{ Tis' the Season. }

Tis' the season for weddings, and, so many of them this year! Hard to imagine a year ago, Cal and I were rushing around Minnetonka and Minneapolis to finalize final details with our vendors. Even though it was so much work, it was such an exciting time for the both of us. {I was fortunate to have a helpful fiancé.}It was very seldom when planning became stressful; needless to say, I was extremely organized and to the point of being so organized, I surprised our florist {at our first meeting} by pushing away her book of samples of bouquets and saying "I won’t be needing that."

For future Twin Cities' brides out there might find some of these vendors helpful: Our wedding website.

Their prices were affordable and customer service was top notch!

{Our Vendors}

We had the best photographer, too!

{Erica Loeks Photography}

The first time I had ever been frugal {I do mean ever!}, was when we were planning our wedding. Cal and I had an elegant Minneapolis wedding for less than 15K. It is possible!

{ Long overdue family photos. }

 

Grandma Naomi got to seek in too.

 

 

Photo Credit: G Smith Images

{ The Smith's Eco X-Mas Letter. }

From our house to yours...

Happy Holidays!

Photo Credit: G Smith Images

Dear beloved family & friends,

We've had a happy, busy year here in the Smith household!

In the mist of Calvin's new career path at AT&T Mobility, Amanda finishing up a semester at NHCC and not to mention hectic wedding planning, Cal and Amanda decide in the new year of 2009 to search for their very first home! Luck struck them in February, as the engaged couple found a cute four bedroom - two bath, split level home in a comfortable west-metro Minnesota suburb. 

June rolled in quickly, where on Friday, June 12th, 2009, Calvin Gregory Smith and Amanda Lauren Bennett exchanged their intimate vows in front of their close family and friends. No day has ever been so beautiful and will remain forever cherished.

Now, you would think after buying a home and elegant nuptials, that these Newlyweds would be spent? Think again! On August 30th, 2009, Mr. and Mrs. Smith adopted a six week old, purebred yellow-Labrador named Meggie Mae. They couldn't be any more pleased! Miss Meggie Mae at five months has progressed into a fine little lady!

We hope this season brings you Cherished Traditions, Hot Cocoa, Joy, Laughter, Love, and Peace as well as new Tiding Beginnings!

Merry Merry Christmas!

Calvin, Amanda and Meggie Smith 

{ This is the true measure of love: }

Little Details
June 12
Northwestern suburban couple wishes to be married in their favorite city-- downtown Minneapolis mansion to fit the bill!

A historical mansion {Gale Mansion} located in the heart of the exclusive Mansion District of Minneapolis is filled with guests and flowers - the bride awaited in her room with a Chantilly Sherry et Cie handkerchief, rhinestone earrings with a hanging teardrop pearl by Erica Koesler and a graciously adorned white bouquet in hand with beautifully crafted dark ivory satin rouching . Groom awaited her at the front of the mansion in a Savvi Formalwear tux with touches of paisley. Guests were given custom made programs, wrapped with dark ivory bellyband with the couple initials engraved on it by Letter Perfect in Deephaven.

The Gale Mansion is gorgeous. Mansion doors open and guests gasp at the vibrant floral by Lisa Killian of Petals to Pines and old family wedding photographs. Guests were surrounded by 14th century tapestries, Bedford limestone, eight fireplaces, walnut and mahogany woodwork, oriental carpets, original china, paintings, furniture, antiques and sculptures of the Gale Family. To keep the occasion light and casual, guests dined on an assortment of domestic and imported cheeses, baguettes, crackers and fresh fruits, a chocolate fountain with assorted dipping items, miniature tarts, and pastry swans filled with mousse and a custom made cake designed by David Mess of Buttercream in Wayzata.

The sounds of the harpist, Catherine Victorsen, filled the mansion during the couples’ intimate ceremony and guests danced later to music from DJ Neon Express Entertainment.

Amanda and Calvin had the wedding of their childhood dreams, and are living happily ever after.

Photo Credit: Erica Loeks Photography.
Formally Studio 188 Photography.

Here is a sample of photographs of our perfect day!

















"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
-- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
















"This is the true measure of love: when we believe that we alone can love, that no one could ever have loved so before us, and that no one will ever love in the same way after us."
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  Photo Credit: G Smith Images

{ The Love. }

Here are some of our favorite proofs from our engagement photos! They were taken at the University of Minnesota Arboretum in Chaska, Minnesota on October 5th, 2008.















Photo Credit: G Smith Images