Inspiration Board |Shimmer Filled New Year

We have a second inspiration board to serve up to you today! Think of it as our “last week of the year” gift to you. Our first New Year’s inspiration board lights up your night so we had to make sure this board shined just as bright. There’s no better way to start the year than in boldness and confidence. Adding textures and prints heightens the feel of your day and of course pairing it with metallic gold makes everything pop and adds some fun. This contemporary eclectic inspired fete allows you to hold your guests attention and ring in the New Year in a marry J poise. 

Palette: Leopard Print | Metallic Gold | White 


Top Row| Sweet and Saucy via Jasmine Star Photography  | Reasons To Breathe
Center| Once Wed via Jose Villa 
Bottom Row| Lovely Stationery | Reasons To Breathe

Inspiration Board |A New Year with A Bash of Sage

New Years Eve is one of my favorite celebrations of the year. Celebrating a new year with a champagne toast is my kind of party! This inspiration board brings in all the beautiful elements of a New Years Eve celebration. What a better way to start the new year than with gorgeous evening wedding! Hints of gold, sage and creme add a unique palette to a normally black and white affair.

Palette: Gold| Creme| Sage

Left| Parachute via 100 Day Wedding 
Top| Style Me Pretty via Erin Heart's Court Middle| The Knot via Antonis Achilles 
Bottom| Champagne via Katie Cakes

Bridesmaid Gift Guide |Spread A Little Cheer

While we are all still in the gift giving spirit, why not spread a little cheer to the bridal party!  We wanted to start off our week here with our Bridesmaid Gift Guide along with a Groomsman Gift Guide from Well-Groomed!

Priti Nail Polish, Cole Haan Jitney Zip Pouch, A Merry Mishap Large Pendant Geo Necklace, Nelle Silk Taffeta Bowtiful, Piperlime Petal Tear Drop Earring, Lollia Wish Handcreme

via Well-Groomed

Tux & Tulle Ties, Eternally Linked Cuff Links, FLANELS Grooms Party T-shirts, bmused Ace of Spades Belt Buckle, Swiss Army Spartan Knife, Restoration Hardware Pocket Bocce Ball Set, Swatch New Gent Watches

What are you giving your bridal party to thank them?

Inspiration Board |Love + Berriment

A Berry Happy Holidays from Urbane Montage!  

We hope you have a holly, jolly holiday season with loved ones and great food!

During the holiday season we love rich warm colors due to the cozy atmosphere it creates. How can you not be drawn to the warmth of berries as winter arrives? They are often used in decor and recipes throughout the season. This board is perfect for an intimate fete to catch your guests eyes.

Palette: Cranberry |Chocolate |Cream


Top Row| One Stylish Bride via What Katie Ate   | The City Sage
Bottom Row| Style Me Pretty via Emily Steffen Photography  | Green Wedding Shoes via Jasmine Star Photography for rue

Bridal Salon Spotlight |Wedding Shoppe

via Wedding Shoppe, Inc.

One of my best friends is getting married next August and she has been tirelessly planning since her engagement in October. I am lucky to be one of her bridesmaids! We recently went bridesmaid dress shopping at Wedding Shoppe on Grand Ave in St Paul.

My first impression of Wedding Shoppe when we walked in was that it had a great boutique feel. It is located in a large home that has been transformed into a bridal salon. Wedding Shoppe has a large selection of wedding gowns located on the first floor. The bridesmaid dresses are located in the lower level.

The salon was as busy as I expected for a Saturday morning in the height of engagement season! If you plan to visit, make an appointment. The appointment allows you 90 minutes to shop and try on with the help of a consultant. We worked with Jodie and she was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about designers, fabrics, and what dresses come in what color.

I would suggest making a plan before you arrive. The fitting room area is quite small, and with how busy they are, it could be chaotic! We designated one of the bridesmaids to try on which kept things moving. Surprisingly enough, we were able to find a dress we all agreed on in about 45 minutes!

On top of the in person experience, they also have a comprehensive website. Once you have chosen the dress and get measured, you can order the dress directly online. This is great for bridesmaids who are out of the state (or country) during the planning process.

Having shopped at other salons for bridesmaid dresses, I was impressed with the selection at the Wedding Shoppe. They have a wide variety of designers and styles. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. And lastly, the dresses are affordable. The entire process went smoothly and is one more thing to check off the bride-to-be’s list!

