Minnesota Weddings

I cross my heart, hope to die, pinky promise that you are going to flip when you hear what’s coming. A Minneapolis Wedding. Photographed by Erica Loeks. Planned by Table 6 Productions. And turned into – wait for it – a stop motion wedding film. It’s awesome. Maybe the coolest thing I’ve seen. We love it. Every time we watch it (and that has been an innumerous amount of times) we just can’t help but dance. It’s fun, it’s adorable, and it’s all here for your viewing pleasure. But first, a little introduction to this sweet and unique fête.

More in the full image gallery!

From Table 6 … The Stop Motion Video project was the brainchild of the ever-talented  photographer, Erica Loeks. With Heather & Derek being such a fun, in  love, and up-for-anything kind of couple, they were the perfect subjects!

Heather & Derek : Stop Motion Wedding Video from Erica Loeks on Vimeo.

We met online, and later found out that we worked for the same company at the same time, graduated from the same program on the same day from the same college, and buried our grandfathers about 30 yards apart. There were so many times we should have met, but I guess fate was waiting for the right time!

The summer before we were engaged we kept ending up at outdoor festivals/events where there was always a rickety carnival type Ferris Wheel. I always wanted to ride the Ferris wheel for two reasons. First, it’s the only ride I don’t get sick on and second, there’s just something cute and vintagely romantic about them. Derek kept saying we should wait on go on a better one that was more stable and not assembled overnight, and that had a better view.

When Derek was in Chicago for a couple weeks on business, I flew out for the weekend. He did a good job of keeping quiet for two and a half days and then on Sunday when we went to Navy Pier, we rode the Ferris Wheel. He asked me to marry him at the top of it. He said “I’d get down on one knee, but it’s not safe in a Ferris Wheel cart!”

We picked the Profile Event Center because it had an old Hollywood style, but with modern amenities, and seemed to fit our vision so well. The inspiration for our wedding was Vintage Glam using the colors navy blue (for Navy Pier), ivory and gray. Handmade details were important to us and we had help from so many people to make it come true!

Music was a huge part of our wedding too. We did not use any traditional music. I walked down the aisle to Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love,” as it was a song that Derek had said made him think of me. As you can see, we tried to incorporate the most personal of touches into our day. My sister did all the design work for our invitations, save the dates, programs and other paper goods. It was so fun to have her be such a big part of it.

My grandmother made her famous marzipans that she only makes for graduations and weddings. I’ve always been obsessed with them and told her that I was going to stage a fake wedding just to have some, but luckily I didn’t have to. We all helped make them,  so Derek and I learned how to make them to keep the tradition alive someday. My grandfather passed away the month before the wedding, and so my Grandma lended me a special brooch he had bought her to tie onto my bouquet. That way, he was holding my hand while I walked down the aisle.

Wedding Photography, Stop Motion Film Creative Director: Erica Loeks Photography / Cinematography, Stop Motion Film Shooter & Post Production: Dallas Currie Productions / Wedding Coordination: Table 6 Productions / Makeup & Hair: Brett Dorrian Artistry / Portraits Location: Kitty Cat Klub / Paper Pieces: Heidi Ocel / Ceremony & Reception Location: Profile Event Center / Dress: Allure Bridals / Mens Suiting: Express / Bride’s Hair Piece: Brides of France / Bride’s Bouquet: Best Wishes Floral / Bridesmaid Dresses: Macy’s, The Wedding Shoppe, & Wedding Chapel Bridals / Cupcake Deserts: Cake Box Bakery / Marzapan: Bride’s Grandmother

After the Royal Nuptials, we all seem to be in a tizzy on this side of the pond about all things headdress. And when the inspiration of a photo shoot is F. Scott Fitzgerald, romance, whimsy, and all things vintage, you better believe we were expecting something magical adorning the brides crown. We were absolutely not disappointed. This shoot, dreamed up by Smart & Chic Bride, Bethany Lorelle (the brains behind the hairpiece), and Jenny Bedard Photography, was held at The Gale Mansion – one of our favorite Twin City locales. So take a peek, then grab your fascinator and meet me in the gallery!

