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
