Member Minute with DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis – Park Place!

DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis – Park Place
TCBA Member Expert
Reception Venues / Reception Venues
Interview with Katelyn Keyes

How did you get your start in the business?
I took a class in college where I met people who worked in the industry.  After listening to their stories and experiences I was hooked!  I knew I wanted to work in an industry where I could have a positive affect on people.

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them.
Maggie – she’s a Golden-doodle and she’s adorable, makes me laugh every day

What is the most unique thing about you?
I lived in Beijing in 2008 and worked for the Olympics

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Spending time with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins at my lake house in the summer in New Hampshire

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Any island in the ocean!

If you could visit any place in the world where would that be and why?
Greece – for the amazing colors, rich food, and beautiful ocean backdrop

What is your favorite color?
Blue

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Learn a little bit more about DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis – Park Place

Close To It All, Above The Rest

We invite you to visit our beautifully appointed banquet facilities conveniently located just 3 ½ miles from downtown Minneapolis.  From the luxurious Park Ballroom, to the intimate settings of our Seasons Room; The DoubleTree Hotel has something to offer everyone.

Your guests will appreciate our complimentary parking, exquisite entrees and friendly staff.  You will also be amazed with our willingness to create custom menus and arrangements to make your day just the way you always dreamed it would be.

Capacity: 10-400
Catering: Site Provides
Liquor: Site Provides
Rental Fee: $0+
Per Plate: $21-$38/pp
Ceremonies: Indoor

Contact Information:
1500 Park Place Blvd
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Phone: 952-582-5313
Email: mspph_ds@hilton.com

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Member Minute with John P. Murzyn Hall!

John P. Murzyn Hall
TCBA Member Expert:
Reception Venues / Reception Venues
Interview with Deanna Saefke

How did you get your start in the business?
My husband started his own photography business.  I have learned a lot from his techniques and style, added my own flare and now take photos with him.

What is the most unique wedding you have been a part of?
I love it when family traditions are blended together.  We were a part of a wonderful American + Persian wedding.  Lots of new traditions and the most embracing family.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Being in my Great Grandfather’s third wedding, the day before his 80th birthday, when I was in 2nd grade.

Who is your favorite sports team?
I’m a hometown fan no matter what.  I always cheer on the Vikings, Twins, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx and Minnesota Gophers.

What has been your favorite Wedding and why?
Our very good friends had their wedding reception in an airplane hangar with a pig roast, Irish-style band and a make-your-own cocktail table.  It was so personalized, relaxed and a fun party.

What is your favorite color?
Red.  It’s bold, bright, and promotes passion.

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Learn a little bit more about John P. Murzyn Hall:

John P. Murzyn Hall, located in Columbia Heights, is an ideal location to hold wedding receptions, banquets, anniversary parties, meetings and small group events. On the grounds of Huset Park, it offers ample free parking, easy accessibility just 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.

The facility takes pride in the elegant oak hardwood flooring, a stone fireplace and lounge area equipped with a full wet bar. Your caterer will enjoy the amenities our spacious kitchen has to offer. The hall can accommodate up to 375 people.

Our professional staff will gladly provide you with additional information, a tour, and answer any questions you might have regarding the facility. Please call (763) 706-3730 if you are interested. Pictures of the facility are also available on our website at http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us

Capacity: 375
Catering: Client Provides
Liquor: Either Provides
Rental Fee: Varies
Per Plate: N/A
Ceremonies: In and Outdoor

Contact Info:
Phone: 763-706-3730
Email: murzynhall@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us
530 Mill Street Northeast
Columbia Heights, MN 55421

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Member Minute with Sun Country Airlines!

Sun Country Airlines
TCBA Member Expert:
Travel & Accommodations / Honeymoon & Destination Travel
Interview with Sandra Vende

What inspires you?
Traveling inspires me, whether it is the quietude of a desert surrounded with red rocks or a hectic street in a metropolitan area where I can get to know different people, city dynamics and cuisine.  It is always a learning experience that I bring back home.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is Tulum, located about an hour south of Cancun, with its Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea and profusion of coastal activities.

What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
“To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.” Robert Louis Stevenson (1881)

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
I enjoy hiking very much, which I usually do when I travel.  I also love going to the theater and checking out plays, musicals, operas or live concerts in different cities.

Are you involved with Charity work?  Tell us about it.
Each year in December, my company puts together a charity “Flight” to the North Pole for children with difficulties.  I was very glad to be part of its preparation this year.

