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!

Fashion Forward Service Event |The Fresh Factor

We have been waiting to share the exciting news: We have teamed up with Kasidy Moore of the Fresh Factor for the first ever Fashion Forward Service Event!

Kasidy is a style blogger and all around lover of the arts: dance, music, theater – you name it, she probably does it.  Additionally, she is interested in using the arts to make a difference.   The Fresh Factor was born by a suggestion from a friend to document her personal style in a blog. This quickly blossomed into a desire to use style as a vehicle to give back. 

Combining style inspiration with opportunities to give back, Fresh Factor recognizes that we all have an influence in our communities and have a calling to contribute.  The Fresh Factor is not only a style blog, but also a style endeavor seeking to connect businesses, independent boutiques, designers, talented creative types, and causes in a unique, mutually beneficial way.

In comes Fashion Forward, events held to gather volunteers to assist Twin Cities nonprofit organizations in serving others with style and grace.  In honor of our collaboration, I am the Guest blogger on Fresh Factor today, offering tips on Fall Wedding Guest Attire.  Head over to read the piece and check out Kasidy’s style tips.

K. Diarra Photography for The Fresh Factor

For the upcoming Fashion Forward Event we are building a team for the Bridal Revival in support of the Goodwill-Easter Seals!  The Goodwill-Easter Seals will hold its Annual Bridal Showcase in February.  Volunteers of the Bridal Revival help sort through bridal, bridesmaids, and prom dresses for use at the showcase.  Each dress will be sorted, hung and sized. Proceeds from the showcase support Goodwill-Easter Seals’ employment services.

The event takes place Saturday October 15, 2011 at 9am to noon.

Location: 553 Fairview Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55104

To join the Fashion Forward team in the Bridal Revival, please contact Kasidy at k.mo@thefreshfactorgc.com by Saturday October 8, 2011.  We hope to see you there! 

Inspirational Tools |Wedding Pinspiration

Whether you're just days into wedding planning - or just days away from your wedding - you've probably already learned that there are hundreds of fabulous sources of inspiration out there.

One of my personal favorites, though, is Pinterest. (If only this site had been around when I was engaged!)

As the Pinterest team says, "Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Haven't joined yet? To get started, request an invite - within a day you should get a response.

Next, you'll download the Pin It tool to your tool bar. This gives you the ability to not just search and like what's already on Pinterest, but to Pin anything you find while searching the web. Your Pins then get organized however you like them into Boards.

(Psst - This works great while you're home, but if you're on a public computer, not so much. However, you can still have a good old time on Pinterest looking at others inspiration, Liking things, or Repinning them onto any of your boards.)

So, if you're looking for blue wedding inspiration ...

Yellow bridesmaid dresses ...

Clever favor ideas ...

Or, um, photos of toes ... (see, you can really find anything on here)

... Pinterest has an endless supply of eye candy and ideas for you to search, share and organize.

And of course, don't forget to follow Urbane Montage Events on Pinterest!

Happy planning - and happy pinning!

Art of Fashion |Whitney Deal

Whitney Deal just launched her new line of handmade wedding, bridesmaid, and garden party dresses. The collection, her first, features six different wedding looks including tea length dresses and separates.

Oh, Darling! for Whitney Deal

The best way to describe these dresses is lovely. Each design is feminine and sweet, but also very wearable made with comfortable patterned fabrics. Whitney describes her inspiration for the collection as a little woodsy, a little vintage, definitely sweet, with the perfect touch of simplicity.

Oh, Darling! for Whitney Deal

Along with her collection, Whitney works with her husband as a photographer. You can see her work on their website, Oh, Darling! She also has a design blog, Design Dexter, where she shares her latest work and inspiration. Whitney is based out of North Carolina, but her collection and photography is available worldwide.

Oh, Darling! for Whitney Deal

In celebration of the launch, Whitney Deal is offering free shipping on any order until September 26^th. 

Just enter discount code: LAUNCH 

*Author |Cristina

ABCs |Kelley

Meet our guest blogger, Kelley! I've had the pleasure of working with Kelley, a freelance stationery designer, for a few of my couples. She has a special love for pretty paper goods, lush flower arrangements, and fun, personal little details ... though to simplify, she says, "Basically, I just love weddings." With a background in editing, marketing and design, she sees every aspect of The Big Day as not just a display of love and commitment, but as a work of art.

Apple or Orange: Apple - but only because you can dip those in caramel or peanut butter

Best party you've ever been to: Hmmm, can't say for sure, but I do remember fondly a fabulous Festivus Party thrown by Heidi of HM Photography

Chore I hate: Laundry

Dogs: Double trouble - I have two rescues

Essential start of your day: Putting in my contacts

Favorite Color: Green

Go-to accessory: Drop or dangle earrings

Height: Somewhere around 5'6"

Instruments I play (or have played): Clarinet

Just learned how to: Use Drupal to design/maintain websites

Kids: Not quite there yet ...

