Evergreen Garlands Filled Every Part of This Cozy Winter Wedding at PAIKKA in St. Paul, Minnesota

It’s always risky to host a winter party in the Twin Cities, but LaCresia King (28 and a social worker) and Mary Lennick (34 and the executive director of a foster care agency) weren’t about to let potential blizzards stop them. “We knew we wanted a cozy winter wedding,” LaCresia says. “We just needed everything to take place in one central location.” The couple settled on PAIKKA, an industrial venue in Vandalia Tower, and filled it with greenery, pops of gold and some 300 candles. Their bet paid off: On the day of, there was just enough snow outside to create an atmospheric backdrop to the ceremony in which Mary rocked an emerald velvet blazer and custom silk joggers, while LaCresia wore an ivory gown and gold belt. Evergreen garlands ran down the candlelit dinner tables, where guests chowed down on Mexican faves.  Instead of standard apps, LaCresia and Mary oered salted, cheddar, caramel and rainbow popcorn for guests to scoop into bags reading “Pop It Like It’s Hot.” They also set up a sweets bar with cookies baked by LaCresia’s mom. Guests signed well wishes on a caricature of the couple, drawn by a local artist, that now hangs in their house.