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Learn a little bit more about Sun Country Airlines:

Sun Country Airlines (MN Airlines, LLC, d.b.a. Sun Country Airlines) is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. The award-winning airline, which flies to popular destinations in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, has earned a reputation for offering world-class service at an affordable price. Sun Country has been named a “Top Ten Domestic Airline” by Travel+Leisure for the fourth year in a row and Condé Nast Traveler for the third year in a row.

The airline offers vacation packages through Sun Country Vacations, a program that allows travelers to book airfare, hotel, cruises rental cars and more in a single, convenient transaction. The Hometown Airline also offers Sun Country Charters – taking your group flight, private charter or leased aircraft virtually anywhere with a commitment to service, consistent on-time performance, dependable maintenance and a customized and reliable charter experience.

Most recently launched is Sun Country Business Concierge, a personalized and comprehensive business travel service for any airline, any hotel, anywhere. For more information, including a complete list of destinations and details on Sun Country Vacations and Sun Country Charters, visit http://www.suncountry.com

Contact Info:
PH: 1-800-FLY-N-SUN

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Member Minute with Ramada Bloomington at the Mall of America

Ramada Bloomington at the Mall of America
TCBA Member Expert:
Reception Venues / Reception Venues
Interview with Julie Rynkowski

What inspires you?
The creative Brides inspire me!  I love being able to use my expertise to plan a wedding!  The more a bride wants, the more the Ramada is able to give!

How did you get your start in the business?
I started as a Banquet Server ten years ago at a beautiful seaside mansion in Beverly, Massachusetts!  I fell in love with the creativity of being a bride!

What is the most unique thing about you?
I grew up on the ocean in beautiful Beverly, Massachusetts, went to Concordia St. Paul to run track, fell in love with the Twin Cities and have been here ever since!

What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
Happiness is the secret to all beauty.

What has been your favorite Wedding and why?
My favorite wedding was a reception for 200 people over the summer that had all their events with us!  Their smaller, intimate ceremony was in our Fireplace Ballroom, they used our shuttle to the light rail at the Mall of America for their Bachelorette Party, Rehearsal Dinner the night before the wedding, and gift opening farewell brunch the morning after.

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Learn a little bit more about Ramada Bloomington at the Mall of America:

The Ramada Bloomington at the Mall of America is the perfect place for your wedding weekend!

We are located 2 blocks from the Mall of America in beautiful Bloomington Minnesota. With 255 guest rooms on site and over 32,000 square feet of banquet space, we have the capability of hosting weddings up to 1,000 people! The Ramada will help to make sure your day goes smoothly. Leave the worries up to us!

There are many things that set us aside as the host of your wedding! With 25 different styles of meeting rooms, we can be creative in exactly what you are looking for on your wedding day. Our different size rooms help to create your more intimate ambiance or colossal festivity! Let us be the one stop shop for all your out of town guests and all your events for your entire wedding weekend!

Let your guests really enjoy themselves with our many amenities! Your guests have access to our complimentary Mall of America shuttle and 24 hour airport shuttle. We have the ONLY outdoor pool and second biggest indoor pool in the twin cities! We have large open seating in our newly renovated lobby and bar with a beautiful fireplace and spiral staircase leading up to our banquet space. Our banquet space and guest rooms all have full access to our wireless internet and we have a full service Economy Car Rental right on site!

Contact our Wedding Specialist to come in for a tour and see your space!

Capacity for Weddings = up to 1,000 people
Catering = Site Provides
Liquor = Site Provides
Rental Fee = $500 – $25,000
Per Plate = $18.95 – $65.95++
Ceremonies = Indoor

Contact Info:
2300 East American Blvd
Bloomington, MN 55425
PH: 952-548-3603
Email: jrynkowski@ramadamoa.com

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Member Minute with Midwest Travel Service!

Midwest Travel Service
TCBA Member Expert:
Travel & Accommodations / Honeymoon & Destination Travel
Interview with Christina Sherwin

Do you have any kids? Tell us about them.
I have a 10 month old named Blake! He is full of energy, curiosity and personality, and he brings more joy to our family than he could ever imagine. Being a parent is a lot harder than I thought it would be, but it is also the biggest blessing!

Who is the person you’d most like to meet?
I’d say right now, Kate Middleton. I love that she’s a classic lady in modern times. She seems gracious and warm and has great style! I’d love to chat with her about the royal family, the secret to her shiny long locks and her plans for the baby’s nursery!

