On The Menu // Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-City Centre

When choosing the perfect menu for your wedding, keep the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls- City Centre in mind for both the venue and catering service. 

Weddings at the Holiday Inn include a catered dinner, a ballroom rental, decorations, a wedding planner, round or rectangular tables, dishware, head table staging, cake service, a dance floor, and more. 

The guests of honor can have a hands-off day with a full-service wait staff, bussers, and setup team, along with a staffed, full-service bar offering beer, wine, and hard liquor. 

“We offer a lot of variety from our catering menu to our restaurant menu,” said April McCormick, assistant director of sales and sales manager. “Our chefs take a lot of pride in what they do, and we’re always looking for unique ideas.” 

Options range from Grille 100 items to larger catering dishes, which are geared more towards buffet-style food. 

“We take it a step up as a hotel,” said McCormick. “We have a full menu selection: from shrimp to steak to prime rib to multiple kinds of chicken.” 

One of the client-favorite plated entrées is the Skewered Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops, which comes with three skewers rubbed in sweet BBQ and baked with caramelized brown sugar. 

“With our banquet menu, we’re well known for our Flank Steak,” said McCormick. “Everybody loves it. It’s a No. 1 top seller.” 

The Flank Steak is a traditional buffet option marinated, sliced, and served with a choice of either rich merlot demi sauce topped with button mushrooms or Jack Daniel’s roasted garlic whiskey sauce. 

More on the Menu

View more options online including late night bites, rehearsal dinners, pre-wedding platters, brunch, and more. 

Entrées

+ Pork Belly Romesco
House romesco sauce, fried sous vide pork belly, pickled red onion, flashed spinach, and mozzarella cheese—all layered on baked lavash and finished with a balsamic reduction and green onions.  

+ Shrimp Tacos 
Grilled shrimp tossed with house slaw veggies in a sweet chili sauce, nestled in warm grilled tortillas, and topped with fresh avocado. 

Dinner Buffets

+ Elegance Buffet 
Chef-carved, garlic-encrusted prime rib with a choice between creamy parmesan garlic chicken, chicken mariner, or BBQ bacon-wrapped gouda chicken and sides of black truffle red jacket potatoes, green beans almondine, fresh dinner rolls, and mixed garden salad. 

Specialty Meals
(Meals for dietary restrictions)

+ Portobello Mushroom
A large portobello mushroom overflowing with vegetable ratatouille and a French-stewed vegetable dish. (Gluten Free and Vegetarian) 

Cocktails

+ Spiced Santa-Gria 
A holiday Sangria filled with fresh apples and orange slices and topped with merlot, brandy, sparkling cider, simple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon. 

+ French 75 
A citrusy sparkling gin cocktail that packs a punch and is laced with a tapestry of gin and champagne bubbles, lemon juice, and simple syrup. 

Desserts

+ Dessert Nacho Bar 
Cinnamon-sugar-dusted sopapilla chips served with cream cheese sauce and assorted toppings. 

+ Gourmet Donuts 
Choose from seven different options of donut orders, including a few from Flyboy Donuts. 

For a bit of a kick, get the Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta, which is made with penne, julienne chicken, andouille sausage, onions, peppers, and mushrooms—all tossed in a Cajun alfredo. 

For those searching for a vegetarian option, one is the Caramelized Artichoke Lavash Flatbread.

2022 All-Inclusive Wedding Package

If you’re planning a wedding for any time in 2022, the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-City Centre is offering an All-Inclusive Wedding Package. For $5,000 plus tax, get a wedding planner, social hour, dinner, and full-service bar for 150 guests. Additional guests can be added for $21.95 per person.

“It’s got a merlot-infused cream, black olives, roma tomatoes, and mushrooms—all topped with mozzarella, feta, and toasted panko mix,” said executive sous-chef Adam Censky.

Specialty dinner buffets are also available for a more casual dining experience.

