Dainty Obsessions v.3 | no.3 Wedding Magazine

D I S P L A Y U N T I L M A Y 3 1 ST

VOLUME 3

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NO. 3

SPRING 2015

701.317.3255 | www.sadiesfloralnd.com | available to travel nationwide

f o r

a l l

y o u r

ABC

w e d d i n g

r e n t a l

n e e d s

1701 W 12th St. S i o u x Fa l l s , S D 5 7 1 0 4 605.331.3644

Turning your vision into reality.

i n fo @ab cr e n tal s m i dwes t.com w w w. a b c r e n ta l s m i d w e s t.c o m

WWW.PLUMSCOOKING.COM FACEBOOK.COM/PLUMSCOOKING 8TH AND RAILROAD CENTER 605-335-1999

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Historically Distinctive‌Exclusively Yours

100 West 8th Street Sioux Falls, SD (605) 339-2000 www.sfcchotel.com

Delectable, made from scratch confections with real ingredients, fresh fruit fillings, and icing made with real butter. Sweeten your special day with Half Baked cupcakes.

Tuesday-Friday 7:30am - 6pm Saturday 9:30am - 6pm Sunday 9:30am - 3pm halfbakedsiouxfalls.com 120 South Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 605.323.7959

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2015 Spring CONTENTS 76

112

24

FEATURES

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10

Editor’s Letter

104

Honeymoon Destinations

18

Q&A

106

Honeymoon Diaries

30

Get to Know

112

Newlyweds at Home

62

Proposal Stories

118

Vendor Guide

86

Giveaway

120

Brides’ Real Advice

98

Food & Drink

106

62

88

INSPIRATION

REAL WEDDINGS

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Natural Remedies

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Cecily & Nick

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Color Inspiration Boards

44

Hannah & Nate

76

Green with Envy

54

Kelly & Dylan

66

Mark & Talia

88

Kaitlyn & Dillon

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Editor Portrait: Jeff Sampson Photography

Editor’s Letter

Does it ever seem like the days literally fly by—with the kind of speed and momentum that makes you go, ‘wait, what month is it?.’ Do you ever wish there were more hours in a day, or even more days in a week?

Life is a steady stream of activities, events, social media, relationships, work, life demands, clutter, and, well, let’s face it, even more clutter. Oftentimes it is tough to define what is necessary and what is unnecessary. With the start of the New Year, I believe it is mandatory to make time for rest, relaxation and a reset. This position is essential for planning another happy, intentional and successful year.

Engagement season is officially upon us. Love seems to hold pivotal moments that stand apart from the rest. That moment you realized you found the one, the first time you refer to them as your fiancé, and soon, the big day where you say “I do.” The journey has begun and the obligatory planning has ensued. My advice to all planning brides: Spend as much time focusing on the aforementioned moments and let the preparation fall into place.

Insert Dainty Obsessions: Inspiration for the Midwest Bride. We have carefully crafted another authentic issue of dreamy Midwest eye candy. Simply put, we love sharing designs, projects and ideas fashioned right here in our beautiful region. This issue is nothing short of smashing.

I encourage you all to enjoy our spring issue. All the while remembering to slow down your days, breathe, take in only what is necessary for your happiness, and whole-heartedly relish in your engagement!

Xoxo,

Follow Valerie behind the scenes on Instagram: @valsampson

DaintyObsessions.com

Follow a step-by-step fragrant popsicle tutorial by Amy Berry.

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Join newlyweds Kate and Tony as they tour the glittery coastal gems of Cinque Terre.

Catch all the action behindthe-scenes of our Green with Envy styled shoot.

Available in South Dakota, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming, and Nebraska

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PUBLISHER

The Mighty Bowtones, LLC MANAGING EDITOR

Valerie Sampson ART DIRECTOR

Kerry McDonald SALES MANAGER

Angela Berry COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Summer Street Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tracy Kirby Amy Berry CORRESPONDENCE

300 N. Cherapa Place, Suite 504 Sioux Falls, SD 57103 605.274.1999 | contact@daintyobsessions.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

605.274.1999 ex. 4 sales@daintyobsessions.com CHECK US OUT

www.daintyobsessions.com

From the creators of 605 Magazine, Dainty Obsessions is printed quarterly by The Mighty Bowtones, LLC in Sioux Falls, S.D. ©2015 Dainty Obsessions. All rights reserved.

Content in this magazine should not be copied in any way without written permission from the publisher.

Dainty Obsessions assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Content in articles, editorial material and advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by Dainty Obsessions.

Cover Cover Photography: Summer SUBSCRIBE OR PURCHASE HARD COPY HERE!

Street Photography | Bride’s Dress: Jenny Packham, Eden | Hair & Makeup: Studio Bodair | Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss | Vintage Headpiece: Brides of France

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Suit or tuxedo with coordinating shirt and tie or bowtie

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SOUTH DAKOTA NORTH DAKOTA Sioux Falls Fargo Empire Mall West Acres Mall 605.362.8080 701.277.0745 Sioux Falls Galleria at 41st 605.361.2619 Rapid City Rushmore Mall 605.341.4446 MINNESOTA St. Cloud Crossroads Mall 320.251.2100

Fargo Historic Downtown 701.364.9225 IOWA Des Moines Jordan Creek Mall 515.222.4910 Des Moines Valley West Mall 515.457.2906

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DO behind the scenes

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Our adorable and creative intern, Amy, assisting our Green with Envy editorial. Check it out on page 76.

Enjoyed an afternoon with Anna of The Cake Lady. Watching her hand paint art onto confections is a real treat (pun intended)!

Dainty ladies striking a Double Ho-Seven pose at Lawrence & Schiller’s annual Ho Ho Christmas party.

Dainty ladies celebrating Posh Bridal Couture’s 5th birthday bash in Wayzata, Minn.

Behind the scenes of our DO Live Wedding Event’s promo film with Adam of AJ Production Co.

No big deal. Just a giant billboard promoting our annual live wedding event.

YEARS FLY. MOMENTS LAST FOREVER. Seating for up to 400.

The perfect elegant reception with upscale guest rooms just steps away.

www.brandon-express.com mckenzie@brandon-express.com 1103 N Splitrock Blvd Brandon, SD 57005

605-582-2901

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DO question & answer

Contact Info

6 0 5 . 5 9 2 . 9 0 7 2 www.hitchstudio.com

Etiquette RE N E E & CARRI E OF H I TCH DES IG N ST UDIO Q : My fiancé is still good friends with his ex and wants to invite her to our wedding. It rubs me the wrong way. What should I do?

A : A great partnership always begins with

honesty, so it’s important to address your feelings with your fiancé. Remember to be understanding of his feelings, as his ex is someone he considers to be a friend. Be delicate in your delivery. It’s okay to protect yourself from any negativity that will make you uncomfortable on your wedding day. If the ex questions your fiancé about not being invited to the wedding, have him politely explain that you both wished you could have invited everyone on your list, but couldn’t due to space or budget reasons. Respect your fiancé’s relationship with her, but listen to your heart and stand your ground on this one.

Q : Do we register for our engagement party? Or is this too soon?

A : We suggest saving your gift registry

for your bridal shower and wedding. You can surely register for gifts as early as you’d like, but we recommend not associating your engagement party with a wish list. If you send out e-invitations or a Facebook

event for your engagement party, guests are not required to bring a gift. If you send a traditional paper invitation for your party, do not print a gift registry on your invitations.

Q : This is my second wedding and my first was less than two years ago. I know I’ll be inviting a lot of the same people.

Is it tacky to register again?

A : If it’s your fiancé’s first wedding, he

may want the opportunity to register for the first time. His friends and family will be gifting you as the couple for the first time. And let’s be honest, your friends and family will be so pleased that you found your perfect guy that they’ll be excited to gift you to celebrate this new chapter of your life. If you have plenty of towels and dishes, consider registering for a few nontraditional items like a BBQ set, camping equipment, a patio set, board games, and other fun items to make memories with your new husband.

Q : One of my best friends (and past bridesmaid) recently got engaged. She’s planning a destination wedding in St. Croix just six weeks after I am expecting my first child and has asked me to stand up with her. I feel obligated to attend,

but am nervous about the timing. Is she expecting too much? Is it rude to decline?

A : We believe that only parents can make the best decision for themselves and baby, so we asked some of our favorite mommies what they would do in this situation. Sixty percent of the new moms said they would not go, but would celebrate wholeheartedly when the couple returned and hoped that their best friend would understand. Here is a collection of their responses:

G: “Baby always comes first. I would probably have to decline and stay home with my sweetie.”

B: “I would go, but would make sure my husband was coming to watch the baby while I’m performing my matron-of-honor duties.”

E: “I would gracefully bow out. You never know if you’d be overdue or have a baby with health issues and couldn’t travel even if you wanted to.”

