Prairie Meadows Venue Wedding in ND | Amanda and Hayden

Amanda & Hayden's Prairie Meadows wedding was one for the books! Located just off of I-94 between Jamestown and Bismarck, the venue was so picturesque, and the bride and groom brought many personal touches to make their day totally unique. From semis to sunsets, the whole day was a true reflection of their personalities and love for one another. Let’s take a closer look at the magic that unfolded at Prairie Meadows!

I've lived most of my life within 30 minutes of what is now known as Prairie Meadows Venue, so when I heard that Jeff and Sarah had purchased it in 2020 with plans to turn it into a wedding venue, I couldn’t have been more excited. Not only would it be a wedding venue close to home, but the buildings also had a lot of historical significance. The “big white house,” as locals affectionately call it, has always been a landmark in the area, and knowing it would be transformed into a space for such meaningful events felt like the perfect way to honor its legacy while bringing something fresh and beautiful to the community.

The bridal party got ready in the bridal suite and of course, we had to pop some champagne to get the party started! The bridal suite used to be the train depot in Tappen (which also happens to be where the bride and groom are from) in the 1800s, was moved to this location in the late 2000s by the previous owner, and the inside was completely renovated into a "getting ready" space in 2023.

Although it's all within the same building, the guys are able to get ready on the west end, while the ladies have the east end along with the adjoining King Suite. A shared kitchenette and bathroom split the two sides in the middle.

Amanda's dress was from YBDN in Bismarck, and I absolutely loved the train—it added such a dramatic, elegant touch to her already stunning look.

The ladies got ready in the bridal suite, the perfect setting for pre-wedding photos and a few moments of calm before the big day.

The King Suite, connected to the ladies' end of the Prairie Meadows venue bridal suite was the perfect spot for a few detail photos before everyone got dressed.

I really want a pair of these slippers now.

Cheers!

Amanda’s mom helped her into her dress, such a special moment.

Seriously, these two could be sisters!

Amanda's boots were the perfect touch – stylish and comfy!

Amanda's first look with her bridesmaids!

Hayden got ready over on guys' end of the bridal suite with groomsmen, who weren't any fun at all 😉

Amanda and Hayden decided to do their first look in the Prairie Meadows Chapel, which is where Prairie Meadows Venue's name comes from! This is another historic building on the property that used to be located in Tappen as well. The entire church is 100% original to this day.

The first look is always one of my favorite parts of the day. There’s something so special about that quiet, intimate moment between the couple before everything else gets underway.

Even the bride & groom's dog, Nessie made an appearance for a few photos.

The front steps of the big white house were perfect to show off Amanda's train.

The ceremony space was also perfect for some photos before all the guests arrived. The 100+ year old trees gave us great shade behind the house.

Fun fact, Amanda's grandma did all the bouquets and floral arrangements for the wedding!

The wedding party was the perfect mix of western and boho vibes! From the groom and groomsmen’s boots and relaxed style to the bridesmaids’ dresses and earthy accents, everything came together seamlessly. Their look matched the venue and the couple’s personalities so well.

I looooved the colors Amanda picked for her bridesmaids.

The guys!

These guys were zero fun. No fun at all. 

The bride is always the star of the day, but the flower girl was a close second – what a cutie!

Another personal touch was Hayden’s semi making an appearance. Whether parked in the background for photos, or guests taking a self-guided tour of it during the reception, it was a perfect reflection of who Hayden is—and made for some great photos, too!

Amanda's step-dad built the beautiful arch, decorated with floral arrangements from her grandma.

One last hug from Hayden's mom at the end of the aisle

Amanda coming down the aisle with her dad as Hayden waits for his bride.

There are several ceremony site options at Prairie Meadows Venue. Amanda & Hayden chose the spot right behind the house for theirs.

The wedding party shot off confetti cannons for the first kiss!

Guests threw dried flower petals as the couple walked out – adorable, and eco-friendly!

After the receiving line, the wedding party hopped on the party trailer for a quick drive out to Lakeside Bar & Grill (a couple miles south of Praire Meadows Venue), as well as Wolff's Grill & Bar in Dawson. 

Next, we all headed back to Prairie Meadows Venue for the reception in the Pavillion!  You'd never know it, but it lived a previous life as a turkey barn before being moved to the property in 4 separate sections by the previous owner. Jeff & Sarah gave it a transformative makeover complete with chandeliers, polished concrete floors, and seating for plenty of guests. The corrugated metal and wooden beams give a nod to the historic character of the building, and Amanda & Hayden's friends and family helped decorate the space with rustic and boho touches.

I loved the dried florals on the tables, and the neon sign above the head table.

These two knew how to make an entrance!

Friends and family gave speeches that were both heartfelt and hilarious.

The groom's sister made the cake, and it tasted just as good as it looked!

Amanda & Hayden's first dance as husband and wife

Amanda and her dad shared a father/daughter dance.

A special moment between Hayden and his mom during the mother/son dance.

I stole the couple for a few golden hour photos later in the evening. These are always some of my favorite photos from the whole day – the light is great, the pressure of the day is off, and you can just relax and take some fun photos! I make it quick, usually only 10 minutes so you don't miss out on the fun and dancing.

I loved the marquis cut on Amanda's diamond!

After golden hour, it was back to the Pavillion to dance the night away! 

From beginning to end, Amanda and Hayden's wedding at Prairie Meadows Venue was so perfect from beginning to end. Every detail, from the historic venue to the personal touches, came together to create a day that was uniquely theirs. It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime – congrats, Mr. & Mrs. McHenry!