1. Real Weddings

A Fun Summer Wedding at TIES Event Center in Falcon Heights, Minnesota

Dawn Janes (42 and an insurance advisor) and Chad Bartley (42 and a manager) had crossed paths many times throughout their lives, but, for the most pa

Dawn Janes (42 and an insurance advisor) and Chad Bartley (42 and a manager) had crossed paths many times throughout their lives, but, for the most part, they didn't interact much. At their high school's 20-year reunion, the two happened to strike up a conversation that would unite their paths for good. Dawn and Chad were married at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mound, Minnesota, where they are both members. Their pastors created a special ceremony tailored to the couple, and guests were invited to partake in the traditions by vowing to celebrate the pair's union to the fullest. The following reception took place at the TIES Event Center in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. "We wanted our wedding to be simple, relaxed and fun," Dawn says. Sunflowers took center stage as the main floral component in Dawn and Chad's wedding design, with blue irises providing contrast. The couple's playfulness was highlighted in the decor with sweet lollipop escort cards and Jenga blocks for attendees to sign instead of a guest book. One of the most fun pieces of the wedding was Dawn's beautiful gown, which featured a pop of navy around the waist and down the train. Other festive elements included a variety of games at every table, a karaoke station and a candy bar. With so many activities to do, Dawn and Chad's bright summer wedding was fun for the whole family.

Dawn wore navy peep-toe heels with rhinestone embellishments that she bought at David's Bridal.
Dawn carried a bouquet with bright sunflowers, blue irises and white stock flowers.
Dawn wore a strapless wedding dress with a navy band around the waist and down the train. "We had already chosen a deep blue for the bridesmaid dresses, so when I saw this dress at Classy Consignments Bridal, it was perfect," Dawn says.
Dawn's bridesmaids wore floor-length dresses in deep navy from David's Bridal for this summer event. The groomsmen sported black tuxedos from Men's Wearhouse along with blue vests and blue ties. Dawn and Chad's wedding party included their nieces and nephews.
Dawn and Chad partook in a sand unity ceremony at their church union.
As escort cards, Dawn and Chad labeled blue and yellow lollipops with their guests' names and table numbers. These lollipops were arranged to look like flowers in a garden.
Dawn and Chad had attendees sign Jenga blocks instead of a traditional guest book. This way the couple can remember their friends and family whenever they play their favorite game.
Sweetcheeks Desserts provided these bright cake pops for Dawn and Chad's colorful wedding.
The three-tier wedding cake was decorated with brown piping, yellow ribbon and sunflowers. The cake had a different flavor for each tier.