1. Real Weddings

An Outdoor Wedding in Saint Paul, MN

Often, love is all in the timing of things. That’s what Melanie and Doug learned. They met through a friend when they were 24 years old, but didn’t ac

Often, love is all in the timing of things. That’s what Melanie and Doug learned. They met through a friend when they were 24 years old, but didn’t actually start dating until 10 years later. “We both happened to be at the same restaurant opening after not seeing each other for many years!” says Melanie. They started dating immediately after that. The Bride Melanie Anderson, 40, a senior manager The Groom Doug Bulthuis, 41, an IT analyst The Date July 18 On Christmas Eve, six-and-a-half years later, Doug sent Melanie on a treasure hunt for her gift. “He had paper clues all over the house,” says Melanie. Her last clue was in her stocking and read, “Will you change your last name?” “I screamed and turned to Doug, and he held out the ring and proposed.”

After the couple shared their first dance to “You’re My Best Friend,” from Queen, an Elvis impersonator stepped in to sing “Fools Rush In.”
The florist filled tall cylinder vases with colored water and various fruits and flowers for a dramatic focal point on each table.
The bride and groom were married on the lawn behind the Town & Country Club, overlooking the river.
Melanie’s four nieces wore lovely orange-and-green floral dresses with green sashes. The ring bearers (the couple’s nephews) wore seersucker sport jackets with orange shirts and white linen pants.
The bridesmaids carried a vibrant assortment of blooms like roses, calla lilies and red protea. “I told my florist to simply be creative and do her thing!” says the bride.
The ushers handed out orange-and-green programs that matched the invitations. They included the names of those in the wedding party and a memoriam to loved ones who have passed on.
The bride and groom sent out green invitations with a whimsical orange and red sunflower print to give guests a sneak peek at their wedding style.
Melanie and Doug celebrated their unity by pouring orange and green sand into one vessel.
The ladies wore tangerine-colored strapless dresses in two different styles for variety -- one had a bubble skirt, the other was an A-line.