Top Piece of Advice from McCormick

Always be present in your day. Let the stress of planning a large once-in-a-lifetime event fall on us. 

“We can offer a full Italian buffet, [Pasta Napoli,] which is something very classic with a little for everyone, including chicken and prime rib, or you can try something exciting like our Island Hawaiian Style buffet, which includes cinnamon-roasted pineapple,” said McCormick.

The catering options also include a selection of petite desserts, which are fit for guests to grab on their way to the dance floor.

“Toasted Marshmallow S’mores are like a graham cracker shell, chocolate fudge, topped with a marshmallow cream, and toasted with a torch,” said executive chef Jeff DeJong.

Other bite-sized snacks to satisfy a guest’s sweet tooth include Key Lime Cheesecake, Oreo Cheesecake, and Peanut Butter Brownie Bites.

With these options and more, DeJong says that the culinary team is curating a menu that isn’t easily found in the area, while offering “trendy” options.

“I like doing things you wouldn’t think of and bringing that to the menu: stuff that you don’t see. I look at menus at other restaurants to know what not to serve,” said Censky.

For more information, visit dtsfholidayinn.com.

605 Stops By // McCrory Gardens Education & Visitor Center

“McCrory Gardens, located on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings, is a stand-out among South Dakota’s premier wedding and event venues. The 70-acre grounds are comprised of 25 acres of formal display and evaluation gardens that merge into 45 acres of South Dakota State Arboretum with its tree and shrub collections,” said Lori Puetz, McCrory Gardens venue sales and services coordinator. 

Image by Chelsea Jean Photography

The Formal Gardens are accentuated by water features, woodsy pathways, plant and tree collections, vine-covered arbors, and an enchanting cottage. 

“They all work together to create a harmonious environment, rich with gorgeous backdrops that are perfect for weddings,” said Puetz.

There are many garden spaces to choose from, including one of the largest, the President’s Garden.

“The textural views of a variety of evergreens, brightly-colored annuals tucked into a shade-drenched flower bed, plummy seed heads of tall grasses, and the drama of the red flower bed–they’re all highlighted in the President’s Garden,” she said.

One of many unique things about McCrory Gardens are the endless views and the ability to host gatherings from large to small in scale and guest count. A more quaint option is the Cottage Garden.

“The Cottage, surrounded by an English-style garden, complete with white-picket fence, makes for another popular, tranquil, and unforgettable setting for a ceremony site,” said Puetz.

The South Dakota State Arboretum is home to a wide variety of zone-friendly trees and shrubs, interspersed with walking trails and large grassy malls. It is open to the public year-round, from dawn to dusk.

“When it comes to wedding creativity, McCrory Gardens provides a wealth of inspiration.” -Lori Puetz

Image by Ivory + Fern

Events

Garden Glow

+ December 4-January 6 (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day).

+ An all-outdoor, holiday light show of more than 200,000 lights of all shapes and sizes on display throughout three acres of the botanical gardens.

Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides

+ December 5 & December 12
Tickets on sale the day of only.

+ Rides running approximately every 15 minutes with capacity for 10-14 riders on each trip, depending on ages and sizes of each group.

+ Ticket prices are $10 per adult (ages 18 and older), $5 per youth (ages 6-17), $5 per SDSU student (with valid ID), free for children ages 5 and younger, and free for current McCrory Gardens members.

“There’s an indescribable feeling you get when you think about Brookings: a certain vibrancy. A special excitement. It’s the kind of pull which draws you in and makes you want to stay.” -Sydney Wood, Visit Brookings

  • Images by Kate Luecke Photography

The collection of Maple and of Birch trees are by far the favorites of McCrory staff and photographers alike. 

“In cadence with the seasons, the gardens and arboretum offer ever-changing beauty,” said Puetz. “Spring brings out colors of Tuli Palooza, closely followed by 40,000 annuals flourishing into their fullest summertime glory. The onset of autumn brings rich hues of red, orange, gold and purple through late-season blooming plants and foliage. The landscape eventually quiets to a mantle of sparkly whiteness. Each serves to create the most picturesque scenery for beautiful wedding photography.” 

