TCBA Member Expert:
Reception Venues / Reception Venues
Grand Superior Lodge – Odyssey Resorts
Interview with Reba Meyer

What inspires you?
I am inspired by those who put the needs of others  before their own.

Who is the person you would most like to meet or spend the day with?
Vera Wang because she is such a talented individual, her wedding gown and bridesmaid attire can’t be beat

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Costa Rica!

If you could visit any place in the world where would that be and why?
I’d love to visit my motherland, South Korea!

What has been your favorite wedding and why?
I had an outdoor winter wedding that incorporated a horse drawn sleigh with their Lake Superior view ceremony site, breath taking!

What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in PINK. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing. Kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles!.” – Audrey Hepburn

Are you involved in any charity work?  Tell us about it.
Yes, I support an orphaned child in Thailand. I send $35 per month and she can go to school and buy clothing.

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Learn a little bit more about Grand Superior Lodge – Odyssey Resorts

An unforgettable place for an unforgettable day: Grand Superior Lodge is a haven far from the usual. Imagine your wedding on the shore on Lake Superior at a breathtaking log resort, situated where the wilderness meets the sea. With the charming legacy of Northwoods hospitality and a splendid array of luxurious amenities, you’ll find this wild a peaceful sanctuary the perfect place to cherish in your heart forever, and your guests will rave about it too!

Let us take care of your entire wedding event from groom’s dinner to honeymoon, or simply let us host your ceremony or reception. Get married on our patio overlooking Lake Superior, and then bring your reception to our banquet facility which accommodates up to 175 people. Our very own Splashing Rock Restaurant is available to host special dinners and cater your event.

Our on-site coordinator will make sure everything is perfect so you can enjoy your special day. We work with area vendors to assist in making arrangements from flowers to photography. If you choose to use our on-site wedding officient, John Hartwick performs legal, non-denominational ceremonies, and will make certain that your ceremony is performed with beauty, grace, and majesty.

Grand Superior Lodge is a log resort that offers luxury accommodations in lakeside log homes, cabins, and suites; most have fireplace and in-room whirlpools and of course incredible views of Lake Superior. The resort also features an indoor pool, spa, sauna, massage therapy, canoes, and magical bonfires on the beach.

Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks are only minutes away and offer spectacular waterfalls, hiking, biking, and xc-skiing. The Superior Hiking Trail and State Snowmobile Trails are virtually out the front door of the resort. Nearby are great golf courses, shopping, and touring the local historic points of the area.

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TCBA Member Expert:
Health & Beauty / Salons & Spas
Ivy Spa Club
Interview with Pam Margolis

What inspires you?
Trying each day to help make a difference in someone’s life.

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Kauai, Hawaii

What is your most cherished possession?
My grandfather’s prayer book

What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
The golden rule

What has been your favorite wedding and why?
I have two favorites.  They are the weddings of two of my children.

If you could describe yourself in two words, what would they be?
Cheerful and Positive

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
My favorite hobby is sewing and all sorts of other crafts

What is your favorite color?
Pink

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Learn a little bit more about Ivy Spa Club

At  Ivy Spa Club you’re immersed in a journey of luxury and self-renewal, with unparalleled services that bathe your senses and soothe your spirit. With fourteen treatment rooms, a relaxation area, Cold Plunge showers, comforting whirlpool, fitness center, and a cafe, plus, more than 90 world-class spa services, Ivy Spa Club is not just a spa. It’s a destination and a retreat.

We pamper several brides each month. With so many services to choose from, we tailor spa and salon needs to each and every bride. Our expert stylists bring your dream look to reality with the finest in hair care products – Kerastase. Highly trained and experienced estheticians are available for makeup before or the day-of and facial care prior to your wedding day. We also feature pampering nail services, including gel color as a longer-lasting alternative.

Our great location in downtown Minneapolis makes us the best spot for bachelorette parties. We are able to accommodate up to 8 nail services per hour and can tailor our packages to each group. Our convenient location in downtown Minneapolis makes us the ideal destination. Guests can enjoy spa services, get their hair styled or blown out, get makeup applied, and get ready as a group in our large locker room before their night out.

With our relaxing spa, rejuvenating salon, cosmetic services and private fitness center, Ivy Spa Club has so much to offer all in one great location. Contact Beth at 612.353.3580 or bethv@ivyspaclub.com for more information or to schedule your spa services or bachelorette party!

