Cabin vibes are in full swing here in our beloved summer months of Minnesota. We have been patiently waiting to share this incredibly romantic wedding celebration with you that we published in our Spring/Summer issue. The intimate details of Maura + Mark’s charming Northern Minnesota wedding will have you dreaming up all new details for your own celebration. Grab the current issue to see more inspiration and read all about Maura + Mark’s proposal and post wedding honeymoon celebration.
On what was forecasted to be a rain-free day, the day of August 3rd had damper plans. “We were going to have the wedding on the lawn of the cabin but then around noon, super dark clouds started gathering, and by one o’clock it was raining. We called some friends and guests and they moved everything inside the log cabin and graciously decorated the entire space. Good thing, too, because it started pouring again and thundering about three minutes into our ceremony and continued to rain for the remainder of the evening.”
In a special moment during their romantic ceremony, Maura and mark’s eyes met and a calming rain patter sound dropping on the rooftop made for the most memorable moment together on their wedding day. “It was so cozy inside, and so magical with the sound of the rain,” Maura pleasantly remembers. Mark looked into Maura’s relieved gaze and smiled with confidence that by moving everything indoors was just the start to what was sure to be a stress-free evening.
Maura and Mark’s wedding ceremony took place in the living room of the O’Brien family log cabin while romantic tea lighting glowed softly illuminating the already peaceful room. Muted peach and pink flowers aligned the fireplace making a delicately gorgeous background as Maura and Mark expressed their genuine vows to one another. Forty-two guests cozily watched as Maura stunned in her intricate white lace gown, with the bodice beautifully fitting her dainty bridal figure. Her bridesmaids wore all different shades of teal floor length dresses accenting Mark’s groomsmen who all wore three-piece gray suites with teal ties. Mark looked handsomely polished wearing the same gray suit accented with a teal bow tie.
Maura and Mark’s celebration included special touches from the couple including hand-made wedding invitations by the bride, a Dean Martin classic first dance, and a dinner served at uniquely decorated guest tables. Each table was dressed with lace tablecloths and simple floral arrangements displaying white hydrangeas accentuated by dusty pink and peach floral combinations. Maura and Mark wanted to keep as much of the cabin’s original charm as a backdrop to their decor theme, leaving an old-fashion feel when glancing around the room. As heartfelt speeches commenced and toasts were merrily had, smiles and laughter continued to fill the room. Maura and Mark smiled within each moment, cherishing their special day. When looking back on their enchanting wedding day, Maura’s advice to future brides is; “Don’t worry about things not coming together perfectly. They never do, and that’s not what you’re there for anyway. You’re there to marry a wonderful person and bring your people together to help you start your life together.”
Maura Louise O’Brien is the daughter of Tim and Francine O’Brien of St. Paul. Maura is an Elementary School Teacher. Mark Gwilym Morris Whelan is the son of Hugh and Jan Whelan of West Hartford, Connecticut. Mark is a Software Engineer.
Written by: Kristi Schonrock
CMB Featured Vendors
Decor + Rental // Party Time Rental
Photography // Tim Larsen Photography
Videography // Olsen Media – Watch Video
