1. Real Weddings

A Retro Homespun Wedding at Red Barn Farm in Northfield, Minnesota

After Katie Windschitl (25 and works in technology implementation) and Matt Brolsma (26 and works in technology sales) looked at over 100 locations an

After Katie Windschitl (25 and works in technology implementation) and Matt Brolsma (26 and works in technology sales) looked at over 100 locations and toured 10 wedding sites, they heard about a farm in Katie’s hometown that makes wood-fired pizza on Wednesday nights. After Katie reached out, they were instantly sold on the lush yard for lawn games, rustic barn for the reception and plenty of outdoor space for the ceremony. Katie and Matt loved how Red Barn Farm in Northfield, Minnesota, felt like home, and they easily chose a colorful retro homespun theme full of plenty of textured patterns and overgrown farmers' market flowers. The DIY details were impressive, such as the four flavors of homemade jam for the wedding favors, home-brewed beer (several kegs' worth) at Vine Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, and even the patterned linen napkin and wood-burned clothespin escort cards. “We wanted everyone to enjoy themselves,” Katie says. “We encouraged a lot of lawn games, intermingling and laughter. It wasn't just our day, but a day for our families to join and get to know one another.” There are so many details we love—see them all, beautifully captured by Mackenzie Orth Photography, below. -- Carmen Huff 

Katie carried orange ranunculus, white carnations, pink peonies, white daisies, white lisianthus and plenty of wildflowers in her bouquet. She loved the textured, overgrown look of the lush floral arrangement for her homespun, DIY wedding.
Personalized Social Media Hashtag Wedding Sign
The bridesmaids wore knee-length yellow and white dresses for the retro homespun barn wedding. Katie loved the flowing tulle skirts and chic lace bodices. Each of the women chose their own nude shoes and their hairstyle for the day for a little personalization on the otherwise uniform look.
The groomsmen wore gray slacks with navy and white gingham-checkered shirts, gray ties and black suspenders. They added a pop of color to their look with pink boutonnieres. Matt went a little more formal with a suit jacket for the ceremony and a white tie to match Katie.
For their traditional Catholic ceremony, Katie wore a modified A-line wedding dress. She loved how simple and chic it was with the lace overlay and V-neck. She completed her look with an elbow-length tulle veil in her low updo. Afterward, she changed into a strapless white dress from 6PM.
The bridesmaids carried yellow gerbera daisies, orange ranunculus, pink roses, white lisianthus, green seeded eucalyptus and plenty of leafy wildflowers in their lush bouquets. Katie and Matt wanted their wedding to be full of retro prints and farmers' market flowers for a textured, colorful look.
Flower-Inspired Crystal Bridal Wedding Earrings
Red Barn Farm Summer Wedding Reception
To go with their retro homespun wedding, Katie and Matt hung folded linen napkins on a clothesline with each guest’s name wood-burned into the clothespin. The alternative escort cards were an adorable twist on tradition, and such a fun way for guests to find their seats.
DIY 'Our Story Begins' Sweetheart Table Decor
Orange, Yellow, Burgundy Wildflower Centerpieces
Retro-Inspired Brown Paper Table Numbers
For dessert, Katie and Matt enjoyed a small one-tier cake from Cake Walk in Northfield, Minnesota. They topped the cake with mini white daisies and coral roses for plenty of added romance. Since the cake was small and personal, the couple also served apple and strawberry rhubarb pies.
With her mother's help, Katie made jams for guests to take home as favors. Considering all tastes, she made strawberry rhubarb, lemon honey, apricot ginger and jalapeno. They were all wrapped with a handwritten note that said, “Jam packed with love."
After Katie and Matt’s traditional Catholic ceremony, Katie changed out of her J.Crew dress and into a 6PM dress that she bought 10 days before the wedding. Since Katie wanted to be comfortable for her homespun barn reception, she wore her hair in a low updo with a hair accessory that was an heirloom from Matt’s father’s side of the family.