Tobin + Emily's Manhattan Beach Lodge Wedding

There is something special about Minnesota during the summer, especially when the season begins to turn toward the fall. The colors take on a warmer glow, and the lighting is simply magnificent. Everything wonderful about Minnesota in September was on full display during Emily and Tobin’s outdoor ceremony and reception. 

When Emily and Tobin were asked to describe their wedding day, words like approachable, glamorous, hospitable, and inviting all came to mind. Emily also had a vision for bold hues of Fuschia, red, electric pink and orange. She wanted florals with LOTS of movement and dyed pink asparagus ferns were on her must have decor/design list. We love that she had such a fun color palette to work with and let us create a truly spectacular design that reflected so much of their personality.

Due to COVID-19, Tobin and Emily had to make some tough decisions and finally decided after three previous failed attempts, that it was time to seize the day and make it happen. They originally planned their wedding at Mill City Museum and wanted the fireworks over the river. Then they planned an elopement to Banff Canada for the same date but the boarders never opened. So they pushed it back. Then they never opened again. They then moved it to California, but their relatives couldn’t get out of Canada regardless.

Together with them, we planned a completely outdoor fete in LESS THAN THREE WEEKS! What a whirlwind! The new plan included an outdoor ceremony at Emily’s parent’s home and reception at Manhattan Beach Lodge (transportation by boat), both of which have beautiful views of Big Trout Lake. They knew they needed to spend as much of the day outdoors as possible, and thankfully we were blessed with perfect weather.

There were so many fun design details with this wedding. Designing them was a BLAST - from the creative signage (more pics coming of that soon) to the mustard sweetheart chairs, bringing this to fruition brought us incredible joy! We have to thank The White House Co profusely for their incredible contribution! They were SO very helpful and provided so many of the key components of the day- including all the chairs and bar + bar backs.

Before they kicked off their walks down the aisle, Emily and Tobin spent time with their families + friends. The love on display between Emily and her parents was so sweet and evident, especially when her mom zipped up her beautiful applique wedding dress from Annika Bridal Boutique. We also adored the first look she shared outside with her dad before sharing a second first look with Tobin. 

Once they were ready to walk down the aisle, Emily and Tobin’s incredible floral arch played quite the role. Adorned with blooms, including dahlias, ranunculus, and roses by Bloomberry Floral, we were in complete awe of the beauty of the piece! We also loved that E+T’s cousin Maggie officiated the ceremony for an added personal touch.

When they were officially Mr. and Mrs., they retreated into a garden-inspired outdoor space near their ceremony location. Flowers were again paramount and more blooms in shades of coral, peach, pink, and burgundy lined the tables. And again, we’re in love with the mustard armchairs. Not only was the color on point for their palette (we love a pop of color and these really enhanced the already colorful design), but they added comfort and a relaxed feel. 

Everyone dined on a menu created by Manhattan Beach Lodge, and their families and friends offered heartfelt speeches and videos while the couple looked on.

Emily had always envisioned gifting her guests with something “personally made” for wedding favors. So the couple opted for Canadian maple syrup- which was not only a nod to Tobin’s upbringing and family that couldn’t be there due to the closed borders (we live streamed the day for them so they didn’t miss out on the most important moments of the day and hung photos of them too). But also because Emily’s late Aunt used to tap trees for syrup. Aunt Shelly’s son, and Emily’s cousin, helped make the syrup from their family property.

Guests were also given custom blankets- which was also a beautiful touch and perfect for cozying up after the temps dropped.

Dancing was a must, so Emily and Tobin were on the dance floor for all of the fun moments. Before the night concluded, Emily, Tobin, and their guests gathered together to release lanterns into the sky. Captured by Ali Leigh Photography, Emily and Tobin’s wedding was a beautiful day for a wonderful couple, and we’re so grateful to have played a part!

Photographer: Ali Leigh Photography | Beauty: The Glow Lounge + Lady Vamp Artistry | Hair: Quella Gomez | Bridal Fashion: Annika Bridal | Musician: Andrew Walesch | Entertainment: Rock With U Entertainment | Floral: Bloomberry Floral | Officiant: Maggie Ellis (couple's cousin) | Rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental + BBJ Linen Rental + Party World + The White House Co. | Lighting: Phos Events | Stationery: Emily Shern Designs | Transportation: Executive Express Transportation | Reception Venue: Manhattan Beach Lodge | Video: Sky Focus Films