Vibrant Coral Charm Peonies Wowed at This Wedding at Luminary Fern in Brainerd, Minnesota

For Emily Raaen's (26 and the director of administration at Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital) wedding to Sebastian Stelck (26 and a plumber), she knew exactly what she wanted. “All I wanted were flowers and colors everywhere,” she says. “I love all things bright and happy, and those oranges and pinks fit my personality.” To make her vivid vision a reality, Emily leaned heavily on flowers like hot-pink peonies, orange roses and fuchsia ranunculus, adding the blooms to her hair. The couple decorated their rustic timber arbor with over 500 yards of satin ribbon, and for a little extra personality, filled the ceremony space with mismatched vintage chairs. After the ceremony, the goal of the night was “fun,” which included dessert shooters and brownie cups instead of cake and plenty of dancing, which proved to be a highlight. “My favorite moments were spent dancing with my new husband,” Emily says.
Roxanne, one of the couple’s dogs, rocked her own floral collar, complete with peonies and greenery. Bright peonies, garden roses and ranunculus filled the space and hung from the ceiling. “I knew that only an outrageous amount of flowers could give me the colorful wedding I wanted,” Emily says. Guests sipped drinks named for the couple’s pups: The Roxanne was a classic whiskey old-fashioned and The Nala was sangria with champagne.
Hanging ribbon installations, multicolored candles, floral napkins and pink tablecloths popped against the minimal white bricks of Luminary Fern’s walls. “The room has an airy feel and natural light galore, so the palette really popped,” Emily says. Emily and Sebastian said their vows in the fields around historic Clocktower at Northern Pacific Center. Afterward, the newlyweds took photos together as they wandered through the fields of the former railroad site.