The Best of All Worlds at The Barn at Five Lakes

Wedding Date: August 10, 2019

A winter weather advisory was in effect December 1, 2018, but Jacob Sevening was determined to take Melissa Kocourek on a date at Pazzaluna in downtown St. Paul. After dinner, the two, who had met in London on a study-abroad program in 2016, went for a stroll in a hushed Mears Park; Melissa was marveling at the winter wonderland when she turned to see Jacob holding a ring. Melissa wanted to honor her family’s Catholic tradition with a wedding mass; to keep the atmosphere inclusive and welcoming, the couple chose the outdoor Grotto of St. Mary. The couple included as many loved ones as possible in the ceremony, so cousins, friends, grandparents and godparents gave readings, helped with communion, and served as attendants. The couple chose an earthy palette of deep green, champagne, ivory and white to reflect their love of the outdoors. The celebration continued into the night at The Barn at Five Lakes, with yard games, a fire pit (s’mores, anyone?), dancing, a photo booth and board games. During the sunset photo shoot, Melissa, a longtime horse enthusiast, was thrilled “when out of nowhere, along came two beautiful horses” right up to the property fence, she recalls. “It was truly magical.”