1. Real Weddings

A Modern Wedding in Rochester, MN

Though they were on the same three-pitch baseball team in the third grade and grew up less than a mile apart, Victoria and John never really got to kn

Though they were on the same three-pitch baseball team in the third grade and grew up less than a mile apart, Victoria and John never really got to know each other. Years later, while attending college at the University of Minnesota, they were reacquainted by mutual friends. They dated four years before John proposed on a Saturday, while sharing a romantic meal at home. The Bride Victoria Aksamit, 27, a graphic designer The Groom John Prendergast, 27, a life insurance product specialist The Date August 1 “It was actually Sweetest Day in October,” says Victoria. “I was totally surprised and thought, ‘Are you doing this now?’” she says. Then John pulled a box out of his sock and showed her the ring. “I realized it was for real and cried,” says Victoria.

Bright pink and orange roses, gloriosa lilies, dahlias, and pincushion protea popped against the bride’s ivory gown.
Wedding First Dance
“I wanted to give everyone something they would actually use later,” says the bride. Victoria designed a bird motif that matched the artwork she designed for the invitations, then had it printed on white canvas totes.
The white and green menus were tucked into citrus-green napkins and placed on clear glass chargers with silver beading.
The bridesmaids carried bouquets similar to the brides, filled with vibrant orange and red garden roses and dahlias.
Large white lanterns hung over the mostly white and silver décor of the Rochester Art Center. Vibrant arrangements of pink, green, and orange flowers stood out against the crisp white backdrop.
Guests helped themselves to a dessert table filled with goodies, like berry tarts, to go along with the ice cream that was served instead of a traditional cake.
For a modern centerpiece display, the couple used groupings of single blooms, like green mums, orange roses, and pink dahlias displayed at varying heights. They filled each clear vase with gel crystals and LED lights at the base for a glowing effect.
Delicate flower head pins were used to attach the DIY escort cards to displays made by the bride. Victoria wrapped boards with gray silk and displayed them in white painted frames.
Since the bride isn’t a fan of cake, the couple displayed a personalized ice sculpture that looked like a cake. “I loved it much more than a real cake,” says the bride.
Silver cones filled with large orange garden roses hung from the pews along the aisle.
Victoria’s bridesmaids wore elegant, black cocktail dresses that really showed off their vibrant bouquets. The men all wore classic black tuxedos with silver vests and ties.