1. Real Weddings

An Urban Loft Wedding at Aria in Minneapolis, Minnesota

After meeting at a bar through a mutual friend, newlyweds Jodi Underwood (32 and an advertising project manager) and Steve Searl (34 and a Dean of Stu

After meeting at a bar through a mutual friend, newlyweds Jodi Underwood (32 and an advertising project manager) and Steve Searl (34 and a Dean of Students at an elementary school) didn't realize how quickly they had fallen for one another. "We met in August, and by January we were discussing engagement rings," Jodi says. Steve worked with a local jeweler to create Jodi's dream ring, only to propose in April by stashing the canary-colored diamond in the top drawer of her dresser. "I went to put my jewelry on and there was the ring, sitting in the drawer waiting for me," Jodi says. "When I turned around, Steve was down on one knee." With an urban, city wedding in mind, the two set out to plan a loft ceremony and reception complete with plenty of pops of gold. "I'm obsessed with the color, so I paired it with gray," the bride says. Gold accessories like framed signs and letterpress invitations added an element of elegance to the day -- including a gold-dipped bouquet created by the bride's stepsister and owner of Asrai Garden in Chicago.  "She generously offered to do the flowers -- creating them in Chicago and driving them to Minneapolis," Jodi says. "She created this stunning bouquet filled with gold-dipped flowers and feathers." After Jodi and Steve tied the knot against a backdrop of exposed brick, the newlyweds celebrated with 250 guests in the venue's vast, open space. "The part of the day that reflected us best was definitely the ceremony," Jodi says. "We found our officiant, Leslie Ann Johnson of Positively Charmed, and she really listened to our story in order to customize our ceremony. It was absolutely beautiful and I think our guests could really feel all of the love that was present."

"We always knew we wanted a city wedding, so after doing some research, we found Aria," the bride explains. "The building is a theater that was converted for events. We loved the exposed brick and the high ceilings -- it was perfect for both our ceremony and reception."
The bride's stepsister and owner of Asrai Garden in Chicago created this gold-dipped bouquet. "She generously offered to do the flowers -- creating them in Chicago and driving them to Minneapolis," Jodi says. "She created this stunning bouquet filled with gold-dipped flowers and feathers."
Local Minneapolis shop Font Love created these gold letterpress wedding invitations on charcoal-colored paper. "The owner really listened to my vision and designed everything beautifully," Jodi says.
After visiting a traditional bridal salon, bride Jodi felt overwhelmed. "My next appointment was at Flutter -- it instantly felt like a better fit," she says. "After trying on about 16 dresses, I settled on a Jenny Yoo that was beautiful and effortless."
Canary Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
Jodi's bridesmaids wore mix-and-match dresses from Amsale in shades of nude and gray.
The bride wore gold, peep-toe heels courtesy of Kate Spade.
Elegant chandeliers popped against exposed brick at Aria -- an urban venue located in Minneapolis.
Gold Reception Decor
The bride's obsession with gold came through in the form of gold frames, invitations, shoes and various other details.
Aria Wedding Ceremony in Minneapolis
Bride and Groom Hug
Black-and-White Welcome Sign
Gold and White Polka Dot Escort Cards
Aria Wedding Reception with String Lights
Rustic Wooden Card Box
For favors, the couple passed out pieces of their favorite local chocolate in chevron-printed bags along with a heartfelt thank you note.
Floral Centerpiece Under Glass Dome
Jodi and Steve shared their first dance under the loft's colorful, light-up sign.