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Monthly Archives: September 2016

Calm, Confident, and Clearly in Love | Rachael and Jim

It’s always so special when the bride and groom get a moment to themselves on their wedding day.

I struggled to write about Rachael and Jim’s wedding day because I was completely torn when deciding to focus on describing the sheer beauty of the wedding itself, or how beautiful of a couple Rachael and Jim are. It felt impossible to do justice to both in a short blog post, but both were so wonderful I couldn’t help but try.

The pictures speak for themselves. The scenery and style at this wedding was just unbelievable. It was the perfect clash of elegant and rustic decor. From the ceremony to the reception, there was wood and burlap paired with blush roses and lush greenery – all tied together with shimmering gold accents. The combination perfectly complemented the equally gorgeous outdoors. We were just in awe. What makes the beauty of this décor even more special is that Rachael planned it all herself. The flawless day that you see is completely her vision come to life. You can tell Rachael put her heart into planning this day, yet she didn’t allow that to manifest into worry and cause her to lose sight of the true purpose of the day when it actually arrived. Not once did she stress about small details or show concern about how things looked. The entire day she was calm, smiling, and joyful – which is a total testament to the beauty of Rachael and Jim’s relationship.

Together, Rachael and Jim wholeheartedly enjoyed their big day. Even when things didn’t go exactly as planned, they went with the flow and trusted that their love was bigger than any circumstance, and it absolutely was. For example, at the last minute we had to delay the couple’s first look. Jim was all settled, anxiously waiting for his bride, when we told him we had to switch spots before we could shoot the moment. The disappointment he felt was obvious and understandable, as this is arguably the most anticipated moment of the day. But without question, he accepted the situation and continued patiently waiting – he knew it would be worth it. The extra time provided space for extra excitement and anticipation to grow, and when the moment finally came for him to see Rachael, wow, was it special. These two really, really love each other. The way that they interact with ease and confidence in what they have together, just made it obvious how good of a match they are. Rachel and Jim, you two are perfect for each other. I have no doubt that there is a lifetime of joy and happiness ahead of you.
































































Vendor List:
Venue – Chankaska Creek Winery – Kasota, MN
Videographer – Clarity Films (Jon Evans)
Caterer – Absolute Custom Catering (Shelly Sabatka) – Mankato, MN
DJ – Open Bar Entertainment (Ryan Wold)
Decorator – Parties and Weddings Plus (Linda Miller) – Mankato, MN
Florist – Parties and Weddings Plus (Nell) – Mankato, MN
Ceremony Guitarist – Tony Cuchetti
Hair/Makeup Stylist – Mani Mela (Kylie Preusse)
Baker – Decadent Desserts (Amy Otto)

It’s always so special when the bride and groom get a moment to themselves on their wedding day. I struggled to write about Rachael and Jim’s wedding day because I was completely torn when deciding to focus on describing the sheer beauty of the wedding itself, or how beautiful of a couple Rachael and Jim...

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Vendor Spotlight: Kylie Preusse (Mani Mela)

A beautiful angle of Vonnie’s gorgeous braid.

This is the first time we have ever dedicated an entire blog post to someone other than our clients. But during multiple weekends this season we have had the pleasure to work with hair stylist Kylie, from Mani Mela, and we felt like we just had to let the world know how awesome she is. Kylie is all-around incredible at what she does. She is crazy talented at her craft and can create countless unique looks that are catered to her clients desires (look at the variety of styles in the pictures below!) What is really exceptional about Kyle is the speed, attitude, and dependability that accompanies her sheer talent. One of our brides, Vonnie, raved about Kylie because on her wedding day, she styled 10 girls’ hair and did each one flawlessly with grace, joy, and care. For a bride to be able to fully trust that they can depend on their hair stylist, for perfect hair and perfect timing, it truly a gift on their wedding day. Kylie gives that gift to every bride she styles. Kylie, we love your work, we love the way you work, and we love working alongside to help create the perfect day for our lovely couples.






This is the first time we have ever dedicated an entire blog post to someone other than our clients. But during multiple weekends this season we have had the pleasure to work with hair stylist Kylie, from Mani Mela, and we felt like we just had to let the world know how awesome she is....

