Minnesota Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

A Vintage-Inspired Garden Wedding with Pastel Hues and a Bunny Named Dewey

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Sage, ballet pink, and olive[/field]
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The design vision for this sweet wedding was a vintage, elevated event that kept the overall atmosphere light and fun. They wanted to feature pastels and plenty of spring motifs in an elegant late-summer way, so they chose muted pink with deep green accents. They both adore their pet bunny, Dewey, and wanted to include him in the wedding in some fun ways, like the bunny stamps and custom cake toppers!

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Angela decided on a sweet and feminine silhouette with the square-neck ‘Abigail’ dress from Willowby by Watters. With its subtle pink undertones and floral embellishments, this gown was the perfect feminine complement to the day.

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The bridesmaids wore sage-colored satin dresses by Birdy Grey. The soft, warm green was chosen to round out the vintage pastel vibes in a light, summery way.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen all wore outfits from The Black Tux.[/field]
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At cocktail hour, the couple opted for a classic trio of beverage options: Aperol Spritz, Boulevardier, and a Sprig & Soda mocktail, which included a fun little disco-ball stir stick to foreshadow the good times yet to come. To continue the sophisticated options through dinner, Mintahoe Catering worked with the parents of the bride to craft some beautiful flavor profiles, including items such as blackberry peppercorn salad dressing and grilled Chilean sea bass with ginger glaze and saffron rice. The real star of the show, though, was the final meal of the night. The evening closed out with a surprise treat for late-night guests in the form of a Chicago dog buffet with tater tots on the side!

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]For this spring-meets-late-summer wedding, there was a lot of extra love and intentionality given to the floral design. The couple chose to work with Cosmos Floral, a fine art floral studio focusing on sustainable design and baroque style. Each foam-free arrangement was crafted with local blooms to complement the refined atmosphere of the mansion venue, while still showcasing the couple’s fun and relaxed personalities. [/field]
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Buttercream Wedding Cakes crafted a lovely and classic three-tier cutting cake for the couple, with ivory ruffled piping on top of an ivory frosting base. On top of this cake were two custom-made bunny cake toppers

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The ceremony took place at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, in a historic building with gorgeous stained glass windows and echoing music from the Birchwood String Quartet. Given that they had planned such a fun and relaxed reception, the couple decided on a refined, traditional approach to the ceremony.

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When asked about why they chose Van Dusen Mansion for getting ready and the reception venue, Angela and Chris mentioned numerous times that they loved all of the unique spaces, artistic elements, and fun little details throughout the space. In order to reflect that specific love, several of the mansion’s various sculptures were combined with the wedding details to make a set of sculptural detail photographs.

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A Fairytale Backyard Wedding Inspired by Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’

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Our wedding colors were inspired by Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ and were ivory, baby pink, baby blue, lavender, mint, red, and yellow.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]My vision for our wedding was very clear from the start and came from one of my favorite movies – Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ mixed with a little bit of fairytale. I love the soft, dreamy colors and timeless beauty of the film and wanted to draw on that but also give it a fairytale edge (and of course no beheading). We hung hundreds of strands of fairy lights and crystal chandeliers from the ceiling of our tent to emulate the hall of mirrors at Versailles, and our color palette and floral design came from the wallpaper in Marie’s bedroom. For the fairytale element we leaned heavily on the natural beauty of my parents backyard. We covered the trees outside their home in fairy lights and lit the pathway across the small stream leading to the reception with lanterns that shed light on their rose gardens. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Chase and I had been dating for three years after meeting at work when he proposed. He schemed with my mom and sisters to get me out of the house and then filled up the first floor of our home with white roses and candles. To this day the only time in my life I have ever seen more flowers than his proposal was our wedding day. My sister handmade flower-adorned collars for our two dogs who met me at the door when I came home. It was just the two of us for the proposal and it was intimate, sweet, and so perfect. After the proposal both of our families came over with takeout from my husband and I’s favorite restaurant and we enjoyed a sweet and low-key dinner in the backyard of our home.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]For my wedding dress I wanted something vintage and timeless that made me feel absolutely like myself. I loved looking at photos of wedding dresses through the decades before we went shopping and was intentional about avoiding trends and trying to pick something I would still love when looking back at photos many years from now. I ended up choosing the first dress I tried on and after finding it at a local sample sale and fell head over heels with the classic feel of it. Because my dress was so simple, I took advantage of the opportunity to have fun with my hair and accessories. My mom and I searched for weeks for the perfect shoes and settled on a pair of Rene Caovilla wrap heels decorated with flowers and butterflies. For my hair, I wore the bun style that I wear almost everyday, but of course my stylist Katlynn made it more perfect than I ever could, and also hand-glued in over 100 pearls that complemented my favorite pair of earrings. The only other jewelry I wore was my tennis bracelet which was a gift from my parents.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]I asked my bridesmaids to choose their own dresses so they all felt comfortable and beautiful on the wedding day. My one ask was that they be white or cream in accordance with the old wives tale that the wedding party wearing white deters evil spirits and protects the marriage. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]My husband wore a custom dark green suit to our wedding, and his groomsmen wore a creamy-pearl suit to complement both the dark green and soft pastels of our color palette, and to match with the girls in white. The only stand-out in his wedding party was my brother-in-law who wore a custom powder blue suit to recognize the special role he was playing as our officiant. I love the soft and natural palette that they created, and how beautifully it complemented the pink-y hues of our wedding. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]We used a local caterer and went with fresh, light, and locally sourced choices for our appetizers and meals. I made sure none of the food was too heavy so people would have the energy to dance the night away! A family friend (Evan Martin, Martin Woods Winery) supplied all the wine for our wedding and it was such a treat. He creates the most beautiful small batch wines and our guests loved the personal connection, and of course the taste of the wine. My husband and I have two dogs we are devoted to and commissioned portraits of each one that we had printed on our cocktail napkins and signage. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Above all else, the one thing I wanted for our wedding were spectacular flowers! I don’t think there is any decoration that humans can make that is more beautiful than what occurs in nature. Because I took so much inspiration from Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’, my florist, Genevieve of Apricot Floral, modeled the colors and floral choice from the wallpaper in Marie Antoinette’s bedroom and the gardens she kept. At the end of the night, we gave all the arrangements out to our guests and it was such a joy to hear how much they enjoyed having Genevieve’s beautiful flowers in their homes.

Because scent, emotion, and memory are tied so closely in our brains, the smell of our wedding was also very important to me and for that reason my florist Genevieve incorporated lilacs everywhere. To this day the smell of lilac takes me right back to our wedding day. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Our caterer also made our wedding cake and we went with simple almond & raspberry flavors that were sure to be crowd pleasers. We asked them to deliver the cake as a smooth white frosted cake that our florist Genevieve then hand decorated with flowers the morning of. We were really happy with this choice because it was both budget friendly and the cake felt very much in line with the look and feel of the rest of the wedding that Genevieve had helped create. [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]My husband and I are very close with my sister & brother-in-law and they co-wrote our ceremony which my brother-in-law then officiated. It meant so much to us that people who knew us so well wrote our ceremony and it gave our wedding a very intimate feel. Our ceremony was deeply rooted in the feeling of home (which was appropriate given our wedding took place in my parents backyard), the importance of kindness in relationships, and the glory of our natural world. My husband I are both spiritual but not religious and our ceremony felt like the perfect balance of our beliefs.

My husband and I wrote our own vows – and while I am happy we did them, speaking my most intimate feelings in front of all of our friends and families was a little terrifying! However, I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world because listening to Chase recite his was pure joy.

I walked down the aisle to Avril 14th, from (you guessed it!) Marie Antoinette. This song has been a part of many memories since I first saw the movie when I was 13, and it’s special to now have it associated with this moment in my life. Our recessional was ‘Praise You’ by Fat Boy Slim which we chose hoping that its fun, happy, feeling would set the tone for the rest of the night.