The inspiration for our shoot was evolved from the partnership of Smart & Chic Bride, Bethany Lorelle, and Jenny Bedard Photography. We wanted to highlight the whimsical romance and warmth of a late winter wedding in Minnesota. We set out to showcase the exquisite talents of our favorite Twin Cities wedding professionals.

Each designer’s creations drew from a color palate of cozy apricot hues, rich chocolate browns, blush pinks, warm ivories and vintage gold tones. Jenny Bedard Photography captured our inspiration shoot in the library and sunroom of the historic Gale Mansion, a popular wedding venue in South Minneapolis.

For table décor, Tamara Anderson owner of Tam Dandy,  outfitted the tables with a whimsical assortment of vintage bottles, keys, velvet ribbons and feathers. Enchanting birds and birdcages, which housed each table number, added playfulness to the table decor. Her charming designs carried through in the invitations and guest cards.

The flowers were designed by Molly Yee of Studio Emme. Her incorporation of luminous apricot tea roses complemented the vintage glass bottles and keys adding a warm glow.  Bethany Lorelle adorned our bride with a 1920’s-style hairpiece in a nod to Minnesota’s own favorite writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald.  The hairpiece is comprised of hundreds of chocolate and metallic hued beads. The signature Midnight Cherub Clutch by Laura Nelli of NELLE, who now designs for BHLDN, added just the right touch of luxury to the bride’s ensemble.

The bride’s soft finger curls and rich make-up are the artistry of Kira McCarty of Smart & Chic Bride. Retrospect Designs, complimented our bride’s classic style with stunning jewelry designed with one-of-a-kind vintage accents. A decadent intricately designed Italian Amaretto mousse cake was created by renowned Twin Cities bakery Buttercream. It was the perfect elegant addition to the inspiration of the day.

Photography: Jenny Bedard Photography / Bridal Gown: Tara LaTour / Clutch: NELLE / Hair Piece & Accessories: Bethany Lorelle / Hair and Makeup: Kira McCarty for Smart & Chic Bride / Stationery & Table Decor: Tamara Anderson of Tam Dandy / Jewelry: Retrospect Designs / Flowers: Studio Emme / Cake: Buttercream / Cupcakes: Wuollet’s Bakery / Location: The Gale Mansion / Model: Stephanie Cousins

Our last wedding is just the perfect little number to bid adieu to this day of gorgeous. Held at the Mill City Museum which is fast becoming my new favorite spot. With its old, rustic stone walls and lovely, gnarled wood beams… we are talking total venue perfection. Photogen Inc captured all the fabulousness so head over to the gallery for a whole lot of pretty in one little place.

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From Photogen Inc… Kristi and Ande are amazing. I mean these two are SO great as individuals, but then you bring them together as a couple and it’s like WHOA! They truly compliment each other in such a great way, you can not help but fall in love with them. Love is a funny thing. Kristi and Ande knew of each other in high school, hung out around some of the same people and were in some of the same activities, but never dated. Years later, they re-connected and the sparks flew! I think that is the great thing about love. The way that people find each other is so unpredictable, yet precisely planned at the same time! Love is truly a very cool thing.

Wedding Photography: Photogen Inc / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Mill City Museum / Wedding Gown: l’atelier couture bridal boutique / Floral Design: Skinner Jones / Catering: D’Amico & Sons / Musician/DJ: Soul Tight Committee / Wedding Cake: D’Amico & Sons / Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara / Bridesmaid Dresses: twobirds Bridesmaid / Bride’s Shoes: RSVP / Jewelry: Macy’s + Mother of the Bride / Wedding Invitations: Lion In the Sun

I feel the need to preface this wedding with a warning that you may be searching for the nearest jazz lounge as soon as you finish taking everything in. This is definitely one of the coolest and most eclectic celebrations we’ve seen in a while. The bride wanted something fun and unique, and I’m positive she got it. A downtown Minneapolis ambiance, a sweet ceremony in a pasta bar, and a dark, jazzy reception in a sexy club are the ingredients to this striking wedding. They were even lucky enough to have the talented La Petite Fleur on hand to help create the mood through their amazing floral designs. In fact, you may want to pop over to their blog to see more of the amazing florals!

