Oh Peony, how I adore your classic trumpet-mermaid silhouette and your swoon-worthy blush silk jacquard…it’s no wonder this romantic Monique Lhuillier gown was the first dress Amanda tried on and history was made. And what a beautiful job today’s featured bride has done of styling her look with soft waves that perfectly compliment the ruching of her dress and the sweetheart neckline. Pretty, feminine and light as air…Just perfect!
Amanda + Matt | October 19, 2013 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Dress Listing: Monique Lhuillier, Peony
The Ceremony
Our ceremony was held at Lakewood Chapel, an absolutely stunning tiny chapel near lakes Calhoun and Harriet in Minneapolis. It’s a secret, quiet place. The chapel, which is actually inside the Lakewood Cemetery, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. We loved the Byzantine flourishes, all the tile and copper, and the way the light refracted off every square inch of the place. The fall colors were just turning in the trees and reflecting in a long reflecting pool across from the chapel. It was almost distractingly beautiful.
The Reception
Perhaps in contrast to the traditional and history-steeped architectural elements of the Lakewood Chapel, our reception at Aria was decidedly contemporary. Loads of brick, cavernous ceilings and steel beams play against glam touches like crystal chandeliers and Warhol prints. Aria is a former warehouse space that became a theater in the 1990s. It’s got a huge stage that’s illuminated with a sign that says, “The World is Yours.” Like Lakewood, it’s also on the National Register of Historic Places. Aria is a white hot venue in Minneapolis right now. Whereas a year ago when I would tell people about it, they would look at me blankly, now they say, “ohhh yes–Aria! How did you get in there?” We served delicious local food and donuts in place of cake. We named the tables after playwrights. We’re music nuts and we really curated the music for the evening. The dance party was epic–our favorite moments were on the dance floor.
Amanda’s Dress Search
I didn’t have a particular style in mind when I started shopping. I didn’t know anything about what I wanted. The Monique Lhullier Peony was the very first dress I tried on. I tried on dozens of others afterward, in an array of styles. I learned that a fitted sweetheart strapless dress best complimented my petite frame. I fell in love with blush shades. Then the rest was history.
How Amanda Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Classy, Modern, Beautiful
Why Amanda Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
It wasn’t an easy decision. While it was the certainly the dress for me and I made the right decision to get it after months of searching, it also busted by budget a bit. I’m hoping to savor the memory of this beautiful dress, but use some of the money recouped from selling it to take an adventure with my new husband. And also pass it along to another bride-to-be who’ll hopefully love it just as much!
