Valerie + Nick

Nick and Val met when working together at a ministry serving at-risk teens. Val’s loving, kind heart and optimistic sparked an interest in Nick right away. Together the couple complements each other perfectly! Their passion for creativity and learning has lead to their power couple status. Nick and Val became engaged on March 12^th 2016, they let the excitement settle in for a couple weeks and then got straight to planning, six months later their wedding day arrived!

The couple always knew they wanted outdoor wedding that would somehow include the rustic touch of a barn. Before Nick even got down on a knee, Val’s friend had pinned a breathtaking venue and showed it to her, she fell in love, but was sure it was somewhere in the wine country of California. When Val discovered it was right here in Minnesota she knew it was a match made in heaven (just like her and Nick!)

As Nick and Val began selecting elements for the big day their wedding began to unfold as a natural, whimsical, vintage feel with just the right touch of rustic. After the venue was selected, Val knew she wanted a vintage style dress to go along with their wedding feel. She did some digging on Pinterest and found one she loved! After a little more research she realized it was a new release at David’s Bridal, she set up an appointment right away. Her Pinterest perfect gown was the first one she tried on and as she looked at herself in the mirror she knew it was just the right dress to say “I Do” in!

When it came to bridesmaids dresses Val put her Pinterest boards to good use once again! She was inspired by the thought of a two piece set for the important ladies on her wedding day. She came across a photo of a set that included a flowing whimsical skirt that was accompanied by a lace top- when she found herself wanting to buy one for herself she knew it was the perfect dress for her loved ones to wear on the wedding day! The men went for a classic and timeless look with slim fit black suits, white dress shirts, black suspenders and black ties, Nick stood out next to the other men as he wore a black bow tie.

On September 10^th 2016, Nick and Val’s beautiful outdoor fall wedding took place at the gorgeous Stonewall Farms in Willmar, MN. The 80 acres of land, a breathtaking barn and whimsical pine tree forest served as the perfect backdrop for the couple’s love story to begin. The ceremony took place in the midst of the pine tree forest where they walked down the aisle to “December” by the Tow’rs. Then guests moved to the elegant pavilion location for the dinner and reception where guests enjoyed fried chicken, mashed potatoes, ham, stuffing, and green beans. Finally, Nick and Val along with their friends and family indulged in desserts and danced the night away in the barn after the couple kicked off the celebration with their first dance to “At Last”.

Nick and Val want to leave you with some words of wisdom for the wedding planning process!

Planning is so much easier and way more fun when you do it together as a couple. It takes the load off and sets the precedent that we are in this together.

Order a self-inking stamp off of etsy with your new name and address for all of the invitations and thank you’s. It will save you!

Send postcard thank you’s for bridal showers and gifts, postage is cheaper.

Ask friends and family for help so that they can share in the joy of the process and remind you of the wonderful community around you.

Make an itinerary for the week of and day of the wedding and send it to everyone involved, it will keep you sane and minimize the questions when you are the most overwhelmed.