1. Real Weddings

"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 (3

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

The couple's first dance was to "Tupelo Honey" by Van Morrison.
Tall tree-branch centerpieces give the tables a dreamy, romantic, forest-like atmosphere. Hanging tealight candles lend an ethereal feel.
Elegant Gold and Pink Table Decor
The couple served cupcakes, macarons and other sweets instead of a traditional cake. A Piece of Cake made a top tier of a cake just for the couple.
Sparkly gold and cream add an elegant touch to the table settings.
Fuchsia bouquets complemented the hot pink Monique Lhuillier bridesmaid dresses, found at Neiman Marcus.
The groom, in a Heimie's Haberdashery tuxedo, gets ready while the couple's sweet dog keeps him company.
The bridesmaids donned knee-length fuchsia Monique Lhuillier gowns for the pink and gold wedding. They completed their look with crystal sashes and strappy silver heels. Their cascading pink and green bouquets brought the Shakespearian theme into the overall look.
The bride kept her wedding day accessories simple—no veil, no headpiece, no necklace—with just a simple yet elegant bracelet and drop earrings found at L’Atelier Couture Bridal Boutique in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Jennifer made a grand descent down the stairs at the Saint Paul Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The bridesmaids captured Jennifer's entrance from the bottom of the stairs at the Saint Paul Hotel in St. Paul.
Jennifer, in a unique blue wedding gown, added the final touches before meeting Piran before the ceremony.
Hot pink, strappy YSL sandals added a pop of color to the bride's gown.
MBZ Design and Event Studio created the stunning florals for the wedding. Jennifer carried this white peony and delphinium arrangement down the aisle. She loved the textured look and how it set the tone for an overgrown garden wedding.
Instead of wearing a traditional white wedding gown, Jennifer opted for a Tara LaTour modified A-line gown, purchcased at L’Atelier Bridal Boutique in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She loved the layered skirt and the crystal embellishment on the side. It was just what she wanted: traditional enough for a chapel ceremony, yet modern, sophisticated and stylish.
Cass Gilbert, the same architect who designed the State Capitol, designed this church in 1895. The stained glass windows are some of the most beautiful in the Twin Cities area.
“I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, / Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, / Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, / With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.” — William Shakespeare, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"
A wreath of roses and greenery added to the enchanted, outdoorsy "Midsummer Night's Dream" theme.
Stealing a kiss before joining their guests inside.