Vendors (still a work in progress...)

Ceremony and Reception: Profile Event Center

So far, this has been my favorite vendor to work with!  We still have quite a ways to go, but Heather at PEC has been amazing thus far.  There is no rental fee as long as we meet the food minimum.  They are also not charging us anything for the switch over from ceremony to reception. awesome.  I'm so excited for our food tasting this summer!  I've heard nothing but good reviews so far from other Knotties :)

Wedding Gown/ BM Dresses: David's Bridal

I'd heard not-so-good stories about David's Bridal (poor quality, too busy, etc.)  I still wanted to start my dress shopping here, as they have a good variety of styles and had options in my size as well.  The associate I worked with (Brittany O) on my first trip was wonderful and patient.  I thought I knew exactly what I wanted going into the store.  Turns out I fell in love with a dress that was something completely different!  My mom and sister (MOH) came up to St Paul the next weekend for round 2 of dress shopping.  Once I had their approval of the dress, I knew I had to get it.  My MOH and another BM were with for the dress shopping and decided to try on a few BM dresses while I shopped.  We ended up finding one that looked great on both and with approval from the other BM, I think we've got those dresses picked out too!

The Menswear: Savvi Formal Wear

We stopped into the Rosedale location just to take a look at some ideas for colors, coats, etc.  There were no other customers and the associate we worked with was extremely helpful and knowledgeable.  She even convinced Jeremy to try on a few different styles/ties.  We realized we liked the ones she suggested and made a decision on the spot!  Easiest decision yet in the whole wedding process!  They really don't need anything from our guys until 8 weeks out either, so that's helpful too!

Wedding Cake: Penny Steele Custom Cakes

YUM.  One of Jeremy's best friends from high school (Mark) now runs a cake shop with his mom (Penny.)  We've been fortunate enough to be taste-testers over the last few years.  Their cake is the best cake I've ever tasted!  They are also some of the best decorated I've seen :)  I love that Mark can create fun, show-stopping kind of cakes, but can also create delicate classic designs as well!  I'm so excited to work with them to create our dream cake (or cupcakes!)

Photographer(s): SnapGrin

We met with Mike and Meng in the same week we met with a few other photogs.  Leaving the meeting with SnapGrin, Jeremy and I looked at each other and just knew they were one of our favorites.  We both love the idea that they're starting out with a new venture, love their approach to wedding photos, and the price can't be beat!  Although they're new and don't have a lot of the 'normal" stuff yet (online gallery, printing services, etc.) they were very open to our ideas and wants.  They even updated the contract for us so we'll have a hosted online gallery.  I'm so excited to take some engagement shoots with them before the big day, too!

Invites, etc (DIY): Anchor Paper

We wandered into Achor Paper with really no clue what we wanted for invites. After flipping through some samples, one of the employees, Debi, offered to help us.  We told her what colors we wanted and that we liked the "bridge' design.  The rest was history.... she ran us through a few options using their die cut machine an mocked up a few options for us.  We loved it!  We'll get to cutting and assembling later, but at least we know what they'll look like now! The paper order actually came in about 10% below their original quote.  Not counting postage, our invites should be about $0.70/piece with two inserts and a double backing on the actual invite.  We had to order a full ream of the text weight paper and a full box of 250 envelopes, so this should even cover the programs, etc. Sweet!

Hotel Block for guests: Radisson University

Nothing too exciting to write here.  It was the closest hotel to the venue and it's a really nice hotel, right in the middle of campus.  We talked them down to $99/night (they're usually around $180 or more if it's a football weekend!) I'm also planning on booking one of the large suites the night before the wedding so we girls can get ready there the morning of the big day.  (We get a 50% discount for blocking with them.)