M: “I brought my sister-in-law along when I traveled with my new baby to a wedding.

In this case, I would go, but ask if there was something else I could do to be a part of her day that would be a little less involved and easier to tend to baby.”

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D o-It-Yourself

NATURAL REMEDIES A D J U S T I N G YO U R B E AU T Y R O U T I N E F O R A N E W C L I M AT E STYLING AND WRITING AMY BERRY

FACE ROSE EXFOLIATOR While our bodies exfoliate naturally, it’s essential to rid ourselves of dry skin that the winter season brought on. Grape seed oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that heal, and sea salt acts as a scrub to remove dead skin and rejuvenate the pores. The rose petals provide vitamin C, which helps tone the skin.

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1 cup of sea salt 1/4 cup grape seed oil 1 drop lemon Dried rose petals

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BODY WHIPPED COCONUT BUTTER Among coconut oil’s many benefits, its rich antioxidant properties can free radicals from damaging tissue. The mixture of coconut oil and jajoba oil hydrates, balances, and soothes the skin (and a drop of lavender essential oil adds an irresistible scent). Combine ingredients and whip with a handheld mixer.

• 1 cup coconut oil • 1 tsp. jojoba oil • 1 drop lavender oil

HAIR BANANA HAIR MASK The dryness of winter prevents hair from producing oil, so when spring rolls around, hair texture tends to be dull and parched. Honey acts as a humectant and attracts moisture, while potassium from the banana repairs and helps strengthen to speed up growth for overall healthy locks.

• 1 overly ripe banana • 2 tbsp. honey

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Lif est yle B o utiq ue & I nter ior Des ig n St udio

Mon-Fri 10am-5pm 5 0 6 B r o a d way Fa r g o N D 5 8 1 0 2 701.235.0 031

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Color I n spi r at ion B oar d s

apricot

gold

Emily Steffen Photography 24

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plum

blush

olive

Gabriel Carin Photography

n av y

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red

blush

Jenny M. Photography 26

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n av y

forest

l av e n d e r

Jessica Simons Photography

gold

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DO get to know

Contact Info

W a y z a t a , M N 9 5 2 . 2 4 9 . 8 0 0 0 w w w . p o s h m n . c o m

Posh Bridal Couture Overlooking the historic Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata, Minn. sits a bridal experience for the ages. Enter Posh Bridal Couture. With an effortless atmosphere and an elegant tone, owner Marie Suchy has fashioned an intimate boutique with a large selection of gowns. Having just celebrated their five year anniversary (#poshturns5), Marie sits down with us to share her story of business and love of the industry.

You just celebrated Posh’s fifth birthday.

Tell us more about your roots and how you got started.

I was a private banker by trade.

After being a stay-at-home for eight years, I decided to head back into the workforce. The opportunity came before me and I jumped on it. Good thing I didn’t know the amount of

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work involved at the time.

and seeing their designs.

How did you discover your passion for gowns, fashion and wedding couture?

Tell us about Posh Bridal Couture. How did you build your brand?

I’ve never really had the addiction to fashion. I’m more of an entrepreneur.

Over the years, I have definitely become passionate about bridal/ fashion/wedding couture. My favorite is meeting new designers at market

My graphic designer started his business the same month I did. I was one of his first clients after leaving corporate America. He helped me create my brand, which now has evolved into something so much

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more. To me, it is a level of service, it is the relaxing environment and the educated sales consultants.

Our brand is everything and has set us apart in the industry.

What draws your clients into the boutique?

Brides feel comfortable from the moment they walk in. They can bring as many guests as they’d like, and they can stay as long as they want. We’ve created a space that feels like you’re coming into our home.

What sets you apart from other bridal shops?

Our high level of service sets us apart from other bridal shops. Also, I am a very particular buyer and have curated a unique collection of dresses that will be perfect for our sophisticated brides.

What can your customers and potential brides expect to see and experience at Posh Bridal Couture?

Happy People—brides, mothers, consultants. We are relaxed, positive and stress-free to help the bride enjoy the process.

3 fun facts about Posh Bridal Couture

• We love to hashtag everything.

• We are a negative-free work environment. We love to build each other up through inspirational quotes, positive energy and love.

• We are probably the Wayzata Jimmy Johns’ biggest client! Eek!

You work with wedding designers, event planners and brides every day. What’s the best part of helping to plan a wedding?

Hearing about how the bride felt on her special day. I love hearing from the planners, brides or MOBs how they loved getting into their dress and it was everything they dreamed of.

What is it about the bridal gown that is so special?

When I first opened Posh, I didn’t realize how important this gown is. I quickly learned that there is so much more to it. It represents their transition into a new life with their husband. It’s the vision they have had since they were little girls. It’s the vision their mothers and fathers have had. It’s the dress that they become one with their spouse. I have learned that for the bride, it truly is the central part of this amazing day.

What trends are you seeing for 2015 and 2016?

Sleeves. Ball gowns. Traditional silhouettes.

Who is your favorite designer and why?

Matthew Christopher. He has become a close family friend and also been my business mentor.

He is a Midwestern boy that has found success in designing exactly to a woman’s body. There truly is no other designer like him. I love him to pieces.

What’s one thing every bride should know when shopping for that special gown?

Come relaxed and open to different styles. Most girls end up falling in love with a dress that wasn’t what they are looking for. Also, only bring those closest to you and who will support you. There is no need to make it a more stressful time.

What do you do when you’re not engulfed with all things gorgeous gowns and wedding? What’s family life like?

I am a busy mother of three amazing children: Jack (15), Claire (13) and Grace (10). When I am not at Posh, you can find me at the hockey rink, lacrosse field or the softball field. I love it! My husband and I also love to travel, which helps me keep balance.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

My mother. She taught me how to be (and continue to be) a strong, independent woman. She set the path for me and made me realize that I could be a successful entrepreneur at the same time as being an amazing wife and mother. I believe I can be all things.

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real wedding

CECILY & NICK P R I V A T E F A M I LY R A N C H M E R N A , W Y O M I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y BY C A R R I E PAT T E R S O N P H O T O G R A P H Y

From the bride ... I have been going to our family’s ranch since I was 18 years old. It’s a very special place for me and for my poetry. Nick visited once with me in the winter and fell in love with the place. When we got engaged, we both knew it was the location where we would celebrate our marriage. It spoke to the non-urban sides of our personalities and we were eager to share this with our friends and family.

When planning our wedding, we made sure to keep the beautiful Wyoming landscape at the forefront of our inspiration. It is so exceptional that we wanted to make sure the wedding didn’t try to compete with that. We kept décor minimal, otherwise relevant to the surroundings.

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“My absolute favorite moment of the entire day was dancing with Nick to our first dance, which was to the Sam Cooke song “Good Times.” ^ Bride

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We made sure to incorporate simple, rustic and romantic elements. Guests were greeted at the ceremony with lemonade. While this isn’t exactly a ‘signature drink,’ it was a really lovely touch —especially good for my pregnant self! During the ceremony, our guests sat on hay bales that had been harvested on the ranch and later used to feed horses during winter. Ron Kamp, one of the ranch managers, designed all the flower boxes that were the centerpiece of each table and branded table numbers into them. Ron also cut up a log for pie stands. These elements helped create a simple, rustic look that complimented the flower boxes and other wooden platforms we had around the wedding.

A memorable moment was my transportation to the ceremony. My father drove me down in a 1972 Chevrolet Luv pickup that belonged to Lora Kamp, another ranch manager. We filled the bed of the truck with petunias. The Luv, being blue, was our something old, borrowed and blue. The petunias were new.

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“We intentionally kept our floral color palette with all white flowers, including garden roses and clematis. This kept the look of the décor simple and romantic.” ^ Bride

cecily’s vendor list

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D R E S S: L E S POS E D I GIO

H AIR & M A K EUP : E T E R NAL B E AU T Y BY LE S LE E ANNE

C AT ERER: J AC KS ON H OLE CATE RIN G

S HO E S: M A NOLO BL A HN IK

EVEN T CO O RD INATO R/ P L A NNER: K E NDR A H OB S ON;

INV IT ES A ND W ED D ING STAT I O N E RY: LYN N B U CK L E Y

BR ACE L E T: G I L ES A ND BROTHE R

SIMP LY GR AND W E DDI NGS & E VE NT S

V ENUE: P R I VAT E R ANC H I N M E RN A , W YO M IN G

E NG AG E ME NT R IN G : SARAH PE RLIS

RENTA LS: H U NT E R GAT H E R E R J AC KS ON H OLE , C AN-

BA ND : T H E GR EG GL AS S M A N E X P E RIE N CE

GR O O MS AT TIR E : BR O O KS BROTHE RS

VAS U NLI M I T E D

P H OTO G RA P H Y: C AR R I E PAT TE RS O N P HOTO G RA P HY

T I E: D I OR

ANT L ER C H A ND ELIER: W I LD W E S T DE S I GNS

S HO E S: KENNET H COLE

F LOW ERS: FLE U R DE V

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D E S IG N

•

Best of

VE NUE

SA LON

BROOKINGS

Hello

Let us introduce ourselves. We are your top wedding professionals in Brookings, SD. Passionate about our jobs and helping you make your wedding your dream wedding!

