St. Croix River Valley Wedding: Chelsey + Brandon

fabric backdrop

Chelsey + Brandon are both professional wedding photographers by trade, so it wasn’t the least bit surprising that when they planned their Minnesota River Valley wedding, it was filled with an abundance of personal touches, artful elements + one-of-a-kind details. I’m madly in love with the gorgeous tablescapes + hand-drawn chalkboard signage seen throughout. Here’s a bit more from Jackie of Munster Rose, the florist + stylist behind the day:

Upon arrival at the Carpenter Nature Center, guests were handed field guides to direct them through the day’s activities. They were led down a meandering path through the gardens to a beautiful ceremony site. Flower girls tossed feathers down the aisle and attendants carried antlers adorned with flowers. Boutonnieres were constructed of seedpods, vintage leather, and lace. Chelsey + Brandon exchanged vows under an elderly oak tree surrounded by their children, best friends, and giant great dane, Ruby…

bridesmaids

antler bouquet

antler bouquet

bow ties

plaid tie

groomsmen

st. croix bow tie

groom with dog

great dane ring bearer

chalkboard illustration

chalkboard illustration

wedding program

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

From Chelsey: My husband's vows. I still read them frequently to this day + I fall in love with him over and over again each time. I loved seeing our ideas come to life that day but more than anything becoming Mrs. Werth + hearing him profess such deep emotion in front of our nearest + dearest was the most memorable for me.

st. croix wedding

wedding party

bride and groom with dog

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

st. croix rustic favor holders

jar drinks

beef jerky bar


After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails, played yard games, and sampled from a beef jerky bar. After cocktail hour they were guided to the reception, where they discovered their place setting marked with an apple plucked from local orchards. The reception space was decorated with vintage furniture from Chelsey’s family, hand-made farm tables from Bash Collective, and vintage linens provided by Chelsey + Lizie Anne.

rustic table setting

apple place card

rustic florals

table numbers


For the reception, the tablescapes were decorated with driftwood salvaged from the St. Croix River, feathers, antlers + bones collected from the Minnesota wilderness, and lots and lots of vintage glassware. Four-foot long arrangements were designed in wooden boxes built by Chelsey’s father. Romantic, ruffled blooms mixed with textural seedpods + seasonal foliage to embrace the outdoor setting. Of course, all was finished with candlelight. In the setting sun, everything shimmered.

rustic table setting

rustic table setting

bride and groom table

chalkboard illustration

cake

exit

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Be yourself. Yes, it's great to be inspired by other weddings, but really figure out what defines you as a couple + use that as your guideline. Being in this profession I see a lot of great weddings that truly represent the couple and some that are just what the couple thought everyone else would want. You really will enjoy your day more if you make it about you both + you'll have a lot more fun planning it too!

venue name: Carpenter Nature Center, Hastings, Minnesota // wedding dress: Emma Berg // hairpiece: DIY by the bride // bridesmaid dresses: Zara // hair stylist: Amy Jo Beniek // makeup artist: Amy Jo Beniek // groom attire: H&M // videography: Capture Studios // paper goods: DIY by the bride and groom // catering: Lake Elmo Inn // cake: Cocoa and Fig // music: Alex Masters // officiant: Luke and Bethany Nelson // photography: Spencer Combs and Geneoh // event planner: Lizie Anne // floral design: Munster Rose // styling: Munster Rose // bride's shoes: Vera Wang and Target // groom: DIY by the bride // groomsmen's ties: DIY by the bride // accordion player: Patrick Harris // farm table rentals: Bash Collective

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