1. Real Weddings

A Chic Warehouse Wedding at NP Event Space in Brainerd, Minnesota

With its original brick walls, exposed beams, massive doors, natural lighting, chandeliers, wooden tables, gold chairs and stunning bridal suite, Rach

With its original brick walls, exposed beams, massive doors, natural lighting, chandeliers, wooden tables, gold chairs and stunning bridal suite, Rachel Baltes (27 and a senior account manager) and Sam McNellis (26 and a forester equipment operator) loved the chic and modern yet old and timeless—feel of NP Event Space in Brainerd, Minnesota. “Sam and I love being up north at the cabin, so it perfectly fit what we were looking for in terms of style and location,” Rachel says of the former railroad space. They went with a classy (and classic) palette of navy, taupe, blush and white, letting the venue speak for itself. Olives became a central aesthetic, with olive leaves and branches incorporated throughout. During the Christian ceremony—officiated by Rachel's father—the couple had a salt covenant with olives and Communion. “Eating an olive signifies the covenant of salt, preserving our words, meaning what we say that day and holding true to it, truth and longevity and endurance, like an olive tree,” Rachel says. Sentimental touches were weaved into the day with Rachel’s something old (vintage jewelry from her late grandmothers), something blue (a heart-shaped piece of her late grandfather’s tie, sewn into the inside of her gown) and Rachel's and Sam's mothers doing readings during the ceremony. Sam and Rachel did a grand entrance into the reception area, shared the first dance to “Running Around in My Dreams” by Tyrone Wells and enjoyed appetizers passed during the social hour and a delicious dinner buffet—at wooden farm tables—catered by local restaurant Prairie Bay Catering. Their cake, from Twin Cities favorite Cocoa & Fig, was a cheesecake topped with an “M” and olive branches, served alongside a dessert bar of brownies, pumpkin bars and mini cheesecake bites. After dinner, guests took silly photos in the photo booth, danced all night, sent the couple off with a sparkler exit and enjoyed a weekend in the Brainerd Lakes vacation area. Rachel’s advice for others is simple: “Soak it all in as much as possible, and just enjoy all the love you’ll be surrounded by.” —Chrissy Sorenson

Rachel knew she wanted a modern yet timeless look, and she found it in the Natalie style by Truvelle with a sweetheart neckline, french lace bodice, lace-up low back and hand-draped chiffon skirt. She added a thin beaded belt and accessorized with vintage jewelry from her grandmothers, petite crystal drop earrings and white shoes.
Rachel knew she wanted white flowers with ample greenery in her bouquet. The result was made up of peonies, ranunculus, anemones, seeded eucalyptus and olive branches. “They represented our wedding style—simple, classic and modern at the same time,” Rachel says.
The bridesmaids selected their own long dresses in the taupe color family and carried bouquets similar to Rachel's. The personal attendants wore blush dresses.
Simple and elegant ceremony decor included a gold-framed “Welcome” chalkboard sign, hanging gold-painted mason jars and gold chairs.
NP Event Space in Brainerd, Minnesota, has ceremony and reception spaces, a chic warehouse vibe and free parking, and it has no food or beverage minimums.
The flower girl wore a crown of flowers and carried a gold bucket of petals, while the ring bearer wore suspenders, a bow tie and Converse sneakers for the perfect mix of modern and classic.
The sign said it all: “Cocktails, dinner, dancing, love everywhere.”
A simple gold-framed chalkboard announced hosted drinks of wine and beer. Gold-painted mason jars added to the ambiance, displaying white flowers and greenery.
Place settings featured heartfelt thank-you notes, linens and a simple olive branch.
The Blacksmith Shop at NP Event Space in Brainerd, Minnesota, features industrial lighting and chandeliers, a 40-foot exposed-beam ceiling, a bar area, a mix of round and farm tables and gold chiavari chairs included with the rental.
Rachel and Sam's chairs at the head table were decorated with signs that said "Better" and "Together."
The table numbers went with the theme of simple elegance.
After a night of dancing, Rachel and Sam left the reception to a sparkler exit.