“It’s always great fun to find out that a proposal of marriage has happened in the gardens, especially during Garden Glow. It’s even more fun when we get in on the planning of the occasion. Couples really go all out to stage the scene.” -Lisa Marotz

Image by Kate Luecke Photography

In 1965, the horticulture research grounds at SDSU were relocated from central campus to an area of Brookings that was once the eastern outskirts of town.

“It’s very important to note that we are South Dakota State University,” said director of McCrory Gardens Lisa Marotz. “The Horticulture Department designed the first two gardens at the site we now know as McCrory Gardens, for display, evaluation and continuation of research. Connecting people and plants through education, research, discovery and enjoyment of the natural and built landscape is our ongoing mission.”

Fact

The Hansen Garden was named for renowned horticulturist and pioneer of plant breeding, Dr. Niels Ebbesen Hansen, head of the horticulture department at South Dakota State College in 1895. Hansen, wrote the lyrics to the school song, The Yellow and the Blue.
Image by Coy Photography

The Education and Visitor Center (EVC) is the building located between the formal gardens and the arboretum. The venue was designed with the appreciation of the outdoor views in mind. 

Massive beams and wood ceilings highlight the multi-story, open air spaces. Large windows overlook the patio and terrace gardens, providing a room with a view all year long.

The venue offers the convenience of wedding preparation rooms in the main building as well as in the Straw Bale House, a charming structure just steps to the west of the EVC.

  • Images by Kate Luecke Photography

From popping the question and engagement photos, to the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinner, and then ultimately the wedding day, McCrory Gardens can provide couples with the ease of knowing that everything needed is available. This includes access to the exclusive catering service, SDSU Catering. Their team can provide a wide variety of menu options, including bar and beverage service. 

“There’s something about McCrory Gardens that must be experienced to be understood. Walking the gardens, listening to the couple’s story and watching them realize that this is the place they want to be on the day their new life together begins—that’s pure joy for us.”

For more information, visit sdstate.edu/mccrory-gardens.

A Reception to Remember // Garness Games Rentals

Couples looking for activities for their wedding receptions might find a unique solution with a small business located in Hartford.

Husband-and-wife team Dustin and Hezel Garness started Garness Games two years ago after wanting to spread a family-favorite game called Kubb or “Viking Chess”–a lawn game that combines aspects of bowling and horseshoes.

“I said, ‘I think I could build one of these instead of buying one.’ So I built it, and it turned out pretty well,” said Dustin. “And then I thought, ‘I wonder if anyone will buy these.’”

“We found that people have been really happy with [our games] because it gives guests something to do during that sort of awkward time after the ceremony.” -Dustin Garness

After selling a handful of Kubb sets, Dustin decided to turn the idea into a business, hand making and selling lawn games like Cornhole, oversized Tumbling Blocks that are reminiscent of Jenga, yard dice, and more. The couple began renting out their games just last year.

Garness Games’s first interactions with weddings started as selling customized games as wedding gifts. They recently started renting to wedding parties, something Dustin says Hezel is especially happy to help with.

“My wife has always really had a passion for weddings and wedding planning,” said Dustin. “Now she has an excuse to go to weddings way more often.”

Available Games

Cornhole | Yard Dice | Kubb | Yard Dominoes | Tumbling Blocks
Tic-Tac-Toe | Ladder Golf | Connect 4 | And More

The couple have also started working with Renee Bauman, owner of wedding boutique Hitch Studio in Brookings, who has incorporated their games into her wedding packages. She helped the couple get involved with renting to weddings, according to Dustin.

“We were talking to a wedding venue about stuff and didn’t get a really good feeling about it, so we talked to her. She’s been super helpful for us,” he said.

Parties can rent lawn or table games, or games can be made with custom colors and designs for the event with enough notice to allow construction.

