Symone + Alfie's Ivory North Wedding || A Sun-soaked, International Wedding to Remember
Symone and Alfie come from worlds that live an ocean apart, but in early May in northern Minnesota, that distance ceased to exist as their family and friends came together to celebrate their love. A beautiful, excited, and passionate blend of cultures, the American-born Symone said "I do" to the UK-native Alfie under the white post and beam rafters of Ivory North. There was not a cloud in the sky that day nor a dry eye in the room. Simply put: it was as close to a dream wedding day as one can get.
A Clean, Simple, and Timeless Venue || Early spring at Ivory North
Nestled behind a line of pines and cedars in Mora, Minnesota, Ivory North stands in a class of its own. Symone and Alfie chose to stick with a classic black and white motif for their day, sprinkling in spring colors here and there in their reception space. Everything felt intentional, meticulously placed, and in flow with the rest of the wedding.
Cherished Girlhood Moments || Getting ready and some details
Surrounded by her girls, Symone got ready in Ivory North's bridal suite beneath the floorboards of where she would soon say her vows. The girls all pitched in to do each other's hair and makeup, created a room filled with giggles and the clicks of curling irons and the popping of lip glosses being opened. The flower girl and ring bearer explored the lower parts of the barn and the patio outside while the sun gently fell in through the windows. It was one of those moments that truly felt like you were in a Jane Austen novel. Girls simply being. Existing in a moment of celebrating love and all that it is to be a bride.
Some Time with Special People Before the Vows || A first look and some wedding party moments
Symone and Alfie chose not to have a first look and to instead wait for the aisle to see each other, but there were still some others who got a chance to see Symone as a bride for the first time before the ceremony. First, Symone went to see her girls. She wore a strapless Alena Leena gown that she bought at a&be that perfectly shaped her figure. With a flowing train and plenty of silky tulle draping over the ivory bodice, she was a vision to behold. After plenty of hugs with her bridesmaids, she went outside to a small, black, greenhouse-style building among the cedar trees to see her father and three brothers. Dabbing away a couple tears, the five of them shared a private moment talking about the dress, the groom, the day, and everything else flooding through their minds at the moment.
Finally, after these first looks but before the guests were set to arrive, Symone and Alfie took turns taking some formal and informal portraits with their respective sides of the wedding party. It was a perfect way to warm everyone up to photos for the day and to get out some of the pre-ceremony jittery energy.
A Ceremony of Light and Love || Saying "I do" in Ivory North's White Barn
As the shuttles offloaded their guests, everyone greeted and hugged old friends while Symone hid downstairs. The ushers led people to their seats before Alfie walked down to stand at the front of the aisle. Mid-afternoon light streamed in through the barn's grand western windows as Symone's father walked her down the aisle. A tearful exchange passed her off as the officiant began the ceremony. It was a sweet and traditional ceremony, with several passages of scripture quoted and a Christ-centered union being emphasized. Then, the bride and groom finally shared their first kiss and paraded back down the aisle to enjoy their first married minutes.
Their First Married Minutes || Some family, friends, and bridal portraits
The Dickens spent their first married minutes surrounded by those they love most for some formal portraits before spending time as just the two of them for some bridal portraits. It was a perfect way to take a minute apart from the crowd and hubbub and instead reflect and capture the beauty of their love. These are the photos that they'll pass on for generations to come.
Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and Some Sweet Sentiments || The start of the reception on a calm May evening.
After their initial bridal portraits and all of the formal portraits were completed, Symone and Alfie rejoined their loved ones for the end of cocktail hour before transitioning to dinner. Dinner was catered by OG Zaza, a food truck serving an assortment of wood-fired pizzas and salads. Symone got her beloved pickle pizza and two sat down to enjoy their first meal as husband and wife. Once most had settled in for their meal, speeches and toasts began. Tying in elements of their story together, some international flair, and bringing up points of competition, everyone in the room felt the joy and merriment that the Dickens were hoping to share.
A Golden Hour for the Ages || Some final bridal portraits before dancing
The Dickens hit the jackpot with a sunset that evening. Drenching their venue in soft, golden light before fading to rich oranges and deep blues, it was a perfect backdrop for some final bridal portraits before tucking inside to dance the night away.
Hitting the Dancefloor || An evening of 2000s pop, plenty of cheers, and a sea of smiles
To cap off their evening, Symone, Alfie, and all of their loved ones headed back into Ivory North's white barn which had been rearranged to now fit the dancefloor. The two shared their first dance, danced with their respective parents, and then the party was on. Very few sat out of the revelry, with most raising a glass to the happy couple as they swayed to the rhythm. To see a couple so in love get to make their vows to each other is special, to see those they love most celebrate them with so much fervor is another thing entirely. Cheers to the Dickens!