Make sure to stop by the gallery before you start your jazz lounge search!

Jennifer and Courtney’s story … Our day started off with our makeup artists, Tina and Ellen. They were there to work their magic with our hair and make-up. The butterflies were starting to kick in at this point. My mom, aunts, grandmother, and bridesmaids were all there, and it was so wonderful to have them share this special day with me. Once we were all looking spectacular, it was time to get into our dresses. That’s when the butterflies really started to flutter!

Our ceremony was at the Loring Pasta Bar. I loved it! It is a very eclectic restaurant with all of the uniqueness that I had been searching for. The restaurant looked absolutely amazing.  The usual chairs and tables had been moved out and replaced with leather chairs and stools. When the music started up, the processional began. We chose “My Love” by Petula Clark because it was played at my parents wedding and I thought it would be sweet to have the same song at our wedding. It all went so fast! I made my way to the grand staircase, where we exchanged vows in a short and sweet ceremony.

Next, it was time to head next door to the Varsity Theater for our reception. We had spent months looking for a place to have our wedding reception; we knew we wanted something different and unlike the average wedding. There were rugs, tables, and chairs spilling out onto the sidewalk from the inside of the Varsity.  I knew it was going to be a wonderful night! We were amazed at how awesome the place looked. Fabric and lights were draped from the ceiling and the guest tables were set aglow with candles.  As we greeted our guests, the drinks and food started. It was amazing!

We had awesome photographers, Tasha and Melissa of Red Bird Hills.We loved that Tasha has such a unique eye for photography. We took pictures all around Dinkytown before the ceremony, then after dinner she wanted to steal the two of us for a few more pictures. She had discovered the area where the bands get ready for shows.  It was kind of dark and cold, but so cool. The walls were lined with posters of bands that had played at the Varsity, so I knew these pictures would be really cool.

For our first dance, we had The Michael Handler Project, our band, do their version of Dave Matthews Band’s “You and Me.” We both love that song and the band was awesome. As everyone watched, my husband and I enjoyed each other’s company completely.  It was so nice to just have a few moments with just the two of us. We could not have asked for a better night!

Photography: Red Bird Hills / Flowers: La Petite Fleur / Ceremony Location: Loring Pasta Bar / Reception Location: Varsity Theater / Shoes: Rainfall / Dress: I Do 2, Sioux Falls, SD / Jewelry: Che Bella / Desserts: Buttercream / Officiant: Ted Page

We know you all love the explosion of real weddings each and every Wednesday and if our first wedding is any indication, this hump day is going to be extra pretty. If your new to the block, this is all you need to know… we are going to be posting snippets of amazing weddings all day long and if you are dying to see more, simply click on the gallery of each wedding to see the whole shebang.

Up first is a Minneapolis wedding oozing buckets of charm. From the Pasta Bar ceremony venue to the Varsity Theatre reception, we are talking venues that are as unique as they are fun. Brandon Werth was the the man behind the camera and he captured so many great moments for you to ohh and ahh over in the gallery, so you know what to do…Click away!

see more of this Minneapolis shindig here!

We were married on the 11th of September 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota at Loring Pasta Bar and Varsity Theater. These venues are located right next door to each other on the University of Minnesota campus, which is where Jon and I met in 2005. We both went to school at the University of Minnesota – Jon for Aerospace Engineering and I for Broadcast Journalist. After graduation, we lived apart for a year while I was a TV reporter in South Dakota and Jon moved to Seattle to work for Boeing. I moved to Seattle in 2008 for a job in public relations and we have loved exploring the West Coast together.

