The ceremony concluded, and the bride’s family requested some Swedish folk music to be played while the guests enjoyed cocktails and yard games. Some of the guests included farm animals such as horses and chickens, and the cats and dogs were just as much a part of the fun. The sky grew darker, and sure enough it the stormy weather came in. Thankfully, it held off just long enough to enjoy the cocktail hour, as it was time to move into the reception anyway. Right next to the ceremony hill, we moved into the barn.

There were about 150 guests, and the barn wasn't huge. With the stormy weather, however, it really made for a special intimate evening. As we welcomed the wedding party back in with a grand entrance, the energy of the evening was already growing. 

John Osberg

Tonight I was at the Marriott Minneapolis Southwest. I’m always a fan of hotel weddings, and tonight was no exception. I also helped out with their ceremony which was right on site, in the back courtyard of the hotel. The venue was beautiful, the couple was married right in front of a big fountain in the midst of a garden. Their cocktail hour immediately followed the ceremony, and despite some cloudy skies, the rain held off for the entire night.

Welcoming in the wedding party was a hint as to what the night would hold. They came in rockin’ with enthusiasm, despite the cozy reception hall. Once we started dancing, there was no looking back. The floor was packed all night, and three hours flew by. During the bouquet toss, I had a brand new experience! The bride threw the bouquet just a little bit too far, and I was almost the lucky one to catch it – the bouquet bounced right off of my laptop screen into the hands of a lucky bachelorette.

I’m always happy to help out with ceremonies, and love being a part of the whole experience. I’ve always been a fan of having the ceremony and reception in the same location, it adds a greater sense of continuity and community with the bride, groom, and their guests.  


-DJ OZ