1. Real Weddings

A Rustic Wedding at the YMCA Camp Miller in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota

Rachel (28) and Luke (28) had a rustic outdoor wedding at the YMCA Camp Miller. The couple first met while in college at Marquette University. Luke pr

Rachel (28) and Luke (28) had a rustic outdoor wedding at the YMCA Camp Miller. The couple first met while in college at Marquette University. Luke proposed six years later as he and Rachel hiked Mt. Rainier. “He had created a custom ring from Brilliant Earth made of recycled materials and conflict free stones,” says Rachel. The next ten months were spent planning an eco-friendly, DIY, rustic and vintage accented wedding. Rachel and Luke’s outdoor ceremony allowed nature to be their main decor. Surrounded by pine trees, the couple added wooden benches and chairs in different styles, a large wooden log cross for the head of the aisle and a simple wooden stand for their unity candle tradition. The celebration continued with a cocktail hour surrounded by personal wooden framed photos and cornhole. Rachel, Luke and their 150 guests then moved inside the main lodge for the reception.The space was decorated with family style tables, white linens, yellow napkins, burlap runners, white and yellow paper lanterns, string lighting and white fabric covered chairs. Low floral arrangements in shades of pink and purple with assorted greenery were placed in clear glass vases and mason jars along each table.“Our day was a complete reflection of our personalities,” says Rachel.

A silver and gold nail accented string construction of the couple’s initials on a wooden board was used as an accent on their sweetheart reception table.
Running Ring Bearer and Flower Girl
YMCA Camp Miller Rustic Ceremony Space
Luke and his groomsmen were dressed in neutral seersucker suits from JoS. A. Bank for the wedding. Each groomsmen accented his outfit with brown Sperry boat shoes, mint ties and mint pocket squares.
Rachel and Luke’s Unity Candle Ceremony
Each groomsmen wore a champagne ribbon wrapped boutonniere to complement the venue’s natural atmosphere. They were composed of scabiosa pods, green hydrangea and greenery accents.
Rachel’s bridesmaids wore different styled mint chiffon dresses with simple jewelry.
Rachel chose a 1960’s vintage short sleeve ivory lace wedding dress from Andrea's Vintage Bridal in Minneapolis. She accented the sheer neckline and tiered skirt with a solid sash and styled her hair in an updo.
Rustic Wooden Chest and Guest Book Display
Guest with Colorful Wooden Framed Photo Collage
For a DIY and personal touch, Luke home brewed beer for the reception, says Rachel. The different brews were reflected in the couple’s table names.
The couple decorated their sweetheart table with yellow linen, a sheer lace overlay, white draped fabric and wooden accents.
Custom Brew Beer Themed Table Names
Rachel and Luke’s First Dance
In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, the couple chose to have fourteen different cheesecakes for their guests. Each confection was made by Muddy Paws Cheesecake.
During the weekend of their wedding, Rachel and Luke’s guests were invited to join them for a few days of camping and fun. “Guests were able to use all the camp facilities and enjoy themselves,” says Rachel.