Hitch Design Studio is located in downtown Brookings and specializes in custom wedding invitations, save-the-dates, programs and more. Hitch also does wedding planning -including decorating, rentals and a stress-free day for you.

Old Sanctuary is a charming and unique location for your reception. It can hold up to 400 guests!

B Beautiful Salon will be your salon you can count on for transforming your entire bridal party into the lavish princess team you are. They will even come to you on-site!

Call today 605-864-1480.

Old Market now offers catering! With the eatery, bakeshoppe and bar, it’s great for rehearsal dinners.

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R EH EA R S A LS

wedding

I N V IT E S

•

HAIR

vendors

R EC EPTION

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Old Sanctuary R E C E P T I O N , L E CT UR E & B A NQ UE T H A L L

WWW.HITCHSTUDIO.COM

WWW.OLDSANCTUARY.COM

M EGAN KLINKEFU S ME US

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BBEAUTIFUL-SALON bbeautifulme gan@gmail.com

WWW.OLDMARKETEATERY.COM

C ATER I N G

real wedding

HANNAH & NATE P R I V A T E F A M I LY R A N C H R E G E N T , N O R T H D A K O T A P H O T O G R A P H Y BY FAT E + L OV E P H O T O G R A P H Y

From the bride ... Nate and I met in college through my brother. He brought him home for a weekend that I also happened to be home.

It was very special for us to get married at the same place we met. We wanted our wedding to feel very cozy and welcoming. With over 300 guests, we still wanted our wedding to feel intimate and personal. Almost all of our dﾃｩcor was centered on fresh flowers and lighting. Nate and I hung lights on over 10 full-grown evergreens. Pretty sure we can make it through anything after accomplishing that task. We had over 500 jars of every kind of flower imaginable. The end result was absolutely beautiful. It felt like we were in a dream.

However, above all, the best part was the love we felt that day窶馬ot just between Nate and I, but between everyone at our wedding.

Nobody cared when rain started to downpour. In fact, it seemed to make the dance even more fun!

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“I hope every bride has as easy an engagement as me!� ^ Bride

We couldn’t have had the wedding we did without the help of our family. From moving square bales for seating to mowing the lawn, there was a lot of work that went into having a backyard wedding. My sister, the maid of honor, especially knows this to be true. She offered to do the daunting task of hand-stamping 400 invites. She will be holding that one over my head for years to come. Having our whole family on board to help with everything made it easy. One element we were especially grateful for was having a decorator there that really understood our style. We were very blessed in that department. We had shown our decorator my Pinterest board and she took it from there. In fact, her exact words were, “Do you care if I just surprise you?” Of course I didn’t care. I trusted her and knew she had great taste. On the day of the wedding, we were just as in awe as our guests were. The entire event was such an easy-going process. Everything from the dress to the invites just fell into place. We were so excited to be marrying one another that everything else was a minor detail.

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“With the help of our decorator and family, everything came together just perfectly.� ^ Bride

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hannah’s vendor list

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D R E S S: W HI T E L AC E BRIDAL

H AIR ST Y LIST: M AR I AH T R AU B ; M ONJ OR E S SALON |

V ENUE: P R I VAT E FAM I LY R A N CH

S HO E S: TA R G ET

SAM ANT H A GJ OVI G; FAM OU S ON 5T H

D J/ LIG H T ING : K-H OOK P I RATE RA D IO

WE DDIN G R IN G S : WALKE RS N ’ DAUGHTE RS

REN TA LS: C AR OL AN R E NTAL

P H OTO G RA P H Y: ZAC H DAV IS O F FATE + LOV E

J E WEL ER S

PROG RA M S: E T SY

P H OTOGR AP H Y

GR O O MS AT TIR E : M EN’S WE ARHO USE

OF FIC IA NT: PAS TOR J E R E M Y VE S T E R

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daint y

living

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GUEST BEDROOM ESSENTIALS

Yo u w a n t y o u r h o u s e g u e s t s t o f e e l r i g h t a t h o m e .

Creating an ambiance that is both cozy and inviting is key. While your visitors won’t expect hotel-like service and accommodations, you should still gracefully provide a warm haven experience. Here are a few simple ways to pamper your guests.

1. A fragrant candle.

Don’t forget matches or a lighter.

1.

2.

3. 4.

2. Reading material.

Books or magazines are both great.

3. Bath products like soap, lotion, perfume, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

4. Fresh flowers.

5. A cozy throw.

6. A journal and pen.

7. B o t t l e d w a t e r a n d sweet treats.

8. A lavender sachet.

Other Essential Items: Bath towels 5. 6.

7.

8.

Alarm clock Tissues Clear the closet Extra hangers Bedside lamp Extra pillows White noise machine

*Guest bedroom essentials can be found at Simply Perfect | Sweet treats can be found at CH Patisserie.

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real wedding

KELLY & DYLAN P R I V A T E F A M I LY R E S I D E N C E | E D E N P R A I R I E , M I N N E S O T A PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUMMER STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

From the photographers ... Photographing Kelly and Dylan’s wedding was a dream. For starters, their entire wedding felt like the set of The Great Gatsby, with these two as the stars. Classy, timeless and (dare I say) sexy, these two are easy to photograph. More importantly, it’s clear that they are meant to be together. Their hearts are big and open. They are ready to welcome whatever comes their way. The bride, Kelly is full of life, love and smiles. She has a generous heart and loves without limit. The groom, Dylan, is steadfast and true—a real gentleman. He is slow to speak and quick to give, and that smile? Don’t get us started. They both have the grace of true dignitaries.

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Their wedding was filled with vintage delicacies that were hunted and gathered by the bride, her mom, and her loving comrade of bridesmaids.

This gave personal substance to all the pretty details. As photographers, it’s always fun to capture these special touches, but you can feel the love when everything at a wedding has been hand-selected with care. From the champagne flutes to the ring box, no detail was left unturned. The bride’s brothers hand built the arbor that the couple said their wedding vows under. Their close friends were the ceremony musicians. Hosting such a thoughtful event can be difficult to execute at just any venue, which is why a private backyard served as the perfect spot for their nuptials. The bride’s cousin was generous enough to lend her lush lawn in Eden Prairie, Minn.

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After a tear-jerker-of-a-ceremony, Kelly and Dylan’s guests showered them with love in the form of toasts, hugs and some serious dance moves. The sparklers they incorporated into the late evening hours were a perfect accent that suited the glitz and glamour of the evening. It was a celebration that kicked off what will most certainly be a marriage full of love, laughter, and hopefully plenty of champagne toasts.

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kelly’s vendor list

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D R E S S: ED EN; J ENNY PACKHAM

GROO M S AT T IRE: H U GO B OS S

C A K E: NOT H I NG B U NDT C A K E S

S HO E S: BA D G L EY M I SCHKA

GROO M SM EN AT T IRE: E XP R E S S S U I T S

INV IT ES A ND W ED D ING STAT I O N E RY: PA P E R S O U RCE

V I N TAG E HE ADPIEC E : BRIDE S O F FRAN CE

H AIR & M A K EUP : S T U DI O B ODAI R

M USIC : ALP I NE S T R I NG QUA RTE T

BR I DE SMAI D DR E S SES: ASO S

REN TA LS: R U DY ’ S E VE NT R E NTALS

D J: W E T H EORY

BR I DE SMAI D S HO E S : ALDO

CATERER: COM M ON R OOT S C AT E R I NG

P H OTO G RA P H Y: S U M M E R S TRE E T P HOTO G RA P HY

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DO proposal stories CL A I R E + R OB | R O C H E ST E R , M I N N .

Meg C oope r Photo g raphy Rob a nd I we re intro duced by a mutual friend at a netwo rking event. That night we c h at ted fo r over a n hou r, a n d m uch to my s urpris e, he never as ked fo r my number. I was bummed, to s ay t h e l east .

Howeve r, t he n ex t day Ro b reached o ut to me via LinkedIn and as ked fo r my number an d to t ake me ou t on a da te .

For ou r f i rst da te, we to o k a stro l l downtown fo r a wal king to ur of Ro chester’s resta u ran t s an d b ars .

T he i nte nt i on was to have a drink at a co upl e dif ferent pl aces and then s ettl e o n a p l ace to h ave d i nne r. We e n de d up tal king fo r s o l o ng at the f irst sto p that we ended up go ing to din n er af ter 9 p . m. I we nt hom e t ha t week to s pend Thanks giving with my famil y and remember tel l ing my mo m t h at i t was t h e be st f i rst date I had ever been o n. We immediatel y hit i t of f.

