NEWLYWEDS Local Couples Share Their Love Stories and Wedding Photos

NEWLYWEDS Local couples share their love stories and wedding photos. Breanne & Michael text by CARRIE ANTON WEDDING: May 24, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Jeff Sampson Photography CEREMONY: Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church, Minneapolis Anna & Chas RECEPTION: Café Lurcat, Minneapolis HONEYMOON: Zihuatanejo, Mexico WEDDING: June 19, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Melissa Oholendt Photography Breanne Johnson and Michael Stafford met on the job, but the real work came in highlighting their new home of Minneapolis CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Calhoun Beach Club, Minneapolis HONEYMOON: Tofte (mini moon), and Saint Lucia to wedding guests primarily from out of state. Wanting a classic, chic venue and a foodie vibe, the couple chose Café Lurcat, not only for its amazing menu, but also its stone archway halls, chandelier-dripping ceilings and checkerboard floors. Inspired When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade. But when life hands you Chas Lemon, as it did for Anna Kovalchuk, you fall head-over-heels in by the color of Michael’s sweater in their engagement photos, Breanne was drawn to the color blue, which popped in accents of love. Meeting as teenagers, this couple tied the knot eight years later at the Calhoun Beach Club, where lemons were the perfect garnish for their all kinds. The only thing not blue? Wedding-day skies. “It rained,” says Breanne. “And when I say it rained, I mean it rained all big day. The sunny citrus fruit had a starring role on personalized napkins, lemon wreaths flanking the doors into the ballroom, the lemon-tree morning, all day, all night. My hair got wet, my curls fell, but I would not change a single thing. I am living proof that rain can place card table and little boxes of Lemonhead candy guest favors. The day was even more aglow thanks to natural light pouring in the venue’s still make for an amazing and special day, and I love my wedding more for it.” grand windows, glittery sequin tablescapes and dipped-in-gold accents and décor throughout the space. But despite the stunning look of this special event, the most eye-catching thing for the bride and groom was one another. “There is nothing quite like seeing the person you are going to marry for the first time that day,” says Anna. “I cried immediately and was overwhelmed with happiness and love.” The two shared vows they wrote themselves, before Mr. and Mrs. Lemon puckered up for their first kiss as husband and wife.

132 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 133 Briana & Tom Alyssa & Andres WEDDING: June 27, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Rochelle Louise Photography WEDDING: July 17, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Leah Fontaine Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis HONEYMOON: Florence, Rome and Amsterdam CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Camrose Hill Flower Farm, Stillwater HONEYMOON: Southern California Briana Hassett and Tom Daymont met at Best Buy corporate offices, where they both work. The two were originally on the same team together, In historic Antigua, Guatemala, Andres Bucaro rented a private room in a restaurant and filled it with 75 flickering candles and a rose-petal path that led to even sitting across from one another. However, it took promotions to separate teams for each of them before they realized love had been staring the spot where he would ask for Alyssa DuVal’s hand in marriage. With such a magical, romantic proposal, it’s hard to imagine how their wedding could top them right in the face. Tom finally got up the nerve to ask out Bri, then proposed about a year later over a picnic of favorite foods and wine at the it. But on a flower farm in Stillwater beneath sunny blue skies, the wedding turned out to be a fairy-tale day in a league of its own. Since color was in bloom end of a walk together through Thomas Lowry Park in Minneapolis. When it came time to say “I do,” selecting a venue was easy. “We fell in love as far as the eye could see, the couple kept their palette neutral to play up more rustic touches such as white lights artfully tangled in wooden branches and with Orchestra Hall when we first walked into it,” explains Tom, who says it was the bright and airy feel of the atrium that captured their hearts. vintage chandeliers. “The reception was adjacent to the ceremony area, in an old wooden barn connected to a large tent; it was straight out of my dreams for Making the space their own, the two called on a vivid and bold color palette for their florals and touches of preppy navy and white stripes to give a my big day,” says Alyssa. Andres is from Guatemala and most of his family lives there, so the couple incorporated his family background with bright colors and personal touch to the clean backdrop of their modern venue. traditional textiles, many handmade. The event was a wonderful mixture of cultures, much like the very-in-love newlywed couple.

