A Romantic, Rustic Wedding at the Mayowood Stone Barn in Rochester, Minnesota

Kristina Smith (25 and an account coordinator at Periscope) and Joseph Donner (25 and a logistics specialist at Dart Advantage Logistics) met during their sophomore year of college through a mutual friend. After bumping into each other a few times, Joseph finally worked up the nerve to ask Kristina out. Four years later, Joseph popped the question on a ski trip to Big Sky, Montana. As lovers of the outdoors, a venue that allowed them to have an outdoor ceremony was key. Before they even visited Mayowood Stone Barn, the couple was smitten. “As soon as Joe and I pulled up to the barn, we looked at each other and knew that this was it,” says Kristina. “It was perfect. The place is just brimming with history and full of rustic touches.” The day of the wedding, the ceremony was held out on the property’s lush green lawns, surrounded by acres of perfectly tended fields and lush forest. Garlands of eucalyptus and rustic wooden accents introduced a decorative touch to the outdoor space, while playing up the natural setting. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests moved into the venue’s iconic stone barn for the reception. The stonewalls, exposed beams and wood floors gave the room a cozy rustic feel, which the couple dressed up with a palette of warm pink, peach and neutral hues with pops of green, in the form of garlands, vines and mixed greenery, adding a touch of freshness. Kristina chose full, bright blooms like dahlias, garden roses and ranunculuses to fill the centerpieces, the gold vases introducing a regal and glam vibe to each tabletop. An antler motif was incorporated throughout; making an appearance on everything from the stationery (which Kristina custom-designed herself) to the tables and the property’s Trophy Room itself, as a nod to Joseph’s love of hunting. Before hitting the dance floor, Kristina and Joseph served guests a menu packed with inspired eats, including cheese puffs topped with jalapeno-spiced blackberries, vegetable spring rolls, tarragon chicken and more, with raspberry frosted buttercream cake to top it all off.