Like the Wedding Shoppe on Facebook                 Follow the Wedding Shoppe on Twitter

Minneapolis Industry Preview Event |Aria at the Juene Lune

The historical North Loop building of the Theater de la June Lune since its closing in 2008 has been revived as a wedding and event space. Urbane Montage had the opportunity to visit the space during the Aria at the Juene Lune’s “Old is New Again” industry preview party this past Fall. It is always great to tour potential wedding spaces, even better when amazing food and friends are involved! 

This 3-story venue with stonewalls and exposed ceiling includes a stage, perfect for ceremonies, along with a side room to host intimate events. The delicious catering for the evening included the Juene Lune’s approved list of Chowgirls, Crave Catering, Create Catering, D'Amico Catering, and Fabulous Catering. Sally Butler of La Vie Photography captured every moment with the musical ambience and a live atmosphere set by Adagio Djay Entertainment. Geri Wolf of The Style Laboratory worked her magic with gorgeous décor provided by Après Party and Tent Rental and the transforming lighting done by EMI Audio.

Want to see the Aria at the Juene Lune in action? Buy tickets for the Aria at the Juene Lune’s inaugural New Year’s Eve event! This 21+ event includes VIP lounges to accommodate you and 9 guests. The night will feature SIMshows.com DJs throughout the evening which will set the mood for the interactive art shows curated by artist Drew Beson.  

Creative Team

Photography: La Vie Photography

Event Planning/Hostess: The Style Laboratory
Catering: Chowgirls, Crave Catering, Create Catering, D'Amico Catering, and Fabulous Catering

Décor and party rentals: Après Party and Tent Rental

Music: Adagio Djay Entertainment

Lighting: EMI Audio

Preview |Inspire Smart Success Experience Mexico

Beginning of December, I packed up and headed to Rivera Maya, Mexico. Well maybe just packed up for the week :). I attended Inspire Smart Success' final Inspire Smart Success Experience of the year at Now Sapphire Rivera Cancun. I am currently having withdrawal symptoms! I learned from some of the industry's innovate professionals, made great new friends, laughed THIS ----------- much and enjoyed the moments of relaxation.

I'm working on a post to share with you all on the highlights of the conference.  For now, I leave you with a sneak peek! Check out the photos of the fun Fotobooth from Luminaire Foto. We had such a great time with the uber cute background and props!

via Luminaire Foto

Be sure to click below to view Epic Motion's conference trailer! 

Inspired |It’s Tradition

via Jean M Blog

Early in the planning stage, many brides choose what wedding traditions they would like to incorporate in their special day.  Some brides choose traditions that are more customary, while others choose something non-conventional.  Whether or not you decide to incorporate any tradition into your wedding day, making the details your own will create a memorable day and possibly the start of new traditions!

Veil

Traditionally a veil was a symbol of purity and subservience.  Veils are still very popular simply because they're beautiful and allow you to truly feel like a bride.  Some women now choose to marry without a veil, opting instead for a tiara or flowers in their hair.  However, many modern brides still wear a veil to honor the romantic tradition.

Bouquet Toss

Tossing the bouquet is a tradition started in England.  Female guests would try to rip pieces of the bride's dress and flowers in order to obtain some of her good luck.  To escape from the crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and run.  Today the bouquet is tossed to single women with the belief that whoever catches it will be the next to marry.

Something Borrowed

This tradition comes from an Old English rhyme "Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe".  The four gifts are meant to be good luck and are given to the bride by women closest to her.  In many cases the gifts are little trinkets, heirlooms, or accessories.

What traditions will you include on your big day?

Planning Tips |First Steps Towards Forever

It’s the Holiday Season, a time of cheer and merriment that brings along with it engagement season! Congratulations to you two!  Remember to take a deep breath in between the screams, laughter, and tears of joy.  Your moment to proclaim your undying love for one another, to the world, has arrived.

What now?  What are the next steps in wedding planning?  Of course you've let your family and friends know, updated your Facebook status or posted THE ring on Instagram.  But after all that, what's the game plan?  You are embarking on a journey of spending your lives together and planning your rite of passage: your Wedding Day.

1.    Bask: Over the next few weeks enjoy the newness of your engagement.  Plan a night where nothing wedding related is discussed.  Sit down, relax, and enjoy each other’s presence.

