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This week's topics: personalized wedding ceremonies, Minnesota wedding officiants, crafting unique vows, wedding rehearsal tips, unplugged ceremonies, guest experience at weddings, first look private vows, wedding ceremony trends, boutique wedding services, storytelling in ceremonies.
In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, hosts Sonja Babich and Brooke Beise—Publisher of Minnesota Bride and Nebraska Wedding Day—sit down with Dawn and Ralph Dacut, the dynamic duo behind Flutterby Celebrations in Minnesota. As seasoned officiants, Dawn and Ralph share how they’ve built a reputation for crafting deeply personal wedding ceremonies that leave couples and guests feeling truly connected.
The conversation begins with Dawn reflecting on her journey into the wedding industry. Starting in PR and corporate event planning, she eventually spent 18 years as the Director of Catering at the historic Carlson Towers Rotunda. When the venue closed its event operations, Dawn transitioned into officiating, combining her journalism background with a passion for storytelling. “I started writing about love and unions, and it took off,” she recalls. Ralph joined the business shortly after, and together, they decided to keep Flutterby as a boutique, mom-and-pop operation, focusing on delivering personalized attention to every couple.
Dawn and Ralph emphasize the importance of ceremonies that reflect a couple’s unique love story. Dawn shares how she helps couples craft vows that are heartfelt and authentic, offering guidance while ensuring they stay balanced and engaging for guests. They note the growing trend of private vows during first looks, with simpler repeat-after-me vows during the ceremony. “The goal is to make it a reflection of them,” they explain, highlighting their dedication to creating moments that feel deeply meaningful.
Rehearsals are another cornerstone of the Flutterby experience. Dawn and Ralph describe how they walk couples and their bridal parties through every detail, ensuring everyone is confident and comfortable. From guiding groomsmen on their posture to reminding bridesmaids to smile, their attention to detail helps set the tone for a flawless ceremony. “The ceremony is the framework for the masterpiece of the couple,” they say, stressing the importance of a polished presentation that honors the occasion.
Guest experience is at the forefront of everything Flutterby does. Dawn and Ralph encourage unplugged ceremonies to keep the focus on the couple and the moment. They also discuss common challenges, like pre-ceremony drinking, and how they help couples set boundaries to ensure the day runs smoothly. Their goal is for guests to walk away saying, “That was worth it,” and for couples to feel confident that their ceremony was everything they dreamed it would be.
The episode wraps up with Dawn and Ralph reflecting on the joy of officiating. From witnessing emotional moments at the altar to receiving glowing reviews, they find immense fulfillment in celebrating love stories. “We have the best seat in the house,” they share, a testament to their deep connection to their work. Tune in to hear more about Dawn and Ralph’s insights into officiating, crafting unforgettable ceremonies, and why their approach to love stories is one-of-a-kind.
This episode is powered by Flutterby Celebrations & Ceremonies and Summit Hill Studios. Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, and Warpaint International.
