A Casual, Rustic Wedding at the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Newlyweds Katie (31 and a marketing director) and Clint (33 and a software developer) have one unexpected person to thank for introducing them nearly ten years ago...Katie's mother. "She used to tell me about this guy who worked for her that I should meet," Katie says. "I was only 22 at the time, so I never paid much attention. But when my mom took a new job, Clint and I ended up meeting at her going-away party. We went on our first date two days before he moved to Chicago and did the long distance thing for about six months before I impulsively moved to be closer to him." Seven years and three cities later, the two found themselves back in Minneapolis starting their own business. "One night we went for a walk and he totally surprised me by proposing on a bridge in our neighborhood," Katie says. "My favorite thing about it was that it wasn't a production -- it was just us being us. It was really genuine, sweet and funny." For their October wedding, the couple threw away tradition for the sake of simplicity and married at the Aster Cafe in the heart of the city. "It's a great spot within walking distance from our place," the bride says. "The trees, water and historic buildings served as the perfect backdrop for our big day. It's so beautifully-decorated that we didn't really have to do much in terms of turning it into the romantic space we wanted for our wedding."  With a casual fête planned for 100 guests, Katie and Clint knew that they wanted the entirety of the day to reflect who they were as a couple. The bride wore a simple 1950s dress from Andrea's Vintage Bridal while the groom opted for a navy suit, checkered shirt and his signature Chuck Taylor All-Stars. "We just wanted to feel and look like ourselves," Katie explains. "We wanted to truly represent who we are as individuals, so we didn't go crazy with over-styling." Instead, the newlyweds utilized neutral, rustic elements throughout the cafe along with pops of orange in each flower arrangement. Once the couple said "I do," guests were treated to a cocktail hour along with an hour of passed appetizers in lieu of a heavy, formal meal. "We had a taco bar to honor our love of late-night tacos as well as mini cupcakes and cheesecakes for dessert," Katie explains. We also had a bonfire outside where our friends roasted marshmallows for s'mores while listening to the jazz band we brought in." After a long day of celebration, wedding guests moved to an after party at Nye's Polonaise Room -- a polka bar just down the block. "We really just wanted to plan a weekend that would be fun for our friends and family and that would allow us to actually spend time with them," Katie says. "Our day was perfect in every way because it was designed by us and really reflected the kind of marriage that we want."