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This week’s topics: same-sex wedding inspiration, gay wedding inspiration, LGBTQ+ wedding planning, same-sex wedding ideas, Minnesota wedding venues, The Machine Shop wedding, real wedding stories podcast, unique wedding ceremony ideas, love circle ceremony, personalized wedding favors, custom wedding bowls, Rocket Science Events wedding planning, guest experience wedding trends, wedding entertainment ideas, wedding planner insights, wedding catering ideas, D’Amico Catering weddings, modern wedding details, real couple interviews
In a special live-recorded episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich sits down with real-life couple Tim and Adam — featured newlyweds from the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of Minnesota Bride — to talk about their June 2024 celebration at the Machine Shop. The three take an authentic look at thoughtful design and the joy of creating a wedding that’s wholly personal.
Guided by planner Gretchen Culver of Rocket Science Events, Tim and Adam set out to craft a day that revolved around intimacy, food and experience. Their ceremony was designed as a “love circle,” a 360-degree configuration that surrounded the couple with family and friends. Standing at the center, they describe the moment as unexpectedly emotional — when the world around them seemed to blur, leaving only each other and their vows. The Machine Shop’s open layout provided the perfect setting for this layout, allowing every guest to feel included in the exchange.
From there, the day unfolded through layers of detail that reflected their personalities. Their beloved dogs, Arnie and Oscar, made a surprise cameo as tiny figurines at the head table — courtesy of their “dog nanny,” Leah. And the couple’s shared love of dining inspired a restaurant-style menu crafted by D’Amico Catering. Each course became part of the story, including the first — a playful pairing of chicken wings and Coors Light ponies — and a soup course served in custom pottery bowls etched with their monogram. Those bowls became both a functional part of the meal and a keepsake guests still cherish today.
When reflecting on their favorite moments, both grooms shared different perspectives that followed the same theme: presence. For Tim, reading his vows was surprisingly moving, a moment that silenced everything else in the room. For Adam, it was the unplanned magic of their outfit change, perfectly timed with Britney Spears’ “...Baby One More Time,” turning their grand entrance into an unforgettable burst of energy. As he laughed, “The party officially started at that point.”
Their wedding, they agree, was designed as an experience. With guidance from their planner, they created a seamless eight-hour flow that encouraged guests to relax, indulge and fully lean in. Even during dinner, a live musician joined the DJ set, transforming mealtime into a lively supper-club moment that carried the celebration forward with rhythm.
Before signing off, Tim and Adam shared their most valuable piece of advice for couples planning a wedding: trust the process and stay true to your vision. “Don’t plan around what you think guests expect,” they say. “Make it what you want.” They also stress investing in photography and videography — both crucial for preserving fleeting moments that rush by too quickly to fully absorb.
This episode is powered by Dan Riggs Films. Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, Warpaint International.
