1. Real Weddings

A Modern Wedding in St. Paul, MN

Margaret thought her boyfriend of almost four years, Chad, was only taking her out to Porter and Frye for her birthday. When the waiter asked if the c

Margaret thought her boyfriend of almost four years, Chad, was only taking her out to Porter and Frye for her birthday. When the waiter asked if the couple was celebrating a special occasion or simply out for a night on the town, Chad said, “A little of both.” “I thought it was odd since he told me it was my birthday dinner!” says Margaret. The Bride Margaret Schnieders, 32, nonprofit program associate The Groom Chad Marshall, 38, IT professional The Date June 27 The two, who had met through a mutual friend, had just ordered dessert when Chad decided to join Margaret on her side of the booth. Then, he asked her to marry him. Though Margaret is from Memphis, Tennessee, and Chad is from Omaha, Nebraska, they wanted to get hitched where they met. The bride’s light-blue gown inspired the day’s color scheme, and the couple paid tribute to the city they love by using locally grown flowers and food.

Guests sat at long banquet tables in the library. Colorful flowers brightened up the neutral-toned space.
Library Wedding Ceremony
Ivory Place Settings
Since the tables were identified by flower colors, the floral arrangements corresponded with those colors and varied from table to table. These tree peonies, like all of the other wedding blooms, were locally grown.
Small fondant pearls in light blue were a perfect match to the bride’s colored gown. Sugar flowers finished off the dessert.
Purple Bridal Shoes
Light-pink, in-season flowers, like peonies, popped against the bride’s light-blue gown.
Light-Blue Wedding Gown
The simple menu cards detailed the entree options, including grass-fed beefsteak, walleye, and pesto-ricotta lasagna. The side dishes, roasted potatoes, broccoli, peas, and asparagus, all came from a local farm.