While we were home for Thanksgiving in 2009, Jon proposed at the same place we had met – Mariucci Hockey Arena on campus. A friend had introduced us during a hockey game (still a favorite pastime of ours). We quickly decided that we wanted to come home to Minnesota for our wedding to celebrate with family and friends. The search for a unique and fun venue landed us with the Loring Pasta Bar and Varsity Theater. It was perfect! The two places are located right next door to each other and they’re eclectic feel was just what we were going for. My tea length coffee-colored dress and Jon’s “Mad Men” pinstripe suit also fit the bill.

Our wedding was so much fun – the part of a lifetime. The live band was amazing, the atmosphere was electric and best of all, we wouldn’t have changed a thing. Planning from a far was a bit difficult, but with the help of friends, family and the amazing venue staff, the whole wedding went off without a hitch. Plus, we hit up the campus bars after the wedding – still in full wedding attire – just for old times sake.

Photography: Brandon Werth (formerly of Rivets & Roses Photography) / Flowers: Richard Anderson / Officiant: Rev. KC Glaser (friend of the couple) / Event Design: Loring Pasta Bar & Varsity Theater Staff / Ceremony Location: Loring Pasta Bar / Reception Location: Varsity Theater / Band: Metro Jam / Invitations: Cheer Up Cherup / Program: Bride’s Design / Shoes: Nine West / Dress: Justin Alexander / Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic / Jeweler: Zavida Gemstones

We positively get giddy over pretty paper around here and A Milestone Paper Co. brings us to the brink of delirium with their gleeful designs!  You can’t go wrong with a sweet palette, die-cut swirls and perfect branding throughout your wedding.  I love when a designer can create a vibe right from the moment the invitations are sent out all the way to the end of the party!  And this wedding by Laura Ivanova Photography has a modern and merry vibe written all over it!  Check out the full gallery for even more inspiration!

Click here to see more inspiration in the full wedding gallery!

The wedding is full of tastefully done, vibrant contrast!  It was a lively mix of traditional, formal and modern fun.  Kristi’s gorgeous, elegant formal hair and makeup choices are perfect with and her modern, fun dress.  The reception venue is full of old elegance, but has been updated with gorgeous touches like the large barrel shade chandeliers.  Crystal details and largely white floral arrangements with touches of lime green captured the traditional elegance, and looked lovely with teal linens and green chair sashes.

Although the ceremony, a full catholic mass, was traditional right down to the bag piper, Kristi and Kevin were sure to pack plenty of fun into the day as well.  They burned CDs with their favorite songs for their guests and mailed them shortly before the wedding in a CD mailer with a custom designed label to coordinate with the invitations, with a note saying “We’ll see you on the dance floor”.  They incorporated huge white balloons into their photos, and they even had teal martinis for their guests.

For their paper goods we created a custom monogram and had it laser cut out of white metallic cardstock to create a pocket into which the invitation, RSVP card and a map and directions card were slipped.  The invitation was mailed in a green metallic envelope and sealed with a large circular seal repeating the motif from the laser cut.  The program covers were also adorned with the laser cut image on teal stock and tied with a white satin bow.  The graphic, circular motif was repeated on the menus and place cards.

So much thought, style and love went into this day!

Wedding Photograher: Laura Ivanova Photography / Paper Goods: A Milestone Paper Co. / Bride’s Dress:Angel Sanchez from  L’Atelier Couture / Ceremony Venue: Christ the King Church / Reception Venue: Calhoun Beach Club / Caterer + Desserts: D’Amico & Sons Catering / Floral:  Sadie’s Couture Floral and Event Styling / Tuxedos: Mestad’s Formalwear / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Vineyard at Priscilla of Boston / Band: Incognito / Trolley: Twin City Trolley/ Rings: Christopher Designs from Arthur’s Jewelry + Macy’s

Planning your destination wedding is stressful, to say the least! You are beholden to trust the recommendations and referrals of others and hold endless long-distance meetings with your vendors. The stylists at Smart & Chic Bride have done everything humanly possible to assure you that hair and make-up are totally stress-free and the two things you can check off that list! And to show you just how beautiful the result can be we’re sharing an early summer affair planned from afar. This destination wedding has lots of smiles, tons of fresh florals, and the day wouldn’t be complete without one totally gorgeous, glowing bride…