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
This one is nearly impossible for me to answer because there are so many incredible destinations. For total relaxation, I’d say the El Dorado Casitas Resort in the Riviera Maya. For a week of delicious meals, the island of St. Maarten. For meaningful learning, Washington DC. And for a weekend for fun, I love Las Vegas.

What is your favorite quote or motto?
This is another hard question because there are so many inspirational quotes out there. I guess for me, it’s not being afraid of change. One thing I’m constantly working on is being more comfortable with spontaneity and the unknown. I spent a lot of time in my earlier years worrying about the things I couldn’t control and now I’m learning to ‘just go with it’ more as I get older. It’s so much more peaceful.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
Definitely a tour of Europe, particularly the U.K., France, Greece and Italy. I’d love to see all of the sites & experience the culture and languages, while enjoying fabulous cuisine and wine all along the way

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Learn a little bit more about Midwest Travel Service:

At Midwest Travel Service we celebrate love, and our main goal is to assist you in making memories that will last a lifetime. We can help you live your dreams whether your travel budget is a modest one or a grand one!

Destination Weddings~ We believe big moments are better when shared, either with just the two of you or with a group of three hundred! We also know how much work goes into planning and coordinating one of the most important days in your lives. We are here to make it even better than you imagined, so all you have to do is concentrate on each other!

A few things that set us apart from the competition: We have been to most of the destinations and resorts that specialize in destination weddings so we have firsthand knowledge of which ones will best fit your needs. We have developed relationships with numerous resorts and tour operators to obtain the best pricing available and we pass that savings on to you. We personalize every trip for each guest. You and your guests will have a ‘one-stop-shop’ to call in case any travel issues arise or changes need to be made quickly and easily.

Honeymoons~ One of the best parts of planning a wedding is also planning the honeymoon. At Midwest Travel Service we can help you pick the storybook setting to start your love story. Whether your dream involves discovering ancient ruins in Mexico, island-hopping the Hawaiian islands, cruising the glaciers in Alaska, or lazy beachside days in the Caribbean, we’re here to make it your reality!

At Midwest Travel Service, the perfect destination wedding or honeymoon…It’s what we do!

Contact Info:
235 East 6th Street, Suite 203
St. Paul , MN 55101
PH: 651-788-4338
Email: christina@midwesttravelservice.com

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Member Minute with Dave Ruckmar, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage!

Dave Ruckmar, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
TCBA Member Expert:
Home / Mortgage Companies
Interview with Dave Ruckmar

Do you have any kids?  Tell us about them.
I have 4 grown children and 2 granddaughters.                       

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them.
Yes, a Golden Retriever named Lucy.

Who is your favorite sports team?
Green Bay Packers

What’s your favorite vacation spot?
New York City

If you could visit any place in the world where would that be and why?
Italy

What is your motto or favorite Wedding and why?
Three can keep a secret if two are dead.

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
Golf

What is your favorite color?
Red

What is your favorite movie?
The Godfather

What is your favorite song?
Jungleland

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Learn a little bit more about Dave Ruckmar, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage:

Thank you for considering Wells Fargo for your home financing. As local mortgage professionals working in our community, we understand area lending guidelines and draw on our resources as the nation’s leading retail mortgage lender.

We’ll work closely with you to help provide information so you can make informed decisions. We provide:
•  Competitive rates and fees
•  An extensive product line
•  Prompt communication
•  Service that continues after your loan closes

As your Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Consultants, we’ll work with you every step of the way.

Start the financing process with a free consultation!  Contact me today for more information.

Contact Info:
7900 Xerxes Avenue #220
Bloomington , MN 55431
PH: 612-316-4658
Email: daveruckmar@wellsfargo.com

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Member Minute with Jean Pierre Pallais Agency!

Jean Pierre Pallais Agency / American Family Insurance
TCBA Member Expert:
Home / Insurance
Interview with Jean Pierre Pallais

Who is the person you’d most like to meet or spend the day with and why?
Derek Jeter who plays for the New York Yankees; he’s a great baseball player and I would love the opportunity to throw some balls with him.                     

How did you get your start in the business?
My brother Henry worked for American Family Insurance for 10 years and introduced me to the business.

Do you have any kids?  Tell us about them.
I have 3 kids, one son and two daughters.  They are the best thing that has happened to me.  They are active in sports such as wrestling, softball, baseball, basketball, and soccer.  So, they keep me busy and are a lot of fun!

