Matt & Olga Get Married!

Lots of new experiences today! Olga and Matt were married and it was fantastic! Everything was so lovely from the Russian traditions to the personal and touching toasts. We started the day off with a bartering of the bride which was honestly so darling! Matt had to approach the bridesmaids and family members to barter for his bride. Starting with a little contest, after losing he then had to give something, he chose Reese's. Eventually Matt made it through and Olga and Matt got to see each other for the first time. After a few tears, Matt eagerly stated "let's go get married." And who could blame him?! Olga looked absolutely stunning in her lace dress and veil which she got in Belaruse. I mean, how cool is that?!

The ceremony took place at the gorgeous St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral in Minneapolis. Such amazing detail and architecture! The ceremony was another new experience for me; the bride and groom stopped mid-aisle to go through the exchanging and blessing of rings. The priest then chanted for nearly the entire services, it was lovely. The service also included a hand tying ceremony and then each wedding party member held crowns over the bride and groom's heads. So many beautiful and old traditions were shared today. 

Jumping subjects a bit... But this was one good-looking wedding party! Pretty sure one of the bridesmaids is an actual model, so you get the idea. :) The ladies wore different style red dresses and the men were classically handsome in black suits, white shirts and black ties. The 'maids and bride carried gorgeous arrangements done by Matt's aunt with flowers from the Minneapolis Farmer's Market. We all hopped on the party bus after the ceremony to get a taste of the city for our backdrop. We finished up just as the rain started to pour!

It was a full house at Ambiente Gallerie! Guests were pleasantly enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres when the wedding party arrived. Deco Catering provided delectable hors d'oeuvres and the dinner presentation was beautiful! And who can say anything bad about a vodka bar! Really, who can? At the end of that vodka bar, the three tiered Taste of Love wedding cake was displayed with subtle, yet dramatic, lighting. A perfect way to utilize the unique elements of this venue. Lots of laughter, and lots of shots of vodka, made a fun ambience all evening. 

So, we all know that giving toasts can be quite nerve-wracking or even sometimes quite awful but I must say that all of the speeches tonight were touching, funny, personal and sweet. Most of Olga's family doesn't speak English so some of the evening was translated. It was awesome being surrounded by Russian all day; what a neat language. And I love me a good accent! ;)  One of the toasts from a bridesmaid included a tip to the bride and groom, in summary, that even in a fight not to worry who is right or wrong but to look into each other's eyes and remember the love you have for one another. How sweet is that! She did add that no matter what she'd be on Olga's side however. The best man razzed Matt a bit but overall was quite a touching and emotional toast about what a great friend he really is. Olga's sister finished up the toasts letting Matt know that with all of the woman in the world to fall in love with, he found the best one. Dances took place shortly after and there was a point in the evening where you could tell the vodka had kicked in a bit... F-U-N! 

I could go on and on about today! So many beautiful moments and new experiences. 

Matt and Olga, enjoy your quick recap of your gorgeous wedding day! Gorko! Gorko! Gorko!