From Smart & Chic…

Planning a wedding in a different state than you’re living can be particularly difficult and nerve-wracking, but we make sure to take extra special care of these brides. Communication is key – respond in a timely matter, answer all questions, discuss styles using many photos (especially if a trial run can’t be done) so the stylist understands what the bride is hoping for and the bride can take comfort in trusting a stylist she’s never met to do her makeup and hair on such a special occasion. Johanna was a joy to work with. She has an irrepressible spirit and glow from the inside out. Adding a pop of Bobbi Brown’s French Pink blush and MAC’s Silver Dusk to highlight her cheeks just brought out more of her natural radiance. Johanna’s hair was styled with a thermal spray to hold her loose waves the entire day. Traveling from Los Angeles, Courtney, Johanna’s maid of honor, chose a loose side bun hair style that complemented her face shape. To achieve a soft, yet defined eye, we used Smart and Chic’s water proof mascara in darkest black and applied cluster lashes.

You can see the rest of this beautiful Minneapolis wedding right here

From the lovely bride…

Jonathan (or Kich as he is known by his friends) and I live in Los Angeles, where Kich grew up. We met in Madison, Wisconsin in college where we lived only a fire escape apart. After a beautiful surprise engagement in an apple orchard near Palm Springs, California, we decided to get married in the Twin Cities, where I grew up. We fell in love with the Depot ballroom at the Renaissance Hotel located in the historic former train station in Minneapolis. The space had beautiful traditional elegance right in the center of Minneapolis.

We do not consider ourselves to be a traditional couple, so we wanted to find ways to add our personal touch to give the wedding flair. Our wedding invitations were a bright teal and our flowers were bright and summery and looked great next to the J&J orange embroidered napkins, which were borrowed from friends who coincidentally shared our initials. The black and white cake was decorated with teal ribbon and bright flowers. We chose non-traditional music for both the ceremony and the reception. Kich walked down the aisle to a piano/flute rendition of “Final Countdown” by Europe and our first dance was to a favorite song, “Blue Skies” by the Allman Brothers.

We also wanted our guests to love the Twin Cities and feel a part of the wedding festivities. We made up J2 welcome bags in orange and bright teal (like our invitations) that included a detailed list of our favorite spots in the cities. Amber Procaccini took great photos around the Guthrie Theater, one of our favorite areas in the city.

Months before the wedding, guests were invited to decorate a cloth square with wedding wishes to us. Kich’s mother sewed them together to form a chuppah cover, the traditional canopy that Jews are married under. It was special to stand below the creative artwork of so many friends and family as we were married. We were surprised at the reception by the performance of three bridesmaids who re-wrote the lyrics to my favorite Madonna song, Like a Prayer, with the chorus “When he says her name, it’s like a little prayer, You couldn’t dream this up, you make a perfect pair…” All night the dance floor was packed with dancing and laughter.

As for the attire, my dress was the very first wedding dress I tried on. I went with my mom to the Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul right after Kich and I got engaged and immediately told the salesclerk, Carol, that I would NOT be buying a dress that day. I didn’t know what I was looking for and all I had was a photo of a dress I’d seen in Spain when I studied abroad well before a wedding was even a seedling of an idea. Carol at the Wedding Shoppe first brought me a Tara Keely lace dress to try that didn’t look anything like the photo. I fell in love with it and even though it wasn’t like me to make such a fast decision, I bought it on the spot. My five bridesmaids wore black dresses of their choice. The girls live in five different cities from the Northwest to the Southeast of the country so it was easier to let them choose their own and they all looked fabulous. With simple, bright purple and yellow irises, they really popped.

Julie and Amber from Smart & Chic Bride did a great job on our hair and makeup. They were so easy to work with and made us all look beautiful. It made the day so much more relaxing to have them come to us at the Depot. Julie even came back right before the ceremony to make sure my hair and makeup looked fresh.

