:: Helena & Chris ::

Helena and Chris's wedding was filled with Chinese symbolism, American tradition, and unique touches. They put a tremendous amount of thought into their grand event. Chris and the guys started the day with a run in the rain while Helena and her girls were being pampered at the Raddison. Amazingly, the rain stopped right before the moment they first saw each other. Chris was literally wiping tears off of Helena's cheeks!

before she arrived at the reception, Helena changed into a stunning red gown she bought in China. She looked amazing! The dim sum at the reception was decident and included new york strip steak, seafood, fish, and the best orange chicken we have ever tasted. Helena, Chris and their families visited each table to raise a toast to thank the guests for taking part in their day. Not only do Chris and Helena have a playful and intense love for each other, they also have and amazing circle of friends and family!

:: Tea Ceremony ::

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Chris and Helena had a tea ceremony and pig roast the day before they got married. This is one of many ways they blended Chinese and American traditions into their ceremony.

In a tea ceremony, the bride and groom serve tea to their parents and relatives to give respect and thanks for raising them. The parents and relatives will take turn sitting in chairs, while the bride and groom kneel to serve the tea. Every step of the ceremony is significant and happens in a particular order. It was fun to see Chris's family take part in the tradition.

In return, the newlyweds receive lucky red envelopes (“lai see,” which means “lucky”) stuffed with money or jewelry. The helpers, who are usually women blessed with a happy marriage or wealth and chosen by the fortune teller or bride’s mother, also get lucky red envelopes stuffed with money from those being served. These envelopes are placed on the platter which holds the teacups.

In addition to this ceremony steeped in Chinese history, Helena's brother, who is a professional martial artist and stunt man who has appeared in movies like Blade, gave a nunchuck lesson to the bridal party! It was pretty amazing.

Tip :: Flowers from The LOFT Bridal & Design ::

Looking for flowers that are made to fit your personality and style? Check out the ultra hip ladies at The LOFT Bridal & Design. These are a few photos we took at a recent wedding.

:: Missy & Mesut ::

I felt fortunate that I was able to experience Missy and Mesut's wedding day. Coming from Turkey, Mesut and his family joined Missy's North Dakotan gang to celebrate their union. That day, two unlikely groups of people became one huge family and there was an overwhelming feeling of joy. Families were brought together by the unbreakable love Missy and Mesut share for each other.

I also became very fond of Missy's father. He is such a proud papa who loves his little girl. Normally it is the photographer who is with the couple all day, but Missy's Dad never left her side. I don't think I ever saw him with out his camera!!!

-Lacey

:: The Engagement Story :: The Venue ::

Peter and I settled on University Baptist Church for the ceremony, a very liberal and welcoming church in dinkytown (or "tinytown" as my Grandma calls it). Check out this thorough Statement on Marriage.

The reception will be around the corner at the Varsity Theater. It's where Peter and I met (it's a cutesy story involving a jug band and a fez). The Varsity is an incredible venue. As discussed earlier, Peter and I had originally thought to get married outside in Nature, but Nature is a logistic nightmare. I don't want to be in charge of coordinating the arrival and set up of everything including tables, chairs, linens, glasses, salt and pepper shakers, citronella candles, dance floor, extra loos, mics and speakers, cake, flowers and an alternative plan for inclement weather. The Varsity does it all with style, and puts your name on the marquee to boot.

If you're looking for nature, however, I found some fantastic places - Windbeam Farm outside of Red Wing and a place called "The Enchanted Barn". Don't let the name bother you, it's stunning. Windbeam Farm and The Enchanted Barn.

-Brooke

Brooke, a client of Lace/Hanky, shares her thoughts about what it is like to be engaged– the good and the bad.
Read more entries from The Engagement Story here.