Bio

If you have questions, please email me at katematchwedding@gmail.com

LAST UPDATED: November 1, 2008

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HOW WE MET: Mr. man and I worked together in the Operating Room at a hospital. We courted each other while wearing scrubs and hair covers - - sexy! What's more impressive is that I had given up wearing makeup to work for Lent and that's when we started dating/fell in love.... I was SOLD on this man!

PROPOSAL STORY: Brian and I go to Mass at the Basilica, but I sing in the choir, so we never sit together. After our season ended last June, he thought it might be a nice change of pace for us to go to evening Mass and then to dinner over at Bar Lurcat across Hennepin. After church ended, we decided to take a look around because we rarely enjoy the beautiful surroundings together. We were walking towards the altar when a group of men from the choir started singing my favorite favorite piece of music (see below) - - the one I had planned on having in my wedding someday! He turned towards me and got down on one knee holding up a little sparkler in his hand..... !!! I know he said some wonderful things, but I was so shocked in the moment that I can't remember what they were :o)

Midway through the song, I realized that my dad (member of the choir with me) and brother (a singer as well) were also singing my proposal serenade.... awww! The men came down after they had finished to offer their congratulations, see the ring and say goodbyes. Brian and I stayed for a moment to say a prayer, and then walked out the doors to see a BIG DOUBLE RAINBOW stretching across downtown! CHEESY, but true :o)

Click here to listen to my proposal song (and also my processional!)
Ave Maria, Franz Biebl - as performed by Chanticleer

And some more pictures of the adorably handsome groom.... this is why I smile so much!

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COLORS:
Black, ivory/white, and shades of yellow (plus neutrals like champagne, taupe, etc.)

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ENGAGEMENT RING: Shane Company. I love it! It's SUPER hard to take a picture of because of the big reflections off the facets (and my big chubby fingers!). It's three emerald cut diamonds, each in a basket setting, set in white gold.

WEDDING BANDS: Shane Company. LOVED finding these! Hadn't found them initially, but did a little research and got EXACTLY what we wanted. Unfortunately, they had to charge me about $85 extra because of my fat fingers - discrimination!!! :o)

My ring photo shoot... hee hee!

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SAVE-THE-DATES:
This is the proof we received from Magnet Street after placing our order - they came with envelopes, got tossed in the mail and people LOVE them!

INVITATIONS:
They're FINISHED and in the MAIL!!!!!!

BACK of envelope -- return address printed in raised silver ink by BCT Colorado

White invite printed on Curious Iridescents Cryogen White with thermography technique (raised ink) by BCT Colorado (my godfather's printing company).

Folds open to reveal.... the INFO

RSVP envelope -- printed by BCT Colorado

RSVPs included only enough name lines for the number of invited guests. (below is for 1 guest only)
I had planned on personalizing, but just couldn't afford that much time...

The MENU is separate (not on the back of the RSVP so that guests can keep it if they wish

DROPPING INVITES AT POST OFFICE.... !!

PROGRAMS:
The Basilica provides these!! I was a teensy bit disappointed that I couldn't be a total control freak, but HEY, they're free! That means that a) there'll be a lot of good details in there like the words to each of the bible readings for folks to follow along with and b) I have that $$ to spend on something else :o)

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BRIDESMAIDS
Dress: Alexia #2808 black lace with mocha satin
Jewelry: Just doing earrings -- see below
Shoes: They will wear their own black dressy shoes, preferrably in a satin
Other: Will also do black pashmina wraps, as it will be a bit chilly in October
Flowers: Roses - Ivory and very very pale yellow, wrapped with black ribbon

Erin, bridesmaid, Knottie els8383 and cutest model ever!

PERSONAL ATTENDANTS (pseudo-bridesmaids)
Dress: They got matching dresses from White House | Black Market that are SOOOOO cute!!! Will post pics after they add them to the website
Flowers: Just a few roses, 4 or 5 in ivory

GROOM Tux: black tux, ivory wing collar shirt, ivory vest & bow tie Bout: Ivory rose with other "fluff"	GROOMSMEN, USHERS, FATHERS Tux: black tux, ivory wing collar shirt, black vest & bow tie Bout: Yellow rose

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Here's my dress! - Maggie Sottero's "Estella"
IN LIGHT GOLD (not blue!) WITH CAP SLEEVES

DRESS FITTING
Here are the pics from my Sept 27th fitting. The only thing needed is a bustle and for the straps to be shortened a weee bit.