This delightful Minnesota wedding isn’t the only piece of pretty we have up our sleeves today. To celebrate all things beauty, Smart & Chic Bride is giving away two of their essential makeup kits to a couple of lucky readers. Just head on over to Smart & Chic’s blog for all the details and to enter. The winners will receive one of the following kits…

KIT #1 ~ Prime and Prep Kit
Before Makeup Essentials
Face Primer
Lid Primer
Lip Primer

KIT #2 ~ Finish and Seal Kit
After Makeup Essentials
Makeup Setting Spray
Double Sided Blotting Papers
Colorless Setting and Blotting Powder

While you’re there, don’t miss all their makeup and beauty tips… you can also check out their online cosmetic boutique. No matter your location or style, the ladies at Smart & Chic totally have you covered. Click here to enter.

Vendor Credits: Photography: Amber Procaccini Photography / Dress: Tara Keely from the Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul, MN / Veil: Che Bella / Shoes: Brass Plum from Nordstrom / Groom’s suit: Michael Kors-Barney’s and Hugo Boss / Ceremony venue: Shir Tikvah / Reception: The Depot Minneapolis / Florist: Summer Harsh / Jeweler: XIV Karat Jewelry in Beverly Hills, CA / Necklace: Borrowed from my grandmother/ Earrings: Borrowed from Kich’s grandmother / Invitation Designer: Wedding Paper Divas / Program Designer: Jon Mark, Office of Design / Napkin Design:  Borrowed from J&J friends who were married a few years ago / Table Settings: Linen Effects / Band: The Sevilles / Cake/Baker: Buttercream

If you aren’t already totally and completely charmed, wait till you see this next set of images that our fabulous From Inspiration to Reality team sent our way. I seriously can’t get over the details and am considering throwing a party just so that I can make some of them. Oh and did I mention that the gorgeous bride also writes her own COMPLETELY fabulous blog that I’m sure you all know about called Eat Drink Pretty. So super cute.

And if you just can’t bear to see the story end, click right here for TONS of additional pictures.

From the insanely charming paper goods to the cake that literally make me squeal, I am completely dying over every last bit of this shoot. Oh and the details, most of them were simple DIY crafts done with a great eye and a knack for all things pretty. To make the “How Sweet It Is Sign”the team simply found chipboard glittered letter cutouts at Michael’s which they glued onto decorative paper, folded over the string and then glued together. I mean, come on…how great is that?

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Red Ribbon Studio, Paperista and Just Bloomed and the other AMAZING vendors that made this happen. It is sure to inspire from now until forever.

Vendors: Photography: Red Ribbon Studio / Invitations+Paper: Paperista / Flowers: Just Bloomed / Bridal Fashion: Posh / Wedding gown: Lila Couture / Tux: Grey Legend by Calvin Klein / Bridesmaids Dress: Camilla, Simple Silhouettes / Bridesmaids Dress: Jocelyn, Jenny Yoo / Bridesmaids Dress: Grace A-line, Lynn Lugo / Cake, cupcakes, macaroons, other sweet treats: Cocoa + Fig / Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny / Bridesmaid Fashion: Flutter Boutique / Jewelry: JWP Jewlery / Hair & Makeup: Nan Fletcher / Candy Shop Location: Sugar Sugar / Handbags & Fabric Flower Accessories (belt & headbands): Nelle Handbags / Linens: Apres Party

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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One of the reasons that I have fallen hard for our From Inspiration to Reality feature is that the ideas can translate in so many different ways. From rehearsal dinners to engagement parties, from birthday parties to full on weddings. It’s like pretty eye candy with perfect ideas tucked into each and every corner. And this shoot is one of the best, hands down. It’s like a little piece of wedding heaven and I can’t believe we get the fun of sharing it. Designed by Minneapolis based Red Ribbon Studio, Paperista and Just Bloomed, it’s the reason that I love my job so much.