2.    Baby steps: Try not to think of all the planning at once.  Planning can be stressful, time consuming and at times tedious.  However, if you take it in strides you will be surprised at how simple, and relaxing, the process can be - take it slow.  Your wedding day is a celebration of your love; don't get wrapped up in the planning and lose sight of this.

3.    Align your futures, together: Lay out your expectations and dreams with one another; make sure you're both on the same page.  Be sure to also discuss these plans with those who will be hosting the wedding.

4.    Budgeting: Take this time to set an initial budget, which can always be altered.  How many guests are you able to accommodate comfortably?  Knowing your guest size will set proper limitations on your budget.  The easiest way to cut costs is by narrowing your guest list.  Your budget is the determining factor of the size, and formality of your wedding.

5.    Secure location: Before announcing the date and venues find out if your officiant and church (or ceremony site) are available on the date and time you desire.  Once this is confirmed you can lock in your reception venue date.

*For those of you who are getting married within one year, I would advise that you start booking your creative team now. Many wedding professionals such as Wedding Planners, Photographers, Cinematographers) and venues can only accommodate one wedding on a particular given day.  Many of who are booked a year or more in advance.  Understanding this increases the likelihood of you getting the team you love on your special day.

Building A Support System is a MUST:

·      Counsel: Family and friends who have been recently married or who have years of nuptial bliss can offer great advice.  Marriage comes with ups and downs; premarital counseling can put you off into the right start.

·      Professional: Consider hiring a Wedding Planner or a Month of Coordinator.  Wedding Planners can be invaluable in putting together your ideal day; save you money, as well as offer unbiased opinions on details.

·      Resources: Sign up to wedding websites such as The Knot, Munaluchi Bridal, or Wedding Bee to chat on local forums with other engaged couples. There are many wedding blogs online such as Snippet & Ink, Elizabeth Anne Designs, The Bride’s Cafe, and Style Me Pretty that offer advice and inspiration.

·      Be sure to create a wedding binder of inspirational pieces from online sites, wedding magazines (such as Minnesota Bride, The Knot Minnesota, Minneapolis Saint Paul Weddings) and any information gained from Bridal Fairs, Bridal Trunk Shows along with checklists, contacts, and timelines.  Organization skills are very important in the planning process.

This stage of your life is a big deal - it involves several changes so slow down and embrace it.

Enjoy. Happy Planning!

Portrait of the Week |Love Games

via La De Da Photography

Haute Trend |Black Wedding Gowns

Vera Wang’s Fall 2012 collection featuring black and nude wedding dresses still has everyone talking. The collection was free of traditional white dresses, but did include ivory, nude and black gowns. Wang presented nine very unique black gowns with the idea that traditions are meant to be broken.

Wang describes her vision, “I did take it to a witchy kind of place. For me, it helped build a sense of mystery that I was hungry for. And it added this sensuality and sexuality, and a little bit of severity, too.”

via Vera Wang

Would you consider wearing a black wedding gown?

Inspiration Board |Winter Kind of Love

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving!  Even though Minnesota winter hasn't quite yet made its way here (thankfully), I wanted to share with you this winter inspired board.  Made especially for those who can't wait for the cooler weather, snowflakes, skiing, and the holiday spirit.  The board is a softer palette infused with natural winter elements for a cozy wedding day.

Palette: Icy Blue |Chocolate |Frosty White

Are you having a winter wedding? What are your styling plans for the day?

Top Row| Green Wedding Shoes via Martha Stewart Weddings |100 Layer Cake via Jose Villa |Real Simple via Chewing The Cud

Center| Oh One Fine Day  

End Column| Ruffled Blog via Andrea Dozier  |Martha Stewart Weddings

Bridesmaids |Dress to Impress

via Love and Lavender

After choosing your bridesmaids, the next big task is to pick your bridesmaids’ dresses.  For some brides this is more difficult than choosing a wedding gown!  After all, you know what you like.  You know your body type.  You know what looks good on you.

When picking dresses for your bridesmaids, it’s important to consider their likes and dislikes, body types, time of year, their budgets and the type of wedding you want to have.  All of these factors can have a role in choosing the perfect dresses.

via Wedding Wire

Brides may go the traditional route and choose matching, floor length gowns.  Some view this is a more formal take on the bridesmaids look.  Depending on the fabric, floor length gowns may be appropriate for outdoor ceremonies as well.

