The weekend of September 12 an 13th proved to be very busy for me as I coordinated Leah and Lamont’s wedding Friday and was lucky enough to get to coordinate the wedding of my friends, Anita and Joe, on Saturday, September 13th!  With all the lucky rain an outdoor wedding could wish for, the decision was made to move the wedding into the gazebo at Arneson Acres Park in Edina, instead of holding it, as originally planned, at the park’s beautiful garden fountain.  The drizzle worked to the couple’s advantage as everyone settled in close to witness the tears of a love-struck groom and giddy bride at one of the most touching weddings I was blessed to be a part of all year.   The rest of the day was all about rolling with the punches with rain, tricky electrical issues at Joe’s parent’s house where the reception was held, and even getting shut down early because the neighbors didn’t like the loud music.  It really was a family affair with Anita’s uncle officiating the ceremony, Joe’s parents hosting the reception, Anita’s cousin doing the flowers as well as another uncle catering the event with his own catering business.  It was a whirlwind day, but it was so much fun.  Thank you so much, ‘Niter and Jow.  It was a blast!

 

Anita’s uncle performed the ceremony under the gazebo.  The ladies picked their own dresses in a chocolate brown color.  Anita’s MOH and best friend, Sarah, designed and made her own dress as well as designed and made all the jewelry for the bride and the bridesmaids.

 

A highly anticipated kiss.

 

 

Rain makes for photo-ops, right?

 

One of my personal faves from their collection.  Chillin’ at the Guthrie.

 

The reception was held in the groom’s parent’s yard.  Word to the wise:  always get the tent sides in case of rain.  Having a tent cover your head doesn’t guarantee your guests stay dry.  The mother and father of the groom worked tirelessly to make sure the yard and house looked perfect for the occasion.

 

The tables were covered with chocolate linens and eggplant colored table runners that were hand-sewn by the bride and family members.  The centerpieces were hurricane glass candle holders with coffee beans and a pillar candle surrounded by small votives.

 

The cocktail tables held small silver julep cups packed with beautiful flowers that were arranged by Anita’s cousin.

 

Queen of Cakes did yet another excellent job of creating both beautiful and crazy-cool cakes.

 

Joe is a car nut and has an old Porsche that he is rebuilding, so Anita thought it fitting to get him a Porsche replica groom’s cake.

 

We got shut down early because some of the neighbors didn’t like the “loud” music.  Joe’s dad decided to bust out the guitar and serenade the couple (and he really did an excellent job!).  It was one of those moments that I feel truly honored to witness and will never forget.  Not everyone gets to be a part of something so big, yet so intimate as families share joy and love for each other in unexpected ways.  This is why I love this job.  So heartfelt and so romantic for the newlyweds.  It truly was the perfect ending to an already wonderful and touching day.

 

The Vendor List:

Ceremony:  Arneson Acres Park

Reception:  The home of the parents of the groom

Photographer:  Erin and I Photography

Brides hair:  Juut Salon Southdale 

Brides Makeup, Bridesmaid hair and makeup: Smart & Chic Bride

Ceremony Musician:  Joel Shapira

Florals: Anita’s cousin, Colleen

Tent Rental:  Apres Party and Tent Rental  

Catering:  Bruschetta: Catering by Design

Cakes:  Queen of Cakes

DJ:  Nightlife Entertainment DJs