lasting impressions weddings is an award-winning minnesota wedding planning and design company

One area of my job I enjoy a lot is the constant education into different cultures and all of their traditional wedding traditions. When I was sitting back and thinking about writing this blog I was amazed by how many different cultures we were touched with this year. We did 3 Nigerian Weddings, a Laos Wedding, 2 Korean Ceremonies, Incorporated Philippine Traditions into the wedding, and coordinated 3 Jewish Weddings.
Not only is it interesting to see how different cultures and religions incorporate items into the ceremony and wedding, it is fun to learn together on why these items are so special. The Vibrant colors that are worn by Nigerian women are so beautiful, the traditional dresses from the Korean ceremonies are so unique and of course the Jewish Hora dance is one of my favorite parts of a wedding. I will never forget the first time I saw it, the energy that is in that room is amazing and electrifying. Enjoy the collection of photos that showcase all of the Cultural Weddings we have done this year along with some of my favorite traditions!

Is it ever going to get nice here in Minnesota? I sure hope so!!!! But until then, I will continue to blog about weddings that remind me of warmth and better Minnesota weather!!! Here is a beautiful wedding photographed by LaVie Photography from last fall!!
It was so much fun to get to work with Erin, Mike and their families! They were really sweet and Erin really knew what she wanted when it came to incorporating details about her and Mike’s relationship. I don’t think that it is more apparent then in the cake… designed by the always amazing Robin at Gatueax.. the cake was a reflection of Erin and Mike’s study abroad in Australia. It was full of details about their trip and it was the focal point of the cocktail hour!!!

Vendors:
Wedding Coordinator: Lasting Impressions Weddings
Reception Site: Calhoun Beach Club
Ceremony Site: Mt. Olivet- West
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid
Photography: LaVie Photography
Transportation: Renees Royal Valet
Cake: Gateaux
Band: MetroJam – Macken Music
Flowers: Molly’s Flower Studio
Rental Items: Linen Effects
Reception Musicians: Bella Nota
Invitations: Watermark Stationary
Hair and Makeup: Creative Beaute Agency

Michelle and John’s wedding was not only a fun one for me to plan.. but a personal one too. Michelle is my sister in law (Andy’s Sister). John and her were together for many years before the engagement and we were all very happy to have him “officially” join the family. They were engaged last December while Michelle was doing an internship in Montana… so last Christmas break for her she came back and we looked at reception sites! It was so much fun working with someone so close to me. The day of course was wonderful, we had fantastic weather and everything turned out great. Thanks to my fantastic assistant Meghan I was really able to sit back and enjoy the time with family!

Wonderful Vendors:
Wedding Coordinator: Lasting Impressions
Reception Site: Nicollet Island Pavillion
Florist: Molly’s Flower Studio
Ceremony Venue: Plymouth Congregational
DJ: Instant Request
Makeup: Smart and Chic Bride

Congrats Michelle and John and thanks for including me in your planning!

I had the Pleasure to work with Anna and Mark Last September. It is such a Small World… Anna is my best friend’s College Roomate. Obviously over 4 years of college I became good friends with her as well. Anna grew up in Benson, MN.. so when I found out she was getting married in my hometown I just had to laugh!! I am from a small town and there are not a lot of venues there, so very rarely does it draw in people from out of town…

Anna was married at Willow Lake Farm. A local farm that Anna helped out with environmental projects through the University of MN. So needless to say, its a small world and it was a lot of fun to “Go Home” and plan this AMAZING wedding on the farm! Anna and Mark worked for months to get this farm ready to go, and they did a fantastic job. I am so happy I was able to share in their special day!!!

Thanks to Federer Photgraphy for these wonderful Images!

When I start to talk about Megan and Ben I just get so excited. What a great pair and a fantastic family!! I started to work with them about 6 months before their big day. They had the location, the photographer and a few other vendors and then I jumped in. The relationship that I had with this couple and family was the reason I do this for a job. I love becoming “part of the family” and a big part of the special day. They made me feel so loved and I wanted nothing more than to make this day go perfect! In a month of bad weather we got really lucky and got some great sunshine!!

The pictures below were taken from the wonderful Erin Johnson. What a rockstar! She was at the reception until the very end trying to get a slideshow together for the morning after brunch, we were having some technical difficulties and she never one complained.. she just kept trying and wouldn’t you know it… we got a slideshow for the next day!!

To Megan, Ben, Lisa and Scott… I am truely honored to have worked with you and thank you for making me a part of your family! I loved every bit of it!!!

Here is a very special part of the many great notes I got from Lisa (The mother of the bride) I just about cried everytime I got a great email!!

You are truly a beloved new member of our family Sarah.  We accept this generous gift with the caveat…. You will help us enjoy it!    Because, yes, we are not done with you.  NEVER.  You have won us over with your excellent job performance  working on an event that was surely the biggest thing in at least 4 lives. ( Megan, Ben, Lisa and Scott).  Scott’s and my wedding 27 years ago was lovely and very emotion filled.  And yet, the marriage of our beloved daughter was even more powerful in many ways.  Let’s just call it, the circle of life.  You will understand this with the marriage of YOUR own child someday….

But your real skill during this amazing process was to win our hearts.  ALL OF OUR HEARTS.  You are loved and revered more than many of our ( born into) family members.  Many times the best family is the one you create.  You fit that role to a T.

• Wonderful Vendors that made this all Happen!
• Wedding Planning, Chair Covers and Menu Cards: Lasting Impressions
• Reception Site :Windows on MN
• Ceremony Site : Central Luthern
• Cake and Favors: Gatueax
• Photographer: Erin Johnson
• String Quartet: Aurora Strings
• Rentals: Apres Party
• Flowers: Sadies Floral
• DJ: Instant Request
• Accomodations and Sunday Brunch: Raddisson Hotel
• Transporation: Valley Limo
• Friday Transporation: Twin Cities Trolley
• Hair and Makeup: http://www.mnbridalmakeup.com

All Images below are taken by Erin Johnson Photography:

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Annie and Eric were married last Saturday in Eric’s Families backyard in Inver Grove Heights. I began working with them over a year ago and it was a lot of fun. Eric and Annie live in Washington DC. So I was lucky enough to work with their 2 great mothers! Thanks to all of the wonderful vendors that made this day a wonderful day.. and the weather was amazing too!! Congratulations Eric and Annie!Wedding Coordinator – Lasting Impressions WeddingsPhotographer – Photogen IncVideographer – Northern Lights VideographyCaterer – Prom CateringBeverage Caterer- Complete BeverageTransportation – Valley LimoFlorist – Appleblossom FlowersBand – Musicians Unlimited – The Modd SquadChair Cover Sashes and Table Runners – Lasting ImpressionsOfficiant – Affordable I Do’sCake – ButtercreamTent, Table, Chair, Lounge Furniture Rental… and Lots more – Apres Party and TentThe first 6 photos are taken by the amazing Eliesa from Photogen Inc. The rest are my snapshots….Enjoy this wonderful Video from Northern Lights Video as Well!!! Great Job Jeff!!