Jessica Watson Photography via Style Me Pretty

Knee length and tea length dresses have become extremely common and are especially popular for summertime weddings.

Corbin Gurkin Photography via Style Me Pretty

Asking your bridesmaids to select their own dress style allows them to choose what looks best on them, while sticking with a color and fabric theme.

Our Labor of Love by Heidi via Ruffled Blog

A popular trend takes a more laid back approach to choosing bridesmaids dresses.  Brides choose a color palette and let their bridesmaids have total control of their look, with the bride’s approval of course.



How will you choose your bridesmaids' dresses?

Newlyweds |Victoria + Lambert

Victoria is bubbly with a caring soul and Lambert is a laidback wine connoisseur- perfect for each other in my book. Their love shoot took place in Stillwater by Thomas Ward of Thomas & Erika Photography.  This past weekend Victoria + Lambert shared their vows for family, friends, and all to see at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.  Betsy of Betsy Wall Photography along with Monte + Jen of Elegant Motion Studios captured every moment from the bride's three dresses to the Surprise belly dancer!  Not to mention that every guest was on the dance floor at the Hilton from the start!  We can't wait to share more of their day! Félicitations sur votre mariage!

Favorite Time of the Year: Spring     

Couple's Hobbies: Shopping and fun activities with their two beautiful daughters

Save the Date Videos |Love In Motion

It's officially engagement season!  In lieu of traditional engagement sessions and save the dates, couples are flexing their creative muscles by creating videos celebrating their engagement. With the input of couple Debra + Alex, local photographer Maribeth Romslo of Red Ribbon Studios, created this incredibly adorable stop motion save the date video.

Debra + Alex : Stop Motion Save The Date via Red Ribbon Studios

What non-traditional details will you incorporate into your special day?

Inspirational Tools |Pattern Board for Design + Styling

Ever wondered about the name of the pattern you are using for your overall wedding design or paper goods?  At some point in time, we all have been "lost for words" when naming a pattern.  Yesterday, the Sweets Stylist Amy Atlas of Amy Atlas Events introduced the world to her Pattern Board for Design + Styling, a go-to tool for identifying patterns.  This creative glossary includes tips for color, scale, and pattern recommendation for various event moods.

via Amy Atlas Events

This is such a fabulous resource that we can't wait to use!  We look froward to welcoming Amy's floral board to our style plan in the near future.  In the meantime visit her site, her blog, and walk with her on twitter.

Portrait of the Week |Pretty Peonies

via Martha Stewart Weddings

Peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage.

Bridesmaids |Natural Selection

via Pinterest

A close friend, who was recently engaged, asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding on Monday!  I am excited and honored she chose me to stand with her as she marries her best friend.  After we were over the initial excitement of her asking, and me saying yes, she mentioned she was having trouble finalizing the rest of the bridal party.  I began to think about the many aspects that go into picking bridesmaids.  It’s not always a no-brainer!  Here are a few tips:

Pick a number
The first step in choosing your bridesmaids is determining how many people you would like to have in the bridal party.  This is something that should be discussed with your fiancé as typically you have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.  You may also want to take into consideration the number of guests you plan to have.  Traditionally, a groomsman will also usher in guests.  The rule of thumb is one usher [groomsman] for every 50 guests and therefore an equal number of bridesmaids.

Family first
You may feel closer to your girlfriends than your sister or sister-in-law, but they are family.  This day is about bringing two families together.  Asking these family members to be in your wedding may mean more than you know.  Plus, the last thing you need in preparation for the big day is family drama.

It’s your day
Don’t get caught up in the opinions of others.  When picking bridesmaids, remember it’s your decision to choose who you would like to stand with you on that special day!  It’s important to remember you do not need to ask every person to be in your wedding that had you in theirs.  There are plenty of other roles friends can be involved in including readings, special music selection performance or acting as your personal attendant.

Far away friends
When asking friends who live out of state, or even out of the country to be in your wedding, anticipate that they won’t be extremely involved in the process.  In fact, they may only be around for the wedding weekend.  If moral support is all you need from your maids, this works, but if you expect much more, you may consider giving them another role in your big day.