Fa st for wa rd a year-and-a-hal f. My 30 th bir thday was i m pe ndi n g, a n d Ro b had s uggested a trip to Chicago to ce le bra te my jump to a new decade. He s uggested my pa re nt s, brother, and brother’s girl friend jo in us fo r t h e we e ke nd a nd s uggested he pl an the entire trip s o I wo u l d n’ t h ave to . I’ m a bi t t y pe -A so t h i s m a de m e sli ghtl y uneasy, but I went al o ng anyways . As we g ot c l os e r to th e t ri p, Rob broke t he ba d n ews t ha t my parents co ul dn’t make it and that my b rot h e r wou l d b e o u t of town for work . I wa s sa d, but I knew we wo ul d stil l have a fantastic time.

Af te r a n a m a z in g d in n e r a t Ni co on C hi ca go’s Gold Coa st, Ro b as ked me to be his wife o n the b alcony of o u r b e a u tifu l h ote l. I t wa s t he e a si e st “ Ye s!” I’ ve ever s aid. The next mo rning, I was b o u nc in g of f th e wa l l s a n d cou ldn’ t wa i t to ca ll my pa rents . However, Ro b had ins isted we go to b re a kfa st a n d th a t we wou ld ca ll my pa re nt s af te r wa rds . A s we were l o o king at o ur menus , o ut of t h e co r n e r of my eye I saw my pa re nt s wa lk i n, followe d by my best friend, Katy, and my brother an d h is g ir l f r ie n d . B e st pa r t wa s, ot h e r t h a n my fa t he r (who Ro b had as ked fo r permis s io n) and b e st f r ie n d (w h o Rob a ske d to he lp pi ck out t h e ri n g) , no o ne knew we had gotten engaged the n i g h t b efo re .

J ES S + DAVE | M I N N E A P O L I S , M I N N .

Pape r Antle r Photo g raphy Je ss a nd I m e t t he s ame way mo st busy, hard-wo rking profe ssi on a ls do thes e days —o nl ine. Mo re s pecif ical l y, sh e ca m e a cross my prof il e o n Match.co m and was s uff i ci e nt ly i n t ri gu ed eno ugh to dro p me a mes s age. At the t i m e , sh e wa s li ving in Ro chester, Minn. whil e I l ived and worke d i n Mi nne apo l is . I was , admittedl y, hes itant abo ut m e e t i n g up si n ce I’d had previo us experience and exactl y ze ro succe ss wi th the who l e l o ng distance ef fo r t. But, Je ss wa s way too per fect fo r me to not give it a s hot.

S o, on a m i st y, overcast day in mid-Octo ber, we met at C a ri bou Cof fe e i n a Minneapo l is s uburb where s he grew up. We ll, a ct u a lly, we waited acro s s the street fro m each ot h e r a t e n t i re ly dif ferent (apparentl y co mpeting) Caribou ’s, bot h a ssuming we’d been sto o d up.

T h an kf u l l y, a s im p l e phon e ca ll cle a re d u p t h a t m i nor mis co mmunicatio n, and I f inal l y fo und myse l f s ittin g a c ros s f rom h e r. I wa s i m m e di a te ly sm i t ten. This girl was breathtakingl y beautiful an d re m a in s th e s m a r te st pe rson I h ave eve r m e t . He r s mil e and big, bl ue eyes made that gl o o my fall d ay fe e l a s th ou g h i t wa s t h e bri gh te st of t he se a so n.

Je s s h a d a n e a r l y- we ek j ob i nte r v i ew i n New Ha m psh i re that caus ed her to depar t o n a Sund ay af te r n o o n . T h is p rov i de d m e wi t h t he pe r fe ct oppor tunity to buy the biggest avail abl e pumpk i n i n a l l of Roc h e ste r, ca r ve out t h e qui n te sse n t i a l questio n, and then stas h it in Jes s ’ ho us e fo r a co u p l e d ays b efo re we we re sche dule d to ca r ve pum pkins to gether a co upl e days l ater.

Wh e n we re conve n e d . Je ss st a r te d i n on h e r a n n u a l ca r ving whil e I kept “fo rgetting” s o mething i n t h e oth e r room . W h i le sh e ca r ve d away, I wa s cove r t ly s etting up the pro po s al pumpkin in the n e i g h b or in g ro o m . W it h t he surpri se f u lly i nt a ct , I re j oi ned Jes s and star ted car ving my s eco nd p u mpkin of th e ye a r, wa i t i ng pa t i e nt ly (a nd n e r vou sly) fo r her to wal k into the other ro o m. When s h e f in a l l y g ot u p , I q ui e t ly followe d. She saw t he pu m pkin and turned aro und toward me with a h u g e s m il e . I m a n a ge d to ge t out a bout ha lf of wh a t I rehears ed, pul l ed o ut her dream ring, d ro p pe d to o n e kn e e , a n d form a lly a ske d t he qu e st i on , “Jes s ica Wynn Ro o ney, wil l yo u marr y me?

Sh e s a id , “ Ye s ! ”

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AL E X A + M I C H A E L | B I SM A R CK , N . D. G olde n Ve il Photo g raphy Michael and I met wit h a mu t u al f ri en d whil e co ming ho me for Th an k s g i v i n g break o ur fres hman year of co l l eg e. Michael was go ing to Con co rd i a Co l l eg e i n Mo o rhead, whil e I was g o i n g to t h e Un ivers ity of No r th Dakot a, an d o u r mu t u al friend was attending NDS U. We d rove ho me to Bis marck to get h er an d I n ever tho ught I wo ul d s ee hi m ag ai n . S o p h omo re year, I transferred to Co n co rd i a where met again in a n eco l o g y c l as s an d became par tners .

We were go ing o n o ur f i rst “real ” t ri p as a co upl e to San Diego fo r t h e weeken d .

Michael f l ew fro m Minn eap o l i s to Ph o enix , where I am curre n t l y l i v i n g , an d we l ef t fo r o ur trip.

When we arrived to S an Di eg o , we mad e o ur way to the restauran t as Mi c h ael had to l d me he had mad e a res er vatio n. We s at o n the pa t i o w i t h t h e beach o nl y fo otsteps away, ate t h e b est s eafo o d I had tasted, an d en j oyed eac h other’s co mpany. Af te r d i n n er, Mi c h ael s uggested we go wal k o n t h e b eac h . I was rel uctant as it wa s b reez y an d I was chil l ed, but he was pe rs i sten t s o I f i n al l y agreed. We wal ked al o n g t h e b eac h fo r abo ut f ive minutes , a n d al l of s u d d en Michael got down o n o n e-k n ee an d p ropo s ed. I s aid, “Yes ! ”

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NI CK + K YL EI G H | B I S MA R C K, N . D. G olde n Ve il Photo g raphy Ni ck a nd I we nt to hi gh sch oo l to gether, but it was n’t until colle ge t h a t we be ga n da t i ng. The day of o ur pro po s al , I was i n Bi sm a rck work i n g a n d Ni c k was in Fargo hanging o ut with

hi s ca t , Pe a n u t —or a t le a st that’s what I tho ught. Earl ier that we e k , my boss told m e t ha t we wo ul d be do ing a photo s ho ot a n d t h a t I ne e de d to dre ss nicel y. I was wo rking at Brea until 4 p.m . My boss wa lke d ove r a nd handed me an envel o pe. As I ope n e d t h e e nve lope , my hear t star ted to po und and tears rolle d down my fa ce . I t wa s a note fro m Nick . In this note he told m e to h e a d to whe re we had o ur f irst date, which is Ruby Tu esd ay ’s . At th e e n d of t h e note , i t sa i d, “ En j oy t h e m us ic o n the way up there.” So many fe e li ng s ca m e ove r m e ri gh t t he n a nd t he re . I gra bbe d my things and got in my car. When I st ar te d my ca r, th e f irst t hi n g I he a rd wa s Ni ck ’s voi ce . I immediatel y star ted to cr y. He to l d me t h a t h e p u t tog e the r som e songs t h a t re m i n d hi m of me. He to l d me it was impo r tant t h at I d o n’ t s k ip a ny s ongs. I st a r te d my j ou rn ey to Ru by Tues day’s . When I arrived, the man a g e r wa l k ove r a nd ha n de d m e t h e se cond e nve lope. This note to l d me to head ho me an d give my p a re n ts a hug f rom t he bot h of us. W h e n I got to my ho us e, we hugged and t h ey h a n d e d m e th e thi rd e nve lope . T hi s n ote told m e to head to Nick’s parents ’ ho us e an d give th e m h u g s f rom t h e bot h of u s. Once I colle cte d mys el f, I drove to Nick’s parents ’ h o u s e . T h ey we re s o exci te d to se e m e a n d I wa s so excited when they handed me the l ast enve l o p e f ro m Nic k . F i na lly, I wa s goi n g to se e hi m ! Along with the envel o pe, Nick’s parents h an d e d m e a G P S a n d i t told m e to go to t he Fox Isla n d bo ating do ck . A s I was driving to Fox Is l a n d , s on g n u m be r 1 2 ca m e on. I t wa s t he son g Ni c k and I s aid wo ul d be o ur f irst d an ce a t ou r we d d in g . I e n de d t h e dri ve wi t h t h e be a u t iful s o ng and parked my car. Nick was sta n d in g u n d e r a t re e . Not on ly di d he pi ck t h e pe r fect l o catio n, he deco rated it. That’s r i g h t , Nic k h a d p u t toge t he r pi ct u re s of u s ove r t h e ye a rs and hung them fro m the tree s o t h ey we re s u r rou n d in g us. We gra bbe d e a ch ot he r’s ha nds and Nick s aid wo rds that I wil l n eve r fo rg e t. F in a l l y, Ni ck gra bbe d t h e box, got down on o ne knee, and as ked me to marr y h i m. O f co u r s e I s a id , “ Ye s!” We hugge d, k i sse d a n d sm i led al o ng the Mis s o uri River. It was b eau tif u l a n d rom a n tic.

