A Rolling Ridge Wedding: Saying I Do (in a Tornado, Almost.)

This wedding in particular almost didn’t happen. On more than one occasion. To start, a COVID scare meant that Jordan and Ross didn’t even now if or when they’d make it Minnesota for their big day. Luckily, they were vaccinated, didn’t contract the virus (thank god for modern medicine am I right?!) and were able to get into town the week of their Rolling Ridge wedding. Before we dive into Jordan & Ross’s big day specifics, here’s some more information about Rolling Ridge as a venue.

Rolling Ridge: Your Scenic Sprawling Wedding Venue

Rolling Ridge Events in St. Joseph, Minnesota, is one of those places that just feels special the moment you arrive. The venue has this incredible blend of rustic charm and elegance that’s perfect for couples who want something unique but still classic. It’s got all the cozy vibes of a countryside escape, with plenty of room to make it your own.

The property itself is stunning. There’s a beautifully restored barn that’s packed with character—think exposed wooden beams, twinkling string lights, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of space that’s perfect for dinner, dancing, and celebrating all night long. Outside, the garden courtyard is just as magical. Picture gorgeous greenery, winding pathways, and little nooks that make you feel like you’re in your own romantic oasis. It’s ideal for ceremonies or even just a quiet moment to soak it all in.

One of the coolest things about the Rolling Ridge wedding venue is how versatile it is. Whether you’re into vintage vibes, boho details, or something more classic, the venue works with just about any style. The mix of indoor and outdoor spaces also gives you tons of options, so you can create a day that really fits your vision. And let’s not forget the views—no matter where you are on the property, there’s always a stunning backdrop for photos.

Another standout feature? The team. They’ve thought of everything, from trusted vendor recommendations to making sure every little detail is handled smoothly. It’s clear they care about making the day as stress-free and memorable as possible, which makes it so easy to just enjoy the moment.

Rolling Ridge has that rare mix of charm, flexibility, and beauty that makes it feel one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s the barn, the gardens, or the way the whole space just feels like home, it’s a venue that leaves a lasting impression.

Jordan & Ross’s Story

But then the morning of rolled around. And so did a nasty storm. Driving into St. Joseph, the sky went from overcast but bright to 10:30 p.m. dark and scary. A tornado warning went out, sirens started blaring and Jordan and Ross huddled with their loved ones in the basement at Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center. I, on the other hand, was still en route to the venue and got stuck in a parking lot in the middle of farm fields hoping to god that I’d make it there in one piece.

If you know anything about me, you probably know that I HATE thunderstorms. I mean hate them. Not in like a rage-y way. More in like a panic-y, hide under the covers kind of way. But the thing is, if you know anything about Jordan and Ross, you also probably know that they are the kind of people who are worth driving through tornados for.

Despite a scary morning and less than ideal commute in, I would 100,000% go through it all again for these two. And you too if you knew them.

Making it Rain at their Rolling Ridge Wedding

And because the morning had started off as rather… eventful… Jordan wanted to get some rainy day wedding photos with the clear umbrellas I always have in my trunk. Just after dinner it started to drizzle so we thought, this is perfect here’s our chance! Only it lasted about 2 minutes, but what a bride wants a bride gets on her wedding day.

So instead, we made it rain. To collect some water on the umbrella, I had my second shooter Sian climb up on a bench and pour a few cups of water over the top to get the effect we were going for. It was so fun and gave us the effect we were going for. And it gave Jordan the rainy day wedding photos at Rolling Ridge to sum up how their day had began.

I can’t wait to share more photos from their day and from this gorgeous Minnesota wedding venue, for now, enjoy a handful of their sneak peeks!