Sarah & Michael – “I want to marry Michael Jackson”

Gotcha!! Wrong Michael folks, but Sarah is a child of the late eighties so yes, it probably was “the” Michael Jackson she had intended on originally.

Sarah and Michael went to school in Howard Lake, MN together, and I guess you could say they were high school sweethearts?! Everyone who spoke about these two couldn’t say enough positive things about them both.

Rachel and I started out the day with Sarah and the ladies at Sarah and Michael’s downtown Minneapolis apartment. Chantelle and Christina from Ambiance Salon in Woodbury, did a fabulous job with hair and make-up! I loved the use of braids in Sarah’s hair (notice the braiding on the dresses and on the cake as you scroll down). Kudos to these fine artistes.

With both of their beginnings stemming from rural settings, in small towns, it’s interesting to point out that they must love urban life. From their high rise dwelling within walking distance to Nicollet Mall, to their reception at Windows on Minnesota it’s clear they don’t have any aversions to heights.

They had a lovely ceremony at the Grace Lutheran Church on the campus of the University of Minnesota, Sarah’s alma mater. The natural light coming through the chapel’s windows made our job all the easier.

Beautiful blue hydrangea arrangements, a personal favorite flower variety, from Floret-Fine Flowers and Design, out of Wayzata, donned the church pews. The bouquets and large altar arrangements incorporated incredible peacock feathers, which accentuated the beauty of the jewel-toned blue attendant’s dresses.

These sophisticated dresses suggested a Greek theme, which was later continued at the reception starring an amazing Grecian creation by the artists from Gateux. By the way, those flowers are frosting!

Fearing emaciation, the couple stopped for a bit of dog at a hot dog cart near the IDS center. This provided for some interesting photo material. Totally into that street vendor scene, Diane Arbus minus the depression…? Hardy ha ha.

50 floors up above all of Minneapolis, watching the sunset and lights of the city rise, need I say more? In fact, my best childhood memory is my mom getting “lost” as we began our drive back to the country from the city. She did this just so my brother and I could enjoy the City Lights. Thanks Mom. And thank you Mr. And Mrs. Michael Jackson!

Kristin & Nick – Plan B Kicks into High Gear

Alright! The tabulations are in, this summer’s Most Organized Bride Award goes to, drum roll please, Ms. Kristin Carlson.

Planning a wedding takes skill, determination, good organization and communication. Especially, when you are planning a Minnesota wedding via Colorado. Kudos to Kristin!

Kristin & Nick met at a Colorado Rockies game. Nick was walking with a couple of friends, when he spied Kristin. Kristin shouted, “You’re cute!” However, not at Nick… He and others joked that night that he was Plan B.

Nick prepared for the day at the unique Spicer Castle. Meanwhile, Kristin & her attendants and family beautified at her family’s lake home. And, thanks to Kristin, stayed organized with updates from Kristin’s schedule via laptop computer.

After a photo session at the Lake, the bridal party was off to take more pictures and prepare for the ceremony at the Green Lake Bible Camp Church. After a beautiful ceremony, the guests were invited to release balloons as the couple excited the church.

Have you ever seen a bride tee off in a full ball gown and bare feet? We have! Nick and Kristin played one hole of golf before meeting their guests for dinner at the Blue Heron, where Kristin and her florist had transformed the dining room into an intimate gathering place.

Later in the evening, I had a chance to interview the couple’s parents, and learned that this was a couple that strengthened each other by balancing out one another’s weaknesses. Kristin supports Nick, and Nick supports Kristin. I can think of a better compliment and testimonial to their love. We’re glad she went with Plan B.

Melissa & David – Hey good lookin

I never thought I would mention Marilyn Manson in a wedding blog entry. However, I can’t help but start singing, audibly of course, “the beautiful people, the beautiful people,” when thinking about our day with Melissa and David.

Or better yet, maybe I should sing “Hey good lookin’ what ya got cookin?”

Okay, okay, I’m still day dreaming about the amazing dinner we supped at the reception, with fine foods from Fabulous Catering.

My day started at Melissa’s childhood home on Clearwater Lake outside of Annandale, Minnesota. Melissa paged through some bride to be porn, searching for inspiration for her hairstyle whilst good friend and wedding savant, Naomi Damask eagerly awaited her instructions.

Meanwhile, sisters Amy and Kristin, balanced mothering their children and beautifying themselves. Fortunately, they have good genes and can pride themselves in being natural beauties. As the pictures clearly prove.

Melissa wore a beautiful party dress from Monique Lhuillier, and her attendants looked radiant in their garden inspired dresses from Anthropologie, Melissa’s current place of employment.

Adam spent the morning of the wedding with David and his family as they diligently prepped for the beautiful day, making last minute flower arranging, etc… at Melissa’s grandfather’s “farm.”

The cocktail hour was reminiscent of the polo scene from “Pretty Woman.” As storm clouds hung heavily in the early evening sky, we doubted staying dry during the outside exchange of vows. Making matters worse, the officiant lost his way and arrived forty minutes late. Meanwhile, plenty of wine and eats were available for the interesting array of guests. Consequently, I can’t think of a nicer way to spend a hot evening in August imbibing and conversing with unique individuals.

It didn’t rain. We’ve got a good record going. Rain zero. Digital Art House ten. I suppose the rain will want a rematch this autumn.

After performing the quickest service this side of the Mississippi, the guests were treated to the visual and palpable treats designed by fellow Patina guru, Danelle. Sorry folks, she sidelines as a wedding specialist only for special friends, taking a break from her day job as a merchandiser for this eclectic gift boutique.

Adam and I had a wonderfully selfish day with Melissa and David. They honestly made our job “cake,” which was wonderful by the way… Thank you both!