Annie & Tony // Interlachen Country Club
Annie & Tony’s sweet love story begins with the power of technology. After the two met online, their first date was at Borough in the North Loop. Their relationship progressed, and it’s no wonder! Annie is such a lovely person and Tony has such a calming presence. After dating 3.5 years, which included the true test of buying both a home and a dog together, the couple married. Their stunning winter wedding took place just a few days before Christmas. Mother Nature even provided the couple with a magical dusting of snow, which made for a gorgeous white backdrop in photos. Surrounded by elegant candles, luscious florals, and gorgeous gold accents, the decor was beyond romantic. The evening consisted of the sweetest speeches, tasty food, and entertainment from the most incredible Minneapolis band, Northstar.
Design & Coordination: Style-Architects Weddings & Events | Photographer: Ali Leigh Photography | Transportation: Reliacar | Tuxes: Milbern’s | Videographer: Snowshoe Productions | Venue: Interlachen Country Club | Hotels: Hewing Hotel & Westin Hotel | Gown: L’Atelier Couture Bridal - Monique Lhuillier Dress | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids - Theia | Cake/Desserts: Dorothy Ann Bakery | Caterer: Interlachen Country Club | Band: Northstar | Floral: Sadie’s Couture Floral | Invitations & Paper: Milestone Paper | Lighting: Phos Events | Stage/Chairs: Après Party & Tent Rental | Linens & Centerpieces: Linen Effects
Genna & Billy // Bar Lurcat
Those who know Genna & Billy were certainly wow’d {but likely were not at all shocked} to see elaborate entertainment woven into their wedding day. A stilt walker escorted guests to the reception from Loring Park where they were greeted by a lady literally serving champagne from her dress. During dinner the guests were entertained by an acrobat performing stunts on a revolving mirror ball. {You don’t see that on Dancing with the Stars!} As tables were struck for dancing, fire dancers performed in the courtyard later followed by acrobats. It was an incredible show from start to finish.
But, of course, the guests were there for Billy and Genna. Billy, the owner of a creative agency, is flamboyant and wild and a whole lot of fun. There is no question that Genna is the beautiful grounding force amongst the two of them, happy to play with Billy’s creativity. Genna is sweet and lovely and not to mention made a gorgeous bride. The two expressed their vibrant personalities by using bold and playful colors and florals in a sophisticated way. The couple’s dog was a special attendant in their wedding and came handsomely dressed in a suit. Overall, Genna & Billy couldn’t have had a more perfect day incorporating all of the things that make them the gorgeous and unique couple that they are.
Ceremony venue: Loring Park | Reception venue: Lurcat | Hotels: Le Meridien Chambers, Hewing Hotel | Gown: M Elizabeth Bridal | Hair: Jill Bergerud | Make-up: Julie Phaxay | Groom Attire: Black Tux | Groomsmen Attire: Black Tux | Cake & Desserts: Lurcat | Caterer: Lurcat | Floral: Lilia Flower Boutique | Chairs: The Seatery | Linens: Linen Effects | Band: Rock With You (Fusion) | Live Musicians (Ceremony): Lake Minnetonka String Quartet | Photographer: ONONA | Ceremony Audio: AV Events
Back in Black
Fill your champagne flutes, write down your New Year’s Resolutions, and cue the ball drop because we are officially one month away from 2019. Wedding season is wrapping and we are excited to look ahead and to see the new trends that will make their way into our 2019 weddings. Black is hardly new, but it’s making its way back as a deliberate color choice as opposed to a neutral intended to fade into the background.
Bringing depth, character, and a whole lot of edge, black accents are a stunning way to add drama {and not the personal kind!} to your wedding day. Black is bold and rich and adds a tasteful twist on classic color palettes. We love marrying the intensity of black with soft spring and summery colors like blush, gray-blue and peach for added style and sophistication.
Ivory vs White
This blog discusses the differences between ivory and white wedding dresses. It also gives wedding dress inspiration for brides located in Minneapolis.
The debate is on! You’ve probably heard it all, “that wedding dress is white, ivory, cream, egg-shell, etc. They all look just about the same, it doesn’t matter…” WRONG! If we’re being honest, the shade absolutely matters! Though the difference isn’t extremely noticeable, your dress plays a major part in the vibe and style of your wedding.
