As I walked up to the Minneapolis Marriott West, I knew today was going to be one of those iconic Minnesota wedding days. I entered the bridal suite and everyone was ready and excited so I had all the girls jump on the bed for a little slumber party moment to kick off the day. Champagne glasses clinked and everyone laughed as they bounced on the bed next to one another. Abby started out in a beautiful sleek dress for the big reveal to her bridesmaids. When she opened the door, the room filled with screams of excitement followed by lots and lots of happy tears and hugs. It was the perfect send off, and now she was ready to travel to the Basilica and see the two most important men in her life.

The Basilica always takes my breath away and is the perfect background for an elegant and classic wedding. Abby's father was waiting just inside the doors and started to tear up as he heard her footsteps. I love a father daughter moment before the wedding. It brings up such sweet emotions and is a wonderful way to start the day filled with love. After wiping away the tears, Abby rounded the corner where Frank was waiting at the top of the grand staircase. She paused and took a deep breath before opening the door as a huge smile crept across her face the second she saw him through the glass.

We met up with their wedding party soon after and explored the grounds and classic architecture. Then the big moment arrived and everyone took their places. A ceremony at the Basilica is a true work of art. Readings and songs echoing through the grand arches and each moment is a new story for this historic building to tell. Abby wanted the ceremony to be as grand as possible, so she changed into a stunning ball gown for the occasion. After a wistful exchange of vows, the pair seem to float down the aisle and the rest of the crowd followed. They made their way down the stairs to the cheers of their loved ones that seems like something right out of a movie.

We whisked the wedding party and the happy couple away to visit a few of their favorite local stops before heading back to the Lafayette Club. Before entering the reception hall, we walked out to the end of the dock to take and what can only be described as a perfect Minnesota evening on the water. We watched the boats go by and wave to the happy couple. The perfect evening quickly turned into the perfect sunset. As we walked back to the club, we couldn't help but stop to take in the stunning site. Abby and Frank entered the balcony to cheers from both above and below. Frank comes from an Italian family, so after the toasts, they incorporated many traditional songs that were special to him and his family. The evening ended just as it began, with me knowing this really was an iconic Minnesota wedding day.

Vendor List: Lafayette Club (reception venue), Basilica of Saint Mary (ceremony venue), Minneapolis Marriott West (hotel), Jo and Louise (wedding planner), Martha's Gardens (florist), Linen Effects (decor), Buttercream (cake), Northern Lights Video (videographer), Suzanne Neville (1st dress designer), Rime Arodaky (2nd dress designer), The White Room (dress boutique), The Black Tux (suit), Makeup by Mindie (makeup), Hair by Theresa (hair), Paper Rock Scissor (invitations), Riverside Hitmen (dj)