Our first dance was to ‘This Will Be Our Year’ by The Zombies, which we picked because the lyrics perfectly encapsulate the optimism and joy that Chase and I feel for one another and bring every day into our marriage. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]I was so torn over the idea of wedding favors and finding something that people would like that was also not wasteful. After lots of deliberating we landed on something everyone loves – a treat! One of my husband and I’s favorite sweets are macarons and for that I knew there was only one place to go – Laduree. They were fantastic to work with and we were able to monogram each macaron and place them in individual keepsake boxes in our signature baby pink color decorated with entwined hearts. The boxes gave our place settings an element of vintage charm that I just adore. As a person who loves to eat and is often hungry at weddings, I also loved the idea of people sitting down to a special treat to tide them over until dinner started. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]As a COVID engagement my husband and I really struggled to find a venue that felt like us, was available, and was in our budget. It felt like we could get one or two of the three but not all! The perfect idea struck us while at dinner at my parents house and looking out at the large pasture where they keep horses – a wedding in their backyard! It ended up being the perfect choice for us and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Welcoming our wedding guests to my parents home felt so special and set an intimate and peaceful tone for the day. I was able to get ready in my childhood bedroom which felt so nostalgic and sweet, and helped me calm my pre-wedding nerves. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Our fantastic wedding planner, Rita, came to us with the idea of hiring a band (Elan Artists’ Northstar Band) and we took the leap of faith on her recommendation. It was one of the most special pieces of our day and kept the party going late into the night.

Special Detail #4: I searched high and low for a photographer I loved and had a really hard time finding one that fit my vision. I didn’t want someone who would take thousands of photos and then just slap a pre-set on them, and I also did not want the photos to be edited at all. I stumbled across Jillian on Instagram and knew immediately she was the perfect fit for me! She shoots entirely on film and her photos are taken in documentary style with a lot of intention behind each shot. I love that the photos are what they are – true to our day. On the day of she was beyond supportive and kind and helped me a lot with posing which I was very grateful for as a naturally camera shy person. When I look back at the photos she took they feel the way my memories of the day do – dreamy, soft and just perfectly out of reach. [/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Dog Lovers Will Adore This Fall Wedding In Minneapolis

This couple filled their special day with love, not just for each other but also for their Yorkie, Bun B! This Love Weddings helped the bride and groom plan a day filled with special touches, like a cocktail bar sign featuring an illustration of their precious pup and of course photos with Bun B in a tux. Studio Fleurette filled the day with wildly romantic flowers, and Amanda Nippoldt Photography beautifully captured the love of the day in her artful imagery. Head to the full gallery for every magical moment.

From This Love Weddings… Sammy and Andy’s special day focused on celebrating not only their love but also their loved ones. Both families truly know how to throw a party!

Sammy being a talented photographer (and singer) in the Twin Cities, her brother an award-winning DJ (and officiant of the day), and her uncle’s band flying in from California the guests stayed on the dance floor throughout the evening.

They hosted their beautiful organic and romantic day at the Machine Shop, an industrial luxe historic venue in Minneapolis. They had thoughtful moments woven throughout the day and of course Bun B, their Yorkie made an appearance!

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How to Sprinkle in Subtle European Flair to Your Wedding Without It Feeling Too “Themed”

Having lived in the South of France (can you say goalsss), today’s gorgeous bride was inspired by the simple sophistication of French design for her big day. So, with the help of the talented team at Premier Planning Services, Inc., the couple was able to infuse subtle elements of Southern France to their wedding decor – from soft romantic florals by A Day in Provence to delicious macaroons – without the overall look feeling too heavily “themed”. The end result truly couldn’t have been more beautiful. Head on over to the full gallery by Laura Ivanova to watch it all unfold!

From the Bride… Scott and I met in May 2016 in New York City and still live in the area, however for our wedding, we wanted to bring our guests to my hometown in Wayzata, MN. With a majority of our family and friends coming from out of town, we really wanted to show off everything we love about Minnesota in the summertime. It was especially important we brought in elements of lake life as it was reflective of both our passions and upbringing with Scott growing up in Rye, NY on Long Island Sound. Our guests stayed at The Hotel Landing in the heart of Wayzata, enjoyed drinks lakeside during our “Long Island Sound Meets Lake Minnetonka” nautically themed Welcome Party at my parent’s home, and even took a tour on the historic Minnehaha Steamboat around the Lake. When it came to the wedding day, I knew I wanted it to feel timeless and classic, but also have elements that reflected our own personality and style.

Having lived in the South of France, I fell in love with the simple sophistication of French design. Without making our wedding feel themed, I wanted to infuse a touch of Southern France to a classic Minnesota summertime wedding. With the help of Premier Planning and my mom’s influence, we brought together soft, feminine florals with light, summery greens, French blues, vintage vases, and of course macarons.

Our invite suite even had a gorgeous French toile, created by Abby Holden, incorporating all of the locations of the wedding weekend. The flower girl dress, worn by Scott’s niece Charlotte, was one of my favorite details. It was actually the dress I wore to my own aunt’s wedding in 1992. I loved the sentimental touch it added to the day and felt the vintage floral print tied together with our colors and the subtle floral print on my Lela Rose wedding dress. The morning of the wedding was a complete downpour, but by some miracle, the second my makeup and hair was finished the rain stopped and the skies cleared.

Our first look was on my parent’s dock at the exact location Scott proposed to me the summer before. From there, my dad drove us across the lake in his wooden blue, Chris Craft boat that he had restored from his own childhood. On the other side of the Lake, we meet up with our wedding party in a trolley singing wedding songs and having celebratory drinks with one another as we headed to the chapel. The ceremony was held at Wayzata Community Church followed by a reception at the Country Club – both of which places I grew up going to with my family. After dinner and toasts in the clubhouse, we ate cake and danced the night away under the tent. It was a magical wedding weekend filled with a lot of laughs, a few tears, and everyone Scott and I loved.

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Endless Summer Home

Editor’s Note: The title “endless summer home” couldn’t be more fitting here. It was carefully designed to maximize pool viewing, and we can truly appreciate that kind of attention to detail. Try not to be too envious when you take a look at that pool!

This Minneapolis, MN urban cottage is characterized by floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive sliding doors that can open the home from either side. You can literally pass through the entire house – from the front porch, into the living rom, and out to the backyard.

Once on a popular summer home tour, its layout had an alluring effect on tour guests. This magical layout was also the main selling point for our clients, an entrepreneurial family that loves to host parties – whether it be happy hours with business colleagues or pool parties for their son’s little league team.

Its design maximizes indoor/outdoor movement, prioritized views toward the backyard pool, and seamlessly balanced a comfortably modern aesthetic. A metropolitan destination awaits just around the corner, yet this secluded lot with front-facing views of lush trees and rolling greens allots natural privacy in a home that has more windows than walls.

Every space boasts stunning views toward the backyard oasis where a 9-feet-deep salt pool is the focal point. The living room doorways are especially noteworthy because they open to both the front and the back yards. We chose swivel chairs because they can turn to face either direction.

Notable features in the kitchen include: stunning marble-like quartz countertops that can stand up to heavy entertaining, gravel gray cabinets that offer striking contrast, a locally-made table, and linear ceiling shiplap and black casings from the statement chandelier with curved glass. Though architecturally modern, we chose materials with texture – shiplap, stone a tufted couch – which helped to push the design toward a warm/inviting pool house vibe that the homeowners wanted.

These homeowners also prioritized a copy upper level where they could retreat to. This includes a separate parents’ wing that caters to their personal needs. So, we suggested moving the fitness room and a built-in refrigerator into that space. Soft neutral tones are in the bedroom, and dark stonework in the bathroom. To balance a white and black palette, natural-stain wood cabinets add additional warmth and comfort in an otherwise architecturally modern home. The parents’ wing also includes a private TV lounge. On the flip side, the kids’ wing is made complete by a gaming room with additional bunk beds for guests.