Don’t take it back
Never, ever, take back the invitation once you’ve asked someone to be in your wedding.  Not only is this tasteless, but it can also cause hurt feelings.  If you asked a friend to be in your wedding to begin with, you obviously consider her a friend.  You don’t want to ruin a friendship or make for an awkward situation on your wedding day.


What factors did you consider in choosing your bridesmaids?

Inspiration Board |As Good As Gold

Happy Monday!  This board is the perfect welcome to Fall.  Love the use of color and Jen does a lovely job of warming our hearts with this palette.

Inspiration Board via Green Wedding Shoes

Palette: Copper |Gold |Blush

Venue Spotlight |Minneapolis City Hall & Courthouse

Minneapolis City Hall & Courthouse is not your typical City Hall. In fact, it's not your typical wedding venue.  This incredible building features Romanesque architecture, a 345 foot clock tower, a six-story Rotunda adorned with 37 stained glass windows, and a skylight and Italian marble.  Whether you dream of an intimate ceremony or a formal reception that can accommodate 300, Minneapolis City Hall & Courthouse encompasses it all.

Minneapolis City Hall via PhotoPixels

This site features a marble staircase perfect for a stunning entrance!

 Minneapolis City Hall via Bellagala

The City Hall and Courthouse is a historical Minneapolis landmark built between 1887 and 1906.

Minneapolis City Hall via Bellagala

Minneapolis City Hall & Courthouse is an iconic venue in Minneapolis.  It truly is a gorgeous location for couples looking for historical touches and beautiful architecture.  For more information about this venue you can visit their website or contact Tracy McLaughlin.

Have you ever had the privilege of attending a wedding at the Minneapolis City Hall & Courthouse?

Portrait of the Week |Lovely In Lace

Lace Gown via Allure Bridals

Anniversary Giveaway Winners! |Congratulations Mariko + Dan!

What a better way to start the New Year than with our Anniversary Giveaway winners!  A HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who voted for your favorite couple. Over 1100 votes! After a week filled with likes and the sweetest comments, the people have spoken: Mariko + Dan are the winners of complimentary Day of Coordination service!

Mariko + Dan are planning their nuptials from afar (Mariko in New Haven and Dan in Fargo). We are thrilled to be working with this lovely couple on their June wedding in the Saintly City.

Congratulations again Mariko + Dan! We’re looking forward to helping you relax and enjoy your big day!!

Inspiration Board |Romantic Autumn

This past Friday marked the first official day of fall!   Fall is warm, cozy and romantic; perfect for an absolutely beautiful wedding day.  This inspiration board brings touches of ivory and gold along with traditional fall colors, orange and burgundy.  

Palette: Orange |Burgundy |Gold |Ivory

Top Row| Anchor Division |Vi.sualize.us |OnceWed via Ben Blood 
Center| Get Wedding Design via Darren Wong  
End Column| Style Me Pretty via Jose Villa |The Adventures of Stig and Lolo

*Author |Cristina

Anniversary Giveaway Finalist!

Thank you to all who shared and entered the giveaway!  We've received such an overwhelming response that we just could not choose the winning couple! So, we have decided to open voting to the public. With the help of Random.org, three couples have been selected to be voted as People's Choice! 


Voting starts today and ends next Thursday September  29 at 11:59pm CST.  The winning couple will be announced on Friday September 30.  The winning couple will be determined by the amount of "likes" given to their photo on our Facebook Fan Page.

Good Luck to these Amazing couples! Friends, Family, Neighbors, & Well Wishers start liking!

Meet Teriffik (Tiffany + Erik)

Taken on one of Tiffany+Erik's 1st dates during the light rail pub-crawl 3+ yrs. ago!

Love Story:

“Our love story began with a phone call from one of my best friends notifying me that she had just met my future husband! (Her only basis at the time was that we both liked The Bloodhound Gang...).  After 3 phone calls from her harassing me to come out that evening to meet him or threatening them coming over to greet me in my pjs, I looked Erik up on Facebook (naturally).  There was my future husband, in a thong no less, standing oddly close to two other guys in thongs.  I was intrigued, got ready for the evening and made my way to The Drink, Uptown where she said they would be waiting on the rooftop.  Once I arrived and saw the guy, I went up to him and said, "You're my future husband huh?"   I wasn't a hundred percent impressed at first, but we started chatting and dancing and having drinks (he was such a goofball), and I thought I'd give it a go if he wanted to ask me out.  After getting my number, he called me the next day and asked if I would go on a date with him the following Saturday.  He picked me up in his big, old Bronco at 3pm and first took me go cart racing, let me win, followed by a spicy burrito at a local Mexican restaurant, then on to mini golfing and a stroll through the Sculpture Garden.  It was perfect.  That was three and a half years ago.  We've barely separated since.”

