Johnny + Dottie: 2015

Designing and planning a wedding in a beautiful little town nestled just beyond the border of where Minnesota and Iowa meet was on my bucket list for some time. Okoboji is a vacation getaway for many, but for Kira and Michael, they get to call this little gem 'home'. Kira and Michael were different than most of my clients as they had a clear sense of style and design that they aspired for (think nautical and J Crew mixed with mod) and knew they wanted the ceremony to be overlooking the lake off their residence.

We brought in custom made linens, transported massive loads of white blooms, and transformed a space known for hosting wedding events and made a day that was all Kira and Michael. It was absolute perfection in every way. (And not to mention Kira was THE most stunning Bride!)

Okoboji, you are beginning to hold a special place in my heart. Kira and Michael, you are all kinds of lovely awesome.

Creative Partners: Planning/Design/Floral:: Johnny and Dottie | Photography: 2J's Photography | Hair and Makeup Services:: BomBozi and Unveiled Loveliness | Ceremony Venue: Arnold's Park Majestic Pavilion | Ceremony Location: Private Residence | Linens: Linen Effects and LaTavola Linens | Draping:: Grand Occasions | Stationary: Spark Letterpress | Music Services: DJ Kor | Cake:: Taylor'd Cakes | Caterer:: Yesterdays

I remember the first time I saw her collection. I was stalking one of my favorite photographer's blogs and had found that she photographed Tara LaTour's first couture bridal collections. I was immediately intrigued at the fact that not only were her gowns meticulously hand crafted, but I was emerged in the fact that all of the dresses were in colour. I admit it. I was smitten with Tara.

Over the years I have been lucky enough to get to know Tara on a professional and personal level and I have to tell you that as a woman in the industry and for all the woman power in this world, I admire Tara on so many levels. She is kind and hilarious, vivacious and talented beyond words. She has the best stories, gives the best hugs, and rocks a bun like no one's business. The amount of love and time that Tara devotes to her collections, the clients, and the business side of TLT is profound and although she has been making a name for herself for some time, I see only big and beautiful things in her future.

When Tara asked me to style and coordinate L'Art De Le Couture, I was completely blown away. She could have asked anyone. Truly, she knows the best in Minneapolis. But she put her faith in me in helping to introduce (or re-introduce) her newest collection to a fashion forward Minneapolis crowd at L'atelier Couture and the night was completely flawless. From styling to food, flowers to photographs, music to vignettes, everything was absolutely picture perfect.

The highlight of the night was not seeing the dresses or the waves of people that attended, but rather to see Tara's family filled with love and pride for her and her work. It warmed my heart to hear the members of her family call each dress by name as each model took the runway and just how happy her grandma was to sit front row and see Tara's collection for the first time. It's a memory that will be in my heart for some time.

I have to say this may have been my favorite vignette to style. Likely because it is such a balance of tones and masculinity in such a beautiful, soft space.

This was my favorite set of props. Seriously I just could not stop with all of the brass and blues.

Just delicious.

I have to say when I saw this hand drawn seating card, my palms started to sweat. Liz Banfield was one of the first photographers work I ever fell in love with on the pages of Martha Stewart years ago and it was on my bucket list to someday meet her. I barely got two words out, but it was amazing to meet her.