Here are some of the ideas this talented team came up with based on the darling inspiration board…

– Coke in classic bottles as refreshment (“Have A Coke and a Smile)
– Ribbon waving wands for guests to “Wave for a Kiss” from the couple (DIY)
– Late night popcorn snack
– Bedtime milk & cookies treat
– Rock candy cake by Cocoa + Fig
– Candy bar
– Lollipop escort cards with table names like “rock candy” and “laffy taffy” (DIY)
– “Love is Sweet” signature drink (Jackie’s sons Barrel of Monkeys came in handy to add a little whimsy to the cocktails)
– “How Sweet It Is” sign for cake table and would be great as a prop in photos, made from decorative paper, chipboard letters…pasted paper around a string, very easy (DIY)
– LOVE letters. . .cardboard letters found at craft store with decorative paper collaged on to the letters, another great photo prop (DIY)
– The patterned flags are made from quilting fabric found on Etsy. (DIY)
– Macaroons, rock candy, cupcakes, and other sweet treats from Cocoa + Fig

More coming up in just a bit! Including details about the adorable fashion pieces!

Vendors on the Shoot: Photography: Red Ribbon Studio / Invitations+Paper: Paperista / Flowers: Just Bloomed / Bridal Fashion: Posh / Wedding gown: Lila Couture / Tux: Grey Legend by Calvin Klein / Cake, cupcakes, macaroons, other sweet treats: Cocoa + Fig / Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny / Bridesmaid Fashion: Flutter Boutique / Jewelry: JWP Jewlery / Hair & Makeup: Nan Fletcher / Candy Shop Location: Sugar Sugar / Handbags & Fabric Flower Accessories (belt & headbands): Nelle Handbags / Linens: Apres Party

Okay, girls (and boys). The wait is over. This is possibly THE MOST perfect photoshoot I have ever seen and knowing that it all came from Annie’s adorable inspiration board is too much. Huge props go to the team behind the adorableness including the fabulous Red Ribbon Studio, the forever chic Paperista and the perfectly lovely Just Bloomed (along with a full list of awesome vendors below)…I am officially blown away. And giddy as a school girl.

It was a cold January day in Minnesota when we saw this bright, colorful, fun and whimsical inspiration board by Annie Packman. We knew that bringing this inspiration board to life would bring a little sunshine into our snowy Minnesota winter. This board was so inspiring, we really ran with the whimsical and fun style. The setting for our shoot was the sweetest little candy shop in Minneapolis called Sugar Sugar. Thanks to owner Joni Wheeler for allowing us to take over her shop on her day off to bring this fun idea to life!

Vendors on the Shoot: Photography: Red Ribbon Studio / Invitations+Paper: Paperista / Flowers: Just Bloomed / Bridal Fashion: Posh / Wedding gown: Lila Couture / Tux: Grey Legend by Calvin Klein / Cake, cupcakes, macaroons, other sweet treats: Cocoa + Fig / Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny / Bridesmaid Fashion: Flutter Boutique / Jewelry: JWP Jewlery / Hair & Makeup: Nan Fletcher / Candy Shop Location: Sugar Sugar / Handbags & Fabric Flower Accessories (belt & headbands): Nelle Handbags / Linens: Apres Party

Before we get to today’s From Inspiration to Reality shoot that literally had me giggling, squealing, swooning, jumping, whooping and spinning all at the same time, I wanted to share with you Annie’s board that started it all. And knowing that Style Circle Guru Annie Packham is constantly designing the world’s prettiest inspiration boards, I wasn’t at all shocked to hear that she was chosen as “the one.”

There is pretty much no way on earth that I was not going to fall head over heels in love with Annie’s design and of course, was giddy as a school girl when I heard that our inspiration team including the fabulous Red Ribbon Studio, the forever chic Paperista and the perfectly lovely Just Bloomed (along with a full list of talented vendors below) felt the same way. And man oh man, did they take it and run with it…to the nearest perfect candy shop with the cutest, most lovely details in hand.

Coming up next, the most insanely charming From Inspiration to Reality Design you’ve ever laid eyes on. Oh and if you need a quick tutorial on our From Inspiration to Reality feature, click here.