E MI LY + J OHN | M AD I SO N , WI S .

Pape r Antle r Photo g raphy Fa ll of 2009, John and I were both beginning o ur colle ge ca re e rs at the Univers ity of Wis co ns inMa di son. We we re yo ung, fres h-faced, and eager to st a r t t h e college experience. It was the s eco nd t i m e runni n g i n to each other that we exchanged num be rs a nd do what mo st kids do nowadays — i n ste a d of ca lli ng, we star ted texting. Texting t u rn e d i n to ge t-to gethers at Go rdo n Co mmo ns , W i sco n s in’s f re s h m a n e a t i ng e st a bli sh m e nt , wh i ch le d to the s haring of l o ng sto ries and li fe ex p e r ie n ce s a b ou t one a not h e r t h a t took pla ce la te into the night. Befo re we knew it we we re in s e p a ra b l e , a n d n ow f i ve ye a rs la te r t h e re st i s h isto r y.

Au g ust 2 0 13, Joh n’s job took hi m to Bri t i sh Colu m bi a to a town abo ut 50 mil es fro m Van co u ve r. Dista n ce wa s som e t h i ng n ew to us, con si de ring we s pent al l fo ur years of co llege w ith n o m ore th a n a few m i le s be t we e n u s. W i t h both of o ur busy s chedul es , vis its we re fa r a n d few b e twe e n. We ca n conf i rm t h e a ccu ra cy of the cl iché “Di stance makes the h e ar t g row fo n d er ” f ro m ou r own pe rsona l expe ri e nce . I t was not until June 2 0 14 that I f l ew f ro m C h ica g o to Va n co uve r to h e lp John m ove ba ck to Madis o n. We decided to ro ad-trip acro s s A m e r ica w ith o u r colle ge a lm a m a te r a s t he de stinatio n becaus e it was where Jo hn was go in g to b e tra in i n g duri n g t h e su m m e r m ont h s. Ta king three weeks of f fro m wo rk was n o ea sy fe a t, b u t we kn ew i t wa s goi ng to be a on ce i n a l ifetime adventure. A s I l ay in my b ed t h e n ig h t b efo re my f li ght to Va ncou ve r, I re ce i ve d a text fro m Jo hn that read, “I have a fe e li ng th e s e n ex t n in e days a re goi ng to be som e t hi n g we wil l never fo rget fo r the rest of o u r live s … I ca n’ t wa it to go on a cra zy a dve nt u re wi t h n o pl an with the girl I l ove s o much”.

Ou r c h os e n ro u te took t he sce ni c pa t h f rom Va n couve r to Seattl e, where the views and scen e r y we re in d e s c r iba bly st unni n g. W h i le i n t h e re sor t town of Co eur d’A l ene, Idaho , we st ar te d ou r m or n in g e a t i ng a t a fa m ous bre a k fa st spot , cal l ed Jimmy’s Down the Street.

Jo h n h a d p l a n n e d a h ike af te r our h e a r t y bre a k fa st . W h en we arrived at the trail head, we st ar te d ou r a s ce n t in to t h e m ount a i n . We ha d t h e pa t h to o urs el ves , and the s il ence that su r ro u n d e d th e g re a t ou tdoors wa s qui ck ly f i lle d wi t h our us ual banter and sto ries we had n ot ye t tol d on e a n othe r si nce se e i n g e a ch ot h e r la st . When we reached the mo untainto p, si len ce took ove r a g a i n a s we bot h soa ke d i n t he be a ut y of the s urro unding l akes and mo u nta in s . It wa s th e n t ha t I n ot i ce d Joh n m ov i n g closer to me, pul l ing a box o ut of his p o cke t a n d h e wa s d own on one k ne e . He sa i d, “ Em i ly, wil l yo u marr y me? Spend the rest of you r l ife w ith m e? ” I wa s so ove rcom e wi t h ha ppi ne ss, excitement and ner vo us nes s that I co u l d n ot eve n m u ster up t he a bi li t y to say, “ Ye s!” I j u st no dded my head up and down, tear s ro l l in g d ow n my che e k s, a nd j um pe d i n to h i s a rm s .

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JENNIFER + ANDREW | M E N D OTA H E I GH TS, MINN. Meg C ooper Photo g raphy In May 2009 I was a b ri d es mai d i n a f ri en d ’s wed d i n g . Dan , o n e of t h e g ro o ms men , to l d me h e an d h i s f i an cé, Jami e, were abs o l utel y po s itive that I wo u l d real l y l ike his friend A ndrew. I was i mmed i atel y s keptical . A week af ter the wed d i n g , Dan tex ted me that he was co m i n g to w h erever I was with Andrew. Where was I? I was sweat y and greasy s el l ing hot do g s an d b rat s fo r t h e Angel Fo undatio n. I gues s i t d i d n’t mat ter at the mo ment becaus e I d i d n’t h ave any expectatio ns .

Then Dan wal ks up with A n d rew. My f ri en d s at the s al e gave me this l oo k of who i s t ha t ?

Andrew is 6’4”, had l o ng, b l o n d h ai r an d s k ybl ue eyes . I was n’t ex pecti n g an Ab erc ro mb i e mo del . I became s uper s el f-co n s c i o u s an d t h e s mel l of hot do gs was reall y i n ten s e (I d o n’t even eat hot do gs).

Turns o ut, A ndrew is real l y f u n , l ai d b ac k , an d far fro m the butto ned-up grad u ate st u d en t s I’d s pent s o much time wit h , o r t h e overco nf ident guy I tho ught he co u l d b e, g i ven his go o d l o o ks (and he did n’t l i ke h ot d o g s either). Af ter just a few mi n u tes of t al k i n g , h e s uggested a f irst date. His of fer was s u s h i o r s kydiving. What?!

Fast fo r ward to Februar y 201 4 . An d rew h ad pl anned fo r us to go o ut w i t h h i s p aren t s at o ur favo rite l o cal restaura n t , Men d o b erri .

When we arrived, we wal ke d to t h e b ac k w h ere there is a f irepl ace and a pri vate t ab l e. Wh en we came aro und the end of t h e b ar, I s aw a to n of co l o r ful bal l o o ns and s o me f l as h i n g l i g h t s .

I immediatel y tho ught, Oh fu n! So me o ne i s havi ng a par ty! I turned aro u n d to b el l y-u p to the bar fo r a pre-dinner dr i n k w h i l e wai t i n g fo r his parents . But, A ndrew was n’t s i t t i n g down. He was l o o king at m e a l i t t l e w i d e-eyed , pro babl y thinking why isn’t s h e n ot icin g?! He of fered to take my co at an d t h en to o k my hand. He l ed me over to a l ow t ab l e i n f ro n t of the f ire that was co mpl etel y d ec ked o u t in a who l e Up s cene (my favo ri te mov i e). I was bl own away. There wa s a red -c h ec kered tabl ecl oth, a hand-painted mai l b ox (p ai n ted

by Andrew), a custo m Adve nt u re B o o k, an adventure fund jar with a p i c t u re of New Zeal and o n it (o ur dream ad ven t u re), d ozen s of mul ti-co l o red bal l o o ns whic h matc h ed t h o s e in Up, and a picnic bas ket w i t h w i n e, c h o co l ate and gl as s es . Taking it al l in, I s l ow l y real i zed what was happening.

Bes ide the f ire, Andrew to l d me h ow mu c h he l oved me, how much he wan ted to s p en d his l ife with me, and how he wan ted to h ave endl es s adventures with m e. O f co u rs e, I s ai d , “Yes .”

