Beautiful Wedding Day at the Mayowood Stone Barn

If you’re reading this, consider hosting your wedding at the Mayowood Stone Barn. In this article, I’ll share Nicole and Ethan’s wedding at one of the region’s top venues.

It should give you a clear idea of what to expect when you celebrate your big day here.

A Premier Venue Located 10 minutes South of Rochester, MN

Located just south of Rochester, the Mayowood Stone Barn was once part of the Mayo estate (yes, the same Mayo brothers who founded the Mayo Clinic). Today, it remains a place of excellence and hosts weddings and other events. It’s probably the most famous venue in town, and I had already had the chance to cover other wedding there, such as Nadia &Jeff.

The property spans a large field with several unique spaces. The highlights include:

• The Arched Reception Room, called the Carriage Way, is all stacked stone; formerly a carriage house.
• The Loft: located on the second floor; once a hay loft and now a covered option for rainy days.
• The Old Oak Tree: With its lower branches, it is the site of many outdoor ceremonies when weather permits.

For Nicole and Ethan, whose lives are steeped in the art of music, the Mayowood Stone Barn, with its historic character and beautifully textured spaces, provided a harmonious backdrop for their celebration.

Engagement Session Before the Big Day

Nicole and Ethan both have music careers. They are teaching, performing, and repairing instruments.
Since they live in Moorhead, MN, our initial meeting was virtual.
They shared with me how this historic charm (rustic elegance) appeals to their artistic sensibilities or their vision for a “heartwarming family reunion.”?

One month before their wedding, we finally met for their engagement session in Minneapolis instead of the best spots in Rochester. They drove all the way from North Dakota!

Of course, we visited art-centric sites: the Music Wall, Walker Art Center, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Wedding Day Preparations

The day had a delightfully classic vibe (pardon the pun).

Groom & groomsmen prepared in the Den, while bride & bridesmaids got ready in the Bridle Room.

Then came the “first looks”:

• First look with parents
• First look together

Followed by family group photos.

Ceremony in the Rustic Mayowood Stone Barn’s Loft

For their ceremony, they chose the Loft. With rain in the forecast, an outdoor ceremony wasn’t an option, and the Loft’s covered space proved perfect.

I’d photographed other weddings here (see this one in September and this one during the fall), but this was the first time a couple had their ceremony in the Loft. Its rustic charm and unique lighting made for memorable images.

The ceremony was deeply emotional—watch closely and you’ll see the bride holding back tears.

Bride and groom photos at Maywood Stone Barn on Cloudy day

After their ceremony, it was time for their bride and groom photos. Both of them were much more relaxed!
It’s rare, but sometimes, it’s worth doing the couple’s photos after the ceremony.

As usual, I ask them to talk, walk, run, and much more.

A Unique Game During Cocktail Hour and Dinner

During cocktail hour, Nicole and Ethan surprised guests with a playful game featuring drum rolling and laser tag operated by HyperSpace Starcade. It was unconventional but incredibly fun for their friends and younger family members.

Reception in the Carriage Way

The reception unfolded in the magnificent Carriage Way, its stacked stone arches and historic ambiance providing a grand yet intimate setting. The space truly came alive as dinner transitioned into a lively party.

As musicians themselves, Nicole and Ethan’s choice of a local band—Loud Mouth Brass—was inspired, their vibrant melodies filling the rustic hall and getting everyone in a festive mood.

Toasts began during dinner, with heartfelt speeches from the best men, bridesmaids, and the traditional father-of-the-bride speech.

Artistic Images & Grand Exit

Once the dancing kicked off, I whisked the newlyweds away for more artistic shots, using the Loft’s string lights as a beautiful backdrop.

The night ended with a sparkler grand exit—always a photographer’s favorite.

Nicole and Ethan’s wedding was a heartwarming family reunion filled with emotion, joy, and fun.

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Thanks to their stellar planning and this stunning venue, the rain never dampened their spirits.

If you’re marrying at the Mayowood Stone Barn and love my photography style, I’d be honored to be considered. Check out my wedding guide or my micro wedding tips for more inspiration. I recommend to all couples who got married in Rochester to do an engagement session downtown, or in a park.

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Schedule a first meeting today, and let’s start planning your unique event!