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.
Photographer: Kavella Wedding Photography
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.
Photographer: Laura Ivanova Photography
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.
Photographer: Cadence & Eli
Responsibilities of the Bridesmaids
Being asked to be someone’s bridesmaid is a huge honor. Whether it be you sister or your elementary school bestie, there is something so special about being able to stand next to your girl while she says, “I do.” With that being said, there are a handful of unspoken responsibilities and expectations that come along with this role. Below are 5 ways you should expect to help your bride while leading up to her wedding day, to ensure you are as helpful and supportive as you can be.
1. Be emotionally supportive.
During the months leading up to their big day, most brides are often very overwhelmed with a range of emotions. It’s important that you are there to listen to her rant or to dry her tears, or whatever it is that she may need. If you aren’t in love with the bridesmaid dress or you have contrary opinions on a subject, be a sweetheart and keep your thoughts to yourself.
Photographer: 2nd Truth Photography
2. Assist in pre-wedding tasks.
Whether it be giving your opinion on linen colors or stuffing invitations, the smallest task can go a long way and it will make her life easier.
Photographer: Ali Leigh Photography
3. Help plan and attend pre-wedding events.
The bachelorette party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner and a number of other events are all things you should offer to help with and to try your best to attend.
Photographer: Half Acre House
4. Be prepared to pay.
Between gifts, expenses and travel, the average women spends nearly $1000 to be in a wedding. If you aren’t prepared to lay out that kind of cash, it is better to kindly decline the invitation than to go along begrudgingly or to put yourself in a tougher financial situation. If you accept, then you accept the expense that goes along with it.
Photographer: Melissa Oholendt Photography
5. Be on-hand and helpful on the wedding day.
Just in case anything goes wrong or the bride needs assistance, make sure to be ready to jump in and help with a variety of tasks throughout the entire wedding day.
Photographer: Lovely Day Fleur
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
{Local} Spring Floral Inspiration
We have officially survived yet another long and cold winter… Yay! After these brutal Minnesota winters, one of our favorite things about the season change is the stunning floral that comes with it. The brilliant pops of color are much needed after spending months in a wintery darkness. Here in the Twin Cities, we are lucky to have a wide range of incredibly talented floral designers. They are creative geniuses, always seeking out the freshest looks while adding their own personal flare. Two local designers have specifically caught our eye this season and have blown us away with their spring creations on Instagram. Liz Mattingly with Lilia Flower Boutique and Ashley Fox with Ashley Fox Designs have both done an incredible job at intertwining the hottest spring floral trends and their own artistic talent to design unbelievable creations we just have to share.
Lilia Flower Boutique
Photographer: Anna Ko Photography
Ashley Fox Designs
Photographers:
Row 1: Ashley Fox
Row 2 (Left to right): Ashley Fox, Heather Trachsel
Row 3 (Left to right): Marit Williams, Lauren Krysti
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.
