The Event Barn at St. Joe Farms in Granger, Indiana, features wood beams, high lofted peaks and is one of the most perfect Instagram-worthy venues in Northern Indiana.
Since 1867, St. Joe Farm's roots have been firmly attached to the University of Notre Dame because it was Father Edward Sorin who sought out a new venue for producing food for the then-rapidly growing Notre Dame. Today the 1,200-acre farm is privately owned and includes 29 buildings but it's the Event Barn that is the grounds showstopper.
Jenni and Brian were married in the stables on St. Joe Farm on a late-September Saturday. The weather was a balmy 80-degrees, not something that you expect on a Saturday in September in Northern Indiana. Guests were able to cool off a bit with a cocktail hour inside the Event Barn while Jenni and Brian were getting after-ceremony photos taken by their photographer, Jessica Burns of JB Photography.
The reception officially kicked off with a unique timeline. After DJ Iceberg hosted the Grand Entrance, introducing the individual members of the bridal parties, Jenni danced with her dad, Bryan. As the dance finished, Bryan passed Jenni’s hand to another Brian, her new husband, for their first dance as husband and wife. The handoff from Father to Groom was something important to Jenni and her family, and it’s unique touches like these that we love to see!
After cocktails guests were treated to a delicious plated meal provided by Navarre Catering & Events. If you've ever been to an event catered by Navarre Catering & Events, or you've been to one of the Navarre Hospitality Groups restaurants like Artisan, Cafe Navarre or Exchange Whiskey Bar, you know their service and product is top-notch.
Jenni and Brian wanted to have fun during the wedding ceremony - really, what couples doesn't?! But it was important to Jenni and Brian that all of their guests get up on their feet and dance. To jump start the dancing, Jenni’s Uncle Henry led the guests in Dutch family tradition, the dancing of the “Polonaise”, which is a traditional Dutch dance involving a line of guests snaking through the tables of the venue, picking up other guests as they pass by and culminating in the bride and groom raised up above the dancing crowd on chairs in celebration. The group loved it; and by the time it was over, literally everyone was on the dance floor!
After a full night of food, fun, drinks and dancing Jenni and Brian ended the night with a sparkler sendoff to start their life together.
Ceremony song selections:
Seating of Mothers: Instrumental Harp
Bridal Processional: Streets of Whiterun (Skyrim) – Taylor Davis
Bride’s Entrance: Concerning Hobbits (Lord of the Rings) – Taylor Davis
Recessional: Wedding March - Mendelssohn
Reception song selections:
Grand Entrance: Celebration – Kool & The Gang
Cake Cutting: Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
First Dance: Beauty & The Beast – John Legend & Ariana Grande
Father-Daughter Dance: Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
Mother-Son Dance: You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
Anniversary Dance: Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis
Bouquet Toss: Dear Future Husband – Meghan Trainor
Garter Toss: Another One Bites the Dust - Queen
Vendors:
St. Joe Farm
Navarre Catering & Events
JB Photography