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real wedding

TALIA & MARK P R I V A T E F A M I LY R E S I D E N C E A L O N G R E D R I V E R G R A N D F O R K S , N O R T H D A K O T A PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIO A PHOTO

From the bride ... Mark and I met through mutual friends in the spring of 2011. On our very first date, we both came in expecting very little. We both had a string of many failed dates under our belts., but this one was different. He was different—better than my first impression. I immediately felt like I could be myself in front of him. We had a wonderful night and made plans to meet again later that week. By the second date I was certain this was something that would be long term.

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Our wedding day was truly and utterly perfect. We live in North Dakota and the weather here is 100 percent unpredictable. The summer leading up to our wedding date had been unseasonably cold and rainy. I really believe September 6 was a gift from God, because it was that day alone that all the clouds cleared and the weather totally cooperated.

Our wedding was held outside in my parent’s lovely backyard along the Red River. When we first became engaged, an outdoor wedding is what we both envisioned. We both also agreed that inviting only our family and close friends would be best. It was important to have a wedding that offered an intimate setting, separating it from just another big party. This was Mark and my first marriage, something we both did not take lightly at our 36 and 42 years of age.

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When it came to planning the wedding and making my vision real, I had an amazing event coordinator that made it all a reality. I have always been opposed to overly cutesy, girly décor. I think it may have to do with growing up as a tomboy, influenced by two brothers. My vision for the day was a fine balance between sexy, feminine décor with a natural, rustic and outdoorsy feel. My favorite piece would have to be the wine barrels used as tables with glass across the top and set with gorgeous peachy and pastel flower arrangements. The floral really nailed the feel we were going for— although the park benches set for our ceremony and the rustic hardwood dance floor were a close second.

Generally speaking, once Sadie of Sadie’s Couture Floral and Event Styling very successfully helped me accomplish the décor, I had a short list of must-haves to make this day perfect. First, I wanted it to be really fun for all our guests, so we incorporated sparklers and mini bonfires with s’mores.

Second, we wanted to offer our guests a really great meal. Lastly, we wanted the evening to be informal, yet offer an amazing setting that everyone would always remember.

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“We both agreed on inviting only close family and friends.

We wanted to treat our guests to an informal affair, yet set in an amazing atmosphere that they would remember forever.� ^ Bride

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real wedding

KAITLYN & DILLON B R I D G E ’ S B AY R E S O R T | O KO B O J I , I O WA P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A LY C A R R O L L P H O T O G R A P H Y

From the Bride ... My husband, Dillon, and I fell in love summering in Okoboji, a Midwestern town set on a sprawling lake. When we thought about where to gather our family and friends together to share our commitment and joy, it was only natural to choose the same lake that brought us together.

Planning an outdoor, lakeside wedding came with a lot of risks, all of which I was willing to take in exchange for the wedding I had always envisioned. I wanted to celebrate among the people we love the most, and our goal was for the event to be as enjoyable for them as for us. As Dillon and I started to plan, we sorted through our priorities and came out with three main elements—a beautiful environment, delicious food and lively entertainment.

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“Dillon and I spent many nights of our first summer in Okoboji together listening to live music., so a live band was the next nostalgic must-have on our list. The band helped maintain such a fun energy throughout our reception, and we all danced the night away!� ^ Bride

I started with the venue, knowing we would spend so much time there with our guests. I wanted to take advantage of the scenic lake and opted for a tent. With Okoboji as our backdrop, the tent really allowed me to create every aspect of the décor from the ground up. Our romantic, white tent and a beautiful green-grass floor allowed for lots of natural light. This helped in highlighting our main design choices: rustic wood features, a collection of vintage furniture, and lush floral, accented by dreamy neutrals with splashes of deep coral.

We wanted the food to be fresh, homemade, and out-of-the-ordinary. My husband and I were set on having a variety of food and dessert options to choose from. Our spread was reminiscent of a lavish summer picnic. The small-bites menu included deviled eggs, mini meatballs, shrimp cocktail, fresh green salad, and caprese pops, with smoked brisket and stuffed potatoes as larger dishes. For dessert, we brought in chocolaty cupcakes and created a “sweets bar” for guests who wanted to keep snacking as the party continued.

Our wedding was simply a dream come true. We were all smiles all day long, creating memories in a place that already held so many. Every detail came together beautifully, and Lake Okoboji will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

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“I wanted my bridesmaids to feel beautiful and comfortable. Their gorgeous jersey dresses served perfectly.

Their easy drape and movement in the lakeside breeze, and the dusty terracotta shade tied in with my soft, neutral palette and flattered everyone.� ^ Bride

nicole’s vendor list

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H A I R STYL IST: A M A NDA MUSSE R; SALO N M SPA

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F LOW ERS: E LE M E NT S DE S I GN S T U DI O

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THE

ROSE

N O1

S Y M B O L I Z I N G G E N T I L I T Y, F E M I N I N I T Y, E L E G A N C E A N D R E F I N E M E N T, T H E P I N K ROSE ALSO CARRIES ADDITIONAL MEANINGS DEPENDING ON ITS HUE. A DEEP P I N K C O N V E Y S G R AT I T U D E A N D A P P R E C I AT I O N , W H I L E PA L E S H A D E S C O N N OT E G R A C E A N D G E N T L E N E S S , A D M I R AT I O N A N D H A P P I N E S S .

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MACARONS CH PATISSERIE STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY DAINTY OBSESSIONS

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FLORAL ICE CUBES

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CARDAMOM ROSE C O C K TA I L

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ROSE MACARONS

by CH Patisserie

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Hire an in-home chef for the morning or have a family member in charge of scrambling up eggs, bacon and toast for your morning e n t o u r a g e . Ta k e 3 0 minutes to sit, eat and soak in the moment.

Yo u ’ r e g e t t i n g m a r r i e d !

EDIBLE FLOWER AND HERB POPSICLES

tutorial online at dainty obsessions .com

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Honeymoon Destinations

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by Tracy Kirby

After the memorable sashay down the aisle, the vows, the champagne, the legendary reception, and the send off, many brides and grooms wake up the morning after their wedding feeling entirely euphoric... and perhaps a tiny bit glum. Euphoric because (finally) they are married to their dreamboats, but also an ounce of sadness because one of the most important days of their lives has come and gone. To avoid this wedding hangover, keep the party going with an equally memorable and fanciful honeymoon! Here, we dish on two hot honeymoon destinations to keep the wedding day momentum going—minus the nervous jitters.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

ROATAN, HONDURAS

Vancouver B.C. is a world-class city located on the Pacific Ocean just three hours north of Seattle. Host to the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver is a diverse and densely populated metropolitan area known as one of the cleanest cities in the world. Not to mention, its gorgeous cityscape and stunning mountain backdrop will make your jaw drop.

Off the coast of colorful Honduras and resting like a peaceful jewel in the Caribbean Sea, lays the tranquil island of Roatan. Known as the Big Island in Honduras’ Bay Islands, Roatan has become a prime scuba diving location as well as a romantic asylum for honeymooners. Its proximity to the world’s second largest coral reef has made it a major cruise ship stop, but its popularity has not diminished the charming feel of this island paradise.

Where to Stay: Kristina Wolfe, travel specialist at Travel Leaders Sioux Falls, suggests staying at either the Fairmont Waterfront or the Shangri-La Vancouver. Both properties boast perfect locations to relax with stunning views and first class service. Step out the door and traverse and

revel in the captivating city.

What to Do: In order to soak up all that this region has to offer, Kristina advocates a luxury cruise on Regent Cruise Lines and a stay in a Concierge Suite. “It is all inclusive luxury—shore excursions are complimentary and everything is included, even airfare from select cities— and is the world’s only truly all-inclusive cruise line,” Kristina says. “Even your stay in Vancouver is included.”

Also, adventure-seeking honeymooners can take advantage of the various mountain activities as well as ocean activities. With its mild climate, Vancouver visitors could potentially be in the snowy mountains by day and be exploring the cooling winds of the ocean by afternoon.

Why Honeymooners Flock Here: From end to end, the island of Roatan is only about 40 miles long, but it packs a lot in on its relatively small land mass.

Honeymooners desperately seeking the sun, respite, adventure, incredible seafood, and some of the best fishing, snorkeling, and diving the world has to offer need to look no further than this Honduran wonderland.

Where to Stay: Mary Jo Nelson, owner and travel consultant at Travel Partners Sioux Falls, recommends a stay on the western side of the island known as “West Bay” and specifically at the Infinity Bay Spa and Beach Resort. “It has the most beautiful stretch of white sand beach on the island,” Mary Jo says. “Couples will enjoy all the privacy and luxury that this incredible resort has to offer and is perfect

for those seeking to relax on a tranquil beach.” Plus, Mary Jo assures that this is not as crowded as some of the other resorts and it also has a safe reef with protected waters for breathtaking snorkeling (or diving) right outside your door.

