What a joy it is to share Alyvia & Matt’s classic Royal Golf Club Wedding! Their day in Lake Elmo was design with an editorial elegance – crisp whites, stone table numbers, and an all black dress code for guests. Yet underneath the polish was something even more beautiful: a couple who has weathered joy and sorrow together in faith and who filled their wedding day with pure, full-throttle joy.

A Ceremony by the Water of Royal Golf Club

Alyvia & Matt said their vows on the edge of the water at Royal Golf Club, a spot framed perfectly by two luminous trees and surrounded by the open green of the golf course. This space held the friends and family who have walked alongside this couple through it all, and as the summer sun bathed parasols, the whole scene felt like something out of a film.

Alyvia’s Colby John gown was an ethereal choice for the day — a delicate, all-over floral design with whimsical blooms sculpted on the straps, paired with a cathedral length veil that would go on to steal the show during golden hour portraits. White calla lilies, roses, and lisianthus brought hints of green into the day’s black and white palette. Bridesmaids in their black dresses and groomsmen in classic tuxedos made a beautiful contrast with the blues of the water.

One entrance made the ceremony especially meaningful: the front row seat reserved in honor of Matt’s mother, who passed away five years ago. Family and friends of the Stovers wore green bracelets from her celebration of life throughout the day — a quiet, beautiful thread of remembrance woven into the day. It was a powerful reminder of how Alyvia & Matt have carried their faith through both grief and gladness, and how love holds space for both.

Full-Throttle Joy on the Dance Floor

If the ceremony was tender and sweet, the reception was pure celebration and spice. Alyvia brought her epic energy to another level as she revealed her second look for the day. Her no-holds-barred solo singing (that became a duet!) had the whole room cheering. Matt’s dad joined the electric dance floor with a touch of his own. I love how Lyv & Matt made this day their own — from a custom golf pennant to a sweet detail on the bar honoring their couple’s dogs. I truly loved seeing how Lyv’s vision wove the black and white details into every aspect of the decor. You simply must scroll to see the adorable match boxes!

As the sun began to set, glowy golden light draped itself across the golf course, and Alyvia’s veil caught every bit of it during their sunset portraits — hands down one of the most stunning moments of the day. I think all of us were mesmerized by how beautiful that sunset was!

Letter to the Couple

Lyv & Matt,

I have so delighted in getting to know you. From your engagement on the waters of Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata to the waterside ceremony, I can see how simply and beautifully you two flow together through life. Just like the waves. Your wedding day carried your whole story so perfectly. The way you have loved each other through joy and sorrow, without letting go of each other, is a beautiful testimony. And I love how your joy is just as real and just as big as your faith. That’s a rare and beautiful combination. I pray your marriage be always full of the humor, zest, and warm hospitality that you shaped your wedding day with. Thank you for trusting me to celebrate alongside you through this season!

With Love,

Jennifer

Classic Black & White Royal Golf Club Wedding Vendors

Venue: Royal Golf Club

Planning: Hanna Marie Events

Photography: Jennifer Sanders Photography

Florals: Heartland Store MN

Hair: Hair by BK

Makeup: Makeup by Mindie

Bridal Boutique: Ivory Bridal Co.

Catering & Bartending: Royal Golf Club

Dress Designer: Colby John Bridal

DJ / Entertainment: DJ Goodknight

Cake: [add link]

Invitations & Paper Goods: Truly Engaging

Ice Cream Cart: Nelson’s Catering, Stillwater, MN

Royal Golf Club is located in Lake Elmo, just east of the Twin Cities, and offers a stunning golf course setting for weddings of up to 250 guests. The grounds are anchored by sweeping fairway views and a peaceful waterside ceremony spot framed by two mature trees, making it a favorite for couples who want an outdoor “I do” with a sweeping, editorial backdrop. As the sun sets, golden light drapes across the course in a way that’s nothing short of magic for portraits. I love Royal Golf Club for the way its natural, unfussy landscape lets a couple’s own design vision — whether classic black and white or something else entirely — take center stage.

August Royal Golf Club Wedding | Lake Elmo Wedding | Black and White Wedding Minnesota | Golf Course Wedding Venue | Twin Cities Wedding Photographer