Photography: Spacecrafting | Architect: Peterssen/Keller Architecture | Builder: Reuter Walton Construction | Interior Design & Photo Styling: Martha Ohara Interiors | Select Photography: Troy Thies

Bria Hammel Interiors Kitchen Reveal + Tile Q&A

Anytime we can talk to an expert, we gobble it up! These people are not just knowledgable, but they take action with their work!

So today we’re in for a real treat! We got to (electronically) sit down with Bria Hammel to talk about this kitchen project while also learning some bits and bobbles about the process.

Take a read!

Q: Tell us about this STUNNING kitchen!

This kitchen really encapsulates our aesthetic at Bria Hammel Interiors – classic design with a fresh twist. We worked with our client on their new construction home to marry their traditional style and love of color and this beautiful kitchen is the product of just that. Like many can relate to, the kitchen is the heart of their home and where they spend the most of their time with their guests. We wanted to design a space that was not only extremely functional for their family but also a conversation starter and a bit of a show stopper. Who says you can’t have both?

Q: The tile is one of our favorite parts, can you tell us about it?

It’s one of our favorites too! A while back, we had the privilege of previewing Annie Selke’s collection for The Tile Shop and instantly fell in love. When we saw this Smokey Blue Artisanal Tile, we knew that it had to make its way into one of our projects. Luckily, our clients were just as in love with it as we were and went for it. We love that it had that handmade look, but the durability and longevity of a ceramic tile. Perfect for a kitchen backplash!

Q: So many people are afraid of colorful tile, what advice would you give them?

Is “JUST DO IT!” too simple? Haha! All jokes aside, we know that colorful tile can often be daunting but, when done right, it can truly be just as timeless as a white subway. For this space, we embraced a sleek, monochromatic look. Color matching the paint color on the island and the window treatment pattern to match the tile exactly. From there, we kept everything else neutral (perimeter cabinetry, light fixtures, hardware, furnishings, etc.).

Q: There are typically SO many decisions when it comes to tile selection. From grout, installation design — how do you decide what to do where?

There are many decisions when it comes to tile but the most important things we consider are what the room be used for and the size of the space. That will dictate what type of tile you’ll want to use (marble, porcelain, slate, ceramic, etc.) and the scale (we recommend smaller tiles for small spaces, like a powder bathroom, to create a full, repetitious look).

Q: Do you have a favorite tile?

Oooh, this is a hard one! Honestly, it would be near impossible to pick a favorite tile. However, we do have an installation technique that we adore. Often times, we love to select a traditional tile (i. E. White subway tile) but install it in a modern way (i. E. Stacking it straight vertically). We love a subtle, modern touch.

Q: Do you take location into account when choosing tile? Like if it’s a chic apartment in New York vs. A bright villa in South Carolina?

Yes and no! While we totally acknowledge location and it’s influence on a home’s design, we don’t think that that should box you in when it comes to your choices. If you live in the middle of Wisconsin but you want a New York loft-style home – go for it. Your home should represent your unique style and what makes you happy. However, there’s also beauty in embracing your geographic location’s style as well. Long story short, do whatever feels genuine to you!

Q: What questions should people ask before choosing a tile and its design?

We kind of went over this above, but really take into consideration how the tile is going to be used. Is it going to be walked all over on a daily basis by your dogs muddy paws? Will it be splashed by water everyday when giving your kiddo a bath? Should it be able to withstand flying pasta sauce while cooking dinner? Functionality should be the #1 concern when selecting a tile so make sure to educate yourself (or hire a designer who can do it for you!) on the different types of tiles and what they are best for. How do you match tile to the rest of the house?

Q: Do you take color into account when thinking about the rest of the rooms?

Yes! One of the biggest things a designer is tasked with is creating cohesion throughout an entire home. Making sure that each space flows effortlessly into one another. While that doesn’t necessarily mean that every room has to have the same exact color scheme, it does mean that each space pocessess a certain element or theme that ties them all together.

Photography: Spacecrafting | Architect: David Charlez Designs | Builder: Sd Custom Homes | Interior Design: Bria Hammel Interiors

This Grace Kelly-esque Fairytale Wedding is a Must-See Classic

Does a lakeside, ballroom, Grace Kelly-esque kind of wedding sound like your jam? ‘Cause that’s what we’re serving up today alongside Lasting Impressions Weddings and Trish Allison Photography. It was the Bride’s childhood wedding dreams come true—from getting ready in her home on the lake to saying I do in the church she grew up attending, all topped off with the most dazzling reception we’ve seen in a while. This beauty also happens to be one of our editors—go give her some love!

From the Bride… I grew up surrounded by lake life in Minnesota. So when it came time for my (now) husband and me to plan our wedding, it only seemed fitting to center it around the biggest lake in the Twin Cities – Lake Minnetonka. Throughout the planning, which was done from where we were currently living in San Francisco, I reflected on sweet childhood memories to inspire the day. Think popsicle-infused prosecco signature drinks, pictures taken on my favorite dock in downtown Wayzata, and a local specialty, walleye, served at dinner. The elegant nature of our venue, Lafayette Club, only elevated the evening with its jaw-dropping chandeliers, scalloped windows lake views, and an all-white exterior that exuded classiness as you walked with your champagne flute through the door.

I’ve always trended towards traditional taste, so I knew a country club on the lake would be the perfect venue to set the tone for the day. To complement the season, I adorned it in as much white, blush, and subtle pops of greenery as possible. (let’s just say our flower request was a tall order!) Other must-haves included a lively, 12-piece band, champagne passed on the hour, and scattered tea candles everywhere. For attire, my husband rocked a sharp velvet tux jacket (with matching velvet loafers to boot!) while I paraded around in a slim-fit Galia Lahav gown with a cascading train. All of this made it come together like a true Grace Kelly-esque fairytale.

We started the day by getting ready at my house, which was conveniently located on the lake the reception was held on. In between doing hair and makeup, the girls spent time sipping coffee on the deck overlooking the lake in their adorable matching floral robes. It was the perfect backdrop for a few candid photos!

Following a ceremony at my childhood church, we squeezed in bridal party photos on the docks of my favorite locale growing up – downtown Wayzata. The sharp black tuxes and blush bridesmaids gowns looked stunning against the watery backdrop, an ideal way to set the tone as we made our way towards the club.

Lafayette Club fulfilled the timeless look I had envisioned for my wedding with its all-white interior to greet guests as their vehicles pulled around the semi-circle drive-up. Along with this, came a chance for me to really play up the details. Think a floor-to-ceiling custom balloon wall in our wedding colors to prep the cocktail hour space for a night of fun. And signature his and her drinks, which including a Wisconsin Old Fashioned (where my husband is from) and a prosecco popsicle option for her (creatively titled a “Minnesota Meltdown”). On the dancefloor, I featured an enlarged, gold version of the custom monogram we had on our stationery suite, surrounded by towering arrangements of spring flowers on every table. A specially made donut wall continued our “light and bright” color theme, with goods baked up specially from our favorite Minneapolis donut store. An adorable local coffee cart was stationed next to the dance floor, which got its fair share of visits as the band commanded more energy with each passing hour.

Overall, the day fulfilled every vision of grace and elegance we had hoped for – with our own Minnesota twist – thanks to these special details. Nods to life on the lake surrounded practically every element of the day too, which seemed all too fitting for this Twin Cities loving gal.