Live: Suburbs

Miss most about being a kid: Summer vacation

Paige Winn Photo

Next dream vacation: Amalfi Coast

One of the most played songs on your iPod (or MP3): Light My Fire - The Doors

Pet Peeve: When people say "says" instead of "said"

Quote from a movie: "It's a good tub. I slept there for my 30th birthday." - Bridesmaids

Right or left handed: Right

Siblings: One brother

Time you wake up: Sadly, rarely later than 7 a.m.

Uptown or Downtown: Northeast!

Vegetables you dislike: Parsnips

What makes you run late: "Wardrobe management issues"

X-rays you've had done: Teeth

Yummy food you make: Turkey tenderloin stuffed with feta cheese and spinach

Zoo animal: I think Wombats are really cute

Inspired |Vintage Details

After watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s recently I* was inspired! I’ve always loved how vintage pieces can deepen the romance on a couple’s day.  Vintage, different from retro, can create a beautifully classic look.  Vintage details add a personal touch to a wedding day by incorporating something borrowed, family photos and other heirlooms.  Items can also be collected from thrift stores or flea markets.  And when all else fails, there is Etsy, which has everything! 

Style |This fascinator adds a vintage glam to a bride’s look.

Erica Elizabeth Designs

Favors |Vintage handkerchiefs (or new handkerchiefs with a vintage look) are great favors. Embroider your monogram or a cute saying for a more personal touch.

Elizabeth Anne Designs via Kristyn Hogan

Photographs |Photos of loved ones add a romantic feel to a reception or cocktail hour.

Left |Ruffled via Brandon Werth Photography Right |Style Me Pretty via Love Life Images

*Author |Cristina

Anniversary Giveaway |Urbane Montage

I hope everyone had a fun and relaxed Labor Day weekend! We are celebrating here at Urbane Montage! This month not only entails the start of classes, the change of seasons, the kick-off of football season it also marks the start of my company.

Every couple deserves a Wedding Day Manager to handle the execution of their big day. We want you and your guests to enjoy your memorable day! These couple of years have been such a great experience. This experience has shaped me; my staff, and I could NOT have done it without our wonderful Urbane Montage couples who came along for the ride. So in honor of the past two years we are giving a Day of Coordination to one amazing 2012 couple!

So here are the rules:

1. Simply email planning@urbanemontage.com with the following info: Couple's name, contact info (phone + email), wedding date, Love Story, Most memorable anniversary, booked venue(s), along with photo of the couple.

2. Become a Fan of Urbane Montage on Facebook letting us know you've entered!

3. For Extra Credit, tweet: "I JUST entered @UrbaneMontage's Anniversary Giveaway! http://www.urbanemontage.com/giveaway"

The contest ends Friday September 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST.

The winning 2012 couple will be chosen at random and notified via email. To enter, you must not have booked a Wedding Coordinator. Any travel expenses outside of the Twin Cities are to be taken care of by chosen 2012 couple.

ABCs |Cristina

We are very excited to introduce our fabulous new wedding assistant Cristina! She will be working with us as we finish off this lovely season and help us prep for the wonderful season ahead of us. You will also receive her tips, finds, and wedding inspirations to start your Saturdays. We’re thrilled to have Cristina, so be sure to check out her ABCs (below) and follow her on twitter (@UM_Cristina)!

Hi! My name is Cristina Reginato. I'm a Minneapolis native. I pretty much love everything about this city! I attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and studied Public Relations. I decided event planning was the career for me because I truly enjoy working with people, planning and being creative. I'm very excited to be working with Faith and Urbane Montage!

Apple or Orange: Apples. Especially with peanut butter.

Best party you've ever been to: That’s tough! I’ve been to some great NYE parties

Chore I hate: Dishes!

Dogs: I’d like something between a lap dog and a German Sheppard

Essential start of your day: COFFEE! And checking email

Favorite Color: Purple or Black

Go-to accessory: Bangles

Height: 5’11 barefoot

Instruments I play (or have played): I played the clarinet in middle school.

Just learned how to: Slow down and be calm

Kids: Definitely in the future. The distant future.

Live: Plymouth

Miss most about being a kid: Being carefree

Next dream vacation: Australia to visit my little sister

One of the most played songs on your iPod (or MP3): Homecoming – Kanye West

Pet Peeve: Negativity and slow drivers

Quote from a movie: “Is butter a carb?”

Right or left handed: Right

Siblings: Two sisters, two brothers. I’m the oldest!

Time you wake up: Usually around 7am

Uptown or Downtown: Downtown

Vegetables you dislike: I don’t dislike any vegetable except tomatoes. But that’s a fruit, right?

What makes you run late: Simply losing track of time

X-rays you've had done: I broke my leg in 4^th grade

Yummy food you make: Enchiladas

Zoo animal: Giraffe