what to expect and help ease those pre-ceremony jitters!
THE CEREMONY
The beautiful Ceremony Meadow provides the perfect backdrop for Hidden Meadow and Barn wedding ceremonies. It’s always so stunning, no matter what time of year!
The gray skies allowed the willow tree and florals to shine. E.L. Design Rentals decorated Hidden Meadow’s arch with a whimsical display and lined the aisle with fern arrangements. It was so dreamy!
As guests arrived, usher Nolan greeted them, showed them where to put gifts/cards, and directed them to the heated pavilion to stay warm until it was time for the ceremony.
When ceremony time arrived, guests took their seats on the benches in the Ceremony Meadow. Jesse started off the processional with his parents, followed by the rest of the wedding party.
The flower girls, Elise and Estelle, did a wonderful job! Kristen from our team helped guide them down the aisle as they threw the petals.
Cathy then made her grand entrance escorted by her brother and mom. This was such a sweet union of families!
The amazing Susan Lee-Wright of Affordable I Do’s led their ceremony. Her ability to form a deep, meaningful connection with the couple and their loved ones always amazes us!
After sharing their vows, the couple did a time capsule keepsake box that included their vows alongside a bottle of wine. This will be such a fun anniversary activity to share down the road!
Cathy and Jesse sealed all of the sweet words with a kiss before dancing down the aisle to “Forever” by Chris Brown. An epic exit as husband and wife!
THE RECEPTION
As the ceremony came to a close, our team swooped in to grab the bouquets from the ladies and the ferns from the aisle. We made sure to repurpose these at the head table as planned. It looked beautiful!
The couple had specialty drinks named after their dogs, Louie and Lucky, so we were sure to deliver them a much needed signature cocktail to celebrate their marriage.
During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed socializing, warm appetizers from Empire Events, and drinks served up by Hidden Meadow and Barn.
Shortly after, we asked guests to be seated and lined the wedding party up for the grand entrance. One thing is for sure, this group knows how to bring the hype! The bride and groom were feeling all the love.
When the couple made their way to their seats, Jesse said a quick thank you. Empire Events then began serving a delicious plated salad and dinner. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed every bite!
While everyone was eating, Kristen from our team set up the dessert table. We reused the place card barrel/door table for the dessert set up and also used our dessert stands. We used the arch arrangement to add a touch of floral elegance alongside the signage rentals from Olive and Twig.
The desserts were the star of the display with brownies, cookies, and cupcakes from Batter and Bowls in abundance!
Once the couple and photographers were finished eating, we grabbed them for the cake cutting photo. According to the couple, it was as delicious as it looked!
Then it was time to roll into speeches. The best man, both maids of honor, and the mother of the groom all shared sentimental words. The mother of the bride also did a speech, followed by a fun traditional Kenyan song/dance honoring the couple. This was super cool!
After dinner, our team straightened up the chairs to make the reception space look picture perfect again. During this time Cathy snuck away for a dress change. We absolutely loved her second look!
The couple did the shoe game, which is always an entertainment hit, before heading into the dances. Jesse and his mother kicked it off by sharing a dance to “Forever Young”.
The bride and groom then did a choreographed first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. It was the perfect mix of romantic and fun. It fit their personalities so well!
The remainder of the night was spent celebrating the happy couple! We repurposed the flower girl baskets to set our s’mores supplies and the Hidden Meadow team got the bonfire started. Guests were also having fun with the photo booth provided by Ever After Entertainment.
Oh, and the couple couldn’t miss the photo op with their marquee letters from Alpha Lit!
As the evening progressed, we helped organize a grand exit sparkler photo with all of the guests before the photo and video team departed. These turned out so good! Then it was back to dancing the night away with DJ Greg Ellis.
Meanwhile, our team quietly cleaned up the decor and packed everything back into the appropriate cars. Our couples (and their loved ones) are always relieved when they add on our Clean Up Package!
Cathy + Jesse, you two were such a pleasure to work with for 2 years! We hope you take a moment to dance and celebrate your love each day. Cheers to you!
If you’re dreaming of having a Hidden Meadow and Barn Wedding, we’d love to support you! Check out our coordination packages to see if we’re a good fit.
VENDORS
Minnesota Wedding Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Kellie + Kristen
Venue: Hidden Meadow and Barn
Caterer: Empire Events
Rentals: Olive and Twig / Rustic Elegance
Marquee Letters: Alpha Lit
DJ: DJ Greg Ellis
Florist: E.L. Design Rentals
Officiant: Affordable I Do’s
Photographer: Savannah Steiger Photography
Videographer: Harvest Film Co
Photo Booth: Ever After Entertainment
Dessert: Batter and Bowls
Makeup: Diamond Jay
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol