Individually, these two are awesome. Yevgenia is a 3rd degree black belt who loves rock climbing, and Eugene is a video game master who can identify a bunch of species of birds. Together though, these two thrive. Playfulled dubbed “Eugeni” by their friends, these two have known each other just shy of fifteen years. They deeply admire one another, and it shows.

There is so much to talk about in regards to their wedding. Not only did it take place at one of our favorite venues, but it was unique in every regard. We’ll get to that in a second, but Yevgenia’s iconic dress deserves its own moment of praise. The flowing Galia Lahav gown has taken the cake for our favorite dress of 2018, and will likely remain our all-time favorite dress.

If you keep up with our social media, you probably know that we are obsessed with Aria, so we were beyond excited to spend an entire day in their space. Linen Effects, Richfield Flowers and Events, and Mi Mi Design were just a handful of Yevgenia and Eugene’s rockstar vendors that turned Aria into a sparkling wonderland, utilizing many of the same decorations for both the ceremony and reception while still completely transforming the space. Yevgenia and her mother were involved and invested in the decor, and the outcome was truly a testament to what can be created when two people are entirely on the same page and have a team behind them that they can trust.

Yevgenia and Eugene’s reception was out of this world, and not only because of the incredible decor. The evening was a whirlwind of speeches and dances, led by Marat Sidelsky of Marat World Entertainment, an energy-filled entertainer who came with five costume changes and fluency in Russian, Hebrew and English.

Yevgenia and Eugene, it was a blessing to be a part of your wedding day! Mazel tov, you two!

Wedding planner – Mi Mi Design – Minneapolis, MN
Ceremony venue – Aria – Minneapolis, MN
Reception venue – Aria – Minneapolis, MN
Videographer – Snowshoe Productions – Minneapolis, MN
Officiant – Rabbi Avram Ettedgui – Minnetonka, MN
Hair stylist – Zilya Salon – Edina, MN
Caterer – Gary Krasner of Urban Eatery – Minneapolis, MN
Caterer – Fabulous – Minneapolis, MN
Cake designer – Farina Baking Company – Excelsior, MN
Decorator – Richfield Flowers – Eagan, MN
Florist – Richfield Flowers – Eagan, MN
Dress shop – Annika Bridal Boutique – Edina, MN
Dress designer – Galia Lahav
Tuxedos – Canali
DJ/Band/musicians – Marat World Entertainment
Chair/table/tent rentals – Linen Effects – Minneapolis, MN
Jeweler – Edina Diamond Center – Edina, MN

Natalie and Josh wed on a freezing January weekend, with the temperature hovering around the negatives. From the bright, warm smiles on their faces though, you wouldn’t know that they were freezing. Luckily the couple chose a stunning venue, and the floor-to-ceiling windows at the Intercontinental Saint Paul Riverfront let in such a beautiful, soft lighting that the wedding party didn’t have to spend too much time outdoors, aside from the voluntary sparkler-related expedition.

Natalie and Josh were both beyond excited and nervous for their first look, and both ecstatic when they got a first glimpse of their partner. Telling from the way that these two lit up after their first look, they are at their best when they are together.  They have a goofy, playful sort of love, and don’t take themselves too seriously.  One of the sweetest recurrences during their wedding day was that every time Josh dipped Natalie, he would scoop her up into the air afterwards! The joy on her face after each time is the kind of moment that we live for. (Make sure to scroll all the way to the end of the blog to see for yourself!)

Wedding days are not only about the two people publicly declaring their love for one another, but the people who love them as well. Natalie and Josh were surrounded by a tight-knit family that was there for every step of the day; from Natalie’s mom buttoning up her dress, to her first look with her father, to Josh’s parents walking him down the aisle. And the first dances between Natalie and her dad and Josh and his mom were so cheery and full of laughs! 

Natalie and Josh, you two were a breath of fresh air in the midst of a harsh winter! Thank you for brightening up our winter months and being our first wedding of 2018!

Vendor List
Wedding planner — Blush & Whim — Minneapolis, MN
Videographer — The Great White Dress — Twin Cities, MN
Ceremony venue — Intercontinental Saint Paul Riverfront — St. Paul, MN
Reception venue — Intercontinental Saint Paul Riverfront — St. Paul, MN
Officiant — Rich Phenow — Edina, MN
Hair stylist and makeup artist — Jessica Mae, War Paint International  — Minneapolis, MN
Cake designer — Buttercream — St. Paul, MN
Florist — Richfield Flowers and Events — Eagan, MN
Decorator — Linen Effects — Minneapolis, MN
Party Bus— Eclipse Transportation — St. Paul, MN
Band — The R. Factor — Minneapolis, MN

Megan and Ben’s wedding day fell just before Halloween, so of course Megan had to break out a scary mask for her and Ben’s first look! The laughs the two shared during their first look was a glimpse into the rest of their day, and the rest of their lives, together. Megan and Ben have the immersive, can’t-stop-smiling, wouldn’t-rather-be-anywhere-else kind of love that everyone hopes to find. They are so joyful in each other’s company that what is supposed to be the biggest, and potentially most stressful, day of your life was a breeze for them. Being so wholeheartedly happy in each other’s company, Megan and Ben navigated their wedding with smiles and grace, and everyone in attendance followed suit.

Weddings are ceremonies based on tradition, and each wedding comes with its own family history. In the case of Megan and Ben’s ceremony, this meant the handing down of “Grandma’s hankie,” which was created in 1906 and has been passed down through the McGill family. Through adding her name to the list of brides who had previously carried the hankie on their wedding day, Megan and Ben’s wedding found its place in history.

This was such a beautiful and lively wedding to end the year on, we’re already waiting for weddings to pick back up next year! Megan and Ben, thank you for including us in your excitement! Couples like you two are the reason that we love our jobs.

Vendor List
Wedding planner — Christina Crow (UST Chapel), Mary Jo Maloney (St. Paul Hotel) — St. Paul, MN
Ceremony venue — University of St. Thomas, Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas — St. Paul, MN
Reception venue — The Saint Paul Hotel — St. Paul, MN
Officiant —  Fr. Cory Rohlfing — Mahtomedi, MN
Hair stylist — Mane Tease — White Bear Lake, MN
Makeup artist — Mane Tease — White Bear Lake, MN
Cake designer — Keys Café — White Bear Lake, MN
Florist — Wisteria Design Studio — Minneapolis, MN
Dress shop/designer — The Wedding Shoppe — St Paul, MN
Tuxedos — Men’s Warehouse
Limo/party bus company — Renee’s Royal Valet — Minneapolis, MN
DJ/Band/musicians — COMPLETE weddings + events — Minneapolis, MN
Jeweler —  Gold’n Treasures, and Apple Valley Diamonds — St Paul, MN

Hannah and Jason’s wedding day had all the elements of a gorgeous day: a unique dress, a historic venue, and TONS of balloons! All of their special moments throughout the day, the first look, ceremony, and first dance, all had their own accompanying balloon installation, supplied by Girl Friday Creative! Hannah’s favorite part of the day, besides getting married to the love of her life of course, was the balloons that brought her vision alive.

Hannah was not only the bride at her wedding, but the wedding planner, meaning she got to see her dream come to life in more ways than one. Their venue, Machine Shop, is a super open, spacious venue, giving clients lots of room to play with the setup! In addition to the aforementioned balloons, the venue was full of glowing candles, enormous floral arrangements, and tons of sparkle. The venue’s simple structure adorned with glitz and glamour mirrored Hannah’s look for the day, who wore a simple by elegant dress amped up by bejeweled accessories! Her dress was a fun departure from the lace wedding dresses that seem to be having a moment right now and seemed oh-so-Hannah.

Hannah and Jason’s entire day was marked by tears, laughter, and lots of smiles. If we had to pick one highlight of the day, it would be their first dance. There is nothing more magical than balloons cascading over you and the love of your life as you share your first dance as husband and wife! We know that once all the balloons have deflated and the candles have been blown out, these two will continue to find magic in their everyday. Congrats you two!

Check out Hannah & Jason’s feature on MN Bride

Vendor List
Wedding planner — H Blaire Events — Minneapolis, MN
Day of Coordinator — Josey Stafford, Sixpence Events — Minneapolis, MN
Ceremony venue — Machine Shop — Minneapolis, MN
Reception venue — Machine Shop — Minneapolis, MN
Videographer — Jud Nichols — Minneapolis, MN
Officiant — Jeff Tenney
Hair stylist — WOW Dry Bar, Edina — Edina, MN
Makeup artist — WOW Dry Bar, Edina — Edina, MN
Caterer — Surdyk’s Catering — Minneapolis, MN
Cake designer — Queen of Cakes — Edina, MN
Decorator — Linen Effects
Balloons — Girl Friday Creative
Florist — Studio C Floral — Minneapolis, MN
Dress shop/designer — Ceremony gown, customed designed. Reception — BHLDN
Tuxedos — Savvi Formalware — Minnesota
DJ — Lance Conrad, Humans Win! Studio — Minneapolis, MN
Stationer — Minted.com
Jeweler — RF Moeller — Edina, MN

Rachel and Joe’s wedding day was full of special moments, but one that stands out is directly after their first look, when both were fighting back happy tears and sharing smiles. Joe has the cheesiest smile, and can’t keep it to himself when Rachel is present. Him and Rachel were unbothered by the drizzle that threatened their wedding day, not letting it literally or metaphorically rain on their parade! They got engaged moments before a downpour, so if anything it was perfect that mother nature threw some rain their way.

Looking at the attire of the wedding party and the bride and groom themselves, it makes perfect sense that Rachel is a fashion blogger! Their day was the ideal mix of classic and glamorous, their looks all white and silver with pops of red. Their bright red bridesmaids dresses were super unique and complimented their bouquets.

The bride and groom’s stylish attire was matched by equally as elegant venues. The morning kicked off at the AC Hotel in downtown Minneapolis, and the evening ended at Aria, just a few blocks down the road.  Aria is a dream reception venue, with high ceilings, exposed brick, and a plethora of glistening chandeliers. This spacious, multi-roomed venue is gorgeous from top to bottom, with a beautiful hangout for the wedding party before their grand entrance, awesome arches to pose under, and the ability to have a private cake cutting while the reception took place! The cake cutting is always a sweet moment (pun intended) but Rachel and Joe’s was especially comical.  An uneven cake stand and a maze of dowels propping up the cake itself made for a tricky cut, and the newlyweds ended up with more cake than they bargained for, not that anyone’s complaining!

Rachel and Joe, we know you two will always take the time to dance in the rain. Your ability to be positive and joyful in any situation is everything. Congrats!

Vendor List
Ceremony Venue — Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church — Minneapolis, MN
Reception Venue — Aria — Minneapolis, MN
Officiant — Father Daniel Griffith — Minneapolis, MN
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist — Sara Capers with On-Site Muse — Minneapolis, MN
Caterer — CRAVE Catering — Minneapolis, MN
Cake Designer — CRAVE Catering — Minneapolis, MN
Florist — Florals by Claire — Eagan, MN
Dress Shop — Diamond Bride & Tux — Plymouth, MN
Dress Designer — Jasmine Bridal — Hanover Park, IL
Bridesmaid Dresses — Diamond Bride & Tux — Plymouth, MN
Tuxedos — Men’s Warehouse — Minneapolis, MN
Party Bus Company — RentMyPartyBus, Inc. — Minneapolis, MN
DJ — Northern Lights DJ — Spring Lake Park, MN
Stationer — Minted
Hotel — AC Hotel Minneapolis — Minneapolis, MN