A Modern and Cozy Winter Wedding In Minnesota That Brought the Wonder of the Outdoors Inside

Bride and groom kiss against modern wall in winter

We gotta say, a winter afternoon in Minnesota is probably frigid AF, but this couple and their 'I Do' crew created one of the coziest wedding experiences we've ever seen. What started as a sushi date setup via a mutual friend, grew into a seven-year-strong love story, and concluded with a surprise Old Crow Medicine Show concert in Red Rock and a stunning new rock on Sara's finger. Matt Lien Photography documented the day and Rocket Science Events handled every detail of the planning, including the stunning and creative floral design (those wreathy hoops, tho!!). You can see all the images in the full gallery.

Woman holds a rustic floral wreath with feathers outdoors

Nothing Typical Was the request for this Midwest Wedding

Elegant wedding invitation suite on a terracotta background

When planning their wedding day, the first thing Sara and Cody knew was that they didn’t want anything ‘typical.' Their number one priority was to throw a hell of a party for their friends and family, but in their own style. The day started with Sara and her bridesmaids getting ready in cozy plaid shirts while they got their hair and makeup done by Salon Vamp and Melissa Tomfohrde Makeup. Sara chose a long sleeve amethyst colored Hailey gown by Hayley Paige featuring a long train and elegant floral detailing. Matt worked with Heimie's Haberdashery to create a custom navy houndstooth suit.

Modern wedding invitation with a terrazzo pattern border

Wedding table number cards and menu cards on brown surface

Bridesmaids in matching buffalo plaid shirts laugh

Light streamed in through the floor to ceiling, vaulted windows of their venue

Bride and bridesmaids in winter wedding outdoor portrait

Looking for something unique, they chose Orchestral Hall as their venue. After an emotional first look on the hall stage, the pair said their “I Dos” on one of the venue’s modern indoor balconies. With a blend of modern style and understated elegance, the couple worked with Rocket Science Events to create a cozy and chic winter wedding reception. The unique branch centerpieces paired with plaid napkins and modern paper goods by Minted created a one-of-a-kind look. As a surprise for Sara, the seating chart was in the shape of a bear, her favorite animal.

Wreath with pheasant feathers dried flowers and branches

Bride holds a lush bouquet in her embroidered wedding gown

Groom in suit with floral boutonniere detail close-up Bride holding unique bouquet with feathers and flowers

Bride and bridesmaids in navy dresses with floral hoops

The epitome of who Cody and Sara were as a couple

Bride approaches groom at theater wedding ceremony

The end result was exactly what every couple wants for their wedding day: “It was the perfect extension of who Cody and I are as a couple,” Sara shares, “And the experience was exactly what we wanted to give our closest family and friends.”

Emotional groom seeing bride at theater wedding first look