Kristen & Nick’s Relaxed Rustic October Wedding

09 August

Kristen & Nick’s Relaxed Rustic October Wedding

Real Wedding Spotlight: Crisp October weather, peak Minnesotan foliage, and rustic wedding décor created the perfect setting for Kristen & Nick’s rustic outdoor wedding.

They Met

Years of travels and adventures led Kristen and Nick to each other… just not in the way you might think. After earning their respective college degrees, Nick headed to the coast and Kristen to France as they sought adventure and new experiences. It wasn’t long before they missed their family and friends, so they both moved back to Iowa in 2018 whereupon they met on a dating app! Their first date provided an instant connection and the rest is history. As their Knot profile acknowledges, “The world led them to each other at a perfect time in both of their lives”.

The Eastern Red Bud Bush was vibrant for Kristen and Nick’s outdoor wedding in October. Photo By: Bellagala

They Said “I Do”

Fast forward to October 23rd, 2021 and you’ll find a spectacular fall day. A warm, light breeze filled The Gardens of Castle Rock as Kristen and Nick were greeted by their friends and family with… “oh my gosh, you’re getting married!” We hear it time and time again… Once your first look happens, you blink and your whole day goes by in a flash! From their first look in The Vineyard, photos around the garden with Bellagala, to their ceremony in The Lath House, and a magical first dance in The Reception Tent, time seemed to be racing by as if it was trying to keep up with the changing fall foliage.

Kristen and her bridesmaids took to The Garden’s suite to get primped by Primped and vendors from all around set to work placing all of the special décor for their day. Meanwhile, Nick and his groomsmen arrived on site with lively energy after a fun round of poker games at The Fairfield Inn. Event planner and coordinator Bailey Bivolarvov started the initial décor set-up under the twinkle of Stargazer Design’s café lights delicately draped in the reception tent.

Nick and Kristen’s ceremony was stunning. Bright, warm sunrays and lovely fall foliage filled the ceremony space as they exchanged vows and said “I do” under a lovely cottage inspired floral display by Hyvee Floral. If you listened really closely, you could hear the birds tweeting in the tree above The Lath House and the crisp crackling of leaves below their guest’s dancing shoes.

Kristen and Nick share a laugh at their wedding ceremony in The Lath House. Photo By: Bellagala

They Partied the Night Away

To end an unforgettable evening, guests danced the night away to entertainment provided by Bellagala or snuggled up to The Garden’s Natural Stone Fireplace. With bellies full of substantial cuisine by Hyvee Catering, yummy drinks from Equal Parts Cocktail Company, and late night pizza made in The Garden’s very own Late Night Pizza Oven, we imagine guests will be talking about Kristen and Nick’s perfect fall wedding for many years to come.

Kristen and Nick’s cozy, fall themed head table was made up of The Rustic Refined™ hand-crafted tables, lovely wooden floral bouqets, candles, and pinecones scattered about a vibrant table runner.

More Highlights from Kristen & Nick’s Rustic Outdoor Wedding

Moments like these are why getting ready photos are so important! Photo By: Bellagala

The Grindbygg at The Gardens is such a cool, welcoming sight! Add personal touches like florals, draping, or light up signs and you’ll have yourself one epic wedding guestbook and gift collection station.

These satin, burnt orange high-top table linens took center stage in front of The Garden Pavilion for this modern rustic outdoor wedding.

Starter kit for a cozy reception space: Hand-crafted cedar banquet tables, a mixture of pillar candles, twinkling café lighting throughout the entire reception tent, and natural sunlight streaming in.

The Garden’s Original Rustic Refined™ head table was the perfect addition to Kristen and Nick’s Relaxed Fall Wedding Theme.

Who needs an aisle runner when you have natural fallen leaves to take you to your “I do”?

Kristen’s lovely fall bouquet was made of wood flowers but looked so real!

Nick and Kristen escaped to the woods for a first look and couples portraits in the warm, fall sunlight. Photo By: Bellagala

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are trending and we are all for it! Photo By: Bellagala

Kristen’s Madi Lane Bridal gown is a vision in this photo by Bellagala! The Wedding in the Woods ceremony location is perfect for couple’s photos!

Wedding guests cozied up on The Garden’s handcrafted cedar benches as they waited for the ceremony to begin in The Lath House at The Gardens.

It’s totally cliché to say, but these are the moments we live for. (But, is it cliché if it’s true?)

Want some unsolicited advice? Hug that person who walks you up the aisle. They’ll cherish that moment more than you’ll ever know.

Rustic fall wedding meets whimsical secret garden wedding ~ as perfect of a match as Kristen and Nick!

During the summer months, guests often welcome shade. In the fall months, the streaks of sunlight add just the right amount of warmth in The Lath House.

Bellagala snuck Kristen and Nick away for some quick couple’s portraits as the early setting fall sun went down on the horizon.

Kristen and Nick chose to head right to the dance floor after their grand march into the reception tent. Photo By: Bellagala

Bellagala captured this timeless wedding day moment of twinkling lights and twinkling smiles (from the newlyweds and guests alike).

Equal Parts Cocktail Company waited patiently for guests to come snag a drink before the toasts began! Photo By: Bellagala

Bellagala perfectly captured the playful, loving friendship of Kristen and Nick as they goofed around in front of The Lath House at sunset.

If you find someone that looks at you like Nick and Kristen look at each other…Marry them. Photo By: Bellagala

Congratulations to Nick and Kristen! All of us here at The Gardens of Castle Rock wish you years of adventure and joy! We are so honored you chose The Gardens to celebrate your friendship and love.

Shoutout to all of the amazing vendors of Kristen and Nick’s wonderful wedding day:

**Special thank you to Bellagala (Photography and Videography) for allowing us to feature their gorgeous work in our real wedding spotlight!**

Event Venue: The Gardens of Castle Rock

Planning and Coordination: Bailey Bivolarvov

Decoration: Stargazer Designs

Catering: Hyvee Catering, Lakeville

Dessert: Hyvee Catering, Lakeville

Photography: Bellagala

Videography: Bellagala

Florist: Hyvee Floral, Lakeville

Bar Service: Equal Parts Cocktail Company

DJ: Bellagala