Vendors on the Shoot: Photography: Red Ribbon Studio / Invitations+Paper: Paperista / Flowers: Just Bloomed / Bridal Fashion: Posh / Cake, cupcakes, macaroons, other sweet treats: Cocoa + Fig / Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny / Bridesmaid Fashion: Flutter Boutique / Jewelry: JWP Jewlery / Hair & Makeup: Nan Fletcher / Candy Shop Location: Sugar Sugar / Handbags & Fabric Flower Accessories (belt & headbands): Nelle Handbags / Linens: Apres Party

And speaking of absolutely gorgeous Winter white inspirations…I fell pretty hard for this adorable e-shoot. It’s few and far between that an engagement shoot will give me the real wedding butterflies, but this one did just that. Shot by Laura Ivanova Photography, the couple used the cut-your-own-tree farm in Minneapolis, Minnesota as their backdrop so that they would always remember their first Christmas together. SO stinking cute.

A ridiculously adorable couple, a gorgeous “set” and two huge balloons…not sure it gets any better than this. And you know what else. These shots actually catapulted me right out of my winter blues and got me so excited for the cold weather. Winter boots, here I come.

Thank you so very much to Laura Ivanov for sending us today’s inspiration! And to the couple…Kristi and Keven, with this much style, I can’t WAIT to see what you do with your wedding!

As promised ~ today, we have two totally different styled weddings and one sensational LBB photographer!

First up ~ Maribeth, from Red Ribbon Studio is sharing Jamie & Randy’s May wedding with us. It’s classic, it’s elegant and it’s simply timeless in it’s beauty …

Jamie and Randy were married at the historic Semple Mansion in Minneapolis. Between Jamie’s Peter Langner gown, the grandeur of the venue and the wedding artist they commissioned … well, their wedding kind of blew me away!

Mimi Wedding Planning worked with the couple to pull their modern classic wedding vision together. The floral decor is to die for … and the stunning cake is from Gateaux Inc.

Their wedding artist was Nicole Herzog. She sketched and painted throughout the entire evening and at the end of the day … a gorgeous painting to commemorate the celebration was complete!

What a great idea.  A HUGE thanks to Maribeth at Red Ribbon Studio … and to Jamie and Randy for sharing this joyful day!

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We’ll have another wedding from Maribeth at Red Ribbon Studio in just a bit, so do check back!

Just a heads up about tomorrow’s featured Little Black Book photographer, Maribeth at Red Ribbon Studio based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here’s what one bride had to say about Maribeth’s style~

“…you managed to be everywhere, never missing a shot or a moment, but in the most respectful way… your work is fun, it’s fresh, it’s sophisticated, it’s clean, it’s clever and smart!” Pretty great testimonial, I’d say.

So ~ until tomorrow ~ when we’ll be featuring two of Red Ribbon Studio’s weddings with two totally different styles! Jamie & Randy’s elegant wedding at the Semple Mansion in Minneapolis and Jessie & Chris’ elegant backyard wedding on the local polo fields in Cummings, Iowa.

The second wedding that we are featuring today is pure gorgeousness. Which is exactly what we’d expect from the amazing ladies at Bastian + Skoog. Not to mention, I love Winter weddings, as there is something so blissfully romantic about them. And this particular couple, styled the affair to capture the simplicity and beauty of the season.

The photography team behind the affair is the unbelievably talented Sally of La Vie Photography in Minneapolis. Sally’s style is simple, elegant and most of all, joyful. Every picture is an absolute beauty.

It’s always really nice to come back to a classic black and white affair. It isn’t done that often anymore, but when it is (and when it’s done right) the look is forever timeless and chic. Love that.

This next wedding is all about the chic. Winter whites paired with crisp blacks. I know that it’s basically Spring, but every now and then, I see a Winter wedding that just makes me happy. This one, with it’s adorable bride, classic but not overdone Winter styling, and perfect details did just that. It was shot by the amazingness at La Vie Photography in Minneapolis, but I first saw it on Bastian+Skoog’s oh-so-stylish blog …

More on the way in just a bit!