Kenzie Amick 10/4/18 Kenzie Amick 10/4/18

Wedding Planning 101: Venue

We’re back with more wedding planning tips and this week it’s all about location! The venue is where all the magic happens, so it’s important this step doesn’t get overlooked. If you are following our advice, then you have already established your wedding-day vision, right? Whether you’re going for a glamorous chic soiree, a trendy and modern celebration, or a bright and organic outdoor wedding, we encourage couples to pick a space that is consistent with their overall look. If you haven’t defined the vision yet, then you’re not ready to pick a venue!

Not only should the venue fit in with the style of the overall wedding, but it should also be budget-friendly. {Still a little stressed out about the budget? Don’t fret. Before reading on, take a peek at our Wedding Planning 101 blog on budgets!}

The most important thing to do when touring venues is ask the right questions. Aside from the basic “What is the room rental and food and beverage minimum?” type of questions, there are many things couples forget to ask that are crucial to nailing down your perfect venue.

Capacity is often a confusing and overstated number. When a venue quotes capacities, think no dance floor, no bar set-ups and tables so tight you need to turn sideways to get through! Ask for sample floor layouts to really see whether your wedding will “fit” within the space.

We also encourage couples to ask for a sample BEO, or “Banquet Event Order,” which itemizes every little cost that a couple would need to pay. This is a definite must before signing your name on the dotted line! Don’t forget to ask about extra charges that can add to the overall cost. Here are some examples of questions you should be sure to ask: Are there additional charges for auxiliary room rentals? Does your venue charge extra for tables, linens, chairs, lighting or lounge furniture? What about AV equipment? Is there a bartender fee or bar set-up fee associated with the venue? Do you need to rent a dance floor? What is the parking situation for your guests? Is security required? After all, nobody likes those last-minute surprises {and neither does your bank account!}

There you have it. Now, go schedule some venue tours and blow this one out of the park! Stay tuned for our next Wedding Planning 101 post on catering!

Kenzie Amick 1/2/18 Kenzie Amick 1/2/18

Aria // Maddie & Ben

Cheers to two wonderful years of marriage for Maddie and Ben!

Ben and Maddie's first date was at a Starbucks in 2013 and one could say that they both knew they had met the person that wanted to marry that day. They spent the rest of the weekend going on dates, leaving each other only to attend to prior commitments. These two agree that they are the best versions of themselves when they are together. They truly married their best friend. They were both ready to take the next step after a year and a half of dating. Ben took notes from his parent’s proposal {and Rocky Balboa} 32 years earlier and proposed to Maddie in front of the Amur tigers at the Minnesota Zoo. Ben had Maddie fooled all the way up until he got down on one knee. He convinced her they were going to help their friend in the Amazing Race; it was quite the masterful plan!

They have such enthusiasm for life, family, and friends. Although it was a bit chilly outside, their celebration was filled with love and lots of fun {and the sun even peeked out which allowed them to capture breathtaking images}! The décor consisted of gorgeous chandeliers suspended above the full length of the head table at Aria. The use of blush and gold colors and mix of centerpieces added to the warmth and glow of the space. The dessert table was split in two with one side dedicated to chocolate and peanut butter lovers while the other side consisted of light and fruity desserts to showcase the bride and groom’s different tastes. The Johnny Holm Band had guests dancing and goofing around all evening.

It was such a pleasure working with this lovely couple and making their dream wedding a reality!

Kenzie Amick 11/28/17 Kenzie Amick 11/28/17

Aria // B'Not Mitzvah

We had a blast helping to coordinate this gorgeous B'Not Mitzvah for twins Anna and Leni! This was such a special celebration and we were so excited to see it come together. The ceremony backdrop was a stunning display of greenery and baby's breath {made to look like clouds} whereas the reception was livened up with bright colors. From the place cards that were accented with paper honeycomb balls to the balloon arc that stretched across the room, the evening was filled with vivid rainbow tones! There were endless colorful details, including socks, drinks, sunglasses and treats! We also hung sweet pictures of the girls when they were younger above the stage. It was such a fun night to celebrate this memorable time in their lives and we were so grateful to be a part of it. Congratulations Anna and Leni!

Kenzie Amick 7/19/17 Kenzie Amick 7/19/17

Aria // Kaylee & Ryan

We can't believe it's already been four years since Kaylee + Ryan's gorgeous wedding! We're reposting their wedding blog in honor of their anniversary and we've included new details from today's reposted Minneapolis St. Paul Weddings magazine blog!

Kaylee and Ryan began their story at Cretin-Derham Hall through their shared love for hockey. As Kaylee told MInneapolis St. Paul Weddings magazine, "We'd always see each other around the rink, and we ended up hanging out and skating with each other outside of the rink too."

After high school their hockey careers lead them into a long-distance relationship, with Ryan playing Division 1 hockey at University of Wisconsin-Madison and Kaylee playing at Bemidji State University {later transferring to University of St. Thomas}. In 2010, hockey took Ryan to New York after signing to play with the New York Rangers, but two years later Kaylee joined him there.

Kaylee and Ryan knew their dream wedding would hold true to their Minnesota roots and include Irish and Urban New York touches. Their ceremony was held at St. Kate's and they continued the celebration at Aria with an Irish whiskey bar, a live band + DJ, and late-night snacks from Davanni's. They wanted their big day to be relaxed, laid-back and fun! Their reception displayed a gorgeous natural palette that played off silver and gold details. See the images from their gorgeous rustic-meets-glam wedding!

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Wedding Planning 101: Venue

Aria // Maddie & Ben

Cheers to two wonderful years of marriage for Maddie and Ben!

Aria // B'Not Mitzvah

Aria // Kaylee & Ryan

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