Contact Information:
201 11th Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55403
PH: 612-343-3131
Email: info@ivyspaclub.com

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TCBA Member Expert:
Decor & Rentals / Rentals & Tents
Party Time Rental
Interview with Krista

What inspires you?
I love watching the personal growth that our clients go through during the planning process.  So often I see eyes wide open overwhelming brides show up at our door.  They don’t where to begin.  I love being a part of the process that brings them to a confident, calm, well-organized married woman.

What is the most unique wedding you have been a part of?
Generally, the Bride makes most of the decisions, only once have we had a Groom take 100% of the reigns.  The Bride wasn’t into the planning.  The Groom executed an amazing over-the-top celebration that will go down in history.

Do you have any kids?  Tell us about them.
Yes, a toddler boy and a 4-year old girl

What is your most cherished possession?
My photo gallery of dating, wedding and my kids.

What has been your favorite wedding and why?
I love the weddings that reflect the Bride and Groom, rather than tradition.  It’s fun to ‘shake it up’ a bit!

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
My husband and I love to travel, play golf and cook.

What is your favorite movie?
Where the Red Fern Grows

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Learn a little bit more about Party Time Rental

Party Time Rental is Brainerd’s largest full-service tent and event rental company. Established in 2004, Party Time Rental takes pride in being a total rental resource for all of your event rental needs in and around the Brainerd Lakes Area; including Little Falls, Detroit Lakes, Wadena, Crosslake, Walker, Aitkin, Garrison, as well as all the Resorts.

Whether it’s for an intimate wedding, a grooms dinner, or gift open, we at Party Time Rental will do our part to set your event above the rest. Our team of professionals are dedicated to the success of your event and we pride ourselves on gathering the details and executing your event seamlessly.

You will be working with a team from various creative backgrounds that specialize in the event industry. All of our professionals have limitless resources at their fingertips. We will specifically tailor your event to accommodate your budget and vision.

Contact us to set up a consultation today.

Contact Information:
4750 White Gables Road
Brainerd, MN 56401
PH: 218-829-6300
Email: rent@partytimerentalmn.com

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TCBA Member Expert:
Health & Beauty / Salons & Spas
Merrill Hair Designers, Inc.
Interview with Jada

Who is the person you’d most like to spend the day with and why?
I would really enjoy meeting and spending the day with Ellen DeGeneres. Not only because she is hilarious, but because she also seems really down to earth.

How did you get your start in the business?
I had bad salon experiences in my youth. I was terrified to get a haircut because most of the time I asked for a light trim and had several inches taken off.  I decided that I was going to be a cosmetologist and my clients wouldn’t have to worry about me getting scissor happy on their hair! I started working as a receptionist in a local beauty salon when I was 14, a freshman in high school and started cosmetology school at 17, two weeks after I graduated from high school.

Do you have any kids?  Tell us about them.
I am a very proud mother of three boys! Gavin (5), Isaac (3), and Caleb (1).  Gavin likes to play sports and loves his superheroes. Isaac is our handyman and loves to fix things with his real tools. Caleb is our little peanut who started walking at 9 months just to keep up with his older brothers.

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
I haven’t travelled to many different places, but I really enjoy going to Arizona. I love the warm weather and sun, and I also have family and friends to visit there.

What is your most cherished possession?
My most cherished possesion is a diamond ring that my great grandmother passed down to my mother and now to me. I spent a lot of time with my great grandmother growing up and I miss her everyday.

What is your favorite color?
Really tough question-  Turquoise as a color in general… I think!   I like the color black  for cars, clothes and electronics… 

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Learn a little bit more about Merrill Hair Designers

Merrill Hair Designers, Inc. is a dynamic full service salon and spa offering you a wide variety of services from hair extensions to full body waxing. Our highly trained and experienced hair stylists, estheticians, massage therapists, make-up artists and nail technicians can get you ready for your big day with ease. We provide a relaxing upscale atmosphere with service prices you can afford.

Our expert stylists will help you reach your hair goals by shaping, color correcting, deep conditioning and/or extending your locks to achieve the look you have always dreamed of. Your hairstylist will also do a free consultation prior to your big day and can put your veil in and show you how to take it out if necessary.