Memorable Anniversary:

“Every year around anniversary time we have been on vacation on a little island called Bonaire.  It's off the coast of Venezuela and I have family there.  May 2010 we went to Dinner at a restaurant on the island called Richards.  Erik got sooooo sick, but carried on with barely a hint to me.  We went to a few local watering holes on the water and strolled the downtown area.  It was really sweet to know that he put aside feeling ill just so I could have a great time.  I of course felt terrible when I found out later that evening!” 

Meet Dan + Mariko

Dan + Mariko's life-changing engagement photo!

Love Story:

“Photos are important to Mariko and me because it was a photo that brought us together.  Mariko was working as an actor out in Ashland, Oregon, while I was in St. Louis Park doing my second year of my medical residency.  There was no way the two of us would have ever crossed paths if it was not been for a photo.  We both were on a dating website, but were too strapped for cash to pay for a full membership.  We could see each other’s profile but we weren't able to communicate.  I sent Mariko a message, but she couldn't respond because she didn't have a membership.  So, Mariko, being the resourceful person she is, became a spy.  The week before, my mom had been inducted into my high school athletic club hall of fame for her volunteer work.  I had posted a photo of my whole family together with my mom holding the plaque she had won.  Without intending to do so this photograph made it possible for Mariko and I to connect from 2,000 miles away!  As fate would have it if you looked very closely at the photo you could read my mom’s last name on the award.  Mariko was able to piece together my first name and the college I attended from my profile along with my mom’s last name written in tiny letters on the plaque in the photo. Armed with this information, Mariko was able to find me on Facebook! Ultimately, that photo changed my life. I knew the first time we ever spoke on the phone that she was the woman I was going to marry.  I even called my mom after to tell her I had finally met my wife.  Mariko is bubbly, outgoing, thoughtful and clearly resourceful! The next time I gave Mariko a photo it changed our lives.”

Memorable Anniversary:

“On our first anniversary, I asked Mariko to marry me using photography. Mariko is now at Yale University getting her masters in New Haven.  I am working in Fargo, North Dakota as a family doctor.  I know that having a wedding coordinator would make planning a wedding half way across the country from each other a whole lot easier.”

Meet Sarah + Ryan

Sarah + Ryan at the Apple Festival!

Love Story:

“ Ryan and I went to high school together, yet never talked during those years. I am two years younger than him and that makes a huge difference at that age. I have three brothers, all who were very active in our high school's wrestling team and I worked as the team's manager starting as a sophomore and continuing throughout my senior year.  Ryan also happened to be on the team and was adored by the entire school because he was a really skilled athlete, going to the state championship every year.  Of course, this made him the most sought-after boyfriend candidate and I was one of his many followers.  Ryan graduated when I was a sophomore and went on to wrestle at the collegiate level in Iowa. And after high school graduation for me, I went on to St. Ben's for four years."  After college graduation, I started working in downtown Minneapolis at a PR and advertising agency as an intern.  To help supplement a lowly intern's salary, I worked part-time at Gasthof's in Northeast as a bartender.  October is always a crazy month as the bar hosts its annual Oktoberfest. While working, I ran into someone with a Luther College Wrestling t-shirt on and randomly asked if he knew Ryan as I knew he had went to school there.  Little did I know it was one of his best friends!  Later that night, Ryan came and found me. We chatted for what seemed like quite a while and before he left, he asked for my phone number. The rest is history!"

Memorable Anniversary:

“Ryan surprised me on our one year anniversary by taking me up to Bayfield, Wisconsin for the weekend.  Since our anniversary is in October, we visited during the time the annual Apple Festival is going on. We spent all weekend visiting apple orchards and wineries, going for a tourist ride on mopeds and taking the ferry back and forth between the islands and mainland. It was so much fun and the fall background provided the perfect backdrop for the weekend. We both love the fall season so much that we've planned for an October 2012 wedding!