You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘MN Wedding Vendors’ tag.
TCBA Member Expert:
Invitations & Accessories / Invitations & Programs
Neal Advertising
Interview with Roderick Neal
What inspires you?
Music, Architecture and great Graphic Design.
How did you get your start in the business?
My mother was a fine artist. I also came from a family of artists and singers. I followed in their footsteps. I was accepted to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, graduated in four years with a BFA in 1989 and have been designing ever since.
Do you have any children?
I have three. My 19-year daughter is in college (and an Actress), my 17-year son is graduating and starting College next year, my 8-year old daughter thinks she is in college.
What are your hobbies, outside of your business?
I am a national recording artist (Gospel Singer). I’ve released two CD’s, one currently on i-Tunes. I’m working on a third project.
What is your most cherished possession?
My 22-year marriage with my wife!
What is your motto?
Real Power is Will Power
What is your favorite color?
I’m a designer… automatically it’s black.
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Learn a little bit more about Neal Advertising
Welcome to n/a neal advertising, we are an advertising design and branding agency specializing in logos, monograms, corporate branding, package design, and print advertising. We can design the perfect wedding monogram for your special day! n/a takes great pride and care in providing each client with a customized design – exclusively tailored for any venue or theme. Feel free to view any of our creative categories that may fit your wedding needs. Visit us at http://www.nealad.com
Contact Information:
1708 Irving Lane
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
PH: 763-560-5000
rneal@gmail.com
1708 Irving Lane
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
PH: 763-560-5000
rneal@gmail.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:
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 42nd 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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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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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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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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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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KM Hats
TCBA Member Expert:
Fashion & Jewelry / Custom Apparel
Interview with Karen Morris
What inspires you?
Stephen Jones, the famous British milliner, inspires me a lot because his work is extraordinary, simple, clean and high quality. His designs are unique, extravagant and experimental. Mr. Jones does a fantastic job of mixing little pieces of daily life into his hat designs, which I find to be exciting and inventive. He also changed the culture of wearing hats. To quote him, “A hat makes clothing identifiable, dramatic – and, most importantly, Fashion… It’s the cherry on the cake, the dot on the “I”, the exclamation mark, the fashion focus. Everyone from showgirls to dictators knows that by wearing a hat they will be the centre of attention.”
Who is the person you’d most like to meet or spend the day with and why?
The Queen, for sure! I’d love to see her hat and glove collections and talk to her about hat culture.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
Yes, I do. I have two Yorkshire Terriers. Their names are “BB” and “Mui Mui”. They are in my parents’ home in Hong Kong. I love both of them but “BB” is my baby because he lived with me for three years before I moved to America. I bought him from a pet shop, I saw him growing up every day. He was such a sad, weak puppy because he was the smallest pet in the shop and most of the time the other dogs ate all the food, leaving him none. When I saw him, I told myself that I must bring him home and give him a warm family and shelter. He’s going to turn five in January. He’s so adorable and smart, sometimes I’d say he is crafty… =) I love him, I love BB.
What is your favorite Childhood memory?
In Hong Kong, we are a multi-racial and multi-religious society. Christmas is one of our big festivals for celebration. My favorite childhood memory is when my parents took my brother and I to have a nice dinner on Christmas. Then we went to see the beautiful Christmas lights on the windows of all the tall buildings.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Barcelona, Spain. This is a great place to get art ideas on interior design, fashion design and architecture.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would that be and why?
Finland. Because I like to hide from the crowd once in a while to refresh myself and get new ideas for my hat creations. Plus, I just love the snow.
What is your motto or favorite quote to live by?
“No pain, no gain.“
What has been your favorite wedding and why?
The Royal Wedding. Because the hats were incredible.
If you could describe yourself in 2 words, what would they be?
Hard-working and Emotional
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Learn a little bit more about KM HATS:
KAREN MORRIS IS A MILLINER (British for hat maker) living in Minneapolis. Her haute couture ladies hats are 100% custom designed and handmade in Minnesota of exotic materials sourced from primarily England, Australia and South Africa.
Karen is carrying two brands: “Karen Morris Milliner” – haute-couture hats and “Obsession by Karen Morris” – an accessible and easy-to-wear range of hats. She has produced commissioned headpieces for bridals, mother of bride and maid of honors around the world. Karen is a “celebrity blogger” for ELLE magazine and is also featured in the October 2012 issue of the British publication HaTalk Magazine. She recently completed a video fashion shoot of simple DIY bridal headpiece for ELLE magazine, and was recently selected by the American Craft Council for an eight-week installation of her work at their headquarters.
Karen Morris Milliner offers exclusive consultation services and creates unique hats and headpieces for women. Whether you’re looking for traditional wedding headpieces, or something more extravagant cocktail hats or fascinators, Karen uses a high level artisanship to create your own bespoke headpiece or hat in specific color, shape and style. Let Karen tailor an heirloom quality hat for you that is just as unique as you are.
Karen is part of these organizations:
- Twin City Bridal Association
- Northeast Minneapolis Art Association
- National Association of Independent Artist
- MN Artist Organization
- American Craft Council
Please do not hesitate to call 612-839-4857 or email to Karen@kmhats.com for more information.
Contact Info:
Karen Morris
32 Evergreen Road
St. Paul , MN 55110
PH: 612-839-4857
http://www.kmhats.com
karen@kmhats.com
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Diamond Photo Booth
TCBA Member Expert:
Photography / Photo Booth
Interview with Ben Blomgren
What inspires you?
Happy Brides!
How did you get your start in the business?
With a background in IT & Economics it was the logical next step.
Do you have any pets?
I have a two year old tabby cat named Colby… like the cheese (after his color).
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Visiting my grandparents in Texas.
What is your most cherished possession?
A restored 1991 Firebird worked on by my Father and myself.
What is your motto or quote to live by.
Live Free.
Are you involved with Charity work? Tell us about it.
We prefer to work with individuals from fundraising efforts for various reasons. We accept no payment and do not advertise our charitable efforts.
What is your favorite color?
BLUE
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Learn a little bit more about Diamond Photo Booth
Add that little extra! If you want to stand out and make this day magical for you and your guests then Diamond Photo Booth will provide just the experience you’re looking for your wedding reception.
Guest Service Above All
This day is about you and it’s about your guests. We simply provide an enjoyable experience through tireless efforts to make your reception positively memorable in an elegant way. Personal service requires personal attention and we can give you just that since we’re not a large corporate booth company spanning across twenty states.
Locally Owned
You’ll directly deal with us, the owners, from day one. No calls to other states and no “1-800 numbers.”
Our Booth Glows
An exquisite ambience brightens up any reception. If you haven’t booked uplighting (or even if you have!) the light glowing from our booth adds an exceptional color accent to any reception. Don’t want lighting? No problem. The booth looks great with white paneling as well! Our booths fit about 10 people and, if it’s your preference, can be set up as an “open-air” booth to accommodate dozens of people in single shots.
Contact Info:
Ben Blomgren
ben@thediamondphotobooth.com
606 Orange Avenue East
St. Paul , MN 55130
PH: 612-656-9494
http://www.thediamondphotobooth.com
info@thediamondphotobooth.com
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