Image by Luke + Savannah Photography

Dustin says the most popular options at weddings so far are Cornhole and giant Giant Connect 4. One of their recent additions, Golf Cornhole (Chippy), has been well received as well.

“That one’s been super popular, especially if they like to golf,” he said.

“Personally, we very much value our marriage and think marriage is a really cool thing for people, so we like to be a part of that as much as possible.” -Dustin Garness

Balancing Act

One of Garness Games’s table game options, Tumi-Ishi, involves stacking and balancing asymmetrical wooden stones and is often used as a centerpiece for wedding receptions.

Each product is made of high-quality wood and can come in varying sizes and wood finishes to suit each couple, depending on the game.

Garness Games will deliver any rented games to the venue, pick them up afterwards, and will even deliver for free within 25 miles of Sioux Falls with a minimum order of $200.

“We’re willing to work with people and can customize things to match as much as possible,” said Dustin.

For more information, visit garnessgames.com.

Marrying Flavors // En Place Catering

“Our culinary backgrounds enable us to tailor your wedding menu to practically anything you want,” said chef Jordan Taylor. 

After Taylor and Barry Putzke had so much success with Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen and Pizza Cheeks in downtown Sioux Falls, they were getting an influx of catering requests that they had to turn down. 

In an effort to fill the demand for a “boutique” caterer that offers specialized gourmet options, they began En Place Catering in fall of 2021. 

“Since we’re full service, we can handle your rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour appetizers, bar set up, dinner, and even post-wedding brunch,” said Taylor.

The chef-driven company strives to find the best meal combinations based on your budget and the quality ingredients that are in season around your event date.

Ben Birnstiehl | Head Chef of En Place Catering

“Fresh, seasonal ingredients taste better, are healthier, and have more personality than something you’ll find in a can,” said head chef Ben Birnstiehl. “I enjoy experimentation and using new culinary styles and techniques, and our open-ended menus allow me to dabble in a wide spectrum of cuisines.”

No matter the season, the end product will consist of unique, elegant options. 

Services

En Place services also include catering corporate, social, and nonprofit events. 

“You’ll work with our catering director to plan unique menus for your event,” said Taylor. 

Getting started with En Place, the couple would sit down with catering director Traci Hoem, and decide on a menu. From there, they’ll get a chance to taste their selections before the menu is finalized. 

Birnstiehl says items they serve could include “harvest tables, passed or stationary appetizers, dinner buffets, plated dinners, multi-course prix fixe, continental breakfast, or brunch.” 

“You name it. We can do it,” he added. 

“One of the best parts about being a boutique catering company is being able to work with what our clients want.” -Head Chef Ben Birnstiehl

Appetizers can be either hot or cold. The Ahi Tuna Poke is cold and can be made with white miso, sesame, and crispy wontons. One example of a hot appetizer is the Korean Pork Belly Skewer, which could be prepared with kimchi aioli and sesame. 

Top Piece of Advice from En Place

Try to agree on what is important to you as a couple. For some couples, that’s a great DJ or the perfect venue. For our customers, it’s typically memorable food. They are doubling down to create a customized culinary experience for their big day. 

For those opting for plated dinners, get inspiration from the Vodka Sauce Lasagna with goat cheese and herbs or from the Roasted Duck Breast that can be paired with butternut squash bread pudding, miso-braised bok choy, and Thai basil.

Other menu options could be an entrée like Gnocchi Cacio e Pepe with basil or Kale and Maitake Mushroom Spanakopita with goat cheese tzatziki, which is another appetizer. 

“We get a lot of happiness from being able to give people something unique and enjoyable, especially on such an important day,” said Birnstiehl. 

Choose a dish they already have listed on the sample menus or work with them to create something entirely your own. 

“We want to create food that you’re proud of, but also provide friendly team members that you can trust to interact with your guests,” said Birnstiehl. 