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Paper Rock Scissor

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Bluewater Kings Band

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Wedding Dresses

Galia Lahav

Le Secret Royal 2016

GALA NO.II 2016

Ivory Tower 2016

GALA NO.I 2016

Les Reves Bohemians 2016

GALA Collection 8

Make A Scene

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Middle School Sweethearts Tie the Knot at Mayowood Stone Barn

Thousands of pink peonies, one blooming floral arbor, a romantic color scheme and one cute pup – this bride sure knows the way to our SMP hearts! The minute we saw these gorgeous images from Sally Pinera we were instantly head over heels in love. Pristine Floral brought the bride’s vision to life with a lush floral arbor that’s going to take over Pinterest boards everywhere and organic centerpiece arrangements complete with all our favorite flowers. It couldn’t have all come together so perfectly without the help of Events by Melody! Keep on reading to see this beautiful day unfold.

From the Bride… Casey and I met the first day of junior high in architecture class. We began dating when we were 15. We talked about this special day for 8 years and it was everything we dreamed of as teenagers and more. The entire summer had been thunderstorms every single weekend. We nervously began checking the radar as our wedding approached because all of our decor had been planned for an outdoor ceremony!

The most important aspect of the decor to me was the floral and specifically the stunning floral arch that Pristine Floral created. Had it rained, it would have been pretty difficult to get the arch up in the loft of the barn for an indoor ceremony so it was a big gamble. To our surprise, we truly had the most beautiful day of the summer. Minnesota often has unbearable humidity on sunny summer days but we got the most perfect 75 degree day with a light breeze. When I picked Jamie from Pristine Floral to be our florist she asked me what my vision was. I told her I loved every single wedding on Style Me Pretty and I never miss a publication. She was so excited and we worked very closely all year to bring my floral dreams to life.

We chose Mayowood Stone Barn because of the beauty and history of the property built in the early 1900s. The barn and entire city of Rochester revolve around the Mayo Brothers and the world famous Mayo Clinic. There are hardly any venues in Minnesota that offer a stunning outdoor ceremony backdrop along with an indoor option in case of a summer storm. Many of the weddings at Mayowood Stone Barn are rustic but as soon we saw the barn we knew we could dress it up to be the perfect garden wedding style with the help of our amazing florist. Art is something we both love so we opted for a live painter in lieu of a photo booth and she delivered. Trish set up her canvas at the front of the venue near the bar so it was a big hit beginning during cocktail hour. We have our painting hung in our home and our guests loved watching the progress of the painting all night long. We even had her paint a canvas of the ceremony backdrop from a photo once we got our gallery! Trish will be painting at our friend’s wedding next summer and we can’t wait to watch her in action as guests!

The venue was about 2 hours away for the majority of our friends and family. Everyone had a blast over our wedding weekend as a mini getaway. I wanted everything to have a personal touch and had so much fun planning all of the details! My sister’s boyfriend played the piano during dinner and has since started his own business as a wedding pianist. Our officiant is a Judge who is also the Grandmother of one the flower girls that I have nannied for. Of course our dog had to be included- both in real life and in grooms cake form.

Being we were two hours from home, I found a dogsitter on Rover who went above and beyond to drive our dog to the venue and help handle her and hold treats up during photos to get the perfect shot. We could not be more in love with our dog and are so happy she got to be included in our big day. Our cake and aisle runner both had our first dance lyrics on them in calligraphy. We have stored the calligraphy aisle runner away to have upholstered as curtains for our first baby’s nursery curtains in a few years. We could not stop smiling all day after seeing our vision come together and being surrounded by the love of our family and friends. I found a photo of my wedding dress on Pinterest and instantly fell in love. As soon as I put it on I knew it was the one. I tried on about 10 other gowns just to be sure, but in the end my pick from the photo ended up being the perfect match. From our florist from the twin cities to Sally our amazing photographer who flew in from California and Trish, our live painter who flew in from Michigan, our wedding day would have not come together without all of the hard work from our amazing vendors, family and friends. Our big day was everything we imagined and more!

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A Classic Farmhouse Meets Chic Furnishings

Certain Home Tours come along where you scroll through the images, and you can just imagine yourself there – this Lakeville, Minnesota farmhouse does just that. Designed by Bria Hammel Interiors and furnished with their new home decor line, Brooke and Lou, it’s clear that ‘farmhouse’ doesn’t have to mean frumpy! I don’t know about you, but I can imagine walking in through that big wooden door, taking off my shoes, and pulling up a stool in the kitchen to have a cup of tea, or maybe even curl up on the couch in front of the fire place. We think that after a tour of this beautiful family farmhouse, you’ll get that warm, cozy feeling too.

THE EXTERIOR

One of our favorite details of the exterior is the massive wrap-around front porch. Because, honestly, what’s a classic farmhouse without one? Add a few rocking chairs and the future homeowners will have a space where they can relax and enjoy their front yard!

THE ENTRYWAY

In the foyer vestibule, we tiled the floors with a matte, black and white diamond pattern which is not only beautiful but functional for our messy winters and heavy boots that tend to drag in sleet and snow. We paired two Brooke & Lou benches on either side of the door so that guests have a spot to set their purses, jackets, or a place to sit to put on their shoes.

Pieces Featured: Bridget Bench, Oxford Plaid Pillow, Dexter Lantern Pendant, Tobacco Wood Basket Set

THE LIVING ROOM

We knew we wanted to give subtle farmhouse nods in the interiors of this home without it going too rustic. The exposed wood beams that lead into the living room did just that and we love how it brings another level of coziness and character to the room.

Pieces Featured: Elizabeth Sofa, Bungalow Side Table, Jade Marble Calligraphy Brush, Lucca Chandelier

THE KITCHEN AND PANTRY

So often kitchen islands are faced horizontally in the room, but we decided to switch it up and have it be a long, vertical eye catcher. We love how much space it provides to not only prep and cook meals but also for family and friends to gather. We designed the island legs with beautiful soft, curved details and added our Rose Counter Stool our Life-Friendly™, wipeable fabric – perfect for a kitchen!

Pieces Featured: Rose Counter Stool, Hampton Rug, Rectangle Wood Bowl, White Ceramic Urn, Grosvenor Large Single Hanging Shade

Adjacent to the kitchen is the pantry! A pop of natural wood in the open shelves warmed up this space and made this room so inviting. We love the natural light this room gets so we decided to go with a partially glass door so that it carried through to the kitchen.

THE DINING SPACE

While we love that the kitchen and dining area are open concept, we wanted to create something that was special for the dining area without making it formal. We decided to push the space out a bit and added two sliding doors (that lead either to the backyard or the wrap-around front porch) as well as place a giant window that looks out to their beautifully wooded area outside. To finish it off, a formal light fixture paired with a casual built-in bench gave the perfect balance to the space.

Pieces Featured: Draper Chairs, Blue Ceramic Jar, Gemma Throw, Fancy Darlana Large Linear Pendant

THE BATHROOMS

Some of the most charming rooms in the house! To tie in the wood of the front door, you’ll see that we placed more beautiful natural wood throughout the home. The scallop edge of the vanity is such a beautiful detail that truly makes the piece feel one-of-a-kind and the room that much more special.

Pieces Featured: Willa Wallpaper, Sonny Solid Basket

THE OFFICE

The office is right off the foyer. We built this custom desk that fits two people comfortably, and for a bit of personality, we installed our Brooke & Lou wallpaper (which works perfectly in this space and makes the ceilings look so high!) and a lantern. Because it’s a smaller room, we placed a pocket door which won’t invade the space but can provide privacy and quietness if needed.

Pieces Featured: Fern Stripe Wallpaper, Taylor Arm Chair, Black and White Eucalyptus II Art

THE BONUS ROOM

During our time designing this home, we found ourselves nicknaming this room the tree house because of how high it sits up and the gorgeous view it has of the pine trees outside. We decided to make this room an extra space for the kids in the home to play games, do their homework, or watch a movie and we love how it turned out.

Pieces Featured: Kiawah Coffee Table, Fern Pillow, Sonny Stripe Basket, Indigo Plaid Carpet, Terrace Floor Lamp

THE READING NOOK

As soon as you walk down the stairs into the lower level you are greeted by this incredible reading nook. Situated a little away from the main living area, it’s the perfect quiet place to curl up and enjoy a good book.