What to Do: The beautiful thing about visiting this awe-inspiring island is that honeymooners can pack their schedule with activities, or they can do absolutely nothing at all. The island offers a perfect backdrop for both adventure and relaxation; both excitement and tranquility. However, the main thing to do on this island is in some way explore the coral reef. With over 130 dive sites and countless areas for snorkeling, Roatan gives you the opportunity to spy into the magical underwater kingdom and return to the relaxing and romantic shores of paradise.

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Sampson.

Why Honeymooners Flock Here: Still requiring a passport for U.S. Citizens, this getaway to Vancouver will give you the feel of traveling far overseas with the luxury of not having to travel far at all. Honeymooners traveling to Vancouver have the option to ski (in season), sail, visit the effervescently romantic Vancouver Island, explore the cultured city, savor divine cuisine, and soak in the intrigue of British Columbia’s largest city.

Travel Partners

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Travel Partners www.travelpartners.tv info@travelpartners.tv 605-362-6771 5604 W 41st Street Sioux Falls, SD 57106

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honeymoon diaries

Tony + Kate Becker

Honeymoon Destination: Northern Italy Wedding date: May 24th, 2014

How Long We Stayed —We stayed for 10 days.

What To Bring —Clothes and shoes for hiking, lots of sundresses, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the towns. And, of course, a camera for capturing the beautiful scenery.

Where We Went —We spent four days on the West Coast of Italy, mostly in the Cinque Terre, which is five little fishing villages along the Mediterranean Sea that you can hike between. We also visited other towns like Pisa and Luca while we were in the area. On day five, we took a road trip up to Lake Como, where we stayed for the remainder of our trip. We loved being right on the lake with the beautiful mountains surrounding us. We even took a day trip to Switzerland since we were so close.

Where We Stayed —Since we wanted a taste of real Italy, we booked quaint bed and breakfasts for the entire stay.

What We Ate During the Stay — We loaded up on tons pastries, pizza and pasta. I have a huge sweet tooth, so having a gelato shop literally on every street was the best. We got gelato at least once a day.

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Photos: Courtesy of Tony + Kate Becker.

Why We Chose it —We wanted a taste of real Italy, so we decided to go with smaller cities that weren’t huge tourist attractions. We have both always dreamed of visiting rural italy, so it seemed like the perfect adventure for a honeymoon.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

SIMPLE MIDWEST

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What We Did —Excursions & ActivitiesWe did a lot of hiking and exploring while we were on our trip. We hiked along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea from village to village in the Cinque Terre, and hiked to the top of one of the tallest mountains that surrounded Lake Como. The gorgeous view was a highlight. Aside from hiking, we wanted to experience the culture and take in all the sights, so we drove along the countryside, ate at restaurants where no one spoke English, stopped on the side of the road to take photos next to old run down castles, and took boat tours on the sea.

Recommendations —Rent a car! I am so thankful that we rented a car for our entire stay. It was nice to be able to go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. Everyone says that driving a car in Italy is difficult and scary, but honestly I think our tiny Fiat made for some funny stories to tell and great memories.

Your “must-do” list —Go to the smaller towns and off-the-beatenpath locations. We loved visiting small shops and restaurants in rural Italy.

Experiencing the culture that isn’t saturated with tourism is key.

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Let our professional chauffeurs treat you like royalty.

We proudly serve the region with 6, 8, 10 and 12 passenger limousines, sedans, vans, shuttle buses, limousine buses, 45-passenger coach and 56-passenger coach.

Celebrating 30 years, (605) 332-7952 www.sodakroyallimo.com sdrlimo@midconetwork.com

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The Newlyweds at h o m e

PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN POMEROY PHOTOGRAPHY You know a home tour is going to be a hit when the incredibly style savvy woman of the house owns a successful event design and planning company. Candace and Rich are no strangers to Dainty Obsessions. Not only did we feature their delightful real wedding in 2014’s summer issue, but we’ve also featured several real weddings that Candace has helped design via her business Lovestru.ck Weddings + Events. From Omaha, Neb., the couple takes us into their everyday life and beautifully renovated home.

Years Married : Three and a half.

do you use most often?

items, if different from most used?

Do you rent or own? Own.

Williams-Sonoma Open Kitchen Dinnerware and Cuisinart Elite 12-Cup Food Processor.

The Dyson Vacuum from my motherin-law is amazing! We also received some Global chef’s knives which are scary sharp, but great to use in the kitchen.

Did you live together before marriage?

Yes, for three years.

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The french press from my friend in Portland is also a favorite. Rich never drank coffee until we started brewing it with the press.

What different decisions, if any, would you make about your wedding registry list?

I wouldn’t change much. I’m glad we focused on registering on kitchen tools since we’re big foodies. Registering for everyday dishes rather than china was also a smart decision for us. We didn’t buy our first home until a few years after we were married, so I’m glad I didn’t register for any home decor.

Which room in the house is your favorite and why?

The kitchen. It needs updating, and we plan on gutting it soon.

Rich and I love to cook, so it’s our ‘happy place.’ We love to host friends for themed potlucks (such as soup night, crepes, etc.), and our kitchen is big enough for multiple cooks to gather and finish preparing their dishes.

Where do you splurge and where do you save when it comes to your home?

Rich will say I splurge on everything. Our home needs a lot of TLC. When we bought our house, we knew we’d eventually renovate every room in the home.

That being said, I’ve tried to be extremely calculative when furnishing our home. Essentially that means that until we’ve saved up enough money to redo an entire room, I don’t touch it. I don’t try to accessorize it or furnish it with my favorite pieces unless the piece is functional. We actually hired an architect to master plan our entire house. They created a blueprint of each construction project including structural, plumbing, and facade changes as well as

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new additions. Now that I know how the end product will look one day, I’m a little less leery to make purchases, but I still prefer to work on one room at a time.

Who cooks and who cleans?

Both of us! We take turns cooking during the week depending on who gets home first.

We’ve divided the cleaning tasks, too. My list is a little longer because Rich has more outdoor maintenance jobs than I do.

What’s a week in your household look like?

Crazy! Once we get home from work, we eat dinner together and then I work on catching up on e-mails or finishing design projects until about 8 p.m. each night. Rich usually browses on his computer. Sometimes we have the TV on as background noise. We have our set of shows that we like to watch on Hulu, but we love to find new documentaries to watch on Netflix.

Do you have any children?

spouse?

By listening. I think it’s important to make their priorities your priorities as well. Rich caught the travel bug after we visited Europe last year. Even though I’d like to save our money for home renovation projects, we compromise by putting money towards travel as well. This year for Christmas I got him a vintage map of Paris to remind him of our trip last spring and a map of Rome to get him excited for our next adventure together.

What is your go-to weeknight meal? Weekend meals?

No. Have you started any family traditions?

We’re really adventurous when it comes to cooking during the week. Rich finds recipes online and puts them in a spreadsheet. We have a ‘Possibilites’ tab for new finds and a ‘Good Ideas’ tab for the tried-and-true recipes. Some of our favorite recipes include Squash Toasts with Ricotta, Pozole Verde, Jalapeno Bacon Corn Pancakes, and Pastelon.

How did you celebrate your one-year anniversary?

We use to make corn pancakes on Husker Saturdays (I love corn), but my weekends are usually busy with weddings in the fall.

We ate at The Grey Plume. Can you sense a food theme here?!

We try to go on walks as much as possible when the weather is nice. We live in a great neighborhood with huge trees and wide streets.

Rich manages all of our finances, and I love him for it.

We like to go out once a weekend. Omaha has some great restaurants, and we’re always up for trying new places. But, they have to have good cocktails and beer.

Our Friday nights out have become a great way for us to catch up with each other after a long work week. I look forward to good food and good conversation every week.

What is one small way you love or serve your

How does your family handle finances?

What is your favorite wedding memory?

Listening to live music on the deck during our cocktail hour. The weather was perfect, the music was mellow, and I was surrounded by the most important people in my life right after I

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married my favorite person.

How do you remember your wedding in your home?

We have printed photos placed around our home. I’ve been meaning to have our hand-written vows hand-lettered and framed as well, but it’s still on my “to-do” list.

Have any tips on how to balance your relationship, with life, friends, jobs, etc.?

Connecting with your spouse and your friends is the only way I stay sane. We both balance busy schedules, and each year I vow to carve out more time for my friends and family. I think it’s important to surround yourself with positive energy, so I focus on my friendships that provide the most support and love.

What’s your favorite date-night idea?

Dinner at a new restaurant.

What is the most surprising thing about marriage?

The work that a marriage requires wasn’t a surprise to me. Rich and I had our share of disagreements and compromises to make throughout our relationship early on. I guess what surprises me most are the new ways in which Rich shows how much he cares about me.

