1. Real Weddings

A Classic, Modern Wedding at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN

After meeting on a double blind date in 2010, Taylor and Leigh immediately fell into sync with Leigh proposing by secretly planting an engagement ring

After meeting on a double blind date in 2010, Taylor and Leigh immediately fell into sync with Leigh proposing by secretly planting an engagement ring in Taylors favorite foodoysters. "When dinner arrived, I picked up the nearest oyster until I noticed Leigh starting at me expectantly," she says. "He asked, 'Why dont you start with this one instead?' and pointed at a ring in a shell across the plate."The art deco Varsity Theater in the heart of Minneapolis provided the backdrop for Taylor and Leighs modern spring wedding that included over 200 friends and family. Says Taylor of the theater-turned-concert venue: We wanted our guests to bring their dancing shoes, as this place is built for a party!

Instead of a traditional heel, the bride opted for metallic silver bow flats from J. Crew.
Taylor chose a strapless ivory wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline by LulaKate (it even had pockets!).
"I was in search of a classic dress that would stand the test of time," Taylor says of her LulaKate ivory gown.
Rather than using flowers throughout the reception, the bride chose only to utilize the calla lilies in her bouquet -- leaving a larger portion of her budget to go toward the band and food.
Bachman's was responsible for the bridal bouquets while the couple used Minted to create their unique, navy and white invitations.
"We were married at The Basilica of Saint Mary, which was the first Basilica in the country -- a huge plus for two history majors like us!" Taylor says.
Located on its own city block on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, the couple loves that the Basilica is a Beaux Arts architectural landmark.
Subtle details on the bodice gave Taylor's LulaKate strapless gown a hint of texture.
Each of Taylor's bridesmaids wore different variations on classic, navy LulaKate knee-length dresses.
Leigh and the groomsmen kept their look classic with a black tuxes and silver ties.
Taylor and Leigh share a quick kiss for their post-ceremony wedding photos.
Couple Holding Hands
The bride's satin ivory gown popped against the navy LulaKate dresses she chose for her bridesmaids.
Leigh chose a black Hugo Boss tux with a silver bow tie while the groomsmen donned similar black Calvin Klein tuxes.
For their reception, the couple chose the Varsity Theater -- an art deco movie theater turned concert venue. "We wanted our guests to bring their dancing shoes, as this place is built for a party!"
Simple DIY wine corks added a personal touch to the couple's escort cards.
"We wanted to spend the bulk of our budget on the band, an open bar and delicious food, so we opted for candles, white twinkle lights and other creative lighting in lieu of flowers," Taylor says.
Varsity Theatre Wedding Reception
Quirky cake toppers added a fun touch to the couple's homemade wedding cake.
Minneapolis-based band The Sevilles performed "Don't Dream It's Over" for the couple's first dance as newlyweds.
Instead of using flowers throughout the reception decor, the bride chose black candleholders and clear glass bottles as the focal point for each table.
Leigh didn't have to search far for a baker -- her sister (and maid of honor) created the wedding cake from scratch!