Last weekend Emily and Eric tied the knot at the beautiful Town & Country Club in St. Paul. This was my first winter wedding and I was so excited for possibilities of the day that could come with it. There wasn't a ton of snow to make it a winter wonderland but Emily was simply breathtaking in her custom-made fur cape and fairytale ball gown that it didn't even make a difference! Her cape was made-to-order by the Brenda at Amazing Alterations in Anoka. The bride purchased her wedding gown, the bridesmaid dresses and all of the tuxes from the Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul. Special touches were added to the wedding party to go along with this winter themed wedding as well. The bridesmaids wore fur hand muffs as well as fur wraps to protect their shoulders from the brisk winter weather. The gentlemen sported personalized black and silver silk scarves throughout the night capped off by old school shoe caps for a vintage feel.
Both ceremony and reception took place at the Town & Country Club letting guests get cozy for the evening. The reception was a blast between the hilarious best man and maid of honor toasts, a twist on the newlywed game led by DJ Silver Fox Entertainment and a picture of the bride's head floating around on a stick as an inside family joke! Centerpieces were DIY cylinder vases that were frosted in white for an extra wintery touch at each table. The three tiered wedding cake by Buttercream was gorgeous adorned in deep purple swirls and glittered snowflakes-- and of course, it was delicious!
Eric and Emily started the evening with a great first dance with lots of twirls, although I hear the triple twirl was taken out due to the size of Emily's gown, and finished off with a dip and a kiss! The wedding party jumped on the dance floor and took the night away, although the bridesmaids and bride definitely led the crowd in energy! Never losing a beat the DJ insisted that ALL the men got on the dance floor to serenade Emily prior to the garter toss... And serenade they did! Maid of Honor and the Best Man were the lucky ones to catch the bouquet and garter that night. To bid farewell to their guests mini containers of hot cocoa and marshmallows were left as thank you's as they exited.
Eric and Emily it was such a pleasure to be there to capture your day! I hope you enjoy a few of my favorites to illustrate your magical winter wedding.
Man, oh, man I am behind! Lots of updated posts coming soon!
This gorgeous couple was hitched in Duluth, MN earlier in September and it was such an amazing day! Kari and Garrett really got creative for their wedding day focusing on a 50's theme. From the wedding decor, guests' attire (some fantastic outfits!!) and down to the late night milkshakes all gave an amazing vintage vibe. The couple's day started with a first sight on a gorgeous beach and since Kari lived in Duluth for several years, she knew all the great locations to go to. The day had showers on and off but I made sure to use this to our advantage! Tons of usage with reflections in puddles and the dramatic clouds in the sky with a hint of sunshine was awesome!
Of course the couple looked amazing! Kari's BCBG dress had great structure and design giving the bride a perfected modern vintage look from head-to-toe. Her broach bouquet was absolutely gorgeous, and heavy, again pulling the vintage into her overall look. The bouquet also was her 'something borrowed' since most of the broaches came from family and friends. Garrett looked quite dapper as well in a light gray suit topped with a matching fedora. Before the ceremony we buzzed around town and got some great shots at Park Point, of course used the Lift Bridge as a backdrop, the lighthouse and the gorgeous rose garden. We made sure to get a little "urban" feel as well and found a fantastic alley for a cool dramatic background.
Kari and Garrett made sure to treat their guests right! As we were taking pictures around the city, their guests enjoyed a pre-ceremony picnic at Brighton Beach where the ceremony took place. Hot dogs, veggies and treats served the guests as they waited the arrival of the bride and groom. As the weather proved to be "on and off" with rain all day, it did start to rain as the ceremony was to begin on the beach so guests crowded intimately beneath the pavilion and surrounded Kari and Garrett as they said their vows. It created such an encompassing environment and truly made the ceremony so-so special with friends and family gathered around the couple.
The fun definitely got started at the reception where tables were adorned with 50's get-up at every inch! Instead of chargers there were vinyl records; instead of table numbers there were musicians like Buddy Holly; each place card was a small vinyl record charm attached to martini glasses; and black and white polka dot lamps with feathers topped as the centerpieces. Instead of the traditional wedding cake, Kari and Garrett went the cupcake route made by a family member (so yummy!). There they continued the vinyl record decor which cleverly served as cupcake stands. Of course, we cannot forget the couples change of attire. Kari rocked a white halter dress with a fantastic red petticoat and adorable red shoes and belt to match! 50's music rang in the first few of hours of the reception and these guests sure could do-the-twist! To add even more great lighting effects, the dance floor had a section with mirrors on the ceiling so I definitely had tons of fun with that too!
Kari and Garrett, it was so amazing to be apart of your day! Here is a taste of the images I captured--enjoy!