Pieces Featured: Audrey Wallpaper, Leaf Sketch II Art, Georgie Plaid Throw

THE WINE CELLAR

The lower level not only includes a bar area but also this striking wine cellar. To keep with classic farmhouse style we added white shiplap to the walls and modernized the space a bit by installing a fun, checkered tile and matte black light fixture.

Pieces Featured: Buffalo Check Tile

THE BAR

As we mentioned above, the lower level living space has a charming bar area. With enough seating for 4 barstools, it really is the ideal place for game days and movie nights. We continued the white shiplap throughout the bar and added open shelving and cabinetry in a natural wood to warm it up.

Pieces Featured: Hazel Garden Stool, Water Hyacinth Storage Bin, Green Embossed Glasses, Audrey Pillow, Marcello Barstool

Photography: Spacecrafting | Builder: Sd Custom Homes | Cabinetry: Regalwood Cabinets | Furnishings: Brooke & Lou | Interior Design: Bria Hammel Interiors

One Wedding Design Budget Styled Multiple Ways!

You’ve set your budget and pinned away, but now you’re worried the numbers don’t match your vision. Don’t fret! Wed by Design, the luxe wedding e-design service, is here to help! Together with stationery extraordinaire Paper Rock Scissor and floral genius MAVEN, they created multiple paper good packages and flexible floral arrangements – all for one budget. That’s right – you have options! Dig in to their tips and tricks below along with the gorgeousness that is this shoot captured by Melissa Oholendt, and we promise you’ll finish feeling ready to design around your budget – not the other way around.

The Inspiration

From Wed by Design… The concept of this shoot was to show brides how you can take one budget and create a variety of designs all depending on your creative vision. We teamed up with amazing Minneapolis vendors to demonstrate how this unfolds in both floral and paper design, working off the bride’s initial points of inspiration.

The shoot begins with a bride flipping through magazines, scrolling on her phone, and collecting all her design ideas to show off at her vendor meetings. She know what she wants when it comes to color palettes and textures, but she ultimately wants to design around her budget – not the other way around. First up, it’s a meeting with her paper designer.

Paper Design

From Paper Rock Scissors… Our first piece of advice is to bring things to your consultation that have inspired you: color swatches, photographs, magazine pages, and anything you have looked at that you love! We also recommend working out a stationery budget as well as a rough count of invitees/households ahead of time. All of this will help your paper designer create your perfect wedding stationery.

If you haven’t shopped for stationery before, don’t be afraid to ask questions about different printing methods, paper stocks, or ways couples typically handle situations. Knowing your stationery budget is key to making the BEST suite. Your designer will be able to guide you in balancing elements to get the right feel. Maybe doing a foil stamp printing won’t have as big of an impact for your guests as a custom envelope liner, etc.

If you find yourself stuck, keep in mind your designers are here to help you! Be it financial concerns or feeling too close to a project to make decisions, we want to help you realize your vision for your day while maintaining your sanity and your budget.

We designed two separate stationery suite and day of paper good packages so you can get a sense of ways your stationery designer can create a custom look that suits your style and needs. The overall budget for each of these packages is $3,000, and the paper goods are for 100 guests.

Stationery Suite Option #1

Custom digital invitation
Digital reception card with custom map illustrations
Digital RSVP with printed envelope
Outer envelope with return and guest addressing and envelope liner
Total: $1490

Stationery Suite Option #2

Custom digital invitation
Digital reception card with custom map illustrations
Digital RSVP with printed envelope
Outer envelope with return and guest addressing and envelope liner
Total: $1410

Day of Paper Goods Option #1

Double sided programs
Menus
Place cards
Total: $635

Day of Paper Goods Option #2

Folded programs
Seating card
Welcome inserts for hotel bags
Total: $635

Next is a meeting with her floral designer.

Floral Design

From MAVEN… We designed three different looks, and they all work within the same vision and design to accommodate various price points. Our best tip is to set a budget for your florals and really stick with it. You’ll have a lot of different vendors and budgets you’ll be working with, so make it easy on yourself and set realistic standards. For example, more greenery does not always mean less cost. A lot of what is factored into the budget is the ordering, supplies, labor, elements, etc. When talking through cost effective options with your floral designer, here are a couple questions to help frame your discussion: “What are ways I can stick within my budget?” and “Is there a particular bloom that is less expensive than others?” Overall, make sure to trust your vendors and let them run with your vision.

In this shoot, the game plan for the reception tables is to mix-and-match centerpiece options to stay within a total budget of $7,000. You might choose to splurge on the most expensive centerpiece options for the head table and scale back to smaller arrangements or bud vase clusters for your guests tables. There are so many creative solutions to bring your vision to life within your budget!

The Looks

Large arrangement: $265
Medium arrangement: $195
Small arrangement (bud vase clusters): $85

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Paper Rock Scissor

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Petit Bouquet

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A Sweet Summer Wedding at the Cutest Cabin in the Woods

Settle in, loves, because this Minnesota wedding involves the cutest cabin in the woods that has been in the family for four generations. Add in Broadstone Event Co.‘s planning expertise and the floral skills of Bloom Designs, and you’ve got one picture-perfect affair. Complete Weddings + Events and Geneoh were there to capture the day, and it’s as refreshing as a summer breeze.

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Seasons

Summer Weddings

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Lodge

Styles

Rustic

From the Bride… Vince and I met as neighbors in the summer of 2016, and soon thereafter our friendship blossomed into the “big love” we’d both been looking for. By December, we were a couple, and a short seven weeks later, we were engaged! They say, “When you know, you know,” and I would have to agree! July 1 was the perfect date for our wedding (7-1-1-7 – that should be easy to remember). My (now) husband and I reside in Phoenix, AZ, so when it came to deciding where to have our summer wedding, the decision was easy! There is nothing more nostalgic than Fourth of July weekend in Northern Minnesota at a family cabin on the lake, surrounded by friends, family, and of course s’mores and fireworks!

We wanted our guests to make our wedding into a mini-vacation. Children were encouraged to come along and wedding festivities extended throughout the entire long-weekend. My family has cherished our Lake Wabedo cabin in Longville, MN, for FOUR GENERATIONS! Established in 1928 by my great grandfather, this remote cabin in the woods was the perfect location for our 110-person destination wedding. Guests traveled from 12 states and made the journey 3 hours north of Minneapolis to celebrate our special day. Planning a destination wedding in a city of fewer than 300 people is no easy feat! However, as an event planner by trade, I was up for the challenge, and I couldn’t have done it without our amazing event designer and florist, Kate Kuepers of Bloom Designs in Baxter, MN.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Wedding Dresses

Paloma Blanca

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The Dance Floor Was Packed All Night at This Fun Summer Wedding

This couple had their wedding day priorities right: they wanted to honor family and tradition, and they wanted a rockin’ dance party. To fulfill the first, Denae Brennan Events hung 1000 paper cranes folded by family and friends of the couple, to symbolize happiness, prosperity, and luck – plus, the installation looked amazing! Before dinner, they had all their guests sing a prayer that has been passed down through the bride’s family for generations. And for that second priority, they had some help from Bluewater Kings Band, who had the dance floor packed all night long – even BEFORE dinner was served. Now this is the kind of wedding you want to get invited to, but luckily for us, we can experience it all through Laura Ivanova’s photography.