So what is the difference between ivory and white? Ivory dresses have a slight tint of yellow or cream, and white dresses are bright and colorless. If you’re going for a crisp, clean, modern look, you should be keeping an eye out for a white wedding dress. If you’re leaning toward a soft, romantic vibe, go searching for an ivory wedding dress. If you just can’t decide, we love ivory dresses with bright white details or vice versa, a white dress with delicate ivory details!
Of course, all that aside, you have to go with what looks best against your skin and frankly stark white dresses are hard for some women to pull off. You would think that white works well with warmer skin tones, but it can actually make the skin look ashy. White generally looks better on women with cooler or rosy skin tones.
Be sure to not only fall in love with the style of your gown, but make sure the color fits your vibe and plays nicely with your skin tone!
I V O R Y | W H I T E
Abstract Hanging Installations
Hanging installations are the perfect focal point of any wedding. While most couples chose to laden their with greenery and florals, we’ve compiled an abundance of inspiration for using unique alternatives such as wheels, lights, tassels, acrylics, geodes and more.
No wedding design is complete without a focal point, and our favorite focal points are hanging installations because they easily capture everyone's eye and bring the ceiling down. While we must admit that many hanging installations that are laden with florals and greenery are beyond breathtaking, we have also been thinking it's about time for some fresh installation inspiration {plus, florals and greenery can be pretty expensive}. There are so many fabrics, textures, mediums and shapes that are eye-catching, so get creative and hang them where everyone can see! Be sure that the scale fits the space and that the looks speaks to you as a couple. Below you'll see that we've found a variety of objects to suspend from the ceiling, including wheels, lights, tassels, acrylics and even geodes! Hang these gorgeous items above your head table, your cocktail and lounge space, or have them frame your ceremony {then repurpose as a sweetheart table backdrop.} For more inspiration check out our {h a n g i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n} Pinterest Board!
Pinspiration // Blue Details
It started with navy suits and tuxes and now blue has debuted as an "official" wedding color, and why not? It's incredibly versatile. It can be moody, soft and soothing, or fresh and bright. It can serve as the statement color or serve as a neutral, letting your other colors shine through. Keep it chic and modern with a mix of blues, greys and neutral tones, or bring your celebration to life with a mix of blues and bright berry tones! The options are endless.
With several of our brides wanting to incorporate blue into their 2018 weddings, we thought we would share some color schemes that flawlessly incorporate blue into dramatically different looks. Whether you incorporate blue in small details or through every part of your special day, say "hello" to blue.
See more inspiration on our {b l u e i n s p i r a t i o n} Pinterest board!
Image Credits {Left to Right, Top to Bottom}: Jeremiah and Rachel Photography via Style Me Pretty, Unknown via Pinterest, Velvet and Twine, Justin DeMutiis via Style Me Pretty, Chic Vintage Brides, Wedding Guides, Brik Venue || Fab Mood || Oh Best Day Ever || Haley and Dylan of Photos by Heart via Gold Leaf Floral || The Creative’s Loft via Green Wedding Shoes || MICHELLE BOYD via Hey Wedding Lady || Wedding Guides || Mikkel Paige Photography via Glamour and Grace Blog || Stylish Wed || The Wedding Play Book
Place Cards for the Modern Bride
Nothing completes your wedding style more perfectly than gorgeous and unique place cards! Not only do these place cards make for a stunning touch on your special day, but double as a {personalized} wedding favor for your guests! Along with designing breathtaking place cards, make sure to display them in a way that shows off their beauty.
We love the use of calligraphy for place cards and it allows you to pick nearly any base for that perfect added touch to your tablescape. If you chose stationery, get creative with the presentation by using geometric shapes or displaying them in notches of gorgeous tree branches!
See our favorites below and check our {n a m e c a r d s} Pinterest board for more inspiration!
Photography Credits {Left to Right, Top to Bottom}:
via The Bride Story
via Etsy
via BeSpoke
via 100 Layer Cake // Elisa Bricker
Lisa Woods Photography via Ruffled Blog
Emily Wren Photography
Saffron Avenue
via Etsy
via Etsy
via My Wedding
Amy Campbell Photography via Style Me Pretty
Jessica Burke via Style Me Pretty
Mother of the Bride Attire
Your daughter's wedding day is just as special for you as it is for her. It will be a day you both look back on and cherish forever. So, don't hold back on your wedding day attire and don't let the decision sit on the back burner in lieu of other wedding planning! Of course you don't want to steal any attention from the beautiful bride {and frankly how could you - she's your daughter}, but who says you can't look fabulous as well?