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A Perfectly Planned Proposal | Tyler & Annie

Tyler perfectly planned the day he would propose to Annie. It all began with finding a time to get the entire family together to take family pictures (which is not easy)—although the last thing on his mind was a family picture. He really just wanted everyone to be present, to look nice, and to have a photographer ready to document the moment when he asked Annie to spend the rest of her life with him. Once that special date was set, all the rest of the details began to fall perfectly into place as well. That afternoon, the moms took Annie to get her nails done, and after the family headed to downtown St. Paul to begin taking pictures. As dusk approached, they walked to Rice Park to snap some shots amongst the trees carefully dressed in white lights. When the biggest tree was completely lit up with Christmas lights, Tyler got down on one knee and Annie of course, said yes.

Christmas lights glimmered all around them, Annie was surprised, a photographer and videographer caught it on camera, and their family was able to witness it all. The only thing that wasn’t absolutely perfect was the cold weather that left everyone chilled even amidst all the excitement—which they quickly fixed with celebratory drinks afterwards.

Annie and Tyler, your love and admiration for each other is beautiful. It seems impossible that any day could be more perfect than this one, but I can only image that your wedding day will prove me wrong. I am so excited to be a part of it. Congratulations!










Tyler perfectly planned the day he would propose to Annie. It all began with finding a time to get the entire family together to take family pictures (which is not easy)—although the last thing on his mind was a family picture. He really just wanted everyone to be present, to look nice, and to have...

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These Parents Know How to Throw a Party | Vonnie and Boone

Some of you might remember Vonnie and Boone from their engagement session (it’s hard to forget kids that cute), but I just can’t help retell a little bit of their story. It’s so special. Vonnie and Boone have known each other since high school, but lost touch for about 15 years (Vonnie says it’s because Boone never called her back) until they reconnected at a friend’s birthday party. They have since spent the past six years together building a house and family, until Boone finally found the perfect time to propose. The couple traveled down to Tennessee with Vonnie’s entire family to celebrate her brother’s wedding. They had planned a Florida vacation for after, and Boone was intending to propose there, on the beach at sunset. But the anticipation of waiting was too much. So during a family get-together, he surprised everyone by announcing that he had something to say and got down on one knee right then and there, in front of her entire family. There was not a dry eye in the room. Vonnie says that she still gets teary-eyed to this day when she thinks about it—It was absolutely her dream proposal.

Vonnie and Boone have continued to write their love story and just a couple weekends ago, they held their absolute dream wedding in the W Hotel. I am convinced that this wedding was not just incredible as far as weddings go, but is also in the running for party of the year. Which is precisely why the W Hotel was a perfect for their special day. I don’t know of many other venues that could match the glamour, class, and desire to have a good time that the couple and their guests brought. Stepping into the W Hotel on their wedding day was like walking into the most chic nightclub you’ve ever seen. And after the beautiful couple exchanged their emotional vows, that is exactly what it became, in the best way possible.

Vonnie and Boone are relationship goals, family goals, and wedding goals all in one. They are amazing parents and love their children unconditionally. Even on the rare occasion when they get to spend some time together alone, they find themselves talking and laughing about how adorable and funny their kids are. This was beautifully obvious during their wedding, as they intentionally found opportunities to include their children and spend time with them, even on a day where they had a legitimate excuse for it to be all about them. That being said, Vonnie and Boone did not hold back on their wedding day either. They ate, drank, danced all night, and threw a party that their friends and family will be talking about for many years to come. We will be talking about it for years to come, too. Vonnie and Boone, your love for each other and your family inspires us. It was such joy to be a part of your special day and incredible celebration.



















































Vendor List:
Ceremony and Reception Venue – W Hotel Minneapolis – Minneapolis, MN
Officiant – Melanie Hamill
Videographer – Greg Thuente from Thuente Productions
Hair stylist – Mani Meli (Kylie) – Minneapolis, MN
Makeup artist – Mani Mela (Jesse) – Minneapolis, MN
Florist – Mani Mela – Minneapolis, MN
Caterer – Manny’s Steakhouse
Cake Designer – Cocoa and Fig – Minneapolis, MN
Florist – Mani Mela – Minneapolis, MN
Table Decor – Mani Mela – Minneapolis, MN
Draping – Avant – Minneapolis, MN
Dress shop – David’s Bridal
Tuxedos – Men’s Wearhouse
Limo Company – Total Luxury Limousine – St. Paul, MN
DJ – Bellagala – St. Paul, MN
Stationer – Minted
Jeweler – Wedding Day Diamonds