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

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Farm

Styles

Rustic

Maria and Jimmy discovered the River Farm in Rochester through a family friend and knew it was the perfect place for their summer nuptials. The couple’s priorities were a meaningful ceremony, great food, and a rocking dance party. They incorporated family traditions, such as the 1,000 paper cranes folded by the groom’s mother and other family and friends (a Japanese symbol of happiness, prosperity, and luck), and a prayer sung by all of the guests before dinner that has been passed down through the bride’s family. The dance floor was packed (they even danced before dinner!), and guests enjoyed the bride’s favorite treat – ice cream sandwiches – as a late night snack. The groom’s surprise serenade to the bride was a highlight of the night!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Bluewater Kings Band

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Denae Brennan Events

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This Bride is Bringing Back Long Sleeves

This wedding is filled to the brim with SO many charming moments, you’ll find yourself ooh-ing and ahh-ing throughout the layers of imagery from Tiffany Kokal. First up, I recommend reading the proposal story below—it’s set at Lake Louise and ties into the little quote right here. And then, of course, is the Bride’s stunning style; if you were on the fence about long-sleeves, let her send you over the edge with this gorgeous number. With design by Collected & Co. and day of coordination by Blush & Whim, there’s no denying this one is #goals

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From the bride… The proposal was so romantic! Wyatt and I went on a trip to Canada for our 2-year anniversary. The trip had a fun itinerary of going to the Calgary Stampede, Banff and exploring the British Columbia hot springs. After a few days in Calgary, we were off to Banff to ride horses in the mountains and experience Lake Louise. Little did I know, Wyatt had a very special plan of his own. While walking around Lake Louise I was blown away as I turned around and saw Wyatt down on one knee. He was so nervous he tried to put the ring on the wrong hand, before whispering “You will always be my life’s greatest catch” as I happily said YES! I was completely surprised and not expecting a proposal on this trip. After tears of joy and some phone calls to family, we immediately headed to ride horses in the mountains and cap off a most exciting day with a champagne toast.

If I had to describe our wedding day with one word, magical. I had to keep pinching myself to know it wasn’t a dream. Every moment with Wyatt, family and friends exceeded my expectations. From my grandpa officiating our ceremony to celebrating in the most stunning venue. Our parents and all our vendors we worked with the last year helped make my wedding vision into a reality, we could not have done it without every last one of them.

From Collected & Co.… After the first meeting with Ashley & Wyatt, I immediately fell in love with them and could’t wait to get started on designing the wedding of their dreams. Ashley is an accomplished horse-back rider and trainer and Wyatt is a big fisherman, so they naturally love the outdoors. While we considered an outdoor tented wedding, the couple decided not to worry about the weather and opted for the gorgeous and light filled Machine Shop, right on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Once the venue was booked, we set out to create an “outdoors in” vibe by using cafe lighting to create a faux tent inside and adding as much greenery as we could. Climbing vines went up the industrial pillars, garlands draped the stairwell and the greenery up the chains of the suspended wedding cake all beautifully accented the show-stopping hanging installation. Using 5 large crabbing nets (a nod to Wyatt’s love of fishing), Poppy Lane draped loads of lush greenery off the nets, which helped fill the space and drop the ceilings down to help create some intimacy during dinner. We knew we also needed to incorporate lots of blue shades for Minnesota’s many lakes and Ashley’s piercing blue eyes. Blue taper candles, copper flatware, La Tavola linens, and deep burgundy florals atop white-washed farm tables carried out the rest of the theme. Using Wyatt’s proposal quote, we also created a custom Escort Card display with paper goods from Printerette, which turned into a photo wall after dinner. Mini desserts from Cocoa & Fig, pink champagne and dancing under the dimmed cafe and candle light.

The All-Inclusive Venue You HAVE to Meet

If you’re worried that choosing an all-inclusive venue will send you down the path to a cookie cutter wedding: don’t be. Trust us – you can have that glam celebration you’ve always wanted with all of the convenience an all-in-one location has to offer. Need proof? Check out The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center – they can handle it all.

Choosing an all-inclusive venue doesn’t have to mean giving up higher-end options like high-quality invitations, gorgeous linens and stunning table settings. With Hallmark Weddings at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, you’ll be working with a team of talented wedding pros that know how to handle everything, right down to setting up room blocks for all of your loved ones. We’re super impressed with their unique wedding packages – which start with a luxe venue of your choosing and touch on everything from customized menus to makeup + salon time to invites from the Halls Department Store.

Wedding planning shouldn’t be stressful. So if you find yourself struggling with finding the right florist or musician, need help with choosing the perfect pre-wedding event outfits or just want to make sure your guests are completely taken care of, contact The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center to talk all things Hallmark Weddings. You’ll even earn perks on every guest room booked.

Pulling Off a Stunning, Modern Celebration Despite a Day of Rain

If rain on your wedding equals good luck, then this sweet couple is the luckiest duo ever. Not only did it rain on their big day, it poured for eight hours straight. And despite the gloomy weather, this celebration was beyond gorgeous. Held at the Minneapolis Orchestra Hall, this modern affair has blushing blooms at every turn crafted by Sadie’s Couture Floral and a couple who fully embraced the beauty of a gray day; umbrellas and all. Pore through Meg Cooper’s stunning images plus even more in the vault.

From the bride… They say rain on your wedding day is good luck so my husband and I could only appreciate that we were “extra lucky” having received more than 8+ hours of showers that special day. May 20th started out less than perfect with some light sprinkles in the early morning and soon after transitioning into a cold, windy down pour. As a bride who was an absolute perfectionist, it was truly out of sight, out of mind since the excitement and warmth I felt from my mother and bridal party that morning was overwhelmingly bright. My husband and I were also blessed to have worked with the group of vendors we did as they helped bring together our vision, which from the very start was precisely laid out via PowerPoint (Yes, perfectionist I am). We knew we wanted a stately venue, preferably downtown, and one which embodied minimalistic beauty combined with an abundance of natural light. We chose The Orchestra Hall since we fell in love with the idea of using a space that was so rarely used as a wedding venue – making it unique and special to our day. One of the vendors I enjoyed working with the most was my florist as I felt my vision only came further to life via her floral design. It was important to me that the reception wasn’t stuffy and chose gold geometric candles, romantic garden florals, and even potted herbs 2 nights before to bring about a relaxed, organic feel. I combined lots of low cost, high impact details which included oversized white balloons, simple Dollar Tree tea light holders placed sporadically among the greenery, and children’s toy animals to bring whimsy to our seat assignments. Even down to the food, our caterer sourced local, organic ingredients and gave us a feeling of a home cooked meal. Having both been born and raised in Iowa, we enjoyed the casualness we could bring to such an iconic Minneapolis venue and enjoyed sharing that experience with our out-of-town guests. The rain that evening captured the two of us perfectly with the lights creating a beautiful glow off the streets of downtown Minneapolis. Our first dance was better than we could have possibly planned. The dance hall was surrounded by glass with rain coming down and because of the dark clouds, the candles from the surrounding cocktail tables lit up the entire dance floor. We could not have asked for a more beautiful evening and found are first dance titled “Perfect” completely symbolic of the day. We are forever grateful for our friends and family who made are day nothing short of perfect.

An Incredible Gifted Wedding For One Amazing Couple

It’s not every day I actually attend the weddings featured on SMP, but lucky for me, I had the pleasure of experiencing Dez and Dom’s special day firsthand. The winning couple of this year’s charitable wedding showcase, Styled For Good, these two received their dream celebration from some of the Twin Cities’ most talented vendors…looking at you, MAVEN, The White Room, Blush & Whim, and so many more. Read on for their amazing story and watch the whole day unfold thanks to Laura Rae and Narrate Studios.

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FROM STYLED FOR GOOD… Dez & Dom were the winners of the 2017 Styled For Good Wedding Giveaway. The mission of Styled for Good is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to see their dream event come to life. Our goal is to provide meaningful event services for those in need through our matching services. Styled for Good vendors consist of the crème de la crème and are all seeking to provide free or reduced services that will make a big impact for one special couple. We couldn’t be more ecstatic to have met Dez & Dom and are so grateful to them for sharing their story and getting married in front of 500+ people at our Spring 2017 showcase at Machine Shop, Mpls!

