a pinch of my heart on thanksgiving.

I think part of it  has to do with simply getting older, but seriously. My heart overflows with thankfulness.
Not just now. But every day.
Sometimes when the blues strike me, I have to make a conscious effort to stop... because we are so blessed.
...for health. for life. for food. for family. for laughter...
The list can go on, and differs from person to person. The point is - we ALL have things to lift our hands to and praise God for.
There are things personally in my life that my heart is overflowing about, and tears of gratitude well my eyes. I simply do not want to take life for granted.

SO--
My lovely clients. My beautiful friends. My supportive family.

THANK YOU. You mean more to me than you even realize.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Much love, Liz

Real Wedding:: Andy + Dianne, Chaska, MN

Dianne + Andy.... their love story is sweet, and perfect. It's full of chatter, laughter, and joy.. and it's contagious. When you're with these two, a sense of joy is ever present. Nothing can wipe the smile off of your face because as you look at them, there is such a presence of peace. They are perfect for one another-in all the most beautiful ways of perfection.
Their wedding brought me joy. There is no other way to describe it. Just PURE JOY. Dianne is a youth pastor at her church, and has been for eight years....and wow. I have such adoration for this woman. Being with middle school kids can be rewarding, but tiring too. I have ONE, and she wears me out!!  :) Dianne has such passion for it though, and it shows as she talks about the all nighters, camp retreats, and bible studies she is orchestrating. I have a secret desire to move to Excelsior, just so she can be my daughter's middle school Pastor. :)
Andy is a techy guy with some serious artistic talents! Andy and I worked pretty closely on many of the wedding elements, which was a first for me {guys + weddings usually doesn't mesh!}, and I loved it! He had such an awareness of what Dianne would love, and also some serious style! :)
One thing I love about these two is how well they respect one another. Each time I am with them I walk away inspired by their love.
Enjoy these photos of their special day!

Andy designed Dianne's engagement ring. It's one of a kind-I love this!

First looks always make my heart flutter with excitement.

Ashley Fox designed all the floral, and that woman is spectacular! I LOVE HER!

Father daughter first look=LOVE.

...and this right here is a perfect reason why I LOVE Dianne! She is hilarious! Yes, as doors opened this is what she did!

You may recognize this Pastor. He married Kim Kardashian! Yes, I mingle with the big wigs! HAH. but seriously, I have never cried through a ceremony like this one. He is AMAZING!

I think their expressions show how wrapped in this ceremony they were. 

Immediately following the ceremony, we put on a root beer pre-ception! It was a FUN time!

Dianne loved color blocking her floral, and I adore how it turned out!

Andy + Dianne, I'm so blessed to call you both sweet friends. You make me smile with joy. Your wedding and friendship is wrapped around my heart.

With love always,
Liz

Many - Many - Many thanks to all the vendors! They all did an incredible job!
Wedding Planning: Elizabeth Anne Weddings
Photography: Jamie Rau Photography
Florist: Ashley Fox
Ceremony: Excelsior Covenant Church
Reception: Hazeltine
Cake: Country Cake Cupboards
DJ: Nate from Instant Request
Hair: Smart and Chic
Makeup: Sarah Pagh {friend}
Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Jennifer
Linens: Linen Effects
Bridesmaid dresses: Nordstroms
Groomsmen wear: Jos. A. Banks
Groom wear: Hammermade

KK & Scotty:: part 2, Nisswa MN {it's all in the details}

Part two of this wedding still blows me away. It is simply amazing.

Enjoy the eye candy!

Each guest received a handkerchief personalized for the wedding.

The binoculars had KK&Scotty's e-shoot in them for guests to view! SO FUN!

KK {who is super creative} made a chart of how they know each one of their guests!
The work that went into this was so impressive.

Their love for dogs was spilled into many details!

No traditional wedding food! Down home cooking is what KK wanted.
It was one of the best wedding dishes I have ever eaten.

                           

Vinage dishes were trunked up from her mom's house.
They added to the already amazing elements of the wedding day!

SUCH A BEAUTY.

We spotted the cotton candy machine during the planning process, and both just KNEW it had to be a part of the day! 

I'll leave you with this photo, and the beauty that it holds. There is nothing like a father's love.

KK & Scotty. I adore you. I eagerly await throwing you a baby shower. :) You even have my permission to wear your veil for the grand event!

Much love, e.

Vendors:

Wedding Coordination: Elizabeth Anne Weddings

Photographer: Whitney with Laura Ivanova Photography

Venue: Grand View Lodge, Nisswa MN

Florist: Studio Fleurette 

Ceremony music: Jeff James

Bagpiper: Brian Solum

Rental: Apres & Party Time Rental

Dress: Priscilla of Boston

Cake: Schaefer's

DJ: Stage One

Real Wedding:: KK & Scotty / Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, MN {part one}

When I think back to KK & Scotty's wedding, a huge smile deepens my face, and I instantly deeply miss that girl. {KK, we must get coffee soon!}. 

KK is a ball of fun, mixed with a huge heart, and creative to the core.

The first time I met her she told me she wanted a wedding that reflected the movie Big Fish. I was instantly excited as this was out of the box, and just plain FUN. She wanted elements that were not the norm, a bit circus in nature, mixed with a backyard feeling that never strayed from elegance.

The results were mind blowing, and seriously-Martha-this wedding could be featured on the front of your next magazine. 

I do not exaggerate. 

So, you know, hook a girl up! :)

KK and I worked very closely in the details of this wedding, as it was full service. It was a joy to help create this day for her, and see the delight reflected in her eyes as she watched the day unfold. One of my favorite moments is when she grabbed me at the end of the day, and told me this day was beyond what she even created in her mind. Nothing fills a planners heart than that. When we hear that, all the hard work and sweat melt away, and we are on a permanent high. So, KK-thank you. Thank you for being so amazing, so sweet, so welcoming into your family, and becoming a friend. I love you!

Because there are so many amazing details to this wedding, today I will feature the first part of the day. 

Believe me, your mind will be blown.

KK has a deep love for dogs.

Dani of Studio Fleurette is simply one of the best florists I know. hands down.

KK, it was a hot & slightly muggy day but look at how radiant you are. Love, Love!

I LOVED all their paper goods!!

A boat ride at the end of the ceremony? well, of course!

The vendors that put in the work to making this day run so smoothly are amazing. These three I want to make note of today, with more in the next post!

Maggie with Grand View Lodge went above & beyond. Every request we threw at her she handled with ease and love. I was super impressed with the work ethic and love that the Grand View put into the day.

Dani with Studio Fleurette blew me away. Our florist ended up quitting 10 days before the wedding, and I called Dani in a pinch. She not only jumped on with all of her heart, but she handled it all with grace. The flowers were so beautiful and perfected the vision. Brides, call her. There will simply be no regret!

Whitney with Laura Ivanova Photography was fun and professional to work with. The day was hot, and there were many details and elements to capture. She handled it all without a blink, and is a lot of fun to work with too. 

Details to come later in the week!

Happy Monday sweet friends!

xo, E.