Styling a Winter Wonderland

If there has ever been a love of styling, it has been for this time of year.  The problem, however, with Minnesota is that there aren't too many Brides that want to risk the weather {or potential three feet of snow}.

So it comes as no surprise that when one of my favorite and most inspirational photographer friends, Emily Seffen, asked for me to style a shoot in late November, I was elated for the challenge.

The inspiration was soft, romantic, a bit of sparkle, and my only request- snow.  Little did I know that the DAY before the shoot, it would be snowing non-stop and what would normally be a three hour venture to Minneapolis, took five. Five blissful hours of fat snowflakes flying through the air, children signing in the backseat, and the smell of sweet frosting filling the SUV...

First things first, there was a vision of a blue dress.  Yes...blue.  Finding a blue dress proved to be a difficult find.  So while talking with my beautiful friend {who would later become the model for the shoot}, she offered to MAKE my vision {yes, I really do have the greatest friends!}.

The table was the perfect balance of winter from the mercury glass containers and candles to the soft white hydrangea, baby’s breath, and snow.  A statement linen can completely transform a table, so nestled below all of the winter inspired loveliness I brought in a sparkled, deeply textured gray sequined linen.  I also wanted to make sure balance all the ‘frill’ with masculine undertones:  Mahogany chivari chairs, curly willow suspended above the table {along with mercury Christmas globes!}, and cinnamon sticks stuffed into the napkins. 

Ahh, the cake.  A ruffled inspiration, the cake and mini cakes adorned with sugar flowers {resting on antique cake and candle stands} were a focal point of the dessert table.  Accented with a few peppermint patties, dipped pretzel sticks, and s’mores…and it was the perfect winter dessert table waiting for a roasting fire!  The finale was the beautiful stationery that gave just the right touch of gray, blue, and total romance.  The whole shoot was beauty beyond words and had us all falling in love with winter {and winter weddings!} all over again!

You may remember Sheer Elegance from Simply Fabulous: A Wedding Event.

Seriously the BEST girls to have primping you on your wedding day.

My collection of challis's is growing at rapid speed. 

They make amazing containers for little bloom centerpieces.

Divine.  Seriously Brides, if you want a cake that is visually stunning and tastes wonderful, you must talk with Angie at Taylor'd Cakes.  She is true talent.



Have we convinced you to entertain a winter wedding yet?

Dreamy, isn't it?

A very special thank you to all of the talented vendors who helped to make this shoot happen.  Always willing to carry out my visions, you are all so incredibly talented!

Location: Minneapolis Photo Center | Photographer: Emily Steffen Photography {so SO SO good!} |

Styling & Design Concept: Simply Fabulous Events & Design | Florals: Sadie's Floral Design

Dessert Table Design: Simply Fabulous Events & Design | Linens & Chairs: Linen Effects

Cakes: Taylor'd Cakes | Hair & Makeup: Sheer Elegance

Model's Dress: Skirt made by model {yes!} and top by Target {YES!}

Model's Jewels: Simply Fabulous Events & Design | Groom's Attire: Model's own, J. Crew

Models: Brittney Madsen {check out her blog, A Northwood's Wedding- a MUST for Midwest Brides!} and Dave Grube {another amazing photographer friend, check out his work HERE!}

Amy + Jeff {an uber fabulous event}

With the dusting of snow hitting the ground, I am ecstatic to show off this little gem I have been holding onto until the right moment. Clearly with the changing of the seasons, this is the perfect time to brag about, hands down, one of the best weddings we have ever pulled off.

The first time I met with Amy I knew I was in for a treat. From the Cooper, to the designer bag, to her pink Vikings jersey, I knew that Amy was going to give us an amazing ride {and she did score some pretty fab Choo's for the wedding day as well!}. Amy allowed us to completely take on full planning and design for her event {which we really, truly love to do!} and we spent hours upon hours getting everything just right.


We started out with the venue. We had stunning views from the top of the Millennium Hotel and decided to take over the entire top floor. Amy knew that she wanted the ceremony in the dome ballroom, a room that is floor to ceiling {literally} windows and gives a great view of the city; perfect for a 5:00 ceremony. We created three different looks for three different rooms, all while keeping true to the color scheme we developed.

The ceremony was filled with white birch trees adorned with crystals strung throughout the branches {thank you Preston Bailey!}, mountains of candles and ivory petals. It was breathtaking.

After the ceremony, guests entered the cocktail and lounge area that was set up with custom upholstered white mod furniture, red fur blankets, candles, and white orchids. Complete with a custom designed ice luge that incorporated design from the stationary and a sketch of the Minneapolis skyline; guests were able to partake in Amy's love for a perfectly chilled martini.

One of the most important things that we always stress to our couples when creating the day of their dreams is to make sure that we incorporate elements that are truly them wherever we can throughout the event. In this case, Amy has a HUGE love of Christmas and holiday trees {as in, she has trees up throughout the year in her house!}, we decided to eliminate the traditional guest book, and instead offer guests a Christmas ball to write a personal message for Amy and Jeff to have for years to come. LOVE IT!!





As dinner was announced, a grand entrance into the reception ballroom gave all attention to the AMAZING cake created for the couple. I will say that this cake is what Amy and my dreams were made of. Dozens upon dozens of roses jam packed this cake that stood over seven feet tall. Tables were dressed in two layer luxury linens and topped with two different types of centerpieces that were equally beautiful. After several toasts, the couple and eager guests danced the night away back in the dome ballroom to Jeff's favorite Fargo ND band, Betty Does. I will say this band is one of the best live cover bands I have ever heard and they were completely insane with talent!

I have to say that towards the end of the evening, it was Amy's mom's toast that blew me away. She was so gracious in thanking Simply Fabulous for putting together the event and judging by the look on Amy's lovely face, I knew we gave her the wedding she had always wanted. Amy is an amazing person and I was elated to share in that journey with her and Jeff. When I say that I love what I do, it is because of couples like Amy and Jeff that are just so grateful for the smallest things. I look forward to seeing how life transpires for them and pleased to know that I made a friend along the way...


{Here are the fabulous vendors that made this day so incredible: Venue: Millennium Hotel Minneapolis , Stationary: Josie Jean Designs, Florist: Molly's Floral Studio, Photog: Michael B. Studios, Linens: Festivities, Baker: Cold Spring Bakery, Ice Work: Ice Occasions, Entertainment: Alphabeats (DJ spinning and ceremony music) and Bitzer Agency, Fargo ND}