Kate & Heather // Bar Lurcat
Kate and Heather’s love story begins with the power of technology. The two connected through an online dating website and the rest is history. Kate formed an immediate bond with Heather’s kids and their relationship became incredibly close. It didn’t take them long to realize that Kate and Heather were meant to be together, which led Kate to move to Rochester. Eventually the two were engaged.
Kate and Heather’s wedding took place on a cold, yet stunning, December evening. Kate and Heather wanted to be married in the darkness of a cool winter night with snow lightly falling. In place of snow, they had bitter cold but that didn’t stop them. It was intimate and magical! The warm copper and navy palette with pops of white floral created a warm atmosphere for guests to return to after the chilly ceremony. Having a foodie, multi-course menu for their guests was something the two wanted to incorporate into their special day and Bar Lurcat was the perfect choice. Crab Cakes, Yellowtail Carpaccio, Steak Tartare and Fois Gras Mousse were followed by a five course meal and extensive dessert display, including passed mini donuts. Sliders and fries capped the evening. Throughout the evening, guests were entertained by the very talented Dan Rodriguez. After being introduced to Dan and booking him for their wedding, Kate and Heather quickly became fans and have since attended a number of his concerts.
We have planned three Hurley family weddings, with Kate being the last. Their family has been an absolute joy to work with throughout the years and I will miss them all!
Full-Service Design & Planning: Style-Architects Weddings & Events | Photography: Cadence & Eli Photography | Videography: Acowsay | Venue: Bar Lurcat | Catering and Desserts: Bar Lurcat | Floral: Sadies Couture Floral | Linens and Stage: Apres Party and Event Rental | Cafe Lights: Phos Events | Band: Dan Rodriquez | Hair and Make-up: Kristine Loehrer | Invitations & Paper: Jacki Schiltz | Transportation: Eclipse Transportation
Our Top Five 2020 Wedding Trend Predictions
It may be 2019 but 2020 wedding planning is in full force! So, when planning your 2020 wedding, look beyond what is currently being done and see what is starting to emerge within the industry. We see shifts and we are all about sharing!
1. Goodbye Greenery!
As gorgeous as greenery looks, this trend has seen its better day. Brides are utilizing grasses and other non-traditional elements in place of greenery for more natural looks and moving back to fuller floral (with greenery as an accent not the focus) for more formal looks. With the greenery trend came more organic shaping and this is definitely sticking around. Dropping the greenery allows couples to incorporate a wide variety of stunning flowers and colors into their wedding decor, giving it a more vibrant and lively look.
2. Bands over DJ’s
DJ’s have been used heavily at wedding receptions for decades now, but bands have taken over the wedding entertainment scene. For 2019 and 2020, well over 3/4 of our couples are hiring bands over DJs. Bands create great energy in a room and provide visual entertainment for those stubborn guests who simply won’t dance - regardless of how the music is produced.
3. Bye Bye Blush - Hello Color!
The blush trend is over and close behind is marsala. Blush is still being used as a neutral to bridge deeper and lighter hues, but it in no longer the primary color in weddings. Bold and bright palettes for summer and rich and moody palettes for winter are on the horizon. We are beyond excited to see couples choose bolder and richer colors for their wedding. Not only do these colors add a sense of uniqueness, but they also add drama and depth to the overall look.
4. Clean and Simple Wedding Gowns
Supposedly Inspired by Meghan Markle’s elegant choice for her wedding gown, more and more brides are shying away from lace and heavily-detailed wedding gowns and are sticking to clean and simple looks. This trend certainly allows the bride more freedom to accessorize in a variety of ways or to go with more dramatic makeup.
5. Creative Cakes
Couples are retreating back to the {not so} traditional wedding cake. Whether it is creatively displaying the cake or getting creative with the cake itself, couples are getting inspired in the design and presentation of their cakes, making them works of art to display at their receptions.
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.
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!
University Club // Lisa & Louis
Lisa, born and raised in St. Paul, wanted her wedding filled with St. Paul charm, so the University Club was the perfect fit for both their ceremony and reception. The classic candelabras, damask and lace linens, lush florals and greenery played well with the elegance of the venue. Though the wedding was late September, it turned out to be a gorgeous day. Even the planter flowers outside cooperated for photos! Guests drank and danced well into the night with the Apollo Quartet. What a beautiful evening for a lovely couple!
