1. Real Weddings

A Vintage Wedding at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Opposed to more traditional venues, Angela Bahnsen (36 and a registered nurse) and Dan Driscoll (37 and a finish carpenter) hosted their wedding at th

Opposed to more traditional venues, Angela Bahnsen (36 and a registered nurse) and Dan Driscoll (37 and a finish carpenter) hosted their wedding at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The former 19th-century courthouse is full of regional historical artifacts, and the couple’s wedding paid homage to that history with beautiful touches like vintage hats for the photo booth, a vintage calendar pen for the guest book table and old frames for the chalkboards. The outdoor ceremony featured lush greens and ivory florals, while the reception, held in the museum’s old courtroom, reflected a similarly fresh and simple aesthetic with white linens and additional greenery. “The Old Courthouse Museum is beyond beautiful,” Angela said. “It blends the charm, style and elegance of the past with elements of modern simplicity.” —Allie Volpe

Angela's only jewelry were simple, vintage-inspired pearl drop earrings. Her shoes were gold leather ballet flats from J.Crew with added vintage rhinestone shoe clips.
Angela's overflowing bouquet of blooms and greenery added a rustic touch to their vintage-inspired outfits.
Angela's maid of honor was Dan's daughter, Bella. She wore a soft, strapless gray gown and statement necklace from J.Crew. Angela's son, Jack, wore gray pants and vest and brown leather wingtip Oxford shoes. He also donned astronaut print socks. "He took great joy in knowing he got to pick out a fun little component of his outfit for the ceremony," Angela says.
Dan and his father built the white wooden arbor under which the couple were married. It was draped in lush greens and ivory florals. Vintage glass lamps hung from the top offering a soft glow during the outdoor ceremony.
To ward off the chill air, vintage wire baskets full of ivory and light-blue shawls were placed at the front of the ceremony.
Guests were invited to sign the guest book with a vintage calendar pen, a throwback detail the couple included throughout the ceremony.
Outdoor Ceremony and Greenery-Adorned Wedding Arch
Angela and Dan met—and briefly dated—in high school, but reconnected 18 years later. "We met at the bike trails that wind through Sioux Falls for our second first date, and we became inseparable soon after that," Angela says. "After almost a year of dating, we were engaged."
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Reception centerpieces included fresh greens and ivory flowers with small votive candles hanging from manzanita branches. Vintage menu holders were placed at every table.
The museum's former law library served as a respite from the reception and where guests could enjoy cocktails, various wines and Grain Belt beer.
Angela's sisters made over 300 dark or white almond cupcakes on handmade cupcake tiers the bride and groom constructed from vintage souvenir plates.
During the reception, guests were treated to a candy bar. The couple's nieces and nephews were tasked with making sure the bar was fully stocked throughout the night.