MHD carries a full line of customizable cosmetics to create that camera ready, flawless finish, plus we offer special bridal make-up packages including free consultations.

Let our estheticians pamper and prepare your skin prior to your wedding day with stress relieving facials, peels, and waxing.

You and your wedding party will enjoy a relaxing wedding morning with juice and pastries as we prepare your hair and make-up for your big day!
Merrill Hair Designers, Inc. has been in business for over 20 years and we look forward to sharing your special day with you.

Contact Mary Merrill or Jada @ 763-557-0190 or for more information or visit us at: http://www.merrillhairdesigners.com

Contact Information:
3900 Vinewood Lane, Suite 8
Plymouth, MN 55441
PH: 763-557-0190

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TCBA Member Expert:
Photography / Photographers
Allure Studio
Interview with Sandy Mabry

What inspires you?  
Our clients, women of the 50′s and 60′s, Sue Bryce

Who is the person you’d most like to meet or spend the day with and why?
Sue Bryce – she is an inspiration to women everywhere

Do you have any kids?  Tell us about them.
2 girls and 1 boy – my oldest daughter works with me, my other daughter lives in Utah and my son lives in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Christmas Eves – getting together with everyone.

What is your favorite movie?
Ever After

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Learn a little bit more about Allure Studio

Allure: the quality of being mysteriously attractive or fascinating.

Allure Studio is a Mother & Daughter team that specializes in Boudoir, Pin-up and Fashion Photography. Our work is classic and sexy; we strive to capture each woman in the most flattering way.

Every Photoshoot is unique to the Bride; we don’t want her to just take great photographs, we want to give her an experience to keep with her.

Before your wedding come for a Photoshoot and surprise your Groom with a special gift. After your wedding is great for a Glam the Dress Photoshoot, get some unique photographs in your wedding dress. Plus who doesn’t love a reason to put the dress back on. We can also host your Bachelorette Party. Get a few of your girls together, get pampered and take some fun pictures. The possibilities are endless.

For more information e-mail us or call, we will be happy to talk about how to make your Photoshoot an experience to remember.

Contact Information:
314 Main Street
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
PH: 715-491-1074
Email: sandy@allure-studio.net

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TCBA Member Expert:
Reception Venues / Location Referrals
Stillwater Convention & Visitors Bureau
Interview with Christie Rosckes

What inspires you?  
Nature, great design, Europe and the Shark Tank TV show.

What is the most unique wedding you’ve been a part of?
An outdoor ceremony at a vineyard with the reception in a glamorous white barn, where the wedding party consisted of professional musicians and ballroom dancers who delighted the guests with a performance.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere with water, a forest, a historic sight-seeing.  Minnesota and Colorado top my list.

If you could describe yourself in two words, what would they be?
Silly and sincere.

What is your favorite song?
Picking favorites of anything is impossible for me because I have a broad range of taste from pop to blues to folk to hip hop if I’m in dance mode.

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Learn a little bit more about Stillwater Convention & Visitors Bureau

A Romantic, Historic River Town!

Your big day is more than just a venue, choose a wedding Destination to remember.

Stillwater is the birthplace of Minnesota and premier wedding and honeymoon destination for hundreds of Minnesota couples every year. With over 20 unique ceremony and reception venues, Stillwater’s beautiful, historic setting is the perfect location for you and your guests. Create that special aura you are dreaming of whether it be outdoor English garden, vineyard, rooftop with a view, riverside pavilion, Victorian mansion or indoors in a large newly renovated historic ballroom, banquet hall, event center, hip loft, or on the water during a paddlewheel cruise.

After the party, escape to a romantic suite at one of our seven gorgeous Victorian mansions or two historic inns. Stillwater has over 400 hotel rooms, so there is plenty of room to host your guests, too! Make your wedding day a breeze with all the amenities you need downtown Stillwater – venue, lodging, rehearsal dinner restaurants, historic churches, bridal boutiques, spas/salons, bridal shower ideas, and fun activities to keep your guests smiling!

Wedding photographers love Stillwater for the plethora of stunning natural backdrops for wedding photos – board a trolley with your bridal party and explore the unbelievable scenes of this historic town nestled in the bluffs on the banks of the St. Croix River.
Only 30 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border – yet you’ll feel like you’re a wonderful world away!

