1. Real Weddings

A Traditional Wedding at Keller Golf Course in Maplewood, Minnesota

For Katelyn Kowitz (21 and a student) and Ryan Bolte (22 and a soccer coach), the most important part of their wedding was being surrounded by their f

For Katelyn Kowitz (21 and a student) and Ryan Bolte (22 and a soccer coach), the most important part of their wedding was being surrounded by their family and friends. "It wasn't about the flowers or the dress but that we had the people we loved around us on that day," Katelyn says. "I think that made the planning process a lot simpler." The college sweethearts took a relaxed, low-key approach to planning their day, arranging for a traditional ceremony at Katelyn's childhood church, followed by a reception at nearby Keller Golf Course in Maplewood, Minnesota. A soft, muted palette of ivory, navy and pale shades of green, lilac and pink helped create a slightly bohemian aesthetic that was inspired by floral lace of Katelyn's wedding gown. The couple made sure to incorporate personalized details into their day, including handwriting personal letters that were framed at each table, and a reception french fry bar (the groom's idea). Hot cups of Caribou Coffee—a nod to the location of Katelyn and Ryan's first date—helped keep guests on the dance floor until the end. —Michelle Thomas

Katelyn's intricately beaded gown and an embellished champagne sash inspired a bohemian feel for the day's decor. "The dress set the tone for the entire wedding," she says.
The couple designed their invitations on Minted.com.
The bride slipped on inexpensive glittery gold flats with her beaded dress.
The bride's bouquet took inspiration from the rosettes in her sash and incorporated pink and white roses with hydrangeas and silver-dollar eucalyptus.
Ryan designed Katelyn's unusual looped, combination engagement and wedding ring at Exclusively Diamonds in Mankato, Minnesota.
Katelyn found her A-line strapless gown with beaded bodice at David's Bridal.
Katelyn and Ryan met for a preceremony first look next to the church.
Katelyn fell in love with these sea foam green chiffon dresses from J.Crew while shopping on Black Friday.
The couple were married in the Lutheran church that Katelyn has attended since childhood.
The ceremony was officiated by a pastor Katelyn has known since she was 8 years old. "It was really special to have someone so close marry us," she says.
The bride and groom hosted their reception in the open, light-filled social halls of Keller Golf Course in Maplewood, Minnesota.
Katelyn and Ryan loved the loft-like feel of the reception hall's vaulted, beamed ceilings.
The couple handwrote personalized letters to display on each table for their guests.
The couple's single-tier wedding cake from Buttercream was flavored strawberry-banana split.
Guests could choose sweets from a dessert bar. As a fun treat, the couple also arranged for a french fry bar during their reception.
The newlyweds danced to Ben Rector's "Forever Like That" and then spent the rest of the evening on the dance floor.