Wedding Reception Notes

 

We had an awesome honeymoon and made it home safely.  Honeymoon posts will be coming soon.  But first, I want to post about the great reception we threw with our families last weekend in Minnesota.  We liked the idea of having a small wedding followed by a big picnic party with family and some friends in our hometown.  For better or for worse, we picked labor day weekend, as it allowed us to fly directly from Europe to Minnesota with a few days to get ready.  We shopped around for venues last winter and decided on Bryant Lake Pavilion in Eden Prairie.  It's a lovely space, close to a beach and park, and equipped with electricity and a fridge. 

Both of our families put in a lot of work the week of the party helping us cart around rental equipment, assemble things at the party, direct guests, and clean up afterwards.  The team effort really paid off.  One of my relatives said it was the best wedding reception he'd ever been to.  

We rented tablecloths and a popcorn machine from the local party rental company.  Food was takeout from Buca diBeppo, one of our favorite pasta joints.  Matt's mom and grandma made the flower arrangements.  All the flowers were either growing in the garden or were wildflowers picked around town. 

Matt's dad got into brewing a few years ago, and now makes some pretty tasty libations.  He brewed us some wheat beer and hard apple cider to serve at the party.  There were many extra bottles, so a lot of guests got to take a bottle home for later.

 

My sister helped me organize a photo arrangement in three parts.  Matt and I went through each other's childhood photos (so much fun!) and picked out some snapshots that we liked of the other person as a kid.  We printed off some pictures of the two of us from our nine years together so far.  It's appalling how many pictures of us have funny facial expressions.  The last panel of the photo arrangement consisted of wedding photos that we printed so that friends and family that weren't at the event could experience it in part.

Instead of a guestbook, we had people sign fabric squares.  I intent to make it into a quilt someday to hang on our walls.  I don't yet own a sewing machine, iron, or any quilting materials.  But those are just details.  I'll get to it.  

Probably the silliest part of the party was the photobooth we put together with accessories purchased from goodwill the day before.  My favorite was a set of dog and cat ears with attached nose (sported by yours truly below).   

All in all, it was a pretty great event, and we enjoyed seeing friends and family from Minnesota and around the country.  Thanks to everyone who came!