Kenzie Amick 5/30/19 Kenzie Amick 5/30/19

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.

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.

Kenzie Amick 4/4/19 Kenzie Amick 4/4/19

{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

Kenzie Amick 3/14/19 Kenzie Amick 3/14/19

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!

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Kenzie Amick 1/16/19 Kenzie Amick 1/16/19

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.