For more information, visit enplacecatering.com.

An Iconic Venue // Icon Event Hall

When looking for the perfect wedding venue, consider Icon Event Hall in downtown Sioux Falls for a canvas of classic elegance and industrial architecture.

“We have a really beautiful, historic ballroom space,” said Taylor Newcomb-Weiland, general manager of Icon Events and Dada Gastropub.

Image by Erica Jane Photography

Twinkling chandeliers light up the ballroom from the hardwood floors to the timber beams above. This event hall can accommodate up to 300 people.

During the day, though, natural light flows into the space from the large windows throughout the building.

The Annex, a pillared room with a loft that is often used as the bridal suite, can host up to 75. Along with the rest of the event center, historic quartzite walls frame most of the Annex.

“We can rent out the Annex area and the loft for graduations, birthday parties, smaller parties, rehearsal dinners, and wine dinners,” said Newcomb-Weiland. “We’re investing in more furniture to make the loft more bridal. It’s a unique little area that can be used for a lot of things. It’s kind of our hidden secret that I love a lot about.”

Clients may rent out the Annex, the ballroom, or the entire venue, including DaDa Gastropub, to accommodate about 100 more guests—depending on the style of the event. Renting out the gastropub adds a layer of midcentury shapes and designs to an event.

“It goes from this funky, retro vibe, and it slowly turns into a bridal area. It’s fun because you get a piece of that and this,” said Newcomb-Weiland.

Fact

Icon was originally a John Deere factory when it was built in 1907. The company’s name can still be found on a vault door inside the reception hall and on a placard outside of the building.

Icon can work as a venue for many occasions because it can be dressed up or dressed down.

“You can really see it as a simple party where you don’t have to do a lot, but it’s a beautiful space,” said Newcomb-Weiland. “Or you can come into a place where it’s decked out for a wedding, and it’s tremendous how different it can really look day to day.”

The staff at Icon works hard to make each event the best it can be from the environment to the coordination.

Image by Luke + Savannah Photography

“We are heavily involved in that process,” said Newcomb-Weiland. “We’re more of a hands-on venue, and we help facilitate those rentals as well.”

Clients have the option to rent tables, chairs, dinnerware, décor, and more. 

“We do a lot of basic coordination right off the bat, too,” added Newcomb-Weiland. “We’ll help you design your tablescapes or your floorplan or your timeline.”

“Your background to what is normally the head table is the Old Courthouse Museum, which is the same type of ambiance as we have.” -Taylor Newcomb-Weiland said about one of the windows in the ballroom.

With nine years of operation in the books, Icon has worked with many vendors, and the team has plenty of advice for clients curious about different vendors. 

“The ballroom can fit 300 for a sit down. We can go over that for a nontraditional style like a cocktail-style or a concert. We’ve had 400 in this room.” -Taylor Newcomb-Weiland

“Anytime clients are asking for recommendations on DJs or florists, we can help put them in contact and give them good recommendations,” said Newcomb-Weiland. 

No bride or groom has to worry too much about food or drinks at this venue as it has a full liquor license and offers in-house catering. 

Food and drinks at Icon are managed by the Parker’s Restaurant Group. 

“A lot of bridal parties have scenarios where they actually get married here,” she said. “We offer space in our public bar area for your guests to go to while we flip the room.” 

Image by Nicholas Weiland

Top Piece of Advice from Icon Event Hall

Hire us to do the work. We offer quite a few à la carte service options that make planning and day-of set up less stressful. We can help facilitate rentals, design the room, and make sure everything is flowing properly. 

The guests could also go for a stroll along the downtown strip while the space transforms. Being so close to Phillips Avenue downtown, Icon is a short walk from many staple Sioux Falls bars, restaurants, and businesses. It could serve as the perfect opportunity to sneak away for photos after the ceremony, as well. 

“That’s the charm of being downtown,” said Newcomb-Weiland. “They’re just so close to everything. You can still get everywhere within 10 minutes.” 

