Catering
"You eat with your eyes first, and the presentation satiates me on every level," said one hungry judge. Their commitment to working with couples in any location and in a very individualized manner, with a focus on quality food and service, impressed our panel to no end. They go above and beyond to do precisely what the couples want, and to our judges, that's most important.
4301 Quebec Ave. N., Ste. 5, New Hope, 763-230-7620, premierkitcheninc.com People’s Choice: Common Roots Catering
Transportation
This Twin Cities transportation staple won the respect of our judges for the fourth year in a row. "Their endless options and longevity in the industry make it hard to beat," said one judge. "The amenities are what caught my attention," said another. Couples can choose from the company's fleet of limos, trolleys, and coaches in a bevy of different colors to find the perfect vehicle for their first ride as a married duo.
12813 Industrial Park Blvd., Plymouth, 763-551-1919, reneeslimousines.com People’s Choice: Renee's Royal Valet
Floral Design
Their unique designs swept our panel right off their feet. "I love that they say they're not florists, they're designers," surmised one judge. "Their creations truly look more like unique sculptures than bouquets." The others wholeheartedly agreed. "Wildly beautiful and truly one-of-a-kind" exclaimed one judge. "Munster Rose sets the bar!"
612-812-2538, munsterrose.com People’s Choice: Munster Rose
Design and Planning
Picking someone to plan your wedding is difficult, but this team understands and executes your vision flawlessly. "They can strike so many different notes so well," judged one of our experts. "While their decor style is varied - which is great because no couple is alike - the great, cohesive design is consistent," said another. "To be so many things to so many people is a real skill."
612-803-1764, simplyelegantbridalconsulting.com People’s Choice: Festivities
Invitations
Their fresh, artistic style left quite the impression on our judges. "This stationer's festive, colorful, and fanciful designs transcend the cookie cutter options you find at many invitations outfits," one rapt judge declared. "I love their fresh, clean, and romantic style and craftsmanship," ogled another. And first impressions weren't lost on our panel, either: "They have a pretty darn cute studio, too."
printerettepress.com People’s Choice: Printerette Press
Bridal Salon Experience
This indie bridal shop caught the eyes of our judges. "I love how they're redefining the idea of what a bridal shop is through their modern, cool, yet still feminine style," said one charmed judge. The idea that brides can enjoy shopping in the comfort of a beautiful salon while sifting through upcoming brands and old favorites skyrocketed this newcomer to the top of our judges' lists. "The boho chic style and delightful setting - what's not to love!" added another.
1607 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-238-1300, aandbebridalshop.com People’s Choice: Bridal Accents Couture
Hair and Make Up
Julie Swenson's goal as a hair and makeup artist goes beyond aiming to make her brides look their best. "Her mission to make brides feel empowered is what I love most about her," said one judge. Another added: "She truly seems to take her job as a bridal hair/makeup person seriously and puts the client's needs first." The judges were impressed that she credits honesty and flexibility with helping her do a job well done.
100 Franklin Ave. W., Mpls., People’s Choice: Julie Swenson Beauty
Photography
The judges were instantly drawn to the simple and organic style of this husband-and-wife team. "The focus on telling the couple's love story is apparent," raved one judge. "And their chemistry helps them focus on finding it in others on their big day," said another. "Their warm style is charming, detail driven, and stunning without relying on heavy post-editing techniques or filters."
952-452-4471, jefflovesjessica.com People’s Choice: Janelle Elise Photography
Event Décor
Their "chic, of-the-moment design" had our judges ready to throw on their dancing shoes and join the party. Owner Kirsten Fischer's ability to take each couple's specific personality and create a design strategy that's reflective of their character is talent that our judges could boil down to one word: outstanding.
612-224-0897, fabeventdesign.com People’s Choice: On Solid Ground Vintage Rentals
Bridesmaid Apparel
The judges were floored by "the variety of gorgeous" that Bella Bridesmaids brings to local brides and their gals. The range of designers and styles makes it easy for brides to outfit any and every maid in her group. From floor-length to short, sparkle to lace, siren to sweet - owner Briana Griffiths' sweet boutique has it all.
276 Water St., Ste. 200, Excelsior, 952-474-5086, bellabridesmaids.com People’s Choice: Bella Bridesmaids
Rehearsal/Event Venue
The beauty of the James J. Hill Center completely astounded our judges. "It's so utterly haunting, majestic, and impressive; that sense of place, permanence, and awe seems like the perfect spot to celebrate something so immense as a marriage," said one captivated judge. "I can't shake it," added another.
80 W. 4th St., St. Paul, 651-265-5500, jjhill.org People’s Choice: The Carlson Towers
Videography
Their goal is to tell a great visual story, while making their audience laugh, cry, and smile. Mission: accomplished, said our panel. "I was entranced by their timeless and classic films," said one awestruck judge. Their passion for sharing the couple's story is evident; the result, according to another judge, is "simply beautiful.".
