Timeless Summer Wedding at The Madison | Mackenzie + Max
As Minnesota wedding coordinators who specialize in barn weddings, we’ve had the pleasure of working at various barn venues across the state. We have been collaborating with these spaces since 2012, we’ve forged some amazing relationships. We feel so lucky to have maintained our relationship with this barn as it transferred ownership and was rebranded to The Madison.
As the new owners geared up for their first wedding season at The Madison, we were so excited to find out that Mackenzie and Max’s wedding would be their first! It was so fun working with Brad and Louise. They were so sweet and helpful. We couldn’t be happier for them and we can’t wait to continue working with their team at this stunning space!
As we planned with Mackenzie and Max over Zoom, the anticipation grew. It was going to be a beautiful day celebrating their love with their 255 guests (including 50 kids)!
THE MORNING
It was a beautiful Minnesota morning with partly cloudy skies. As our team arrived, we checked in with the venue owners and the wedding party. The couple’s whole crew was always checking in to see how they could help, but we assured them that we had it covered. Their job was to relax and enjoy the day, after all! When they insisted, we did appreciate their help setting out the couple’s chargers, plates, napkins, and silverware at each table as well. ;)
The ladies spent their morning with Hair by Ashley Brown and the bride’s friend Brenna, who was helping with makeup. The vibes were high in the bridal suite!
Meanwhile, our team worked on setting up the reception space, including decor the couple rented from us. We placed candles, runners, dessert table stands, and the guest book table items.
We then made our way to the ceremony site to set up our white wedding doors. Mackenzie wanted the doors to close and reopen for her grand entrance during the ceremony. We always love this added dramatic touch for our brides!
We checked in with the vendors as they arrived and helped answer any questions they had. We added finishing touches to the ceremony site, including white bows on the chairs, clear welcome signs, and reserved seating for loved ones who had passed, while Ptacek's IGA set up the white floral arrangements.
Our team was keeping an eye on the radar, as it looked like there was an increasing risk of rain. Lead Planner Kellie acted quickly to have the appetizer table moved from the heat (and potential rain) to the air-conditioned barn by the bar. These are the things our team is there to worry about so that you don’t have to!
Once Mackenzie slipped into her beautiful gown from A&Be Bridal, it was time for the first look with her dad! We absolutely loved his custom tie made using a photo of him and the bride. It was so cute!
The couple opted out of doing a first look, so after wedding party photos, our team led a quick day-of ceremony rehearsal without the bride. We were able to work through a few logistics with the doors and chat with the amazing ushers about their duties!
THE CEREMONY
As the ceremony approached, a light rain began. Luckily, it stopped just in time for the wedding venue owners to wipe down the chairs. According to the radar, it looked like we had just enough time for an outdoor ceremony!
The couple shared a short and sweet ceremony before heading down the aisle as husband and wife! They then made their way to the bridal suite to sign their marriage license, where Josie from our team arrived just in time with their preferred beverages.
THE RECEPTION
After the ceremony ended, the rain really started to come down. Since the couple hadn’t done a first look, they were planning to take photos with the wedding party, family, and each other after the ceremony. The rain delayed this, but Turning Paiges Photo did an amazing job rolling with it and ensuring all of the photos still happened!
As guests enjoyed cocktail hour with drinks served up by Liquid Motion, our team popped into the reception space to take care of last-minute details. Each table had simple decor with bud vases and a table number.
Our team also repurposed the ceremony flower arrangements in front of the head table, which gave the table that special VIP look when paired with the backdrop from The Cutting Garden.
After we invited guests into the reception to find their seats, the wedding party made their grand entrance. It kicked off with the bridesmaids, followed by the groomsmen, and then, of course, the newlyweds!
The groom then welcomed guests and said a prayer before inviting guests to enjoy their delicious buffet dinner from Big Guy’s BBQ.
Meanwhile, our team set out desserts on our Alice dessert stands. The treats consisted of cookies, bars, and other goodies from Thirsty Whale Bakery. We then dropped the couple’s cutting cake off at the head table, which had the cutest vintage-esque bride and groom topper!
After a few speeches, it was time to party! The couple and their parents started by playing the shoe game (we loved that they made this a group activity), followed by the traditional first dances.
Brad, the venue owner, then kicked off a fun night of dancing as the couple’s DJ! This crew knew how to party, which made for epic footage for Studio Veil’s wedding video.
The rain let up just in time for the couple to get a few beautiful sunset portraits, which showcase the beauty of this property so well!
Turning Paiges Photo then sent them back into the reception to party the night away, where Mackenzie changed into her dancing slippers. ;)
Mackenzie + Max, it was such an honor to be a part of your special day! We had a wonderful time getting to know you and your loved ones.
A huge thank you to Turning Paiges Photo for sharing these wonderful photos with us!
Vendors for this timeless wedding at The Madison
Wedding Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Kellie + Josie
Venue: The Madison
Caterer: Big Guy’s BBQ
Bartender: Liquid Motion
Rentals: Rustic Elegance / The Cutting Garden
DJ: Brad from The Madison
Florist: Ptacek’s IGA
Photographer: Turning Paiges Photo
Videographer: Studio Veil
Dessert: Thirsty Whale Bakery / Costco
Hair: Hair by Ashley Brown
Makeup: Brenna Rowe (friend)
Bridal Gown: A&Be Bridal Shop
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol