How to Get Your Marriage License
Wedding planning should be a ton of fun but not all activities are created equal. Take getting the marriage license. Of course it certainly feels “real” when you hold that unsigned license in your hand, but let’s face it, filling out the paperwork necessary for your license is not as much fun as picking out flowers or your gown! So, with not much attention focused on this task, we thought it would be helpful to explain the process couples must take in order to make their marriage legal in the state of Minnesota.
To obtain your marriage license you must appear in person at the county clerk’s office, either by an appointment or a walk-in. To save time, we suggest filling out the paperwork online (using this link for Ramsey County or this link for Hennepin County) and scheduling an appointment. Both partners must be present and are required to show proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, but if one of the parties can’t appear, a supplemental form will be given to the partner who is there to be completed by the partner who is not. Assuming both partners are present, the marriage license is given to you at the appointment.
The marriage license fee is $40.00 with proof of Premarital Education completed and $115.00 without Premarital Education. The fee must be paid at the time you apply for the license.
The next step will take place on the day of your wedding. To make the marriage license complete, both partners, the officiant, and two witnesses must sign it.
Lastly, it’s the officiant’s job to send in the completed marriage license to the county clerk, within five days of the wedding. Once that’s done, an official marriage record is mailed to the couple and the marriage is deemed official.
There are a couple of things to make note of. First, you may apply for a marriage license in any county in Minnesota, regardless of where you live or where the marriage is taking place, as long as the wedding will take place within Minnesota. Simply complete the form for the county in which you plan to make your appointment. Secondly, no longer is there a five day waiting period, though I wouldn’t push this to the last minute in case there are issues that arise! Previous marriages and legal troubles may complicate things as additional documentation is required. Your marriage license is valid for 6 months so this is certainly an easy to-do item to knock off the list months before the wedding.
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.
Engagement Ring 101
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching and love in the air, we thought this would be the perfect time to teach you all there is to know about engagement rings. From diamond cuts to ring styles, we’ve got it covered. (After all, we don’t want any confusion when communicating what you want to that special someone!) Share this blog with your guy and tell him it’s time to ditch the teddy bear and box of chocolates and go big this Valentine’s Day!
Diamond Shapes
1. The Round Brilliant Cut
Starting with the most popular shape, the Round Brilliant diamond has been used in rings for hundreds of years, making it a truly ageless choice.
2. The Princess Cut
Available in both square and rectangular shapes, the Princess Cut is the second most popular diamond shape. Notice the corners are square and not clipped. The color that the Princess Cut projects is very unique compared to other shapes.
3. The Marquise Cut
Looking for a more unique yet gorgeous shape? The Marquise Cut is the perfect shape for maximizing carat weight since it is a shallower cut. Because of the unique shape it holds, it creates the effect of longer, more slender hands and fingers.
4. The Emerald Cut
The Emerald Cut diamond is unique because it showcases the diamond’s original clarity beautifully because of its large rectangular shape and beveled facets. This shape also makes inclusions and color more apparent (not a good thing!)
5. The Cushion Cut
Because of its pillow-like shape, The Cushion Cut is another timeless look. With rounded corners and large facets, this particular shape often appears more brilliant and clearer.
6. The Radiant Cut
Another more unique shape, the Radiant Cut combines the lines of an Emerald Cut with the brilliance of a round diamond.
7. The Oval Cut
A classic look making a resurgence, the Oval Cut is another one of the more popular cuts of diamonds. Similar to the Marquise Cut, this shape makes the fingers and hands of the wearer appear longer and more slender.
8. The Pear-Shaped Cut
Soft and delicate, the Pear-Shaped cut has a teardrop-like style that is absolutely gorgeous. This shape combines round and marquise cuts, making for a brilliant look.
9. The Asscher Cut
Often mistaken for an emerald cut because of their similar shapes and facets, the Asscher Cut is clipped in the corners.
10. The Trilliant Cut
Another unique shape, the Trilliant Cut is a triangular shaped stone that offers a number of variations, including the shape of the top surface and sides.
Ring Styles
Once you have your preferred diamond shape in mind, it’s time to consider how you would like it set. Whether you prefer a modern setting or you embrace unique or vintage styles, there is sure to be a look for everyone.
1. The Solitaire
Most jewel experts consider the Solitaire ring to be the “Classic” engagement ring. The ring centers its focus on the chosen stone, set on either a three, four, or six prong setting.
2. The Cluster
The Cluster ring stands apart from others because of the number of stones used in the piece. Where the Solitaire style places its focus on the center stone, the Cluster uses many smaller stones to form a cluster look.
3. The Three-Stone
The Three-Stone look features a larger center stone with one smaller stone on each side. Initially created as an anniversary style to represent past, present and future, it is gaining in popularity as an engagement style as well.
4. The Halo
Due to the large amount of gemstones needed to produce this style of ring, The Halo is one of the most difficult rings to make. With a center stone surrounded by a halo of smaller stones, the ring has a gorgeous shine to it. This style accentuates the center stone, making it appear larger.
5. The Double-Halo
Giving the classic Halo ring a modern twist, the Double-Halo features two rows of small diamonds that frame the center stone.
6. The Pavé
This style of an engagement ring was created with maximum brilliance and light in mind. It uses tiny gemstones placed so tightly together to form an illusion that there is no setting holding them in place. Coming from the French word for “paved,” these engagement rings look as if their surfaces have been paved with diamonds, creating a glittering, unbroken expanse of light and sparkle.
7. The Bezel
A striking modern look, the Bezel ring uses a type of elevated collar which wraps the rim of the diamond in a complete metal edging.
8. The Split Shank
The Split Shank engagement ring is another unique choice, where the band splits near the diamond. This often creates the illusion of two bands rather than one.
10. The Channel Setting
Unlike a pave ring where each side diamond is individually set, this style features diamonds set in a channel forming a line around the band.
11. The Tension Ring
With the center stone being supported not by prongs but rather by pressure, the Tension ring has a unique and modern look to it.
12. The Twist Ring
Symbolizing endless love and commitment, this beautiful ring showcases intertwined bands with the main focus being on the center stone.
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.
Studio 1414 // Lawrence & Johnny
With no set traditions for same-sex couples, Lawrence and Johnny had complete freedom to create an unparalleled event. For their celebration we transformed Studio 1414, a photography studio, into a unique and fun experience for their guests. The couple utilized the same space for both the ceremony and reception without the need for a flip. We mixed things up and started with a cocktail hour followed by an informal, standing ceremony with guests surrounding the couple and officiant, creating a very intimate setting with their closest friends and family. For their free flowing reception, they provided food stations which featured charcuterie and favorites from Johnny's native Korea. The event continually evolved from dinner to dancing, darts and pool to amazing mini desserts and later to a create your own ramen bar! Lawrence and Johnny wanted to embrace their personal style in regard to both the attire and décor. They looked very handsome in their casual attire and the décor spoke to the relaxed feel of their celebration and their love for mid century modern decor. Edison bulbs were suspended from the ceiling; the round tables, high tops and wooden tables were lined with orange detailed linens; warm florals brightened the space; and modern lounge groupings were brought in to enhance the intimate feel of the wedding.
It turned out to be a beautiful and relaxed evening for family and friends of this {now} Los Angeles based couple! Check out the images below of Lawrence & Johnny's special day!
Event Planning + Design: Style-Architects Weddings + Events | Photography: Melissa Hesse - Rivets & Roses | Venue: Studio 1414 | Catering: Fabulous Catering | Lighting: Phos Events | Florals: Munster Rose | Rentals: Aprés Party and Tent Rental, Rudy’s Event Rentals | DJ/Band: Primetime DJs | Paper: Spark Letterpress and Meghan Rose Design
LGBTQ Wedding Trends
With the Gay Pride Festival this weekend, we wanted to celebrate a few of our lovely couples we've been fortunate enough to plan weddings for and to give inspiration with trends we have noticed for same-sex couples!
Original Attire Choices We love it when couples embrace the freedom to wear anything that fits their personal style! Of course we love wedding gowns and the traditional suit and tie, but Lawrence + Johnny looked very handsome in their casual attire.
Ceremonies in the Round Most of our couples are choosing to modernize traditional ceremonies by having a less structured bridal party and ceremony. We see a lot of standing ceremonies where guests surround the couple and officiant, creating a very intimate setting.