DEZ + DOM’s STORY

14 years in the making, Dez & Dom have a love story that truly stands the test of time. At their first “meet cute” where a very nervous Dom awkwardly fumbled Dez’s name (more than once), the pair already knew in that moment that they could fall in love.

Young love is often challenged by what the future holds and all the hopes, dreams and aspirations that inspire us to venture out and make our mark on the world. It was Dez & Dom’s time and they were both being called to explore that great unknown in a new business venture for Dom in Minneapolis, MN and enrolling in Parson’s School of Design for Dez in NYC. As time rolled on, the distance and hardship of making a relationship work over multiple state lines and time zones challenged the couple more than ever. Both were unsure of whether or not they should be together until they received the news that they were pregnant with their son, Dash.

Even with all the excitement and joy that comes with bringing a new life into this world, at a time when a couple often feels closer than ever, Dez and Dom knew that unresolved issues in their relationship were pushing them further and further apart. After giving birth to Dash and moving in together, the couple decided that marriage was the final step to save their relationship.

As the wedding day crept closer, Dom made one final attempt to tell Dez that he wasn’t the man he wanted to be for her- that he wasn’t a whole version of himself worthy of being a husband. In that moment, Dom made the heartbreaking decision to call the wedding off.

Devastated and utterly alone, Dez worked through months of loss and tears, attempting to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Praying for the strength to take care of herself and her son, she eventually found new hope started to move on. At the same time, Dom was doing some soul searching of his own, finally letting go of and releasing all the hurt and baggage that he had been carrying with him all those years. Dez and Dom were both becoming whole again- something they both believed in to truly come back together.

Forgiveness and friendship returned to their lives and they both knew it was finally time to share their story and become husband and wife. Through the nomination of multiple family members and close friends, Dez and Dom were introduced to Styled For Good. Inspired and truly touched by their love story, Styled For Good gifted the couple with a free wedding ceremony and reception valued at over 50K in donated services.

Your Key To the Perfect Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party Weekend

Sure, wedding planning is time-consuming, but don’t let all of those other all-too-important events fall to the wayside. Your bridal shower, bachelorette party and honeymoon are meant to be awesome, and that means throwing on your best heels and finding a space that will totally accommodate you and the ones you love. Get inspired (and find the perfect locale) below.

Finding the ultimate spot to host all of those “other” events may seem a little daunting, but The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center makes it sooo easy with oversized rooms that are totally luxurious AND undergoing a fab renovation that will be completed in 2018. Yep, your fave hotel in Crown Center will be even better, with plenty of space for hosting that bridal shower or bachelorette party. We’re obsessed with their convenient locale for any last-minute shopping and their easy access to airport travel. Not to mention their Bridal Suites are perfect for morning-of festivities, so you can relax with your besties before you walk down the aisle. (Champagne optional.)

When it comes to making it simple for you and your guests, The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center most definitely delivers. Host your entire wedding weekend at the hotel, or set aside room blocks for your off-site celebration. Trust us, you’ll love the beautiful rooms (we mentioned they were renovated, right?) and easy access to dining, shopping and nightlife. Oh, and don’t forget your honeymoon and check out the romantic suites with stunning views.

Contact The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center today to guarantee that every last part of your celebration is in place.

9 Wedding Locations You Havent Heard About Yet

We know that finding the perfect wedding venue isn’t always easy, especially if you’re looking for something that totally speaks to you and yours. So today we’re running through a list of nine (yes, NINE) fab venues we absolutely love, so you can find that dream locale. Scroll for some hidden gems you haven’t even heard of.

THE ST. REGIS WASHINGTON, D.C.

Why we love it: Just steps from the White House, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is the perfect mix of luxe accommodations and upscale wedding offerings – all with a dash of historical charm. You can opt for a cocktail hour in the Italianate revival lobby, or celebrate your “I do’s” in the Astor Ballroom with its hand-stenciled ceiling (an original 1926 decorative feature) and Palladian windows overlooking The Astor Terrace. This place is beautiful, you guys – and it’s no wonder it continues to be named the “Best Hotel for Small Weddings” by Washington Magazine. It’s just that good.

What you can’t miss: The Astor Terrace. Perfect for ceremonies OR receptions, this gem of an outdoor space features a dreamy fountain. Need we say more?

W SCOTTSDALE

Why we love it: Located smack-dab in the middle of Scottsdale’s Entertainment District, W Scottsdale is every modern lovin’ bride’s dream. Think totally chic contemporary spaces (both indoor and outdoor) perfect for celebrating your Big Day, plus amazing accommodations that will make your entire wedding weekend.

What you can’t miss: Their fab W Insider service. It’s concierge plus some with everything you’ll ever need just a push of a button away. Whatever you want, whenever you want it.

LE MÉRIDIEN DELFINA SANTA MONICA

Why we love it: Situated just three blocks from the ocean with great access and breathtaking views, plus offering up some awesome amenities for guests (hey there, Bicycle Programme), Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica seamlessly combines a glam spot to say “I do” with all of that laid-back Southern Cali charm we love so much. We’re obsessed with their Pool Terrace receptions, not to mention their chef-inspired catering menus and views of the Pacific Ocean.

What you can’t miss: Their venues. From the Delfina Ballroom to the Terrazza Garden, Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica has you covered when it comes to celebrating in style.

HOTEL COLONNADE CORAL GABLES, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL

Why we love it: Ideal for those travel lovers who want to say “I do” in complete luxury, the Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables has elegant weddings (and accommodations) down to an absolute science. From their 23,000 square feet of event space to their gorgeous venue options (hello, marble-tiled rotunda) to their talented staff that knows everything there is to know about throwing the perfect wedding, you’ll most definitely be making a statement.

What you can’t miss: Their Make a Green Choice Program. Guests receive a $5 food credit or 500 SPG points just for making the choice to conserve natural resources in their room. We love that.

THE WESTIN CHICAGO NORTHWEST

Why we love it: It’s hard not to fall in love with a setting as pretty as Hamilton Lake and when you add in a climate-controlled tent and fully-renovated guest rooms, you have yourselves one of the prettiest wedding locales in all of Chicago. Plus, the Westin Chicago Northwest also offers up a plethora of indoor + outdoor venue options, customizable menus AND your very own wedding specialist.

What you can’t miss: Their 24-hour room service. (Enough said.)

SHERATON SAN DIEGO HOTEL & MARINA

Why we love it: You honestly can’t go wrong with a San Diego wedding, and the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is the epitome of a perfect SoCal soiree with a gorgeous seaside location and deluxe amenities. Now add in a stunning garden ceremony spot (with marina views) and indoor venue options that are just as cool and you have the perfect place to say “I do.”

What you can’t miss: The Culinary team. They’ve been named “Best Caterer” by San Diego Magazine for 15 years running. Yum.

THE EQUINOX, A LUXURY COLLECTION GOLF RESORT & SPA, VERMONT

Why we love it: You know we can never get enough of Vermont weddings and if you’re looking for the perfect destination spot: this is it. From their three unique venues (Pond Pavilion, Colonnade Ballroom and Meadow House) to the amazing views of the Equinox Mountain and the Taconic Mountain Ridge, The Equinox Resort has everything you’ll ever need for that dream wedding… AND can accommodate anywhere from 80 to 250 guests.

What you can’t miss: The activities. This four-season resort offers up a world of fun-filled adventures, from golfing to skiing to fishing to snowshoeing – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

THE ST. ANTHONY, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, SAN ANTONIO

Why we love it: Four words: Open-air rooftop ballroom. Yep, you can literally dance the night away under the stars. Plus, the St. Anthony has been hosting weddings for over a century, so you know you’re in good hands with their talented staff of event professionals. From their gorgeous rooms to their convenient downtown locale, you won’t be missing a thing.

What you can’t miss: The details. From crystal chandeliers to a winding staircase to theatrical lighting and a 19th Century French tapestry, get ready for some non-stop oohing and ahhing.

