"A Midsummer Night's Dream"-Inspired Wedding at the Saint Paul Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota

Drawing inspiration from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the wedding of Jennifer Stoltenberg (33 and a psychology doctoral intern) and Piran Farhadieh (37 and a lawyer) evoked the  magic of summer and romance, with sophisticated touches weaved throughout. The day started in St. Paul, Minnesota, at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church. Since Piran is Zoroastrian, one of the world’s oldest religions, the couple incorporated Zoroastrian elements into the Episcopalian ceremony, including a blessing by his priest, the burning of incense before, during and after the ceremony for good fortune and health and an all-encompassing nondenominational communion—encouraging guests to visit with the couple—as powerhouse vocalist/well-known local actor T. Mychael Rambo performed "Amazing Grace" and "Ave Maria." The couple's recessional, played by the Bel Canto Quartet, was "Suite No. 2. IV Bergamasca," composed in 1923 by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi. Textured florals, reminiscent of an overgrown garden, decorated the ballroom of the Saint Paul Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota, the site where everything came full circle for the couple: The venue was where they met, shared cocktails after their first date and got engaged, making it as meanin0gful (and sentimental) as it was beautiful. Sparkly linens, gold candelabras, hanging amaranthus and towering branches created an enchanted, whimsical feel, while fuchsia added an unexpected pop of color to the green and gold theme. Shakespeare would approve. —Chrissy Sorenson