Eleven years ago at a high school football game Preston spotted Carissa struggling to carry an orange Gatorade cooler across the field for his teammates. Being the chivalrous guy that he was, he ran over to help the blonde girl with the metallic smile out. Carissa had an immediate crush on Preston glasses and all. Thinking Carissa might be quite a bit younger than him, Preston suggested to his brother that he might be interested in dating Carissa. It wasn’t until flirting and quite a few nervous phone calls that Preston gathered the nerve to ask Carissa out on the dance floor at their homecoming dance in 2006.
Upon finding that they were only a year apart, the two started dating in high school and continued dating throughout their time at different colleges throughout the state of Illinois. Preston eventually graduated and moved to Charlotte for his first “big boy” job. Carissa spent that summer with him in the Ozarks crafting adult beverages and enjoying the area.
Carissa went back to school to finish up her teaching degree and Preston migrated north to the great state on Minnesota. Tired of the long distance relationship and Skype meetings, Carissa showed up to his door one day with her luggage and moved in with him. Finally after living apart for so long were they together again. It was here that they both knew they were ready to be married.
On Carissa’s spring break, the couple decided to vacation to Savannah, GA As the two walked along the beautiful Jones street they came across a fountain and Preston stopped to ask a stranger to take a photo of the couple. Upon handing over the camera to her, he fumbled around in his pocked to take out a ring. Carissa thinking that he was taking his sweet time for the photo asked “what are you doing?” Seeing him starting to get down on one knee she cried “What ARE you doing?!” Preston then asked her to marry him while the stranger captured the whole thing. Both Carissa and the stranger were in tears as she squealed a resounding YES!
Their Minneapolis wedding reflected their love of Minneapolis. The two were wed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Their beautiful July wedding day was full of sun and joy as they celebrated with friends and family from all over the US. Carissa’s beautiful Beloved wedding dress purchased from Bella Bridal Boutique paired perfectly with the greens and white blooms that Florals by Claire created for the day.
Carissa beautiful solitaire ring from Contenial Diamond was beautiful. She also wore a ring specifically created for her from her grandmother’s ring.
SM Hair and Make up created the most beautiful up-dos for the ladies.
Carissa’s beautiful bridesmaids wore a beautiful champagne Mori Lee dress that popped when put up against Preston’s groomsmen’s gray Michael Kors tuxes.
Because both Carissa and Preston love the many distilleries in the Minnepolis area, they decided to hit up Tattersall Distillery in Minneapolis and traveled in Eclipse transportation to the the Stone Arch Bridge and the surrounding area with their wedding party. It was a beautiful evening for photos and we even were able to score a perfect location with the city in the background.
For the ceremony and the traditional photos downtown, Carissa wore beautiful Nina shoes, but once they got to the reception, she broke out the cutest Kate Spade Keds to dance through the night.
Buttercream cakes created a beautiful table full of sweets and desserts including mint and chocolate cupcakes.
Anthony of Instant Request kept guests dancing the night away in the Grand Room at the Minneapolis Event Center.
Carissa and Preston, thank you for including me in your day. It was beautiful and I wish you both so much joy as you continue your next adventure of life together
Vendors for the day included::// Ceremony:: Bethlehem Lutheran Church // Reception:: Minneapolis Event Center- The Grand//Hair:: SM Hair & Makeup // Make-up:: SM Hair & Makeup// Florist:: Florals by Claire // Wedding Dress:: Beloved purchased at Bella Bridal Boutique // Bridesmaids Dresses:: Mori Lee; La Belle Vie Bridal Boutique in Bettendorf, IA // Men’s Ware:: Michael Kors from Savvi Formal Ware // Bride’s Engagement ring:: Jewelry store in Manhatten, NY// Bride and Groom wedding bands:: Continental Diamond // Stationery:: Minted and Etsy// Caterer:: Minneapolis Event Center // Baker:: Buttercream// DJ:: Instant Request Anthony DuBose// Video:: Laura Sukowatey // Bride’s Shoes:: Nina and Kate Spade Keds // Transprtation:: Eclipse Transportation // Hotel for guests:: Renaissance at the Depot
Candace’s ivory satan gown purchased at the
Preston’s Calvin Klein suit from
Because both Candace and Preston really wanted to make sure their guests felt welcome, they greeted their guests before the ceremony began and spent the first hour before the outdoor ceremony making sure everyone felt welcome.
Their ceremony ended right before a band of storms came in making it romantic and intimate for guests.
Sterling Catering brought out some of the very best dishes, chicken and sweet potatoes were some of the delicacies Preston and Candace added to their day.
