{Real Wedding} Jes & Ivan, Mankato & Southern Mn Bridal Inspiration

July 26, 2013

Jes & Ivan, Southern Mn Bride, Southern Minnesota, Real Wedding, Romantic, Chic, Pink, Rhinestone, Crystal, Outdoor Ceremony, Daniel Dinsmore Photography, Imagination at Work, Wedding Ideas, Vintage

On July 4, 2011 I was on the parade route with the Imagination at Work float during my hometown's annual Fourth of July parade. I was running back and forth handing out treats as the float approached the area where my family was sitting to watch the parade. As I headed back to the float Ivan surprised me by stepping in front of me and dropping to one knee to propose in front of hundreds of parade goers. My family was able to capture the proposal on video which can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqc_5gTc7XQ

Jes & Ivan wanted to make the weekend special for their wedding party and families. When they arrived at the rehearsal dinner each family was given a pink welcome box. In the box we included everything they may need for the event including waters, snacks, meds, and some Minnesota goodies.

Jes' favorite element of the day was the fashion. The styling for the wedding was done by the bride and her mother, Denise Rients. To give the bridesmaids a couture look, each dress was hand sewn with unique bead work and flower details. To complete the look, each girl had their own custom hair pieces and jewelry. Jes's dress was a designer gown straight from the runway and no customization was needed. Jes had two additional dresses she changed into throughout the event. Jes wore her ballgown for the ceremony, a lace fitted dress for dinner and a Grecian style dress for the dance.

The men wore grey pants, pink shirts, and suspenders. To give each guy their own look we gave them different patterned bow-ties.

Late July in Minnesota can be hot, so as guests arrived for the ceremony they were given pink and grey parasols and sunglasses to shade themselves. They were also served refreshments from the bar in cups customized with messages from Jes and Ivan.

The ceremony and reception were held outside at Jes' family home in Elysian, MN.

The doors and altar for the ceremony were refurbished and customized for Jes and Ivan.

Jes and her mom's love of fashion and design carried into the vintage crystal decor for the reception. The draped tent was transformed into an elegant dining area with centerpieces of lush flowers and sparkling candlelight.