Exceptional Venues There are no limits to where you can celebrate your special day. Jason + Rodney had an intimate ceremony with their closest friends and family on the Guthrie Theater's Endless Bridge, which offered gorgeous views of the Mississippi River. Lawrence + Johnny chose to transform Studio 1414, a photography studio.
Free Flowing Receptions Couples are moving away from formal sit-down dinners and are utilizing the same space for both a ceremony and reception without the need for a flip. This format is more intimate, requires less space and gives you the option to have food trucks or stations.
Decor + Aesthetic Overall, most couples want to break the mold and have unique details that speak to their long standing, committed relationships. Andrew + Brendan created a flawless wedding cake that told their love story from start to finish.
Unique Entertainment If you're looking for a more relaxed feel, plan a reception like Lawrence + Johnny's where they included fun activities such as pool and darts.
With no set traditions for same-sex couples, we have complete freedom to create an unparalleled event and to uniquely personalize their special day.
Images 1-8 Andrew + Brendan // Pixel Posey
Images 9-17 Lawrence + Johnny // Melissa Hesse Rivets + Roses
Images 18-25 Jason + Rodney // Thea Volk Rivets + Roses
Wedding Send-offs
One of the best photo-ops on your wedding day is when your guests send you and your groom off after the ceremony or reception. Make this traditional celebration modern by having your guests throw a little something that fits your wedding style! Choose an eco-friendly option such as wild flowers or greenery to maintain a boho feel, make it a party with confetti, or light the way with sparklers or LED balloons! Little details like this add a special touch to starting your new lives together.
Photography Credits {Top to Bottom, Left to Right}:
Etsy – craftupyourlife via Deer Pearl Flowers
Keidra Lejeune Photography via ruffled blog
Nina Claire Photography via Rock n Roll Bride
Bridal Musing via Deer Pearl Flowers
Photogen Inc.
via Google
Getty Images
Getty Images
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.
Pinspiration // Drip Cakes
Every bride wants a wedding cake that is [almost} too gorgeous to eat, yet has everyone craving a bite. Styling your cake with a perfect drizzle will achieve that goal by creating a trendy and tasteful look.
It's easy to design a drip cake that will flow flawlessly with your wedding style. From a stunning three-tier wedding cake that is elegant and detailed to a simple one-tier beauty that screams perfection, this trend is sure to complete your wedding decor. Decorate it with greenery, fruit or flowers to add some "flavor", or leave it bare to let the drip take all the attention!
See more inspiration on our {Drip Cakes} Pinterest board!
Photograph Credit {Top to Bottom // Left to Right}:
2 Kendra Sue Photography via Wedding Chicks
3 Midnight Sun Cakery via Brit + Co
4 Great Woodland Photography // Cake: Sweet Emma Lou via Something Turquoise
5 Petra Veikkola Photography via Wedding Forward
6 Koman Photography via Brides
7 Lucy Munoz Photography // CAKE Event Company // Beverly’s Bakery via SouthBound Bride
8 Hansel & Gretel Cake via Wedding Forward
9 Via Hochzeitswahn
Bar Lurcat // Karla & Tim
We had so much fun being a part of Karla + Tim's special day. As you know, our goal for each wedding is to make it a personal expression of the couple's style, and our lovely bride wanted bling so... we gave her bling {and lots of it} on her big day! Diamonds are a girl's best friend, am I right?!
For their ceremony, we suspended gorgeous, crystal chandeliers amongst flower garlands and hanging jewel strands. Cafe lights wouldn't do so we draped jewel strands above the ceremony seating instead! The centerpieces displayed hanging gems, and we also incorporated jeweled details into their wedding cake {that seemed just too beautiful to eat} in order to keep the look cohesive throughout.
Karla is such a beautiful woman with a great sense of style {did you notice that Inbal Dror gown?} and from the look on Tim's face, he thinks so too!
Full Service Wedding Planning: Style-Architects Weddings + Events
Photographer: Graddy Photography
Venue: Bar Lurcat
Gown: Inbal Dror from l’atelier couture
Bridesmaid Dress: Tara LaTour
Florals: Martha’s Gardens
Rentals: Linen Effects
Chandeliers: Phos Events
Cake: Farina Baking Co.
Paper: Paper, Rock, Scissor
Band: Chris Koza
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