A Sweet Beginning at Birch Hill Barn

Wedding Date: September 7, 2019

During their sophomore year at Hudson High School, Ariez Sime would throw candy at Elise Martin to get her attention when she walked into math class. Their relationship only grew sweeter during summers in high school and college, when they spent time at Ariez’s grandparents’ place on the St. Croix River.

That’s where he proposed in 2017, at sunset on a summer night. “We had a short ceremony with some of our favorite Bible verses that reminded us to remain grounded in faith, love one another and see the beauty in the mundane,” Elise says.

The peace and intimacy of Birch Hill Barn made their venue choice an easy one, and personal touches—such as chocolates for their guests from Knoke’s Chocolate in Hudson, the same kind that Ariez would put in Elise’s backpack to surprise her—made the day even more special. Elise credits Studio Fleurette for the boho chic vibe she sought in the décor, using “flowers and more flowers,” glass votives, delicate linens and chandeliers, with greenery, vines and loose flowers strewn across the reception tables.

Elise recalls an especially vivid moment just before the ceremony when she had some time alone. “I took a minute to pause and realize how blessed I was,” she says, “and how excited I felt to be marrying my best friend.”