1. Real Weddings

Jill & Mike: A Formal Wedding in St. Paul, MN

Though the Jill and Mike live in Chicago, Jill was raised in St. Paul and wanted to show off the city's charms to the many out-of-town guests. They di

Though the Jill and Mike live in Chicago, Jill was raised in St. Paul and wanted to show off the city's charms to the many out-of-town guests. They did just that with their Irish-themed, springtime celebration at 317 on Rice Park. THE BRIDE Jill Thompson, 33, vice president at a securities firm THE GROOM Michael Lane, 33, a high school basketball coach THE DATE April 17 After seven years of dating, Jill didn't think her boyfriend Michael could surprise her. But one regular Saturday evening, he arrived at her place with a CD of At Last by Etta James and popped it into the stereo. Without pause, he got down on one knee and proposed. It turns out it wasn't just a regular Saturday evening after all, but the anniversary of the wedding where the pair decided to start dating (they’'d known each other in college). They celebrated with champagne and Mike shared the details of the day. He actually bought the ring, asked my parents for my hand, and proposed -- all on the same day! she says.

The cake featured a rum pink bow at the base of each tier with spring green shamrocks over the white frosting.
The Bride
The main event commenced on Saturday at Our Lady of Victory Chapel at the College of Saint Catherine, where Jill’s mother is an alumna. To go along with their Irish theme, the couple chose spring green as their signature color.
Jill’s gown, an exquisite Alvina Valenta diamond white silk organza A-line, was accented by a simple rum pink bow at the waist.