MY VEIL:
My mother is in the process of making my veil..... YAY! Here's what's taken place thus far:
- Bought ivory tulle, color didn't work with dress
- Bought lace in WHITE & metal 4" comb (Lace pictured below)
- Mom trimmed lace from the tulle that it's initially embroidered to - this is why it's called "reembroidered lace", as it's cut off of that tulle to be sewn onto the veil tulle
- Ordered "beige" (champagne tulle) for a similar contrast to the dress
- Measured length of veil.... will be about 11 feet long :-) :-)
- Mom is tacking lace onto tulle to ensure placement before "final" sewing -- doing so with black thread so it's easy to remove if necessary

MOST RECENT Pics taken September 11th (some below in HAIR TRIAL section)

Here is the lace -- as stated above, it's embroidered onto a piece of lace when created, but cut and reembroidered onto the tulle for the veil. Because it was double-sided, we were able to order half the length and use both sides.

IVORY lace is pictured, white is what we purchased

This is the tulle color against my hair

Here's the inspiration photo -- this veil is sold for $900!!

This is the amount of fullness I'd like at the crown and where it will be placed

Isn't this the sweetest picture?

HAIRSTYLE: I like some of the photos below - - ideally, I'd love to have my hair half up, half down, but my hair holds NO curl, so it likely wouldn't last the duration of the day. Veil will be placed as in dress try-on pictures above

HALF UP VERSIONS I LIKE:

No bangs swept like Carrie and Jamie-Lynn above

UPDO VERSIONS I LIKE:

HAIR TRIAL!!!!!

BOUQUET: Roses, light ivory into pale yellow. Requested that there be a variety of shades and sizes to make it look more "lush." And I LOVE a big satin bow at the stems.

I like the BOW and draping ribbon on this bouquet

JEWELRY:
Will only be wearing earrings, not planning on a necklace. I had been searching for a really beautiful pair of earrings with pearls, silver and some antique charm. Lo and behold I find them at Macy's... ON SALE even!

SHOES:
I heart www.endless.com!!! They are super duper. Great website, great search functions, and FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING! And... if it doesn't work, they have free return shipping, which is super helpful too.

Here they are:
http://tinyurl.com/weddingshoe

SOMETHING OLD... NEW... BORROWED... BLUE:
- BLUE: My rosary from my first communion (age 9) along with...
- OLD: My late grandmothers pink quartz rosary (something old) wrapped around my bouquet
- BLUE: My perfume! Blue by Ralph Lauren.... I'm CRUSHED that they're discontinuing
- NEW: My veil, it's being "crafted" just for me!!
- BORROWED: I believe I'll be using Mrs.MelindaMG's crinoline, and I suppose you could say that rosary from my grandmother is borrowed as well :o)

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LOCATION: The Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis

photo by Jennie Sewell - - the one that sold us on using her!

ORDER OF PROCESSION:
- Usher & Stepmom
- Mom & Stepdad
- FILs
- Personal Attendants, possibly with two of our ushers (their brothers)
- Bridal Party
- Dad and yours truly! <--doors opened by other two ushers

MUSIC SELECTIONS:
- Prelude: Canon in D, Pachebel (on organ); Ubi Caritas, Maurice Durufle; Salvation is Created,
- Processional: Ave Maria, Franz Biebl
- Post vow medidation / Gifts: Pilgrim's Hymn, Steven Paulus
- Communion Meditation: Set Me As A Seal, Rene Clausen ; Alleluia, Manuel
- Recessional: Hallelujah Chorus, Beethoven
- Postlude: Toccata, Charles Marie Widor

OTHER DETAILS:
- Programs - - The Basilica provides these!! I was a teensy bit disappointed, but HEY, they're free!
- No Unity Candle - - not part of a traditional wedding ceremony or necessary for the Catholic Marriage Sacrament, so it's not allowed by the Basilica
- No Receiving Line - - another piece not allowed by the Basilica due to the timing of Saturday evening Mass. They do however, set up a "large group photo" out on the steps facing Hennepin Ave, so that'll be kinda cool (hopefully not in that "Senior Class Photo" kind of way)
- Cool effect: The Basilica has 5 doors in the back - - the center door stays shut until the bride enters :o) I LOVE this moment!!