Here's some advice. Stray away from white + ivory {for obvious reasons} but don't limit any possibilities! Bridal shops do offer Mother of the Bride dresses, but don't be afraid to extend your search to a boutique or the formal section of any good department store. One of our favorite MOB options is a classy jumpsuit that is both trendy and flattering. Make sure your attire matches your style as well as the event's formality.
Guthrie Theater // Andrew & Brendan
Andrew and Brendan met twelve years ago at Northeast’s Boom. Although the attraction was mutual, Brendan was forced to become Andrew’s “personal stalker” in order to move things forward. And so began the chase… Brendan finally secured his first date with Andrew-dinner at Barbette and after-dinner drinks and story-telling on Andrew’s deck. The couple began to date sporadically; however, Andrew soon realized Brendan was “the one” as he stood closely by throughout Andrew’s father’s fatal illness. The guys spent time on opposite ends of the state but eventually said, “enough is enough” and settled in the Twin Cities. They exchanged rings two years later and dedicated their lives to one another as partners.
Andrew and Brendan learned that they had a shared desire for a family, and they were soon blessed with two beautiful daughters, Isabella and Harper. Graced by the good news brought by Minnesota’s equal-marriage law, Andrew involved their beloved daughters and sought out to plan the perfect proposal for Brendan. The girls and Andrew created signs that read, “Daddy, will you marry Dad?” and held them up while the three bounced on their home trampoline. Brendan obviously said yes, and so began the planning of the perfect celebration of their 12 years together.
It was important to Andrew and Brendan that their wedding involve their daughters and that it honor their lives to this point, rather than being a celebration of a new life together. Never fans of New Year’s Eve, they set out to create a reason to celebrate each New Year’s by having their wedding on New Year’s Eve. We went for drama and a great venue that allowed us to play up the New Year’s touches they desired. The Guthrie was the perfect choice!
The Pohlad Lobby’s dramatic views provided the perfect backdrop for the candlelight ceremony. Vellum-wrapped candles honored deceased family members, including groom Andrew’s father, were placed along the back wall and were flanked by gorgeous orchid arrangements. The girls escorted their dads down the aisle, one by one, and joining in the sand ceremony honoring their family of four.
Andrew’s father loved blue lights at Christmas, so we brought in blue-lit Christmas trees in his memory to grace the cocktail hour. We carried through the outdoor lush look with furry linens and faux-fur throws so guests could enjoy the stunning views from the Endless Bridge.
Guests were amazed as they entered the Dowling Studio for dinner and dancing. Vibrant blue and black linens, black paillette linens, and blinged out candlesticks {the guys love bling and so do their girls!} were used to pop the tables against the black box of the Studio. Square crocodile chargers and bow tie napkin folds provided masculine touches. Cityscape gobos and white flocked florals continued the outdoor look but with the feel of a nightclub. A stunning cake created by Gateaux, outlining the history of their family, provided the wow factor and the story of their lives that they wanted to share with new and old friends alike.
We followed an East coast style of service to keep the energy high for New Year’s and projected the countdown to midnight on the TV screen as well as the back wall in the final 30 minutes. The Travelling Photobooth captured the insanity and New Year’s necklaces, noisemakers, tiaras and, of course, a champagne toast helped transition the celebration to the midnight countdown.
It was an honor to work with this amazing family and we are so thankful to the following amazing vendors who chose to celebrate their New Year’s with us!
Full Event Planning +Design: Style-Architects Weddings & Events
Photography: Pixel Posey
Venue: Guthrie Theater
Caterer: Culinaire
Cake: Gateaux, Inc.
Invites + Day-Of Paper: Beau Papier by Gateaux, Inc.
Hair + Make-Up for the Ladies: Nicole Fae
Floral Design: Mani Mela
Linens: Linen Effects
Paillette Linens, Crystal Candlesticks: Mani Mela
Crocodile Chargers: Après Party and Tent Rental
DJ: Primetime DJs
Lighting: Phos Events and the Guthrie
Officiant: Reverend Tomkin Coleman