Small Wedding Venues Madison WI

The Tinsmith Photos

A beautiful blending of Diné culture with modern micro wedding elements at The Tinsmith. Sage green, turquoise, and orange-red tones, found naturally in New Mexico, enveloped the 25 guests of this Tinsmith wedding in pride and warmth. Many Indigenous cultural aspects were celebrated by guests wearing a mix of contemporary and traditional clothing.

Dakota, an interdisciplinary artist whose work focuses on translating the language of Diné history and beliefs, and Madison,WI musician Cody brought together the most important parts of their lives to craft a wedding day that honored their past, present, and future. Family came up to Wisconsin for the heritage-filled celebration and the couple was excited to showcase the Midwest!

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Modern Diné Micro Wedding

Traditional Navajo Wedding Dress

Dakota’s dress, co-designed with Carolyn Kallenborn, a fellow artist and fashion designer, is a collaboration of both of their art styles, with unique elements like the fabrics they hand-painted, reminiscent of the New Mexico landscape.

Other mindful details include the silk printed cyanotypes Dakota made for Cody and guests. Cyanotype is the oldest and most natural printing technique; it produces a distinctive dark blue color. Like her artwork, Dakota wanted each part of her outfit to be reused or repurposed for the future. Designed to mimic the desert, the southwest inspired flower crown by Tangled Sage featured succulents that were intended to be replanted.

Greenhouse Wedding Venue Wisconsin

Modern Wedding Venues Wisconsin

Traditional Diné elements meets contemporary venue. The result? A One-of-a kind Modern Diné Micro Wedding at The Tinsmith

Warm rays of sun floated down through the modern glass rooftop of the solarium greenhouse in the Tinsmith, one of the most stunning greenhouse wedding venues in Wisconsin. As guests began to take their seats, Cody’s boutonniere was pinned to the left of his handmade bolo tie.

One of the many incredibly pieces loving made by Dakota’s grandfather was this bolo tie. He, and other members of the family, come from a long line of Diné silver makers. Worn to acknowledge the family’s log history of silver making, the couples wedding bands, an elaborate silver feather necklace, and bracelets inlaid with stones shown brightly.

Diné Wedding Traditions

During their solarium micro wedding at The Tinsmith,  Dakota’s mom shared a traditional Diné prayer. Her aunt shared Tádídíín (corn pollen) in a traditional Diné wedding basket. Consumed by each guest, Tádídíín is a symbol of giving thanks to the land and its provisions.

The basket itself is incredibly significant as it represents the creation. “It is crafted from the center and proceeds in the footprints of life in the opposite path of the sun and the shadow.” – navajopeople.org

The Tinsmith

Micro Wedding Ceremony Ideas

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Glasses clinked across the long farm style table. A playlist curated by Cody and Dakota meandered through the air with handpicked songs that reminded them of each other and their relationship. Simple, laid-back, and a gathering of all those they love dearly – the perfect way to host a Modern Diné Micro Wedding at The Tinsmith. 

The Tinsmith Madison, WI Wedding Vendors

Venue: The Tinsmith
Photographers: Us! O & B Photo Co.
Officiant: Wood Violet Events
Gown: Carolyn Kallenborn
Cyanotype Pocket Squares: Dakota Mace
Florals: Daffodil Parker
Succulent crown: Tangled Sage
Catering : Fromagination & Banzo
Cake: The Looking Glass Bakery
Getting Ready: AC Hotel