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them.
I have three dogs…. 2 Pomeranian and 1 Chihuahua, great dogs, very well-behaved

What is the most unique thing about you?
I can trace my family heritage back to 1849 and I’m originally from Nicaragua.

Who is your favorite sports team?
The New York Yankees

What is your most cherished possession?
My original painting of the 1st member in my Pallais family from 1849.

What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
The Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.”

What has been your favorite Wedding and why?
My sisters wedding in Nicaragua – it was beautiful and was held in the cathedral.

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
I play on a baseball team and coach sports such as softball and baseball.

Are you involved with Charity work?  Tell us about it.
I volunteer for local community events and at my kids’ school events.

What is your favorite movie?
Lord of the Rings

What is your favorite song?
The Cats in the Cradle

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Learn a little bit more about Jean Pierre Pallais Agency:

You planned your wedding to be perfect, now let us help you by combining your Insurance policies into one.

“It’s your job to dream, and ours to protect it.”

At the Jean Pierre Pallais Agency, we understand how hard you work to protect your now and future dreams. That’s why it is our #1 priority is to offer the right coverage at any time of need, whether it’s protecting the lives of our children, loved ones, autos, and homes. Each decision you make is important, and it is our priority to provide education and the best customer service. We take pride in helping you make informed decisions; by understanding your needs, while providing peace of mind.

We’ve been helping many couples combine their policies into one, for over 15 years. We serve the Twin Cities and Metro area with Personal, Commercial and Life Insurance products.

Please call or email our agency team to start protecting your dreams today.

Contact Info:
720 Main Street, Suite 208
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
PH: 651-696-9096
jpallais@amfam.com

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Congratulations to Jayanna & Charlie, our 2012 Sun Country Honeymoon Winners!

2012 SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES HONEYMOON WINNERS – JAYANNA & CHARLIE!

Congratulations to our 2012 Sun Country Airlines Honeymoon Winners, Jayanna & Charlie!  They are currently planning their honeymoon to Mexico, courtesy of Sun Country Airlines!  Don’t miss out on your chance to be the winner of the 2013 Sun Country Honeymoon Giveaway – pick up a copy of the all new 2013 edition of The Wedding Directory and turn in the form just inside the front cover for your chance.  Order your FREE copy of the Wedding Directory at www.twincitybridal.com or pick one up at the next Wedding Fair on March 10^th at the Minneapolis Convention Center!   In addition, all registered Brides who attend our Wedding Fairs this year are automatically entered!  Read more about the winning couple here in their own words: 

January 18, 2013 

Charlie and I started dating in 2008.  We were going to college at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and both went studying abroad in Perth, Australia for a semester.  We met at the study abroad orientation in Eau Claire then started to date in Australia.  We love to travel and can’t wait to explore Mexico together!

Since Australia we moved to Oregon for a short period of time and now we currently live in Uptown.  Charlie is a Mechanical engineer at a medical company and I am a Financial Analyst for a medical services company. 

Thank you again for this wonderful honeymoon!   

Jayanna & Charlie

Congrats again to you both and enjoy Mexico!

Member Minute with Kelli Engstrom Photography!

Kelli Engstrom Photography
TCBA Member Expert:
Photography / Photographers
Interview with Kelli Engstrom

What inspires you?
My Mom                     

How did you get your start in the business?
My husband bought me a Hasselblad when I was 19 and some studio lights.  I went to school and graduated and began my career.

Do you have any kids?  Tell us about them.
I have 3, Maverick is 11 and races Motocross and plays hockey.  Beau is 7 – races and plays hockey too.  Mercedes is 5 – plays hockey and keeps the boys in line.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Being at the cabin with my family every summer on the whitefish chair!

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Maui

What is your most cherished possession?
My kids.

What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
Live every day as if it were your last.

If you could describe yourself in 2 words what would they be?
Self-motivated

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
Motocross, fitness, hockey and being with others

Are you involved with Charity work?  Tell us about it.
Not any specific.  I donate whenever asked, offer my help where needed and give back to the community.

What is your favorite color?
Pink (makes me happy)

What is your favorite movie?
Top Gun

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Learn a little bit more about Kelli Engstrom Photography:

My name is Kelli Engstrom, owner and award winning photographer of Kelli Engstrom Photography located in beautiful Crosslake, MN. Crosslake is in the heart of lake country and has provided me with a canvas in which to turn my lifelong passion for photography into a fulfilling career. I have been professionally taking portraits for 16 years and have loved every bit of it.