303-887-9780, skyfocusfilms.com People’s Choice: Sky Focus Films
Musical Entertainment
Music is what you want it to be, and with Synergy, couples can choose the size of their band and the variety of music. "I love the options!" exclaimed one judge. As a longtime Twin Cities staple on the entertainment circuit, the crew has earned its place at the top of the local music scene; it has and will continue to be one of the best.
952-926-9927, synergy-dwmusic.com People’s Choice: Adagio Djay Entertainment
Calligraphy
Fonts, and styles, and types, oh my! "The variety of projects Rosann can tackle is sure to delight any bride wanting a handwritten look," said one judge. Her pleasing personality and quality customer service make it all the more enjoyable to work with this calligraphy queen.
rosannkcalligrapher.com People’s Choice: Rosann Konieczny Calligrapher
Formalwear
Jason Hammerberg's men's clothing store captivated our panel once again. The unique assortment of custom options for a groom and his men made this boutique a judge's favorite. "They had me when they said, 'We realize you rented a tux for your high school prom and you want to step it up for your day,'" laughed a judge. "It's so true. This isn't prom, guys." Several metro locations, hammermade.com
People’s Choice: Savvi Formalwear
Jewelry
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Our judges were floored by the variety of sparkle that JB Hudson offers its clients. Their longstanding position in the community - "130 years! Wow!" - and their commitment to customer service makes them a must-stop shop for anyone looking to purchase a bauble. 901 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-338-5950, jbhudson.com
People’s Choice: Wedding Day Diamonds
Bridal Alterations
The attention to detail that owner Kristen Olsen brings to each and every garment left our judges yearning for a trip to Edina for their own alterations. "She can take unforgiving material and a silhouette that few real-life brides can wear and make it look flattering," said one enamored judge. "That takes true skill and professionalism." 3902 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-929-9475, thedressmaker.com
People’s Choice: Amazing Alterations
Entertainment
A wedding must, these photobooth pros have always been ahead of the curve. Their newest addition, a real-time photo sharing mobile app, is just one example of why this company earned our judges' place at the top. "Their innovation and growth really sets this company apart from the rest," said one judge. While another added, "What a fun and interactive way to keep your guests entertained!" 916 26th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-605-9203, thetraveling-photobooth.com
People’s Choice: The Traveling Photo Booth
Cake and Dessert
Talk about attention to detail. The completely custom approach of Robin Martin and her team won the hearts (and stomachs) of our judges. "I loved their connection with each couple," exclaimed one judge. "The designs defined outstanding to me," said another. "They really take their clients into consideration when creating their works of art." And the result is none other than a masterpiece. 15705 35th Ave. N., Plymouth, 763-577-9815, gateaux-inc.com
People’s Choice: Angel Food Bakery
Bridal Preservation
The expertise with which this eco-friendly company cleans your gown was not lost on our panel of judges. Their museum-quality preservation process and impressive customer services were an added bonus. Said one judge: "Brides can rest easy knowing that their precious gown is in good hands." Several metro locations, treasuredgarmentrestoration.com
People’s Choice: Treasured Garment Restoration
Wedding of the Year
Lizzie Hillmann-Butch and Dustin Butch
They say it's all about the dress, and that couldn't be truer for bride Lizzie Hillman-Butch. "My vision came the moment I tried on an Amsale hand-beaded, dark ivory dress," she said. "It sparkled with an understated drama reminiscent of another era and inspired an unexpected fusion of vintage and modern details." Such a blend of old and new is what caught the attention of our judges, who chose this as the Real Wedding of the Year. The florals, done in a blend of coral, orange and yellow by Lisa Roy at Flora Bella, added a romantic feel to the Nazareth Chapel and the reception at the Calhoun Beach Club. The judges also couldn't help but remark on the fun the couple and their crew appeared to have throughout the entire day. The first dance turned into a high energy routine to "Levels" by Avicii and concluded with a rap of Flo Rida's "Good Feeling" by the groom. One judge said it best: "You find yourself wishing you'd been on the invite list."
Vendor of the Year
Lights, music, action! The people have spoken and if it's a party you're looking for, they say to look no further than DJ extraordinaire Adagio Djay Entertainment. The music masters have the skill, expertise, and inventory to lead your party in the precise direction you want it to go. "We can read a dance floor and know when to speed things up, slow them down, switch genres, or inspire a sing along," says owner Jay Kochendorfer. Plus, their professional jazz trio/DJ combo offers the best of both musical worlds, while thier lighting moxie goes a long way in creating the perfect reception environment. 800-861-3691, adagiodj.com