It can be in the simplest thing. Some of them are so miniscule and probably seem meaningless to an outsider looking in, but I’ve never doubted how much he loves me and that’s the best feeling in the world.

What is your favorite thing about your marriage?

Our shared sense of humor, curiosity, adventure, and love of cheese.

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DO vendor guide ^

apparel AENDEE Handcrafted Neckties Fargo, N.D 701.261.8816 www.aendee.com

Pinnacle Productions Midwest 605.376.5716 www.pinnacleprodj.com

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BBT Style National www.bbtstyle.com

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bridal boutiques

The Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.444.4500 www.siouxfalls.hgi.com

Posh Bridal Couture Wayzata, Minn.

952.249.8000 www.poshmn.com

Gala by Megan Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.988.7465 www.galabymegan.com

Holiday Inn Downtown City Centre Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.339.2000 www.sfcchotel.com

cakes/desserts

Hitch Design Studio Brookings, S.D. 605.592.9072 www.hitchstudio.com

Holiday Inn Express & Event Center Brandon, S.D. 605.582.2901 www.brandon-express.com

{Redefined} Designs & Events Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.359.6316 www.redefined-designs.com

Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, S.D. 605.342.1210 www.alexjohnson.com

Sadie’s Couture Floral & Event Styling Grand Forks, N.D. 701.317.3255 www.sadiesfloralnd.com

The Clubhouse Hotel & Suite Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.361.8700 www.siouxfalls.clubhouseinn.com

Sugar’s Baked Goods & Sweet Treats Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.521.1631 www.sugarsbakedgoods.com

catering

Timeless Wedding & Event Rentals Black Hills 605.342.8966 www.timelessweddingandevents.com

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Jenny’s Floral Custer, S.D. 605.673.3549 www.jennysfloral.com

cinematography AJ Production Co. Midwest 605.354.0364 www.ajproductionco.com

dj/entertainment DJ Jer Events & Lighting Design Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.360.1102 www.djjer.com

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Sadie’s Couture Floral & Event Styling Grand Forks, N.D. 701.317.3255 www.sadiesfloralnd.com

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Riddle’s Jewelry S.D., N.D., Iowa, Minn, Wyo, Neb. 800.741.7609 www.riddlesjewelry.com Sticks & Steel Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.335.7349 www.sticksandsteel.com

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limo/transportation services Royal Limo Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.332.7952 www.sodakroyallimo.com

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personal stylist Style By Treva Sioux Falls, S.D. 712.363.0678 www.stylebytreva.com

health/beauty B Beautiful Salon Brookings, S.D. 605.864.1480 www.facebook.com/pages/Bbeautifulsalon

jewelry Borsheims Fine Jewelry & Gifts Omaha, N.E. 800.642.4438 www.borsheims.com

floral

The Flower Mill Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.274.6080 www.flower-mill.com

Old Market Eatery + Bar Brookings, S.D. 605.692.5757 www.oldmarketeatery.com

jasonrjonas videography Midwest 605.595.7751 www.jasonrjonas.com

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Bloom Sioux Falls Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.251.3500 www.bloomsiouxfalls.com

Johnny Carino’s Sioux Falls, S.D. & Fargo, N.D. 605.361.7222 701.282.2922 www.carinos.com

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Custer State Park Custer, S.D. 888.875.0001 www.custerresorts.com

Black Hills Receptions & Rentals Black Hills, S.D. 605.342.8888 www.blackhillsreceptions.com

Half Baked Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.323.7959 www.halfbakedsiouxfalls.com

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hotel/lodging

L’Atelier Couture Bridal Boutique Minneapolis, Minn.

612.367.8120 www.lateliercouturebridal.com

The Cake Lady Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.370.1909 www.thecakeladysf.com

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Bella Sera Rapid City, S.D. 605.430.6099 www.bellaseraproductions.com

CH Patisserie Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.275.0090 www.chpatisserie.com

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event styling/ coordinating

Belle Touche Salon & Spa Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.275.6200 www.belletouche.com

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photography Dan Thorson Photography photos@danthorson.com www.danthorson.com

*Bold = Preferred Vendor

Fate + Love Photography 701.690.7789 www.fateandlovephotography.com

AENDEE Handcrafted Neckties Fargo, N.D. 701.261.8816 www.aendee.com

Jeff Sampson Photography 605.610.8577 www.jeffreysampson.com

Black Hills Receptions & Rentals Black Hills, S.D. 605.342.8888 www.blackhillsreceptions.com

Katie Lewis Photography 701.893.5782 www.katielewisphotography.com

McNeal & Friends Fargo, N.D. 701.235.0031 www.facebook.com/mcnealfriends

Lindsay Herbst Photography 319.929.6510 www.lindsayherbstphotography.com

The Mrs. Box National www.themrsbox.com

Michael Liedtke Photography 605.310.4639 www.michaelliedtke.com

Plum’s Cooking Co. Sioux Falls, S.D. 888.935.1999 www.plumscooking.com

Sarah Sunstrom Photography 309.507.0618 www.sarahsunstromphotography.com Studio Blu Photography 605.275.0337 www.studiobluphotography.com

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Simply Perfect Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.338.3599 www.simplyperfectstore.com

registry

Sticks & Steel Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.335.7349 www.sticksandsteel.com

Plum’s Cooking Co. Sioux Falls, S.D. 888.935.1999 www.plumscooking.com Simply Perfect Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.338.3599 www.simplyperfectstore.com Sticks & Steel Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.335.7349 www.sticksandsteel.com

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Timeless Wedding & Event Rentals Black Hills 605.342.8966 www.timelessweddingandevents.com

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Engage Paperie Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.221.4272 www.engagesd.com

restaurants

Fate + Love Stationery Fargo, N.D. www.fateandlovestationery.com

The District Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.357.7377 www.thedistrictsf.com Johnny Carino’s Sioux Falls, S.D. & Fargo, N.D. 605.361.7222 701.282.2922 www.carinos.com

Hitch Design Studio Brookings, S.D. 605.592.9072 www.hitchstudio.com

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retail/rentals ABC Rentals Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.331.3644 www.abcrentalsmidwest.com

travel Travel Leaders Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.335.6968 www.travelleaders.com/siouxfallssd

Minerva’s Sioux Falls, S.D., Rapid City, S.D. 605.334.0386 www.minervas.net

Old Market Eatery + Bar Brookings, S.D. 605.692.5757 www.oldmarketeatery.com

stationery

Travel Partners Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.362.6771 www.travelpartners.tv

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tuxedo’s/men’s clothiers Halberstadt’s Men’s Clothiers Sioux Falls & Rapid City, S.D. & Fargo, N.D. 605.361.2619 www.halberstadtsmenswear.com

Tip Top Tux Midwest 800.831.0902 www.tttux.com

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venues Bayfield Weddings Bayfield, Wis. 715.779.3335 www.bayfieldweddings.com Custer State Park Custer, S.D. 888.875.0001 www.custerresorts.com The District Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.357.7377 www.thedistrictsf.com The Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.444.4500 www.siouxfalls.hgi.com Holiday Inn Downtown City Centre Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.339.2000 www.sfcchotel.com Holiday Inn Express & Event Center Brandon, S.D. 605.582.2901 www.brandon-express.com Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, S.D. 605.342.1210 www.alexjohnson.com Icon Event Hall Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.444.4260 www.iconeventhall.com Minerva’s Sioux Falls, S.D., Rapid City, S.D. 605.334.0386 www.minervas.net Museum of Visual Materials Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.271.9500 www.sfmvm.com Old Sanctuary Reception Hall Brookings, S.D. 605.692.4859 www.oldsanctuary.com Sioux Fall Convention Center Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.367.4100 www.siouxfallscc.com Washington Pavilion Sioux Falls, S.D. 605.367.6000 www.washingtonpavilion.org

daintyobsessions.com

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DO brides’ real advice

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Amie Stevenson

Kelly Boddicker

Kelsey Rohrbach

Paige Prior

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“It’s important to make decisions together with your fiancé. Drew wouldn’t let me hire a wedding planner, so I delegated tasks for him to complete each month. What I loved was how excited we both got at every decision we made.

We were both able to see the vision of our wedding come together. Planning isn’t so awful when you have your partner there with you every step.”

“Focus on what’s important.

At the end of the day, your marriage is what matters most and the wedding is just the celebration. Try not to get caught up in the planning, and instead, just look forward to the special day and know in the end it will all work out the way it should!”

“Be sure to make time to sample food and cake with your vendors. This was a big highlight. I may have put on an extra pound or two during that whole process. ”

“Relax! Wedding planning can easily drive you crazy. Instead, have fun with it. There is no need to become a bridezilla. Be sure to take a minute to pause, look around, and take in the moment. Also, be sure to include your mom. Spending quality time with her was my favorite part of wedding planning. ”

Photos L to R: Michael Liedtke Photography (Image 1); Aly Carroll Photography (Image 2); Joice Ruffing Photography (Image 3); Emily Crall Photography (Image 4).