Full Service Design & Planning: Style-Architects Weddings & Events | Photography: Jeff Loves Jessica Photography | Venue and Catering: University Club | Cake: Farina Baking Company | Floral: Martha’s Gardens | Linens and Candelabras: Linen Effects | Band: Apollo Quartet | Hair and Make-up: Andrea Holton | Invitations & Paper: Paper Rock Scissor | Transportation: Eclipse Transportation
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
Flower Garlands and Decor
We think flowers are the most beautiful thing at a wedding {next to the bride of course!} so why not play them up and create a gorgeous focal point for your wedding. With so many colors and varieties to choose from, the opportunities to get creative are endless. Rather than sticking with typical floral centerpieces, wow your guests with flower garlands. These garlands can be placed on railings, draped over chairs, run across tables, or even hung from the ceiling. Using this decor not only adds color to your wedding, but it also draws attention to architectural features and other details you wish to bring to attention. Below are some flower garlands + decor we have used in our weddings as well as some Pinterest-inspired flower garlands we love.
Ashley and Patrick's Wedding Photography: Photogen, Inc.
Hayley and Luke's Wedding Photography: Pixel Posey Photography
Karla and Tim's Wedding Photography: Graddy Photography
Venue Feature: Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Style-Architects spotlights the historical Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Style-Architects is excited to be designing and executing one of the very first weddings at the historical Minneapolis Institute of Arts. With stunning outdoor space for the ceremony, gorgeous marble foyers for cocktails, adjacent art galleries, and the built-in lighting and ambiance of the Graves Reception Hall, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts should definitely be on the tour list of all discerning brides. What types of events are held at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts?
The MIA has recently opened up its elegant surroundings to host social events such as wedding receptions, engagement parties, anniversaries, birthdays, and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Beautiful reception areas and meeting spaces are located within or adjacent to the museum’s renowned galleries, so guests feel immersed among the world-renowned collections.
What makes the Institute such a unique and attractive venue for events and weddings?
Every couple wants their wedding to be special, unique, joyous, and memorable. Weddings, after all, are direct reflections of a couple’s personalities, individually and together, and unique interests. MIA spaces offer distinctive, refined, stylish appeal to any modern bride or groom, with the ease of event-planning professionals who handle all the details.
Tell us about the spaces that are available to events at the Institute.
Graves Reception Hall:Designed by internationally renowned architect Michael Graves, this magnificent reception hall was completed in 2006. Crowned with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, the maple-paneled room is an elegant, spacious setting. The adjacent MacMillan Atrium, with its marble floors and dramatic sightlines, is a perfect space for a cocktail reception.
Regis Fountain Court & Bruce B. Dayton Rotunda: The majestic marble hall and elegant rotunda, complete with marble fountain, offers dramatic sightlines with soaring ceilings and enchanting balconies. It is surrounded by iconic masterpieces that form a backdrop to hosted events.
Villa Rosa Room:This elegant third-floor dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer beautiful treetop views of Target Park. The space is perfect for roundtable discussions, lectures, luncheons, or dinners. Adjacent to gallery space, it offers an opportunity for guests to feel immersed among the artwork.
Wells Fargo Community Room:This versatile, light-filled room is ideal for a more intimate wedding reception. A patio area opening onto Target Park is a wonderful amenity, weather depending.
What are some of the benefits of hosting an event at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts?
The MIA offers an unparalleled environment in which to connect with art, ponder it, marvel at it, and celebrate the important moments of life in a creative, elegant, historic atmosphere. Guests will always remember any event held—flawlessly—at the museum.
What is your favorite part of working with event planners and brides?
It’s exciting to collaborate closely the host or the event planner to ensure the execution of a flawless event. The MIA team meets with clients to brainstorm about their vision. Then our friendly, well-trained staff works to make it happen, delivering professional service and attention to detail from setup to cleanup. The joy witnessed on guests’ faces is priceless and incredibly rewarding.
What types of clients are drawn to your venue?
The MIA special events staff caters to a diverse group of people who love the arts and appreciate the sophisticated ambiance offered by the museum’s facilities. Its unique, versatile spaces invite hosts to use their imaginations. Clients frequently come to us with their creative vision, or look to us for ideas. It’s our job to make that vision a reality, which is what makes the job so fun.