Contact Information:
Email: christie@discoverstillwater.com

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TCBA Member Expert:
Fashion & Jewelry / Custom Apparel
JenMar Creations
Interview with Jenny Wrage / Mary Chalupsky

What inspires you?
Our own imaginations / Our Grandmothers

Who is the person you’d most like to meet or spend the day with and why?
Randy Fenoli (Say Yes to the Dress)  He knows everything about wedding gowns and he is so nice!

How did you get your start in the business?
Love of sewing and creating gowns for our daughters

What is the most unique wedding you have been a part of?
That would be hard to say, they are all unique in their own way.

Do you have any kids?  Tell us about them.
Jenny: 2 boys, 3 girls.  They are all very artsy and we made all of their wedding gowns, even daughters-in-law.   They are all very musical.  Mary: 3 daughters.  They have a great love of animals (3 dogs/1 cat) and music!

What is the most unique thing about you?
Mary & Jenny are sisters and really complement each other.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Family get-togethers, we are the only 2 girls with 9 brothers, 63 cousins on one side and 45 on the other.

Who is your favorite sports team?
The Wild

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Grandma’s cabin

If you could visit any place in the world where would that be and why?
New England (History)

What is your most cherished possession?
Our children

What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
Life is short eat dessert FIRST!

What has been your favorite wedding and why?
Our own.  We both had over 500 people at our weddings (Great Parties)

If you could describe yourselves in 2 words, what would they be?
We’re Fun

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
Antique shopping

Are you involved with Charity work?  Tell us about it.  
We haven’t done much yet.  We do Military discounts and would like to mae one free dress a year for the Military

What is your favorite color?
Jenny – Red, Mary – Royal Blue

What is your favorite movie?
White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye)

What is your favorite song?
White Christmas

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Learn a little bit more about JenMar Creations

JenMar Creations is an alterations and design company that will create a hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind wedding gown that will make your wedding day unforgettable.

JenMar is on the forefront of the upcoming trend ofWedding Gown Redesign. We specialize in updating a sentimental wedding dress for the trendy bride. This is an eco-friendly use of fabrics that turns vintage gowns into incredibly chic bridal dresses that will fit every bride’s vision.

We also design bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses, flower girl dresses, handmade purses, rustic antique handkerchiefs, and adorable ring bearer pillows. Whether you need wedding gown alterations or wedding gown redesign, JenMar is the one stop wedding attire shop!

Contact Information:
5630 Indiana Avenue North
Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
PH: 763-536-8645
Email: info@jenmarcreationsmn.com

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TCBA Member Expert:
Reception Venues / Reception Venues
New Hope Event Center
Interview with Tom Bender

How did you get your start in the business?
My Grandfather started our business and it has been in the family ever since.

Do you have any kids?  Tell us about them.
Yes, 2 boys… my oldest is very loveable and kind – the youngest is spunky and fun.

Who is your favorite sports team?
Minnesota Vikings

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Europe… just about anywhere.

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
Snowboarding, skiing, travel, and staying fit!

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Learn a little bit more about New Hope Events Center:

New Hope Events Center has been family owned & operated for over 50 years. Throughout that time, we have been committed to providing you with excellent service in a pleasant setting. We now invite you to see what we have to offer as you prepare for one of life’s most important family celebrations.

Capacity = 125-250
Catering = Site Provides
Liquor = Site Provides
Rental Fee = $0
Per Plate = $30
Ceremonies = Indooor

Contact Information:

New Hope Event Center
7107 42^nd Avenue North
New Hope, MN 55427
PH: 763-537-9376
weddings@newhopebowl.net

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How Sweet It Is Cakes
TCBA Member Expert
Cakes & Favors / Cakes
Interview with Eileen Brown

How did you get your start in the business?
It started as a joke and favor for a friend in 1995.

What is the most unique wedding you have been a part of?
We did a wedding for a Tribal Princess from Africa — very inspirational!

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere that I can be with my family.

What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
Give back and never give up!

If you could describe yourself in 2 words what would they be?
Crazy Fun!

Are you involved with Charity work?  Tell us about it.
We donate to our local communities and their charities – we love to give back.

