1. What is your story as a couple?
Patrick and Kirsten met in the law school library at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in their home state of Minnesota. After sharing a dinner that lasted until the restaurant started vacuuming, they knew they were a good match.
After many dinners later, graduation from law school, and sitting for the Minnesota Bar Exam, Patrick and Kirsten moved out to Washington DC to pursue Masters of Law Degrees. They shared the joys and challenges of moving to a new city together, including discovering the historic Occidental restaurant as a special occasion dining destination.
Patrick graduated from American University Washington College of Law and Kirsten graduated from The George Washington Law School and they began working as lawyers in the city. On the evening of their 5 year anniversary, Patrick took Kirsten back to their favorite dining place, the Occidental, and proposed to her by the beautiful fountain outside the restaurant, with the iconic national Washington DC monuments lit in the background. They walked past the White House while she called her family to share the news. She said yes before he could finish asking and seven months later, they were married on a gorgeous August day in Minnesota.
2. What inspired your wedding day outfits?
Patrick and Kirsten were looking for a simple, yet classic design that was elegant and timeless! Patrick picked clean lines for the men’s shall-neck tuxedos. Kirsten’s custom-made silk A-line dress was covered in intricate Irish lace with a crystal and silk belt. She chose a sleek black dress for her maid of honor.
3. What inspired your wedding decor? Why did you choose the things that you did?
The wedding decor followed the elegant and timeless theme with champagne, pink and plum colored flowers. The linens were champagne, white and black. Patrick and Kirsten also designed their own glasses for the reception in which they served their signature drink–Royale Wedding Punch. They later gave the washed glasses to guests to take home.
While in Washington DC, Patrick and Kirsten have worked in Congress, Patrick for the U.S. Senate and Kirsten for the U.S. House of Representatives. They wanted to bring a bit of “DC life” to Minnesota, which is what inspired their selection of the Minnesota History Center. With it’s high vaulted ceilings and breathtaking views of the Cathedral and Minnesota State Capitol through magnifying windows, the Minnesota History Center added further elegance to the day. Patrick and Kirsten also opened the “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation” interactive exhibit for their guests to enjoy during the wedding reception, which added a bit of history, learning, and fun to the day.
4. What was your favorite part of the day?
The whole day was so beautiful it is difficult to choose a favorite part! If forced to choose, however, Kirsten’s favorite part of the day were the few minutes alone with Patrick during the “first look” prior to the ceremony. Kirsten also enjoyed listening to the organist play Widor’s Toccata as they exited the church–it is a favorite of hers. Patrick’s favorite part of the day was during the speeches given by family members at the reception. Both Kirsten and Patrick loved dancing to The Bruce Henry Band, which included a full horn set perfect for playing Sinatra-esque hits from the 30’s and 40’s.
5. Do you have advice for engaged couples still in the planning process?
Don’t draw out the engagement! A seven-month deadline helped us stay on track in making decisions and eliminated potential arguments about the wedding details. Be realistic about what DIY projects are worth the time (and they can take a lot of time) and which are better to left to the professionals. Spend money on a great wedding photographer! Your wedding picture is the one that will be displayed from now on, so make sure it’s a good one.
6. Did you have any Do it Yourself {DIY} projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?
Yes! After looking at many types of invitations, Patrick and Kirsten decided to design, print and assemble our own invitations. They combined the styles and assembly of different types of invitations to create exactly what they envisioned for their wedding. Their invitations included black, white and plum colors. They used a slightly off-white color which softened the white and made it more aesthetically appealing. Patrick purchased the fonts they wanted to use and he and Kirsten designed the layout through standard computer programs. They purchased supplies and printed the invitations, RSVP cards and information cards on their home printer. They also assembled the invitations in a tri-fold style and assembled envelope liners to complete the DIY project!
Vendors
Photographer: Erin Johnson Photography
Caterer: Bon Appetit
Floral Designer: Colleens Flower Cellar
Dress Store: Mary’s Designer Bridal
Reception Venue:Minnesota History Center
Band: PopLuxe/ Musicians Unlimited
Ceremony Location:St Timothy Lutheran Church
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Jewelry/Accessories: Swarovski
Bridesmaid Dress: Wedding Shoppe (St. Paul, MN)
Bridesmaid Accessories: Bergstrom Jewelers
Groom Attire: Oxxford Clothes Shawl Collar Tuxedo with El Toro Shoes
Hair Stylist: self
Make Up Artist: self
Event Coordinator/Designer: Christie Altendorf (MN History Center)
Rental: MN History Center
Flowers: Colleen’s Flower Center
Dessert: Buttercream
Linens: MN History Center
Wedding Invitations/Stationary: Self-designed and self-printed
Calligraphy: self
Transportation: self
Ceremony Venue: St. Timothy Lutheran Church
Officiant: Ruth Sorenson-Prokosch, St. Timothy Lutheran Church
DJ/Band: The Bruce Henry Band