For more information, visit iconsiouxfalls.com.

605 Profile // Mary Maisey-Ireland

For the last 20 years, Mary Maisey-Ireland has been creating and leading ceremonies to marry over 700 couples. As the ceremony planner and officiant of her company, Your Joyful Wedding out of Rapid City, Maisey-Ireland has created and maintained the flow of weddings based on her passion around “love, learning, and empowerment.” 

Maisey-Ireland shares her experiences from some unconventional advice to her favorite traditions and how to reduce stress on your big day.

5 Questions with Maisey-Ireland

What’s something you recommend to every couple?

It’s difficult to make the leap from party planners to most important guests. Choose someone to be your point person on the big day and after the rehearsal. Hand over the reins. 

What brought you to choose this occupation?

Ceremonies feel like a natural extension of what I do in the other half of my professional life. I’m a personal and business coach. Over the years, I’ve noticed that we all have a deep desire to have our big, brave moments honored and acknowledged. Ceremonies create ways for people to be seen. 

Another Night in Paradise

If there is one thing Maisey-Ireland would change about her wedding day, is that she would relax and spend time with friends and family for a few days before leaving on the honeymoon.

What is your favorite wedding tradition?

Whether it’s acknowledging their ancestry, recognizing special friends, honoring the people who can’t be with us, or crafting unity ceremonies—tying a rope around their boots, demonstrating their secret handshake, building LEGO sets, or swinging at a piñata, to name a few—these are examples of how a ceremony can reflect the personalities of the couple. 

What’s the most unique thing that you’ve ever seen at a wedding?

I’ve been party to all sorts of fun, unique, and surprising twists. Flower girls have driven Ford Mustang cars with the ring dog riding shotgun. Couples have gifted parents, honored fellow military members, made promises to their children, and done choreographed dances down the aisle. 

How should couples reduce their stress during the planning?

Start early. Stay organized. Delegate clearly. Embrace whatever unfolds. We can’t control the weather, how the flower girl will behave, if someone will faint, or whether the rings will get dropped. Honestly, sometimes those hiccups make for the best stories! Keep your focus on the big picture—at the end of the day, you will be married. Everything else is frosting.

For more information, visit yourjoyfulwedding.com.

Sparks Fly // Uptown Events

Imagery: Nicole Marie Photography | Colors: Soft Pinks and Nudes

“We are a group of some of the most elite wedding vendors in South Dakota,” said Loghin Welch, co-owner of Uptown Events and Serendipitous Events in Sioux Falls. “We come together to brainstorm and collaborate on events and shoots.” 

For this particular shoot at the Atrium at Blue Haven, Uptown Events worked with their vendors to marry both modern and boho aesthetics. 

“I love the different elements of the shoot like the champagne buggy and marquee lights,” said Welch. “We also added pops of modern with the black flatware and chargers, which are also a huge hit right now.” 

To bring in an elegant and trendy vibe, various decorative items were brought in like floral arrangements from The Flower Mill, the tiered cake by The Cake Lady, and installments from Queen City Balloon Bar. 

“We featured a coastal boho vibe with soft pinks and nudes with some bolder accents to really make the coloring pop,” explained Welch. “We wanted a romantic but gorgeous setting, featuring dramatic elements and a lot of statement pieces while still being a South Dakota-style wedding” 

“All of our vendors are styled and very specialized in what they do and the service they provide. Everyone that was a part of this shoot is not only beyond talented, but also books up quickly.” -Loghin Welch

A “605” marquee by Letter & Light Co. and a champagne buggy courtesy of Bloom’s Buggy Co. add more layers to the modern boho setup. 

But Welch’s favorite part of the shoot was Uptown’s addition of sparklers for various photo opportunities and memorable moments throughout the night. 

“These are always so fun to shoot, and most guests don’t expect sparks to fly,” she said. “It’s so magical and adds a surprise element. From kissing to dancing to dip photos, they are so fun.”