Some of you might remember Vonnie and Boone from their engagement session (it’s hard to forget kids that cute), but I just can’t help retell a little bit of their story. It’s so special. Vonnie and Boone have known each other since high school, but lost touch for about 15 years (Vonnie says it’s because...

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Natural Love in Lovely Nature | Anna & Jesse

It has always been an adventure with Anna and Jesse. For example, during our first shoot together (for their engagement session), it rained. But they were not fazed by the weather and still trusted me to turn the undesirable conditions into an opportunity for unique umbrella photos. They stuck it out through the rain and once it stopped they threw off their shoes and waded into the St. Croix River for more awesome shots. I share this so you can begin to paint of picture of who Anna and Jesse are, and better understand how perfectly fitting it was that they chose to have a destination wedding in the mountains of Livingston, Montana. I flew my plane into the Big Sky Country and that ride served as a gorgeous teaser trailer for the events to come, but it still did not prepare me for the awe I would feel on Anna and Jesse’s actual wedding day.

Reflecting back, it’s still beautifully confusing to me how a wedding could be so simple, yet so epic at the same time. Anna and Jesse created this seemingly impossible contrast and weaved it throughout their entire day (whether they realized it or not). Their ceremony was held in a valley surrounded by huge, picturesque mountains, yet the ceremony set-up boasted only minimalistic decor. Their reception was similar. The venue was a charming wooden lodge nestled in the same valley. The guest list was small, but those present joyfully played yard games, ate great food, and danced the night away—get this—with their dogs. Everything was thoughtfully planned, but nothing was overdone. Anna and Jesse knew that the mountains would speak for themselves and that the small amount of people they invited were precisely the people they needed to make their special day, special. The couple didn’t fall into detail-crazed trap that many do, but instead focused on the big picture aspects of their day, which is what allowed it to stay simple yet still bring a significant and unique wow-factor.

Ultimately, Anna and Jesse’s wedding was an honest reflection their values and relationship. It was almost as if they simply invited their dearest friends and family into a more glamorous and deliberate day of their regular life. Jesse went fishing in the Yellowstone River. Anna got ready with a couple of her closest girlfriends while drinking out of cute personalized mugs. They even spent some quality time with their dog! Besides the obvious intentionality of getting married, Anna and Jesse’s wedding day was gorgeously natural. Not just because their most prominent decoration was a mountainous backdrop, but because their love is natural and they gave it room to breathe throughout the entirety of the day by creating a relaxed environment for themselves and their guests to focus on what was truly important—each other. And what a wonderful day it was, I cannot thank you two enough for allowing me to be part of it.





































Vendor List:
Ceremony and Reception Venue – Yellowstone House – Livingston, MT
Officiant – Vicki Wiepking
Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist – Canyon River Spa – Bozeman, MT
Caterer – Just A Taste Catering – Bozeman, MT
Florist – Strike Farms – Bozeman, MT
Dress Shop – Che Bella – Minneapolis, MN
Dress Designer – Alvina Valenta – New York, NY
Chair/Table/Tent Rentals – Montana Party Rental – Bozeman, MT
Wedding Ring – Tiffany’s
Wedding Band – Brilliant Earth

It has always been an adventure with Anna and Jesse. For example, during our first shoot together (for their engagement session), it rained. But they were not fazed by the weather and still trusted me to turn the undesirable conditions into an opportunity for unique umbrella photos. They stuck it out through the rain and...

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CONTACT


2409 Lyndale Ave S,
Suite 202
Minneapolis MN, 55405

 

612.242.8655
[email protected]

FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM

@brovadoweddings

FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES

@brovadoweddings

CONTACT


2409 Lyndale Ave S,
Suite 202
Minneapolis MN, 55405

 

612.242.8655
[email protected]