134 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 135 Brittney & Dustin Carina & Ben WEDDING: July 4, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Liz Banfield Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Private residence HONEYMOON: “Mini-moon tour” to New York, Seattle and Southern California WEDDING: May 24, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Olive Juice Studios CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Aria, Minneapolis “Small” is a relative term when it comes to weddings. However, for Brittney Stewart and Dustin Tauer, it was literally a relative term, with Carina Preskill and Ben Himes started as medical school friends before increased study sessions led to the diagnosis that they were in love. Three a mere 15 family-member guest list. Following a February proposal, the two didn’t wait long to gather their immediate family scattered in years later, they chose dual residencies at Mayo Clinic so that together they could call Rochester home. However, with the bride’s family from different states to a July 4th backyard garden wedding at Brittney’s childhood home in Minnetonka. The couple’s three siblings served as California, the groom’s from Philadelphia, and medical resident friends working across the country, bringing everyone together for their big day the best man, maid of honor and officiant, and the first dance was the only dance of the night. The groom assembled all of the floral pieces, was an equally big task. “One of the best parts of our wedding was having all of the people we care about the most in one place,” says Carina. The including the bride’s bouquet, which was presented during the first look, to call to mind when Dustin picked up Brittney up for a first date. couple celebrated their regional differences, with cocktail hour servings of mini-tacos to represent the West Coast and mini-Philly cheesesteaks for While the couple had mini-celebrations with friends outside of the wedding itself, the ceremony’s small guest list allowed for a bit of splurg- the East Coast. Recordings from Carina’s singer/songwriter grandfather serenaded guests as they were seated for the ceremony, while her maid- ing, greater attention to detail and ultimately less stress. “Couples usually talk about their weddings as being a blur, but I’m happy to say that of-honor sister took the mic to rap her toast to the theme of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The night ended with doctors’ orders of lots of dancing, I can remember every moment of that amazing day,” says Brittney. dessert-table gummy dinosaurs, and a late-night snack of soft pretzels—all of it a perfect prescription for fun memories.

136 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 137 Erica & Dmitry WEDDING: July 10, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: La Vie Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Minneapolis Event Center, Minneapolis HONEYMOON: Belize the Minneapolis Event Center. “It is next to Aster Café, 5011 Penn Avenue South As the planner within the couple, Erica Shea knew a and we knew it was perfect,” says Erica. “The building Minneapolis, MN 55419 proposal was in her future when Dmitry Tomasevich has a ton of character with the exposed brick and beams 612-259-8211 really wanted to whisk her away for a July 4th weekend similar to Aster, but it’s much larger and has some great info@lakeharrietﬂ orist.com up north. Duluth was the destination, a place special modern touches.” Gorgeous flowers popped in the www.lakeharrietﬂ orist.com to Erica thanks to a childhood of happy memories couple’s décor and details, and unique touches thanks visiting her grandparents. Along the creek in Congdon to Dmitry and his family, who are from Kiev, Ukraine, Park where Erica and her sister once played, Dmitry meant that guests were treated to traditions, music and asked the big question. Once engaged, the couple had toasts of “Nazdarovya!” with horseradish vodka shots. hoped to marry at their favorite restaurant, Aster Café, Throwing a fun party for family and friends was the but with the venue too small, they reserved it for their couple’s main wedding-planning goal, and Erica and rehearsal dinner and instead booked the next best thing: Dmitry achieved it with high style.

Specializing in Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaid Dresses

GOWN: SASSI HOLFORD FROM POSH BRIDAL COUTURE | SHOES: VINCE CAMUTO | ACCESSORIES: CHE BELLA | BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: J.CREW Store Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 6 Thursday: 10 to 8 with Alterations 1-4 HAIR: TRES JOLIE SALON | MAKEUP: LIANNA COLESTOCK | GROOM’S & GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE: ATMOSFERE | RINGS: THOMAS JOSEPH AND frankmurphyfashions.com • 651-762-9200 • 4750 Highway 61 N, White Bear Lake, MN SONS | DESSERTS: CAFÉ LATTE | FLOWERS: SADIE’S COUTURE FLORAL Located in the Premier Banks building between 3rd & 4th Street & EVENT STYLING | INVITATIONS & STATIONERY: VANESSA KIMBALL | DJ: INSTANT REQUEST DJ ENTERTAINMENT