Top Piece of Advice from Welch

Enjoy the process. It goes by so quickly. Make sure your vendors are people you want to spend your whole day with because they will be around a lot. Also hire at least a day-of coordinator. You’ll never regret being a guest at your own wedding.

More Vendors

Uptown Events

Venue: The Atrium at Blue Haven // Planner: Serendipitous Events // Rentals: Ideal Tent & Event Rentals // Dress: Marie & Marie Bridal // Hair & Makeup: Platinum Imagination Hair and Makeup // Florals: The Flower Mill // Photography: Nicole Marie Photography // Videography: Refractor Films // DJ/Lighting: DJ Jer Events & Lighting Design // Caterer: Chef Dominique’s Catering & Banquet Facility // Cake: The Cake Lady Bakery // Balloons: Queen City Balloon Bar // Beverage Chart: Bloom’s Buggy Co. // Marquee Lights: Letter & Light Co. // Stationery: b.invited // Band: One More Song the Band 

605 Weddings // Cover Behind the Scenes

605 brought together a talented team for this year’s moody cover shoot.

The Canton Barn in Canton was the perfect location for the warm woods and autumn lighting. Models Hollie Leggett and Sterling Schmid started the day with hair and makeup by The Beauty Room by Kat. Rachel Halgerson of Rhody Ray and the PINStudios team prepped the space for photography and video, while Grace Gering of Olive&Grace Floral Company carefully assembled the floral backdrop and bouquet next to a gorgeous couch from Prairie Lane Vintage Rentals.

When the faux couple was ready, Leggett slipped into a gorgeous gown from Ellie Stone Bride and jewelry from The Diamond Room, and Schmid got into his Halberstadt’s at the Mall tuxedo. The Sunday morning was filled with laughs, music, and collaboration.

Vendors

Venue: The Canton Barn
Photography: Rhody Ray
Video: PINStudios
Floral: Olive&Grace Floral Company
Couch: Prairie Lane Vintage Rentals 
Wedding Dress: Ellie Stone Bride
Suit: Halberstadt’s at the Mall
Jewelry: The Diamond Room
Hair & Makeup: The Beauty Room by Kat
Models: Hollie Leggett & Sterling Schmid

Love Blooms // Solis Photography

Colors: Pink, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Blue

Get lost in a field of wildflowers with Solis Photography for some spring inspiration to celebrate the growth and new beginnings of the environment along with your vows.

“We wanted to feature the essence of the wild fields of flowers here in South Dakota,” said Patty Solis, owner of Solis Photography.

It’s not always sunshine and daisies. It may be sunshine and chamomile. 

“You can make something so gorgeous with curated, wild-looking flowers,” Solis said. “There is more than roses for weddings.” 

The snapshots at Laurel Ridge Barn in Sioux Falls are dotted with leaves and petals in a rainbow of natural, flowery-field tones that Jane Rae Events arranged. 

Floral + Greenery Design by Jane Rae Events

+ Billy Balls 
+ Blue Statice 
+ Chamomile 
+ Cornflower 
+ Gunni Eucalyptus 
+ Light Blue Delphinium 
+ Myrtle 
+ Pink Lisianthus 
+ Pink Ranunculus 
+ Ruscus 
+ Salal 
+ Solidago 
+ Wax Flower 
+ Yellow Parrot Tulip

Stems of lacey leaves seem to climb from the bouquet across the bodice of the bride’s dress and extend out onto the mesh sleeves, all designed by Hyacinth Bridal Gowns. 

“I don’t only take their images, I spend time learning about their day and their vision for their wedding, so when the big day arrives, I know exactly what they are looking for and what they expect.” -Patty Solis

Solis dedicates her time to learning what the clients’ visions are, so she can deliver her services and product in the most effective way possible. 

“I research my couple’s colors and the style of their wedding ahead of time. I am sure I capture everything,” said Solis. 