CEREMONY DECORATIONS:
- Giant gold candelabras (one on each side of the altar)
- Doing pew bows out of the extra tulle from the bolt we had to order for the veil

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LOCATION: Doubletree Park Place, Saint Louis Park, MN

MEAL:
We will be serving plated dinner - guests have choice of two entrees as well as a Vegetarian option and a kid's meal.

Option 1: Chicken Kiev served on a bed of MN Wild Rice, accompanied by sauteed broccoli, cauliflower, red pepper

Option 2: Beef Pot Roast, served on a bed of skin-on mashed potatoes, topped with gravy and crispy onion straws, accompanied by sauteed zucchini & summer squash

Vegetarian Option: Chef's Choice

Children's Meal: Chicken strips, veggies & dip, tater tots

ALCOHOL:
Bar will serve keg beer, red and white wine until the pre-purchased stash is gone. Will also have hard liquor for purchase, but signs will be posted for guests to enjoy the following options:
Beer: Michelob Golden Draft Light
White Wine: Riesling, St. Gabriel's - Germany
Red Wine: Pinot Noir, Mirassou - California
Soda: Coca Cola products
Coffee
Teas
Milk

CAKE:
Going to use either Sam's Club's Italian Creme Cake or Costco buttercream cake.
We're going to skip the display cake and use the money that would have been used in that area for another 15+ bottles of wine!

LINENS:
Would like to do black tablecloths like MrsKizdoodle below, but it depends on the budget. I'm looking into renting from Deckci Decor -- they have a 30% off special if you book services/items in the month of September!

Photo courtesy of MrsKizdoodle

CENTERPIECES:

GUESTBOOK:
In lieu of a guestbook, we're going to have slips of paper in our colors for guests to write a message or a congrats onto. We'll also have a few family friends taking pictures of all the guests as they get their escort cards and eventually they'll be put into a guestbook of sorts with pictures of each guest placed by their message to Brian and me.

Guest's messages and well wishes will be placed into this bowl....
Which is actually a bathroom trash can I found at Home Goods...???? Don't tell :-)

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CEREMONY LOCATION

The Basilica of Saint Mary - Minneapolis, MN
We've been members of the Basilica for about a year and a half. I sing currently with the Basilica Choir, so we have a lot of personal connection and meaning there. The location is the PERFECT place for a beautiful, antique-inspired... blah blah, I'm making myself sick! I was just trying to say it's way pretty and even better that we love being there and the community of people!

RECEPTION LOCATION

Doubletree Park Place - Saint Louis Park, MN
We're really looking forward to having our reception at this nearby, convenient, comfortable, affordable place! I think it's a perfect place to satisfy both our reception needs and the guests personal needs.
I also LOOOVE that because of their size, we only need to have our FINAL COUNT to them 2 business days before the wedding :-)

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Jennie Sewell - Sewell Photography
We think Jennie is SO great! She is so sweet and down-to-earth. She did photos of my friend's wedding on 10/10/08 and was really really great the entire day. She was a leader when she needed to be, and invisible during important moments so as not to take away from the day -- perfect! Can't wait to have wedding pics :-)

FLORIST

Jackie Just - Just Bloomed
I love Jackie the MOST out of all my vendors! I instantly dug her when she invited me to come visit her flower vendor with her to put together some stuff for inspiration.... I'm so into that! She's a great florist - - for her estimates, she itemizes what costs what, and gives you a range so that you can fit your needs within your budget. She is definitely my favorite person to work with thus far!!!

WEDDING DAY COORDINATOR

Stephanie Morrison
I've really enjoyed prepping with Stephanie for our wedding. She's extremely organized, enthusiastic, and makes you feel like your wedding will be the most amazing affair in the history of matrimony!

HAIR STYLIST

Kim Sorensen - Cole's Salon, Eagan Station
Kim has cut my hair for about the past 6 years. She is so wonderful that my entire family sees her :-)

Updated after 9/30 trial -- Kim was absolutely FANTASTIC for my trial! She was very straightforward about the possibilities for my hair, being that it's so long. I suggested revisions and she was so happy to fix certain things and adjust as necessary. I would tell her sorry for being so difficult, but she was verrry reassuring that the trial was to spend time figuring out what works best and getting exactly what I want. She is the best of the best.