Through the years my business has grown with the help of repeat clients and word of mouth referrals. My career has led me down many paths where I have photographed a wide variety of events, such as weddings, family reunions, sporting events and expos to name a few. I do family, children’s, senior, team/individual and pet portraits as well as commercial stills.

Location portraits are one of my favorite types photo shoots. In my opinion it is the best way in which to capture the true essence of subject or client. It is truly a unique experience which I enjoy being a part of because it brings out the real smiles and emotions of the people being photographed. They are put at ease and truly enjoy the experience as I do.

Photographs capture a moment in time. They allow us to remember our families, the young who continue to grow and the old who have passed. They capture the times in our lives that are easily forgotten but remembered through a photograph. I enjoy sharing my passion for photography with my clients and am honored to have been a part of so many people’s joyous occasions; the birth of a child, the engagement of friends, the merging of families. Please join me with a walk into Kelli Engstrom Photography. In advance I say “Thank you!”

Contact Info:
kelli@kelliengstrom.com
PH: 218-232-0333

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Member Minute with Coppersmith Photography!

Coppersmith Photography
TCBA Member Expert:
Photography / Photographers
Interview with Matt & Amy Coppersmith

What inspires you?
Things that are different then the normal.  I like to be surprised, and it’s hard to do.  So when something is different then what is traditional or totally unique at an event, I get that kid-on-christmas-morning feeling of giddiness.  It makes me want to do a better job, or do something different myself.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
Yes! We have two dogs (and 3 kids…do they count? Sometimes they act like wild animals!) We have a 10 year old Brittany named Zipper. We named him that because he literally zips around everywhere. He is full of energy and craziness.  He’s bred to be a hunting dog, but we’ve never taken him.  Loud sounds scare him.  We also have a puppy Akita named Bear.  He looks like a black bear, and is almost as big to.  Although he’s only 1 year old, he weighs about 100 pounds.  His favorite thing to do is chase Zipper around and chew on him.  (poor zipper)

What is the most unique thing about you?
I have two different colored eyes and I’m an identical twin.  People often approach my sister or myself, thinking that we are the other one.  We’ve both been hugged by people we don’t know, and stared at with strange expressions when someone can’t quite figure out what is different about us.

What has been your favorite Wedding and why?
My favorite wedding was one that we photographed in Greece.  It was my favorite not because of where it was, or what decorated the rooms, or what anyone wore.  It was my favorite because everything about the wedding was focused on family, and the uniting of the bride and grooms families as well as the couple.  In my mind, that’s what is really important, family.  The celebration lasted until the sun rose the next morning, and then we went to breakfast.  There wasn’t a dull moment the whole time I was there. Even grandma stayed until we left after breakfast!  The couple talked with everyone, danced with everyone. The bride spilled wine on her dress, and didn’t even care! They made sure everyone else was comfortable and taken care of.  It was definitely my favorite wedding!

What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
We have many, many, many hobbies here. It’s never a boring household or a dull day at the Coppersmith compound.  Amy plays volleyball, does pottery, knits, makes random crafts (kids costumes), plays piano and likes to work out.  Matthew builds wood boats (the kind you can actually use yourself) and random wood/metal projects, remodels and fixes things, has a train set in the basement (the really fancy, detailed kind with trees, mountains and people and buildings) and sings.  We are also a huge movie and video game household. We like to play Sky Landers, WOW and Mario Party.

Are you involved with Charity work? Tell us about it.
Yes! We work with the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Amy has type 1 diabetes and is very passionate about helping out the diabetic community.   We volunteer as a family and as a business, raising money, photographing different events and raising awareness of the disease in any way we are able.

What is your favorite movie?
I have a few favorite movies. It all depends upon my mood.  The top choices are: The Sound of Music, Pride and Prejudice, Transformers, Empire Records, Mama Mia and anything with either Denzel Washington, Julie Andrews or Will Smith

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Learn a little bit more about Coppersmith Photography:

Passionate for photography, would be the best way to describe Amy and Matt from Coppersmith Photography. Both have extensive backgrounds in commercial, editorial, portrait, event and wedding photography. Shortly after they met at a photo studio, they opened up their own photography business, and have been working together ever since. Combined they have over 20 years of photography experience.

Their goal during every photo shoot is to bring a sense of art, style and personality to each photograph. They love what they do, and would never want to be doing anything else.

Contact Info:
info@coppersmithphotography.com
PH: 612-644-8024

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