THE WESTIN GALLERIA & OAKS HOUSTON

Why we love it: If you’re having a celebration with a lot of out-of-town guests, you can’t pick a locale better than the Westin Galleria & Oaks Houston. Its Uptown location paired with its amazing guest amenities and reception space for up to 1,000 makes it the ideal location for those looking to explore the Galleria neighborhood of Houston. Think shopping, dining and spa-ing the days away. It’s perfect.

What you can’t miss: The Monarch Ballroom. With floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the city, this 24th floor gem is a reception dreamland.

Visit SPG Weddings to find out even more about these hidden gems AND all of the amazing perks of having an SPG Wedding. You can thank us later, friends.

An Arranged Meeting by the Groom’s Parents Led to This Modern Romance

This gorgeous couple calls their love story the “modern day arranged marriage,” having fallen in love after being set up by the Groom’s parents! Mom and Dad know best, am I right? Their wedding planned by Blush and Whim is elegant, romantic, and almost as stunning as the couple themselves, with yummy blush florals arranged by Munster Rose and Argentinian flair to represent the Groom’s heritage. Captured by Maison Meredith Photography, this is one of those galleries you can spend all day in.

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From the Bride… Looking back at how we met brings nothing but a huge smile to my face. It has been a joke that it could be considered the “modern day” arranged marriage. In June 2013, D’s parents were in from out-of-town for his graduation from residency. They went into a cell phone store to purchase a new cell phone for him, and upon walking into a busy store where they were put on a waiting list, they tell me that they “spotted a cute blonde representative and adamantly asked to work with her.” D, who wasn’t with them at the time, was then called by his father, who told him that he needed to come get his phone himself! I was blushing the entire interaction as D’s Argentinean accent and smooth comebacks had me fumbling around and losing my focus on my work. He had a fresh summer tan – and to think, a sexy and young international doctor! I was twitterpated. Right before D left, he took a business card out of his pocket, wrote down his cell phone number, and gave it to me saying, “If you are interested, you are more than welcome to join us for dinner tonight. After all, you have already met the parents, so the hardest part is already over!”

Fast forward to June 2016, and I was VERY ready to marry this man. I have worked in the wedding industry in the past and dreamt about finally being a Bride – I was so excited and thrilled to be even talking about marriage with D. We had gone wedding venue shopping over the course of the spring, but D had expressed (to great lengths) that we would most likely not be able to get engaged until the end of the year. So I slowed down my efforts and thought it strange that he wanted – rather, insisted – we visit for a second time our top venue choice: The Van Dusen Mansion. So, celebrating our 3 year dating anniversary, we had plans to go to dinner and a play right after our tour at the Mansion. While in an upper room in the Mansion, D created a ruse that gave him an excuse to leave me in the room, asking me to meet him downstairs in the courtyard when I was finished viewing the upstairs of the Mansion. When I walked into the courtyard a few minutes later, D was standing in the middle (shaking and looking incredibly sweet) waiting for me. It was there, with a live string quartet playing in the background, that he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. It was a fairytale proposal and one of my most treasured memories! He later surprised me with an engagement gift – he had booked the Mansion for our wedding the following year!

For the wedding, we knew we wanted it to be intimate, unique, and relaxing. Since I had worked in the industry, I knew how stressful wedding days can become with keeping to a tight timeline and ensuring everyone has what they need and is happy, all while trying to have a great time yourself and soak in every moment. We wanted to shower those we loved with a beautiful event where they can sit back, relax, and enjoy!

We are very nontraditional, so with each element of the wedding we asked ourselves, “Why are we doing this?” and “What meaning does it bring to us?” We decided that things such as a formal cake cutting and bouquet and garter toss were not elements of a wedding that we found personal meaning in, so we nixed them from the agenda. We decided to not have a bridal party so as to not add pressure on our close friends. I invited my closest gals to be with me throughout the entire day, but they had no responsibilities other than to have fun and keep pouring the champagne.

But in lieu of eliminating some of those traditions, we decided to add things that reflected our personalities and backgrounds, like tying in special aspects of D’s Argentinean heritage. For favors, we had cookies ordered and flown in from Argentina called alfajores, and in our programs, we added translations in Spanish. For our unity activity, we chose to combine colored glass crystals that was later made into sculpture that will be a keepsake in our home. D and I both have a love for the dramatic, so when I proposed that he change from his black tuxedo jacket to a white dinner jacket going into dinner hour, he immediately jumped on the idea. He. Looked. So. Good. The sweetheart table that we sat at gave us a perfect opportunity to just be together for a short time and take in the scene around us. It was so beautiful.

To be real though, throughout the planning process, it was easy for me to get so immersed and focused on the pretty details of the day that it often clouded the real reason we were doing it all. I constantly had to step back and realign my focus. Not only for my heart to be right, but also for our bank account! Looking back, it was nothing short of magical. But the reason it was so magical was not because of the incredible bouquet, Jimmy Choo shoes, or beautiful venue, it was because I got to marry my best friend and love. Like, wow! There is nothing short of magic to that.

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Elementary Schoolmates Marry in Minneapolis

Brielle and Gregory have the kind of love story books are written about. These two met back in the 2nd grade, attended prom together, grew apart during college but eventually reconnected at a mutual friend’s wedding. They knew their big day had to be truly unforgettable so they enlisted the help of Minneapolis pros like Amanda Nippoldt, Woven and Wed, and Kindred Blooms for classic-yet-modern celebration with 175 of their favorite people. Our verdict? Mission totally accomplished.

From the Bride… Gregory and I met in our 2nd-grade classroom when we were 6 or 7 years old. We grew up with each other; attending middle school, high school, and later college together. Depending who you ask, we may have even briefly dated during our junior year of high school. When we were 16 years old Gregory was the first boy to ever take me on a real date, we even went to Prom together that year.

Time moved on and we went to college, occasionally crossing paths on campus or during the holidays at home. It wasn’t until 2013 when we bumped into each other at a mutual friends wedding that the sparks started flying. Gregory may have been waiting for this moment since we first met, but I was finally seeing him in a new, more grown up light and I couldn’t resist his charm. The rest is history!

From the Groom… I proposed to Brielle February 2016, after three years of dating. Getting all the details right was no short order. We were doing long distance at the time, so picking out a ring, asking for her parents’ blessing and then actually planning the special moment was demanding, but well worth it. When I began thinking of proposing to Brielle I was living in Calgary, AB Canada. Brielle and I would fly back and forth to see each other once a month. I wanted to propose to Brielle at Lake Minnewanka in Banff national park, as this place had a lot of sentimental value to us. We loved how big and scenic Minnewanka was, without having the foot traffic of some of the more well-known lakes in Banff, like Lake Moraine and Lake Louise.

From the Bride… Greg and I wanted our wedding to be a fun, exciting, and memorable event for not only us but for our friends and family as well. Each aspect of our wedding was carefully picked by the two of us, with our amazing team of vendors by our side helping along the way.

We began searching and touring almost every venue in Minneapolis when we first got engaged. We liked certain aspects of each place but had a hard time finding a venue that fit us perfectly. I remember telling Greg that I felt like I was searching for a place that didn’t exist. With the help of our photographer Amanda Nippoldt we discovered the Machine Shop.

When we first laid eyes on the Machine Shop it was under major reconstruction, but Greg and I knew immediately it was the place we wanted to have our wedding reception. The windows that lined the entire building provided this beautiful light and airy ambiance that could not be found at any other venue. It was perfect for us and our vision. We wanted to bring a soft organic romantic element to the industrial, masculine, Machine Shop.

The style we went with was organic, fresh, elegant, and urban chic. We selected spring colors such as light pinks, peach, light blue, ivory and tons of greenery. We had 175 of our closest friends and family surrounding us on our special day. Good food, great drinks, amazing band, and sharing our love for one another with our guests made the most amazing wedding.

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