Love knows no season, but there’s something undeniably magical about a winter wedding, especially when set against the backdrop of a beautiful Catholic church in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Andy and Raina’s wedding day was an enchanting celebration of a love that blossomed amidst the crisp winter air and the warm embrace of family and friends.
The ceremony took place at The Church of St. Peter in Forest Lake. The air inside was filled with the warmth of love and the melodies of sacred vows. The bridal party, adorned in emerald green velvet dresses and sharp grey suits, created a striking contrast against the traditional church setting. Raina was beautiful in her Justin Alexander wedding dress from Bridal Accents Couture.
One of the standout features of this winter wedding was the bridesmaids’ attire. Instead of the traditional winter colors, Raina opted for a stunning and unexpected choice – emerald green velvet dresses from Revelry. The men wore sharp grey suits from Men’s Warehouse that accented the women’s dresses well. The rich, deep green added a touch of warmth to the winter scene, and the luxurious velvet texture enhanced the overall elegance of the bridal party.
Following the ceremony, Raina and Andy braved the winter chill for some breathtaking photos. Against the snow-covered landscape of White Bear Lake, the emerald green coat that Raina wore (which was her grandmother’s) was perfectly paired with pops of green and pinecones in the beautiful bouquet created by Michele of Custom Floral Design. The couple wandered around Matoska Park where the sun shone brightly and cast a golden glow over the icy landscape. As Raina and Andy embraced in the brisk and cold air, timeless photographs that reflected the essence of their love were created.
The celebration continued at Brickhouse in White Bear Lake, where the couple hosted an intimate gathering of around 50 close friends and family members. The rustic charm of the venue perfectly complemented the winter theme, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy. Choosing a more casual and intimate approach, Raina and Andy opted for an appetizer-style reception, treating their guests to a delightful array of small bites of shrimp, crab cakes and pizzas. Specialty drinks flowed freely, adding a touch of uniqueness to the celebration.
As the sun began to set, the wedding party ventured outdoors to capture the golden hues of twilight at a beautiful gazebo. The winter landscape provided a stunning backdrop as the laughter and joy of the celebration echoed in the crisp air. It was truly a beautiful day to celebrate Raina and Andy. Congratulations!!
Ceremony Site:: Church of St. Peter // Venue:: Brickhouse // Florist:: Custom Floral Design // Wedding dress:: Justin Alexander purchased at Bridal Accents Couture // Hair:: Tracy of Thomas Charles Salon // Make-up:: Pahoua Xiong of Evry Makeup Studio // Men’s Clothing:: Men’s Warehouse // Caterer:: Brickhouse // Bridesmaid Dresses:: Revelry- Velvet, Emerald // Baker:: Brickhouse // Rings:: Family Heirloom // Stationary:: Jennifer at The UPS Store //
