Nature Takes Center Stage in this Sunset-Filled Minneapolis Celebration
Britta + Jon’s love story unfolds in a nature-filled celebration at Glass House, complete with towering branches, warm light, and a magical golden sunset.
Britta and Jon’s wedding felt like a love letter to nature and each other. Set against the warm tones of late autumn at Glass House in Minneapolis, their day was filled with organic beauty. From towering foraged branches framing the ceremony to a golden sunset and a sudden breeze that seemed to answer their vows. With friends and family gathered close, every detail reflected a deep sense of connection, grounding their celebration in both love and the natural world that surrounded them.
Tell us a little about your love story. How did you meet and fall in love?
Before dating, our paths and friendships were interwoven over a span of 10 years in Minneapolis, Chicago, and NYC. Ultimately, a friend set us up at a show at the Turf Club, and our lives integrated so easily as groups of friends from different stages of life were already connected. We spent a year dating long-distance and traveled together often — Jon was a business consultant and Britta had free flights from a generous friend. Then the pandemic hit, and we finally moved in together in South Minneapolis. While the world shut down, our love expanded and deepened.
What are your shared values as a couple and how did you bring them into your wedding?
We share a love of travel and living in big cities, while being close and connected to family. Though a smaller wedding was tempting, we wanted all of our loved ones together to witness our marriage, and it evolved into a bigger celebration than we had imagined.
Glass House was an easy choice, the location was near our favorite neighborhoods and our apartment in Northeast. It had the relaxed vibe and tons of natural light that we were looking for. It houses a local business called Hennepin Made, and we were able to commission a custom vase to showcase at our reception. We chose to cater with Centro, one of our go-to restaurants to hang on the patio with our dog Ely.
Tell us about the concept of your wedding. How did you make decisions about the location and approach you wanted to take?
We wanted to support local as much as possible and incorporate elements of nature. Our florist was able to forage large branches and attached them to the columns in the venue to surround our guests with elements of a fall forest. There was a rainbow at our dress rehearsal and a gorgeous sunset on our warm, late autumn wedding day. It felt like we were truly connected when nature gave us these unexpected gifts.
“There was a rainbow at our dress rehearsal and a gorgeous sunset on our warm, late autumn wedding day. It felt like we were truly connected when nature gave us these unexpected gifts.”
What were some of your favorite elements or moments of your wedding?
The ceremony in the outdoor courtyard before sunset was my favorite moment. I was reading my vows and said the word lucky as Jon plucked a lady bug from my hair. My aunt read a poem that referenced the wind and I felt a sudden breeze drift across my face. Time stood still and I felt so connected to Jon, to our family and friends, and to the earth.
Why was it important to you to incorporate sustainability and your values into your wedding?
In our everyday lives, we try to lessen the impact of human consumption on our environment. We love using Ridwell to recycle plastic bags++, we compost, and generally try to shop small. With the help of Coimatan and Vivid Home we developed a custom registry that featured local, small businesses.
How did you approach thinking about sustainability? How did you incorporate sustainability into your day?
The invitations were planted on plantable paper. Guests sent photos of their beautiful flowers that grew in their gardens the next year.
Our flowers from Minne Floral Co. were seasonal, foraged, and locally-grown.
Our planner, LUUM worked with the caterer to reduce single-use items during the taco bar. Instead of a mini taco boat for every part of the meal, we condensed it to have one large compostable option.
We chose a venue that was not only stunning and had so many decor elements already included, like tables, chairs, and gorgeous glass elements—they also offered composting behind the scenes. We worked with our planner and caterer to ensure all food was composted the day of the event!
The bar at the venue offered social impact brands and supported local businesses that also embody the sustainability ethos. Everything was served in glass and without straws or extra napkins.
The signage was designed using a recyclable alternative to foam core.
Used dried flowers and herbs for the wedding exit toss.
The food truck at the end of the night was only made to order, instead of wasting a ton of extra food that people may or may not have eaten.
Britta’s mom repurposed the extra fabric from her dress after hemming it into a purse that she uses often today.
Britta’s dress had multiple pieces that could be worn after the event.
“I was reading my vows and said the word lucky as Jon plucked a lady bug from my hair... Time stood still and I felt so connected to Jon, to our family and friends, and to the earth.”
What surprised you most about planning? What resources were most helpful in the process?
Glass House used an a la carte style approach for choosing vendors. It was incredible to have the autonomy to make intentional choices for food, linens, glassware, etc, but it was a lot more work!
Any advice or tips for other couples who want to incorporate their values into their wedding?
Go with your gut. The choices are endless and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Maybe that’s just my style. I followed feelings of a knowing calm to help guide my way. There were plenty of moments that I just wanted to cry and would remind myself to pause, take a breath, and go in a different direction.
Anything else you love to share?
We are deeply grateful for Ashleyn’s support through the process. LUUM was vital in helping align our values with our big day.
Dream Team Vendors:
Venue & Bar: Glass House
Planner: LUUM Collective
Florist: Minne Floral Co
Photography: Laura Banken Photography
Catering: Centro Catering
Rental: Linen Effects
DJ: Harmony DJ Entertainment –
LUCKY The Unfortunate (DJ) & Ben Cline (saxophonist)
Musican: Eddie Rickert – guitarist & friend
Dress: The White Room
Hair and Makeup: Glow with Dej
