Party on the Peak: An Après Ski-themed party for Minnesota Bride Magazine

our couples

Feb 6

HappiLily Events recently had the honor of planning a magazine release party for Minnesota Bride, a local wedding-focused publication that inspires Midwest couples with wedding trends and planning tips. The brand wanted to host a “Party on the Peak” event to celebrate the launch of their Spring/Summer 2026 issue, which HappiLily Events planned and designed!

Excitingly, HappiLily Events has previously been featured in their print publication and we were again included in the latest issue with a Real Wedding feature for one of our couples, Abby and Caleb (check out page 236!).

*Mood board designed by HappiLily Events for the Minnesota Bride magazine release party. Party on the Peak graphic designed by* *Paper Rock Scissor*

The Design~

As the event planner and designer for the magazine release party, Minnesota Bride gave us the theme of “Party on the Peak”. To us, this meant embracing the Apres-ski lifestyle (fun, relaxed vibes and spirited camaraderie) with an elevated aesthetic and sophisticated decor.

Hosted at The Essence Event Center, the overall design blended rustic luxe decor and cozy alpine elements with snowy accents. Wood tones, plaid patterns, and textured linens added warmth to the space as glass pendants and velvet shades hung overhead. Martha’s Gardens, our florist for the event, designed with fresh white florals and lush hydrangeas to create the look of fluffy snow mounds. Statement decor also included oversized ice blocks with frozen suspended florals, and a romantic candle wall framed by icy blue drapery. To further add to the welcoming atmosphere, we used custom-scented Winter Ski Lodge candles from Palms, Psalms & Prosecco, which filled the space with a cozy, wintery scent.

See a quick recap video of the design here! Photos by Tonya Hjort.

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Favorite Details ~

Elevated design details were both artful and immersive. On stage, a large ski lift chair and LED marquee letters served as a focal point from the moment guests entered the venue. The chair lift also served as a photo booth framed with nordic trees, vintage skis, and layered with faux snow!

Reminiscent of sitting fire-side in a mountain lodge, several vignettes of Adirondack chairs allowed guests to sit back and relax. There was also an igloo lounge centered in the reception room, set with plush fur ottomans and lounge chairs!

Winter party set with an igloo lounge at The Essence Event Center

For a glamourous brand like Minnesota Bride, we of course had to elevate the event with bubbly! Minnesota Ice hand-carved a show-stopping butler in the shape of a bear with ski goggles, which stood at the reception room entrance to greet guests with crisp glasses of champagne.

*MN Bride Publisher Brooke with the champagne ice bear butler // Tonya Hjort Photograhy*

Food and Beverage ~

Chowgirls Catering created a fun dessert mountain display including a s’mores roasting station, and brownie bite “slopes” were served on vintage skis (it was quite a sight to watch servers navigate through guests!). Food stations, provided by Crave Catering, included a potato bar, cheese fondue, and a winter soup to keep guests warm and well-fed. Guests also enjoyed hot cocoa shooters, and a coffee cart from Bean Sprout Coffee Co. kept us all caffeinated with a customized menu of Campfire Mochas and Gingerbread Lattes.

The bar featured a signature Espresso Martini, a Bunny Slope mocktail, and wines selected from Chankaska Creek Winery. Outside, old fashioneds with a flaming orange garnish were served at the custom-carved ice bar!