138 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 139 Melissa & Melanie WEDDING: May 23, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Tandem Tree Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Aria, Minneapolis HONEYMOON: Australia of the Before same-sex marriage was even legal, Melissa Hesse incorporated for ourselves,” says Melissa. The couple Lady Lake asked Melanie Day to be partners for life. Saying yes, took to the stage of Aria, filling the grand space with the plan started as a small commitment ceremony. a 16-person wedding party. “I felt the stage was really Lake Minnetonka’s Grand Historic Sternwheeler However, three months in, Minnesota made their charged with all the energy of the previous productions Ceremonies and Receptions on Lake Minnetonka marriage legal, which was cause for a bigger celebra- that have been done there,” says Melanie. Décor played All-weather with capacity from 30 to 110 Available for weddings and rehearsal dinners tion. With Melissa’s background in photography and up the historical aspect of the space, with the couple Melanie’s in theater, the two wanted to play up these pulling sheet music and other relevant pieces and using 952-929-1209 · www.ladyofthelakecruise.com important influences. “As a wedding photographer, them to personalize each table. As performances go, seeing people do something that really reflects their no detail was overlooked, and the two happily wedded relationship was something I wanted to make sure we brides deserve a standing ovation. The very best in weddings...

140 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 141 Laura & Andre 2015 WEDDING: May 8, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Plaid Poppy Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Mayowood Stone Barn, Rochester hoping for everything,” says Laura—who was met with Although they attended the same summer camp since the latter. They wanted a wedding that was personal and age 6, Laura Ewing and Andre Blaine didn’t meet until fun, so the couple went all-out with DIY details. With their teenage years, thanks to the camp separation of a romantic, vintage theme, the couple got help from boys from girls. Once they did, Andre went home one friends and family to turn found objects from flea mar- week later, and the two started an old-school pen-pal kets, garage sales and their own personal collection into rosannKcalligrapher.com style friendship. Communication was sporadic at best heartwarming décor. The couple even spent six months 763-221-4584 www.minnesotao ciants.com | 612.825.4432 until 2011, when Andre rediscovered the letters and folding the 1,000 origami cranes that served as the ERIN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY wanted to reunite with Laura. “Soon Andre asked me ceremony backdrop. The day was filled with splendid to fly to Milwaukee to see him; so I flew to see a guy I beauty and the making of lots of great memories, which hadn’t laid eyes on in six years, expecting nothing and made happy campers of this newlywed couple.

Ceremonies... n hey • Receptions ived al • Open Catering ver r Policy Located in downtown St. Paul, on historic Rice Park Photo by Lauren B. Photography

GOWN: ROSA CLARA | BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: THE WEDDING SHOPPE HAIR: SIL’VIE HAIR STUDIO | MAKEUP: KRISTIN SOYRING | GROOM’S & GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE: MEN’S WEARHOUSE | RINGS: KREPS JEWELERS CATERING: OMAR’S KITCHEN CATERING | CAKE: MOTHER OF THE BRIDE DESSERTS: 50’S GRILL; PATISSERIE 46 | BAR: WITH A TWIST BARTENDING FLOWERS: MODERN DESIGN & CONCEPTS | LINENS: OMAR’S KITCHEN CA- TERING; ASAP LINEN RENTAL; MODERN DESIGN & CONCEPTS | RENTALS: MAJESTIC TENTS AND EVENTS | PHOTO BOOTH: BLUE BUS PHOTO BOOTH www.landmarkcenter.org | 75 5th Street W. | St. Paul, MN 55102 | 651.292.3228 DAY-OF COORDINATION: SIMPLY ELEGANT EVENTS

