DIY Wedding in Big Lake, Minnesota, Part Three: Gina and Stein

Lace/Hanky June 3, 2011

We asked Gina how she came up with the idea of playing old films in the background of her reception?

"Having ALWAYS been in love with 'the good ol' days,' I have a great love for vintage fashion, films and what is known as 'the greatest generation.' After looking through many photos of my Grandma Ione & Grandpa Leon's wedding from the 1940s, I just had to have that added touch because there is something so near and dear to my heart about that time."

Dress: St. Cloud Bridal & Boutique
Cake: Coborn's Bakery of Elk River
Flowers: Shauna Kober
Invitations: Handmade by Bride
Caters: Russell's on the Lake located in big lake, MN
DJ/Band: Midwest Sound and Light Shows out of Minneapolis
Ceremony: Our Lady of the Lake Church
Reception: Fox Hollow Golf Club

DIY Wedding in Big Lake, MN, Part Two: Gina and Stein

Lace/Hanky June 1, 2011

We asked Gina what advice she would give future DIY brides. She graciously replied:

"Make a fun inspirational collage of things that make you happy and wedding details you love. It will really help you get a feel for the style of wedding you wish to plan. Just always remember that after all that planning, when the wedding day comes, you really just need to take everything with a grain of salt and laugh at the little things. On our wedding day, just after I walked down the isle he stepped on the train of my dress, and you could hear a big RIP noise. I just tilted my head back in laughter and the congregation at the church followed in laughter. I really think it set the mood for our evening."

We think Gina is spot on! Their "let's just enjoy the day" attitude helped them relax and let their true feelings for each other show.

DIY Wedding in Big Lake, Minnesota, Part One: Gina and Stein

Lace/Hanky June 1, 2011

There are so many things We love about this wedding: a stunning bride, a distinguished groom, great details and most of all fun people! Gina put her heart and soul into every detail of her wedding. She made custom aprons for all her bridesmaids.

Lace/Hanky asked Gina where she got her inspiration from and she responded:

"I LOVE online wedding blogs such as: Green Wedding Shoes, Ruffled Blog and 100 Layered Cake. I also have always been in love with Martha Stewart, so I consulted her wedding magazine for fun details as well. Another one of my favorite things to do is go through my family photo albums of grandmas & grandpas, aunts and uncles weddings for meaningful details. I have always loved bright colors and from the start I knew I had to incorporate lots of color into the wedding, especially with spring having sprung it was a necessity for me! I believe color can add so much happiness and can really set the mood whether it be an everyday outfit or planning a wedding like we were doing. And wherever possible I tried to throw in hints of vintage with old fashioned fonts, a vintage cake topper from Etsy, a black & white first dance video, etc."

Dress: St. Cloud Bridal & Boutique
Cake: Coborn's Bakery of Elk River
Flowers: Shauna Kober
Invitations: Handmade by Bride
Caters: Russell's on the Lake located Big Lake, MN
DJ/Band: Midwest Sound and Light Shows out of Minneapolis
Ceremony: Our Lady of the Lake Church
Reception: Fox Hollow Golf Club

Northern Minnesota Wedding: Leah and Brian

Lace/Hanky May 25, 2011

Leah was an amazing bride! She had dreams of meeting her groom on her parents dock over looking Fish Hook lake. Which would have been stunning, but the weather had other plans. Instead of letting the rain ruin her day she switched gears, got ready at the church and met Brian with a gorgeous smile. These high school sweet hearts had a beautiful wedding ceremony at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN and wedding reception at the Northern Lights Casino Hotel. On the way to the reception site the sun was shinning so we stopped at Leech Lake and Leah finally got to meet her groom by the lake!

Dress: Alan Evans Bridal
Cake: Marge Harju
Flowers: Park Rapids Floral
Invitations: Kelly Schiffner
Caters: Northern Lights Casino Hotel
DJ/Band: Pro Sound and Light Show
Musicians: Kari Tollefson, Katrina Tollefson
Limo/Bus/Trolley: Ultimate Limo and Party Bus
Videographer: FM Exposure Productions