Ceci + Michael Double Tree Hilton St. Paul, MN Wedding
Michael took in the scenery of downtown St. Paul as he waited for his bride next to the 11-story glass atrium at the DoubleTree Hotel. He took a deep breath just before she tapped his shoulder and at the sight of each other, the couple collapsed into each other's arms. They swayed to the sound of their heartbeats, drank in each others presence, and held each other tightly.
He cried as he took it all in. Big, soft tears rolled down his cheeks as Michael beheld the vision of his stunning bride smiling back up at him. As their friends and family gathered around them, Ceci and Michael promised to stay true and hold hands as they age, memorizing the grooves and crevices on each finger. As husband and wife, they made the commitment to love and cherish…and promised Forever to each other and their families.
The rest of the evening was spent popping, clinking, and cheering to what may have been the happiest couple in the world at that exact moment. The earth paused on its axis, with just enough time for Michael to unveil his secret surprise to Ceci. Michael conducted a live choir performance with the Impulse Chamber Choir through a breathtaking original score he wrote for Ceci. The magnificent performance was topped off with special custom LED bracelets for each of their guests that changed colors in conjunction with the music. Their day was nothing short of perfection.
The wedding day began with preparation at The Double Tree Hilton Hotel…Ceci had an amazing team from Sica Dawn Fox Den Salon to curl her hair and do her makeup. But can we please have a moment of silence for these jewelry and shoe details?!
Last minute preparations…
Ceci was a vision of perfection in her Mori Lee gown.
Ceci and Michael were married at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church but opted to see each other before the wedding ceremony with a first look…this was the groom’s reaction to seeing his gorgeous bride…
Before the wedding ceremony, we had plenty of time for photos, so we roamed the streets and alleys of St. Paul’s Mears Park neighborhood for photos.
Their love sparks a fire of adoration…
Ceci’s bridesmaids looked like they walked off the pages of a magazine…
…and Michael’s groomsmen had me team and I cracking up the entire day!
The ornate architecture of St. Thomas More Catholic Church still could detract from the vision of Ceci walking down the aisle towards her forever.
under a canope of magnificent rococo 18th century opulence, Ceci and Michael shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
The 11-story glass atrium of the Double Tree Hotel provided an excellent backdrop and some scenic views of the city.
The layered Amaretto and Chocolate Raspberry cake from Buttercream that Ceci and Michael dug into was decorated with soft romantic pink roses.
Ceci comes from a large family and their reception was all about honoring that family bond. Each toast that was given was beautiful, heartfelt, and moving.
The LED bracelets from Pixmob lit up the Atrium in a rainbow of beautiful colors, each synchronized to the music Michael composed for his beloved.
Not a dry eye was left in the Atrium after Michael conducted the moving piece he wrote for Ceci.
The couple shared their first dance to sincere and moving rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” performed by Michael’s best man.
The night ended with dancing…
…and lots of laughter
Ceci and Michael, thank you for inviting me into your lives and love. I’m not sure who cried more on your wedding day, Michael or me, but the love you both share and give was felt throughout your entire day. You deserve nothing but happiness. Much Love and appreciation!
I’ll end on this photo because it’s the perfect depiction of Ceci and Michael’s love: intimate, warm, and magical.
CEREMONY VENUE: St. Thomas More Catholic Church
PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Smak
VIDEOGRAPHER: Matthew Deery, Made Right Productions
OFFICIANT: Fr. Warren Sazama
HAIR AND MAKEUP: Sica Dawn, Fox Den Salon
CAKE: Buttercream Wedding Cakes
FLORIST: Addie Lane Floral
DRESS SHOP/DESIGNER: The Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul/Mori Lee
SHOES: DSW
BRIDESMAID DRESSES: The Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul
SUITS & TUXEDOS: Knights Chamber
LIMO: 1st Class Transportation
DJ: Midwest Sound
CEREMONY MUSICIANS: Lake String Quartet
CHOIR PERFORMANCE: Impulse Chamber Choir
LED BRACELETS: Pixmob
DECOR: Sitting Pretty Decor