142 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 143 The Twin Cities Finest Full Service Transportation Company essica & Elroy Providing Total Quality Service WEDDING: May 16, 2015 To Our Customers for 20 Years PHOTOGRAPHER: Photogen Inc. Sedans, Vans, SUV’s, Limousines, Limousine Coaches CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Solar Arts Building, Minneapolis HONEYMOON: Maui, Hawaii the night before, when instead of a rehearsal dinner, Having worked in the wedding industry for years, they had an Indian Roce. “A Roce is a Mangalorean Jessica Beverly Parker knew most of what she wanted tradition in which the family and friends bless the for her big day with Elroy Sequeira. The challenge was bride, groom and wedding party with coconut milk finding a venue where she didn’t feel as though she (the roce),” says Jessica of her husband’s Indian culture. Guaranteed On-Time Service was on the job. The Solar Arts Building had an open Jessica wore the sari from her mother-in-law’s own wed- Minnesota’s Finest Fleet of Vehicles and bright feel, featuring beautiful wood floors, and, ding, and Elroy wore a kurtha, with the entire wedding Full Airport Service 952-894-6886 best of all, had never played host to a wedding before, party in traditional Indian dress. “We invited all of our MNDOT #369755 www.ValleyLimoUSA.com and it turned out to be the perfect location. Vendor wedding guests to experience the night with us. It was a friends helped make the couple’s day gorgeous, fun and lot of fun, and so many of our guests raved about how cohesive. Still, one of their favorite elements happened amazing it was.”

PERFECTLY PLANNED

At the Westin Edina Galleria, everything we do is designed to help you feel your best.

For more information or to NII ad (MN Bride)(Dec, 2015).pdf 2 11/28/15 1:17 PM book your next event, contact Tyler Paape at 952.567.5022 or [email protected] YOUR WEDDING FROM START TO FINISH!

CMY REHEARSAL DINNERS WEDDINGS BRIDAL READY ROOM all at the K

images courtesy of lauren b photography GOWN: MONIQUE LHUILLIER | BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: JIM HJELM; ALVINA VALENTA MAIDS | HAIR & MAKEUP: CASTOR & POLLUX | GROOM’S ATTIRE: e Nicollet Island Inn is your one-stop shop for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, CALVIN KLEIN FROM MACY’S | GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE: VERA WANG BLACK FROM MEN’S WEARHOUSE | ENGAGEMENT RING: GOODMAN’S JEWELERS receptions, post-wedding brunches and our elegant and unique WEDDING RINGS: KAY’S JEWELERS | CAKE: CHOWGIRLS | DESSERTS: Bridal Ready Room! Contact our Event Team today for all of your wedding PATISSERIE 46 | FLOWERS: MUNSTER ROSE | LINENS: BBJ LINEN; APRÈS PARTY & TENT RENTAL | RENTALS: APRÈS PARTY & TENT RENTAL; BASH Starwood’s terms and conditions: Event agreement must be signed by the speci ed date needs at [email protected] or (612) 331-1800 x3 COLLECTIVE | FABRIC & DRAPERY INSTALLATION: AVANT DÉCOR | INVITA- above to qualify for this offer. Offer not valid for previously contracted events. Must men- TIONS & STATIONERY: PAPER ROCK SCISSOR | DJ: FLOW EVENT GROUP tion offer at time fo inquiry to qualify. ©2013 Starwood Hotest & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. VINTAGE BUS FOR WEDDING PARTY: RICHFIELD BUS CO. | TRANSPORTA- All rights reserved. 95 Merriam Street Mpls, Minn www.nicolletislandinn.com TION: SCHMITTY & SONS BUS CO. | ROCE VENUE: THE HOTEL MINNEAPO- LIS | EVENT PLANNING: BASH COLLECTIVE

144 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 145 ©Laura Ivanova Photography Margit & Marty WEDDING: June 27, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Laura Ivanova Photography CEREMONY: Nativity of Our Lord, St. Paul RECEPTION: Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis HONEYMOON: Bora Bora and San Francisco Margit Miller and Marty Patterson, who met at bench at our head table because Marty always likes us Colorado College, became engaged while hiking in to sit next to each other at dinner,” says Margit. “We Colorado Springs. With a strong love of the great out- now have the bench in our backyard, and it reminds doors, the couple let nature guide the details of the day, us of our special day, allowing us to see all of the love using one ice-filled canoe for an oyster and shrimp bar, notes left for us from our friends and family.” When the another for Miller beer, a nod to Margit’s maiden name. ceremony ended, it was a breezy getaway to the recep- Table signs were named after Vail runs the couple skis tion for the bride and groom, who drove off in a classic each winter weekend, and a signature bench took the pink convertible, with sunny skies above and the wind place of the traditional guest book. “We sat on the in their hair.

