1. Real Weddings

A Fall Harvest-Themed Wedding at Shepherd's Hill Farm in Montgomery, Minnesota

Believe it or not, a childhood game served as the inspiration behind this harvest-themed wedding in Montgomery, Minnesota, between Shaylin Lodge (27 a

Believe it or not, a childhood game served as the inspiration behind this harvest-themed wedding in Montgomery, Minnesota, between Shaylin Lodge (27 and a pharmacy technician) and Michael Harvey (28 and a pharmacist). "My one bridesmaid and I used to play a Barbie board game in elementary school that once belonged to her mom in the '60s," Shaylin says. "I loved the dress styles and hoped for a similar look with my bridesmaids." That, combined with their rustic fall setting, resulted in something like a '60s harvest party. With no particular color palette in mind, Shaylin and Michael planned a rustic, fruit-filled fete complete with DIY apple escort cards, lush pink and purple blooms and unconventional centerpieces featuring grapes, artichokes and cabbages. "Our florist was incredible and elaborated upon our harvest theme using organic shapes," the bride says. "She even made a custom wreath chandelier that hung over our head table. It's a nice little souvenir from the wedding that we hang in our home now." After exchanging vows in an outdoor ceremony on the barn's lawn, the newlyweds and 70 guests retreated to the barn for an intimate reception that included nine cake varieties and an end-of-evening bonfire. "We ended the night eating s'mores and playing Cards Against Humanity," Shaylin explains. "It was just like going to camp with all of your best friends."

The couple wed at Shepherd's Hill Farm about 40 minutes south of Minneapolis. The venue includes a refurbished barn, farmhouse and grazing pasture that overlook two lakes.
Rather than use paper escort cards, the newlyweds used fresh apples to help guests find their seats.
Pink Bouquet With Roses and Dahlias
"I felt it was more personal to have the bridesmaids choose their own dresses," the bride says. "I gave them some guidelines and ideas and the result was really pretty."
The bride found her Kitty Chen wedding dress in a boutique before buying it used from a woman living only an hour away.
White Lace Kitty Chen Wedding Dress
Bold Floral-Print Tie
"Our florist was incredible," Shaylin says. "She elaborated upon our harvest theme and used organic shapes and colors. I didn't ask for any specific flowers, but she knew exactly what I wanted."
Barn Wedding Reception With String Lights
Apple Escort Card
In lieu of traditional floral centerpieces, the couple filled each table with produce. "We had enough food for ourselves and our guests for a week after the wedding!" the bride says.
Pink Rose and Ranunculus Bouquet
Barn Wedding Reception at Shepherd's Hill Farm