We met October 2008 at the Wedding of our dear friends Becky and Kevin- we actually walked down the aisle together as part of a trio! We dated for what our friends and family would call "forever" before getting engaged October 2014- we like to say "when you know you know so what's the point of rushing?" We believe the key to a long and lasting relationship is to be yourself (and appreciate your partner when they are too), love the good, the bad, and the mundane of building a life together, and that end of the day there's nothing that ESPN and Basil's pizza (Northfield, MN) can't fix.
From the moment we stepped in to Aria we knew it was the place for us. We had been looking for a venue that was "Matt and Kate" and could allow us to create the laid back, yet deeply personalized, atmosphere we were looking for and when you combine the physical space with the Aria team- especially Steph Guidera- it was an easy decision. If you are looking for a team that will have you looking forward to meetings and writing checks- it's the Aria team!
Our lives is really what inspired our wedding theme and decor. We tried to incorporate personal touches that meant something to us, which would in turn mean something to our guests. We both love sports and the atmosphere of fun and excitement that comes with big game days- we felt this was really our ultimate "game day" so we wanted the decorations to reflect and inspire that.
It's hard to pick just one favorite part of our day, when the day was filled with one amazing thing after another, but aside from the obvious of getting married (by one of our most treasured friends), Kate says it was watching Matthew absolutely light up while he surprised everyone by jumping on stage with his brother Erik to play "The Core" with the band- allowing himself to take the spotlight and be himself in such an amazing way. Matthew says it was having a day 100% dedicated to Kate and her happiness- watching her be cheered on by family and friends instead of being behind the scenes doing the cheering for others. (We really like each other, can you tell?)
The bride's advise to other couples:
It isn't always fun- in fact, if you're like us, the majority of it won't be fun because you put such immense pressure on yourselves to make it perfect- for your guests but mostly for each other. If you have Disney movie rays of sunshine and singing blue birds follow you around from the moment you get engaged, consider yourselves a very lucky exception! Our advice is to be honest with each other throughout the whole process and laugh at each other when it's called for!
We had a TON of DIY projects - which was stressful at times, but 100% worth it in the end. The most notable DIY was the "alter" wall that Matthew made from reclaimed Barn Wood. We spent an afternoon taking the barn wood off the barn (Kate has the scar to prove she wasn't very helpful) and he put together the most amazing backdrop for our ceremony. We wanted the ceremony to feel like our closest friends and family were joining us in our living room- with our most prized pictures and tokens- and Matthew made it happen! Other projects included personalized pennants to hang from the ceiling, a locker for pictures, refinishing a chalkboard we found in a dumpster, name pennants for our wedding party and other small details to make the day especially "Matt and Kate". It was wonderful to see all of the details we loved come together the day of!
Dress: Maggie Sottero "Blakely"
Shoes: Caparros
Jewelry/Accessories: Nadri
Bridesmaid Dress: Bill Levkoff, various styles
Groom Attire: Brooks Brothers, Burberry
Hair Stylist: Primped- Victoria Ohlhauser
Make Up Artist: Primped- Victoria Ohlhauser
Rental: Crown Rental- Rosemount
Flowers: Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling
Caterer: The Deco Catering
Dessert: Queen of Cakes
Wedding Invitations/Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas
Transportation: Eclipse Global Transportation and Limousines
Ceremony Venue: Aria
Officiant: Matthew "Coach" Dunbar
Reception Venue: Aria
DJ/Band: Hookers and Blow
Ceremony Musician: Dan Rodriguez
This post first appeared on Award Winning Wedding Photography ~ Erin Johnson Photography ~ 612.529.9792, please read the originial post: here
