real weddings

Jonathan grew up on a farm in South Dakota, and Rachel’s grandmother has a farm in Minnesota, so when choosing a venue, the Minneapolis couple thought it would be fitting to host an outdoor wedding at the lovely Windbeam Farm in Hager City, Wisconsin. The setting was ideal with a vine-covered pergola for the ceremony, a tent nestled in the field for the reception, and a vintage Airstream trailer, gardens and barns for fun photo ops. Erin Johnson Photography captured their fun-filled party and all the delightful DIY details.

Rachel and Jonathan are both designers and they had a clear, creative vision–a playful rustic vibe with lots of handmade touches. They designed the invitations and many elements together, but they also divided and conquered. “He kind of took over the musical part and I did a lot of the craft part,” says Rachel. She spent hours on craft projects like the escort cards, which she hung from an old weathered door with twine and mini clothespins, and table numbers that included drawings by the couple’s nieces and nephews. Jonathan was up at the crack of dawn on their wedding day assembling flower arrangements with his mother. “It was a lot of work, but we really embraced it,” says Jonathan. The guests signed a thumbprint tree wedding guest book and received an adorable canvas doggy bag as a wedding favor.

While they made many of the details themselves, they enlisted the help of their friends and family to build a strong sense of community and celebration. Jonathan plays in local band, so his bandmates played during the ceremony and cocktail hour. They served a Tuscan-inspired meal, which was prepared by Jonathan’s former co-workers at Café Levain and served family-style out of mismatched bowls brought by guests. The homemade sangria featured wine from Jonathan’s parents’ winery, while the beer was from a friend’s start-up brewery. For dessert, the couple invited guests to bring homemade pies and ended up with 35. “It was nice to have that support,” says Rachel. “The wedding definitely felt like us, but it also felt so supported by everyone; it felt very inclusive and loving.”

The Wedding Makers
Photography: Erin Johnson Photography | Venue: Windbeam Farm in Hager City, Wisconsin | Dress: J.Crew | Hairpiece: BHLDN  | Hair and makeup: Indigo Salon | Groomsmen attire: Blacklist Vintage | Catering: Café Levain

FEATURED PARTNER
A Honeymoon for Nature Lovers
For an unforgettable honeymoon, go on the ultimate road trip and explore the country’s most famous National Parks in an Airstream trailer. Airstream 2 Go leases deluxe 23- and 28-foot models along with a tow vehicle from its bases in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Bozeman and El Paso. These Signature Series trailers boast full galley kitchens, king-sized beds with luxury sheets, a good-sized shower, power awning and large windows to take in the scenery. An Airstream 2 Go travel specialist will work with you to plan your itinerary. Your wedding guests can even contribute to this incredible experience—simply add a honeymoon fund to your Zola Wedding Registry.

Warm Rustic Registry Picks
Natural materials, soothing neutrals and simplistic design combine to create the ultimate rustic escape with these registry picks from Zola’s Warm Rustic Starter Collection. The charm and warmth of this collection perfectly reflect the farm-to-table mentality, transforming your home into a warm, relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Create your Zola wedding registry, then start building a registry that reflects your couple style.

Shown here: Farmouse Pottery Berry Bowl, Cheese Stone and Honey Pot; Denby Heritage Pavilion 4-Piece Place Setting; Mepra Epoque 5-Piece Flatware Set; and, Hawkins New York Recycled Double Old Fashioned Glass, Set of 6.

Shown here: Lostine Large Rolling Pin; Smeg 4-Slice Toaster; Vietri Handled Olive Oil Can; and, Juliska Berry & Thread Pie/Quiche Dish and 4-Piece Measuring Cup Set.

Shown here: Crosley Nomad Turntable; GoHome Tangled Lantern; Cambridge Silversmiths Shiloh Beverage Tub; and Pigeon Toe Ceramics Disc String Lights.

Shown here: Ferm Living Wall Wonder Mirror; Stilnovo The Wishbone Chair; Surya Duke Rug; and, Pigeon Toe Ceramics Disc Chimes.

Fresh From The Farm
Blue Apron is a farm-fresh ingredient and recipe delivery service that helps you prepare incredible meals at home. Each week, you receive a refrigerated box with all of the fresh ingredients needed to prepare delicious recipes, comprised of a mix of meat, fish and vegetarian options. Blue Apron sources directly from farms and artisanal purveyors to ensure freshness and ingredients are pre-portioned to save you time. Add a Blue Apron Subscription to your Zola Wedding Registry.

Zola Wedding Registry is a one-stop solution for the modern couple, and your guests will love it too! Gifts, experiences, cash funds, and anything from any store: it all fits on your Zola Registry. Sign up now to discover the smarter wedding registry.