Top Piece of Advice from Solis

Do your homework. Research your vendors. Meet with them. Book people that fit your personality and that match with you. Hiring the wrong vendor can absolutely ruin your day, so be sure that whoever you hire has experience and services that are worth it. Also, hire a planner. They are worth every penny. 

Maybe one bride will want to ensure her photos portray how the light pink that Bombshell Beauty Makeup Studio dusted her eyelids with shimmers in the venue’s lighting. 

A foodie may want to ensure to include the craft behind the Cultivated in Love charcuterie board when they recall their day.

“My brides spend a huge amount of time thinking about their wedding details and that time needs to be considered,” she added. “The relationships that I build with my couples are definitely my favorite things.”

More Vendors

Photography: Solis Photography
Planner and Floral Design: Jane Rae Events
Bridesmaids’ Apparel: Ellie Stone Bride 
Suit: Halberstadt’s at the Mall 
Jewelry: The Diamond Room 

Venue: Laurel Ridge Barn // Cake Design: Sweets by Lily // Rentals: Prairie Lane Vintage Rentals // Dress Design: Hyacinth Bridal Gowns // Champagne Bottle Decor: Jillian Artistry // Cookies: Fig Tales // Makeup: Bombshell Beauty Makeup Studio // Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes // Stationery: Jo Creative Co. // Ring Boxes: The Mrs. Box // Vow Books: FerventlyVows // Charcuterie Board: Cultivated in Love // Perfume: Oscar de la Renta // Models: Elizabeth Pearson + Sam Haglund. 

Real Wedding // Matt + Jackie

Imagery: Sydney Leigh & Co. | Colors: Champagne, Taupe, and Gold

A tale as old as time.

“We have known each other our whole lives, growing up in the same town and having our family farms only 10 minutes away from each other,” said Jackie Slater.

At only 13 and 14 years old, Jackie and Matt Slater started seeing each other. 

“The weekend before your wedding, go on a date one last time and soak up those moments. It’s the best.” -Jackie Slater

“We can both agree that once we started dating in middle school, there was just something about each other we never wanted to live without,” said Jackie. “We saw marriage from the beginning—a forever together.”

With school finished and behind them, they wanted to take the next steps. Together they raise cattle, hogs, and grain at their family farms.

“During your reception, find a moment to step back with your spouse and look at your friends and family enjoying their time celebrating the two of you.” -Jackie Slater

“We were on a trip to the Black Hills that I planned before going back to college, and Matt decided to propose as we were snowmobiling and stopped at a waterfall,” said Jackie. “It was just the two of us, and it was so special.”

Top Piece of Advice from Matt + Jackie

Do not procrastinate. Find a wedding planner you can fill out and follow the timelines with. If you are decorating yourself, pre-decorate everything in boxes and label them, so it’s done and prepped for set up. Have everything done a week before the big day.

In June, they said their “I dos.”

“We wanted something super simple with a touch of elegance,” said Jackie. “We went with all neutral tones: taupe, champagne, and gold colors with pops of greenery. We used a lot of décor from family and family friends, which was special to us. We loved the simplicity.”

The couple exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony before boarding a party bus with the wedding party. At the reception, they made sure to get photos with every table in order to see every guest they could.

“Matt and Jackie are just two purely sweet souls, so it is super special to see two people who are meant to be get married,” said Sydney Heitkamp, photographer with Sydney Leigh & Co.

More Vendors

Photography: Sydney Leigh & Co.
Rentals: Jane Rae Events


Videographer: Luke Larsen Videography // Venue: Laurel Ridge Barn // Florist: Seed & Stem 12:27 // Wedding Attire: Bridal Gallery // Rings: Ashcroft & Oak // Hair: Makeup & Hair By Corie // Makeup: Kelsey Barstad // DJ: DJ Jer Events & Lighting Design // Caterer: Tony’s Catering // Cake: Bride’s Aunt Desiree Hokeness
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