FLAWLESS WEDDING DAY TANS DON’T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT, THEY HAPPEN BY APPOINTMENT.

theglowlounge.com | 612.599.2911 1032 Grand Ave St. Paul | 4532 France Ave Edina

Make your day unforgettable.

146 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 147 essica & Trey WEDDING: May 22, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Vincent Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Lafayette Club, Minnetonka Beach HONEYMOON: Bahamas couple was sure to weave their love of the outdoors into the details, with the duck-call guest favors stealing Trey Davis surprised Jessica Polston when he proposed the show. “If you wanted the couple to kiss, you had at the farm where the two love to spend time outdoors. to quack,” says Jessica, whose guests got a kick out of And though it was wetter, muddier and messier than the playful gesture. To keep the day from flying by too Jessica had ever envisioned, she still says Trey hit the fast, the couple made a point to stop for a few moments mark perfectly. Clearer skies graced the couple’s lakeside together and soak it all in. The end of the night was vintage-inspired ceremony, where the only thing more no different—as the couple left their party, it warmed beautiful than the stunning display of vibrant flowers their hearts to peek back into the ballroom and see their was the bride herself. While the event was elegant, the guests still dancing

NO NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO ENJOY THE PRIVILEGES

CEREMONY & RECEPTION www.GaleMansion.com | [email protected] | 612.870.1662 AT ONE LOCATION GOWN: MONIQUE LHUILLIER FROM L’ATELIER COUTURE | BRIDESMAIDS’ 2115 Stevens Ave S | Minneapolis, MN 55404 DRESSES: BILL LEVKOFF FROM HEARTSTRINGS BRIDAL | HAIR & MAKEUP: JULIA BRETEY SALON; REVOLUTION SALON | GROOM’S & GROOMSMEN’S For more information , please visit ATTIRE: MEN’S WEARHOUSE | RINGS: DIAMONDS DIRECT | CAKE: SWEET our website at www.bearpathgolf.com RETREAT | FLOWERS: SADIE’S COUTURE FLORAL & EVENT STYLING RENTALS: APRÈS PARTY & TENT RENTAL | INVITATIONS & STATIONERY: Beautifully Simple, Elegantly Celebrated or contact Kim Davis or Katie Dix in RIFLE PAPER CO.; A MILESTONE PAPER CO. | CEREMONY MUSIC: LAKE our Catering Office at 952.975.5252 MINNETONKA STRING QUARTET | COCKTAIL/DINNER MUSIC: NED KANTAR DJ: INSTANT REQUEST DJ ENTERTAINMENT | TRANSPORTATION: RENEE’S ROYAL VALET | OFFICIANT: PASTOR GORDON PETERSON | EVENT PLAN- NING: LASTING IMPRESSIONS WEDDINGS

148 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 149 ennifer & Hayden WEDDING: January 31, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: Vick Photography planning memorable CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The Depot, Minneapolis events ﬁ lled with HONEYMOON: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico to ensure meals were made with organic, healthy foods ridiculous amounts As they planned their wedding, Jennifer Pohlad and where possible, and included crème fraîche and berries of Hayden Schuette took inspiration from the bride’s late in place of cake to satisfy guests’ yen for something joy grandmother, whom Jennifer had been very close to. sweet. The couple also added a hand-drawn rosemary “Classy and elegant” guided every stylish detail, includ- illustration done by a friend to various paper pieces. www.denaebrennan.com ing the gorgeous neutral palette of black, ivory, gold, “The herb stands for remembrance,” says Jennifer. gray and pine green. For some brides, their wedding “We used it to remember all of our grandparents and photo: Brandon Werth Photography day “musts” focus on the dress, the flowers and the cer- people who couldn’t be at the wedding. I also loved that emony décor; while those were important to Jennifer, throughout history, rosemary was planted when people the self-proclaimed foodie was more focused on the got married.” The tasteful day was one the couple will menu. She worked closely with the Depot catering staff never forget, and will look timeless for decades to come.

Ceremonies ~ Receptions ~ Rehearsal Dinners ~ Special Events Call 651.227.4477 for reservations or for additional information. www.stpaulcollegeclub.com | [email protected] A beautiful setting for your celebration.