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Learn a little bit more about How Sweet It Is Cakes

We believe that a cake for any special occasion should not only look beautiful, but should taste fantastic!  Too many times, cakes at special events taste like sawdust and are highly disappointing to the palate, even when they look spectacular.

Ours are not only beautiful to look at, but wonderfully pleasing to taste.

Whether it’s a wedding or a bachelor/bachelorette party, we won’t limit your imagination.  Want a cake to look like a fish for a groom’s cake?  How about a 1960′s themed wedding cake?  Or maybe you’re thinking of a cake that will look like a present for that special event.  We love to bring out the fun in any event, and will listen to your ideas and help sketch them out with you to bring your idea to reality in a designed dessert.

For flavors, we don’t cut any corners.  All of our cakes are made with the highest quality ingredients available and are made with the freshest berries or fruit in the market.  We take great pleasure in offering a huge array of choices for both cake flavors and fillings.  We also offer Gluten-free and Vegan options.

We look forward to hearing from you for all your sweet dreams creations!

Contact Information:
320 West Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
PH: 218-349-9423
Email: ebrown@howsweetitiscakes.com

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Ashleigh Rachel Photography
TCBA Member Expert
Photography / Photographer
Interview with Ashleigh Rachel

What inspires you?
Playful love between a couple, bright colors, small items that carry huge meaning – like a grandmother’s watch or child’s pet rock.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Cooking homemade raviolis with my Great-Grandma, Nana, Mother and now sharing this tradition with my three year old.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Disney World – we grew up believing in the magic & now as a mother of two girls we get to start dreaming all over again.  I loved Belle growing up and my daughter loves Ariel and Snow White!

If you could visit any place in the world where would that be and why?
Jerusalem and Galilee because those are my daughters’ names.

What is your most cherished possession?
My locket – it holds a photo of my Father.

What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
“Live, Love and Capture” – it’s my slogan too!

What has been your favorite wedding and why?
All the homemade ones with plenty of personal character.

If you could describe yourself in two words what would they be?
Organized and Creative

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
Everything — Beach Volleyball, Sewing, Gourmet Cooking, Organic Gardening, Interior Design, Painting and Volunteering at our Church with Graphic Design

What is your favorite color?
I’m drawn to summery, bright colors, but decorate my home in earth tones.

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Learn a little bit more about Ashleigh Rachel Photography

Ashleigh Rachel Photography captivates the truest essence of the soul by capturing the times made for cherishing and keepsake,  finding inspiration from the most genuine moments that encompass beauty and shape the very lives we Live, Love, & Capture.

Brides like you said:

“We worked with Ashleigh Rachel and are ecstatic with the outcome of our experience. She had an amazing ability to make us feel comfortable in front of the camera. She got shots that will hang on our walls for a lifetime to come and most of all she made the start to finish process stress free. We highly recommend her to any bride with great taste and a sense of style.” - Sam 

“We did her custom photo-booth with a second photographer. It was a hit and we recommend every bride to book the photo-booth! For $500 bucks we couldn’t be happier with the silly and fun photos she got of all of our friends & family. The mini pictures were the perfect wedding favor for our guests to take home. The photo book our guests created is awesome and sits proudly in our living room- it’s always a good laugh! Thanks Ashleigh Rachel- you rock! – Christina 

“I am a professional graphic designer and my eye for proper editing and images tip the scales nearing perfectionism. I am very organized and needed to work with someone who had a level of professionalism and promptness that suited my type A personality. Ashleigh Rachel exceeded my expectations. Her editing was artistic and timeless and her promptness from start to finish was exceptional. We received our wedding photos exactly 30 days after our wedding day. Needless to say I am a very happy Mrs. who will be using her for more photography in the future.” - Kelly

“We knew she was the perfect photographer for us because she was just as into the little details as my husband and I were for our wedding day. From her thank you cards, packaging, and overall artistic style we knew we were a match made in heaven. I felt like a model because she made sure every detail was just right for our engagements!  I felt like she was a wedding designer, photographer, and friend all wrapped up in one.” – Brianna

Unique Photo-Booths. Photo books. Engagements. Boudoir. Bridal Portraits. Wedding. Professional Editing and Enhancement. USB with rights to reproduce. Thank you cards. Prints. Custom Framing.

Contact Information:
814 2nd Street South
Stillwater , MN 55082
Phone: 612-584-0013
photos@ashleighrachel.com

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