I HIIIIIGHLY recommend Kim.

LINEN RENTAL

Deckci Decor
I really enjoy working with Deckci -- I've had email correspondence with both Angie and Kristen and both of them are great. Their website is very direct in terms of pricing and expectations, and they're providing exactly what I need. I'm using them to do 1/2 of my reception site in black tablecloths and the other 1/2 of the tables will be white with a black runner (aka a chair sash!) down the center. Perfect!!

NOTE: Deckci also offers wedding coordination and planning

BRIDAL GOWN & ACCESSORIES

Napier Bridal, West St. Paul
I have been absolutely thrilled with Napier! Their shop is very small, but they have very big dressing rooms and personalized 1:1 service. Jackie and Judi are wonderful!! Every time I call or come in, they know me by first name, know my dress, know my bridesmaid dresses and express genuine enthusiasm for my wedding.

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES & ACCESSORIES

Napier Bridal, West St. Paul
See Bridal Gown review :o)

TUXEDOS

Savvi Formalwear
So far, we've had a very pleasant experience. Went in when they opened one Saturday morning and were all by ourselves. We managed to get our tuxes at about $75 a piece (groom's free).

They've been extremely easy to work with along the way -- I've called to request a listing of all of our guys and the details, and it was in the mail that day. I called with revisions and they were happy to make sure they had all the right names, etc.

REGISTRIES

No issues with any of the listed companies, thankfully!

Crate & Barrel -- Hadn't been there much but really like their selection of kitchen and dining room stuff, and home accents. LOVE this place!

Macy's -- Used Macy's for additional kitchen supplies, bathroom accessories and linens; wanted to register there specifically for high-quality bedding, particularly The Hotel Collection... LOVE.

Target -- Random things.... mostly for the guests not in a metropolitan area with access to C&B or Macy's. Registered for some simple home decor items, little furniture pieces like an over-the-toilet cabinet, leather ottomans, picture frames, some vases, etc. And.... of course..... giftcards!!!

DISC JOCKEY

Instant Request, Matt V
Have had a good experience with them thus far - - LOVE their online event planner!

CEREMONY MUSIC

The Basilica of Saint Mary Cathedral Choir
The choir is FAB! I've been singing with the group for 2 years - it feels like a second family! They were even a part of my proposal (see above). I'm SO EXCITED to hear them on my wedding day and to take in the moments they provide.

SAVE-THE-DATES

Magnet Street
Good - went through a few proofs to get what I was looking for, and they were very prompt and thorough about getting them to me and covering bases in their communication.

INVITATIONS

Do-It-Yourself!
Invites printed with thermography by Business Cards Tomorrow - Denver, CO
My godfather owns this printing company and is doing the invitations for free.... YAY!
Additional paper and items purchased at PAPER DEPOT. And thanks to MrsKizdoodle for use of her cutter :o)

Shout out to my friends/fellow Knotties KatesTyger, mrs.bridgettkay, meesa31, els8383, SMorriso and Mrs.MelindaMG for their help in the assembly process!!!

REHEARSAL LUNCHEON

Famous Dave's Uptown Minneapolis
My stepmom is in charge of this, so I haven't had a ton of dealings with them. I DO know that their prices are incredibly reasonable, and that they're very accomodating to our large group.

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Lorrie Roff - Studio L Photography
We love our pictures! She's family, but she did a really great job and treated us very professionally. We did the photos up at Breezy Point -- the weather was sooo cold in mid-November, but we really had a great time!

MAKEUP

So far, I'm planning on doing it myself. I may question that decision come closer to the wedding, but I just don't think anyone else could do a better job on my own face.... ya know??

JEWELER

Shane Company
I've loved the whole experience with Shane Company!!! We got very enthusiastic service when we went in the first time, they helped Brian get exactly what he (we) wanted, and were very very helpful when it came time to find our bands. We did some digging to find the bands we really wanted, and we're so glad that they helped us to find the ones we ordered.

VIDEOGRAPHER

Not entirely sure if we'll splurge for one or not.... it really depends on the budget.