Offering the finest chef-prepared cuisine. Next to the Governor’s Residence on Summit Avenue. 990 Summit Avenue | St. Paul, MN 55105

W ar th perfec locatio fo you ceremony & receptio With our unique Indoor Garden Atrium, our Traditional Ballroom and our all Suite Hotel we’ve got you covered. Your wedding day needs to be perfect. That’s why we make your planning easy and stress-free with all inclusive Wedding Packages. We make sure all the details are covered while you enjoy the Wedding of your Dreams.

Embassy Suites Airport 7901 34th Avenue South, Bloomington MN 55425 GOWN: ROMONA KEVEZA FROM L’ATELIER COUTURE | BRIDESMAIDS’ O: 952.960.5111 | M: 612.300.3001 DRESSES: JENNY YOO | HAIR & MAKEUP: CREATIVE BEAUTÉ AGENCY [email protected] GROOM’S & GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE: THE FOURSOME | WEDDING RINGS: DIAMOND BOUTIQUE, DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA | CATERING: THE DEPOT | FLOWERS: ROGER BECK | LINENS & RENTALS: LINEN EFFECTS; RICHFIELD FLOWERS & EVENTS | INVITATIONS & STATIONERY: LAURIE POHLAD GRAPHIC DESIGN | CEREMONY MUSIC: BEN GARRETT & BAND | DJ: INSTANT REQUEST DJ ENTERTAINMENT | TRANSPORTATION: RENEE’S THEPERFECTWEDDINGMN.COM ROYAL VALET | OFFICIANT: BRIAN SUTER FROM WESTWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH | EVENT PLANNING: WHITE CONFETTI

150 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 151 ackie & Benjamin WEDDING: July 4, 2015 PHOTOGRAPHER: De La Vue Photography CEREMONY: Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis RECEPTION: Carlson Towers Rotunda & venues around the Twin Cities: The Basilica of St. Amphitheatre, Minnetonka; Boat cruise venue: Mary for the ceremony; the Carlson Towers Rotunda Queen of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka and Amphitheatre for cocktails, dinner and live music; HONEYMOON: Costa Rica and the Queen of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka for a fireworks boat cruise and late-night snacks of pizza, Holiday weekends can be great times to hold weddings, popcorn and cookies. Their vision for their big day was 10625 Mount Curve Rd. since more guests may have time off. But for Jackie an elegant, formal and “over-the-top” event of unending Eden Prairie, MN 55347 Hess and Benjamin Gamboni’s 4th of July wedding, surprises. From the bride singing and playing harp to Accommodating up to 952-230-9636 they had other reasons in mind. “We chose it as our serenade the groom, the ice cream sundae station during www.OlympicHills.com wedding date because it was my parents’ wedding anni- cocktail hour, the choreographed first dance, the spar- 200 guests! versary, and closest to the day of my and Benjamin’s kler entrance to the boat cruise, the five-tier cake and first date five years earlier,” says Jackie. “Plus, it means the spectacular fireworks display over Lake Minnetonka, we will always have fireworks to celebrate our anni- guests were treated to a grand and unforgettable event— versary.” Their wedding took place at three distinctive exactly as the happy couple had envisioned. *

@STUDIOCFLORAL WWW.STUDIOCFLORAL.COM 612.803.4758

r beatifl private dining room is the perfect space to host yor rehearsal dinner bridal shower or intimate reception

For more information: 952.656.5922 or [email protected] GOWN: ALLURE BRIDALS | JEWELRY: GIVENCHY | BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: BLACK FRIDAY DRESSES | HAIR: HAIR BY THERESA | MAKEUP: LACEA VIO- LET ARTISTRY | GROOM’S & GROOMSMEN’S ATTIRE: SAVVI FORMALWEAR Redstone American Grill – Eden Prairie RINGS: SHANE CO. | CATERING: BON APPETIT AT CARLSON TOWERS; BAYVIEW EVENT CENTER ON QUEEN OF EXCELSIOR BOAT | CAKE: BUT- 000 den Road den rairie M 3 -03-00 TERCREAM | CUSTOM ALTERATIONS, SEWING & DESIGN WORK: SEW IT ALL | RECEPTION BAND: BLUEWATER KINGS BAND

152 MINNESOTA BRIDE l mnbride.com mnbride.com l MINNESOTA BRIDE 153