Erin & Tom Get Married!

Never have the hours gone by faster at a wedding! Erin and Tom made it official this weekend and it was filled with so much love and laughter that the twelve hours flew by! And the perfect weather didn't hurt! When I met with Erin and Tom last year I knew this was going to be exactly what they wanted: "royal and regal." They knew what they wanted and they were not going to hold back! Erin always thought she would get married in a castle in Ireland and although she may not have gotten the green hillsides, she did get the castle effect at the Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis. Ah-mazing venue! Truly unique craftsmanship and old world feel. Their staff was so helpful and so kind as well! 

After the ladies had hair and make-up done at the mansion by Creative Beaute Agency it was time to dress for the day! Erin was simply glowing the second she stepped into her dress from Angelique's Bridal. Nervous belly aside, this bride was ready to see her groom. Using the mansion's unique layout for the special reveal added some anticipation for all of us! Both Erin and Tom wiped a few tears away after seeing each other for the first time in their wedding attire. Keeping that romantic bubble strong, we went right into bride and groom portraits throughout the mansion. 

As guests arrived to the mansion they were greeted, and treated, to a red-carpet like photo station near the entrance of the ceremony. Erin's mother created a custom step and repeat backdrop for the wedding festivities both before and after ceremony. The courtyard was set up just wonderfully with the natural surroundings and added twinkle lights. After a thoughtful yet light-hearted ceremony led by Pastor Chuck Landon, Tom and Erin sealed their nuptials with a pretty steamy kiss! ;)

Lovely hors d'oeuvres and signature drinks were passed during the cocktail hour. Guests were able to enjoy the atmosphere, drinks and live-event painter on the front yard of the mansion. Moving onto the next space for dinner, the in-house caterer Mintahoe had prepared lovely table settings. KMB Floral did an absolutely wonderful job on the centerpieces in the dining space (and the bouquets and boutonnieres.) In lieu of the traditional clinking of glasses and dollar dance, the couple placed a vase labeled "Honeymoon Fund" on their head table. Guests were invited up to chip in and were rewarded with a kiss from the newlyweds. 

Earlier in the evening Erin and Tom had sliced through their three tiered cake from Denny's 5th Avenue Bakery. The amount of detail present on the filigree of the couple's monogram was impressive! Cake and dessert were served in the courtyard as guests transitioned into the carriage house for the dance. Instant Request played a wide variety of song choices for all sorts of tastes. Guests enjoyed a drink or two, a quick spin on the dance floor and a pit stop at the photo station set up under the cafe lighting in the courtyard. And there couldn't have been anything more perfect to the end of this evening than a sparkler send off! 

Erin and Tom, congratulations and enjoy this recap of your wedding day! It was quite difficult to narrow down any further! =)