Simple & Elegant Black Tie Minnesota Wedding

via

Caeli and Donato met when Caeli taught him English at a language school... so romantic! The rest as they say is history as they married in Minneapolis; combining their two cultures and families together as one.

They achieved a simple classic yet formal feel to their wedding. With tuxedos, roses and chandeliers. There were some great DIY touches, pretty sparklers and a classic car too.

Thanks so much to Erin Johnson Photography for sharing these images today.

FROM THE BRIDE |

We were both living in Italy at the time. I, Caeli, was an English teacher and Donato happened to be on my students! I taught him and for almost 7 months at the language school where I worked. He was interested in continuing his English, so we started having private lessons. Everything fell into place from that moment forward and we've been together ever since.

I was born and raised in Minneapolis and wanted to have the wedding at a venue that captured the uniqueness of my home town. When we saw Aria, we both agreed that it was perfect.

Simple Elegance is what felt this day should be about. That and family.

We were very excited about bringing these 2 families together. Two families from different countries. It was special that so many of Donato's family could travel to the United States to celebrate this union. We wanted things to be about family; decorating with the Italian flag, choosing a menu that could be served family-style, coursed like traditional Italian meals are served. Even though the menu was a nod to Italian food, we used locally sourced cheeses and meats to give a nod to our Minnesota culture. I guess that was what it was about for us... bringing these two cultures together - bringing two families together.

The invitations were all stamped, embossed and assembled by the groom and the bride's mom and dad.

The menu and seating boards were designed, assembled and handwritten by the bride's mom.

The frames were found objects that went through a transformation process of spray paint, chalk paint, texturing and a finishing wax. All frames were fitted with plywood-painted chalkboard paint. Then liquid chalk-ink was used for the lettering.

The photo-lounge concept and suspended frames were created by the bride's mom; the hand-drawn polaroid sign was done in chalk by the bride's cousin, Ella Ricci.

All the photo "blocks" on the head table were created by the bride's mom using a photo-transfer method onto wood through Decoupage - as it turned out, the Italian guests took them as a wedding favor :) Perfect!!

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE |

Photographer | Erin Johnson Photography

Equipment Rental | Apres Party and Tent Rental

Reception Venue | Aria Mpls

Other | AV for You

Shoes | Badgely Mischka

Hair Stylist | Becca Schanche

Event Planner | Belle Noelle Events & Design

Bridesmaid Dresses | Bill Levkoff

Caterer | Fabulous Catering

Floral Designer | Flora Bella

DJ | Jake Ryan