Diamond Awards Winners 2015

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Event Décor

Style Architects

This event-planning agency is singularly focused on conveying its couples' styles in a timeless manner. From chandelier gobos in a dramatic space to black and white stripes carried through to the dance floor, its portfolio of options wowed our judges to to end. "Their on-trend, beautiful decor shows that these pros are experts in their field," raved one judge. 219 N. 2nd St., Ste. 304, Mpls., 612-326-9020, style-architects.com

People’s Choice: Festivities

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Invitations

Spark Letterpress

The goal of nationally recognized Spark Letterpress is to make your wedding design feel cohesive. Its designers believe paper goods should enhance a couple’s wedding style and fit seamlessly with other key elements of the day. Our judges appreciated the depth of Spark’s invitation suites and praised its impressive range of work. 1300 NE Quincy St., Mpls., 612-294-9554, sparkletterpress.com

People’s Choice: Printerette Press

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Bridal Salon Experience

l'atelier couture

This “uniquely beautiful and industrial-chic” boutique caught the eye of every member of our panel. Its assortment of top-of-theline designers and extra benefits—such as its White Glove Service, where brides can rent out the boutique—are obvious reasons why owner Amanda Kautt’s space deserves top honors. 219 N. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-367-8120, lateliercouturebridal.com

People’s Choice: a&bé bridal shop

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Design and Planning

Rosetree Weddings

Every couple hopes for an easy, breezy relationship with their planner. At Rosetree Weddings & Events, the staff’s approachable and friendly demeanor makes couples feel like their best friend just planned their day. “Having fun and being easy to work with is huge,” said one judge. “What’s the point in planning a wedding if your planner stresses you out?” 201 Hennepin Ave. E., Ste. 203, Mpls., 612-919-4431, rosetreeevents.com

People’s Choice: Style Architects

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Transportation

Renee's Royal Valet

Renee’s Royal Valet has been the preferred local wedding transportation specialist since 1992, so it’s easy to understand why our judges selected it as this year’s winner. The prestigious company’s assortment of limos, coaches, and trolleys allows couples to choose which mode of transport they like best, and couples know they can rely on a timely (and fun) ride to and from their big day. 12813 Industrial Park Blvd., Plymouth, 612-900-6991, reneeslimousines.com

People’s Choice: Renee's Royal Valet

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Hair & Makeup

Brett Dorrian Artistry Studios

If it’s the crème de la crème in wedding-day hair and makeup you seek, our judges suggest you look no further than Brett Dorrian Artistry Studios. Its talented team of creatives knows that a bridal look should be a carefully crafted design that enhances the bride’s natural beauty and matches her vision for her wedding, all while providing the upper echelon of attentiveness and perfection that every bride wants and deserves. 1595 Selby Ave., Ste. 100, St. Paul, 651-253-3559, brettdorrian.com

People’s Choice: Brett Dorrian Artistry Studios

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Photography

Jeff Loves Jessica

Repeat winner Jeff Loves Jessica once again wowed our judges with the simple and organic style of its images. One judge couldn’t help but comment on the “passion, creativity, and dedication” displayed within its breathtaking array of photos, while another noted that the obvious chemistry of this husband-and-wife team shows in their work. 952-452-4471, jefflovesjessica.com

People’s Choice: Jeannine Marie Photography

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Floral Design

Munster Rose

The “of-the-moment” bouquets that owner Jackie Reisenauer presented to the judges rendered them nearly speechless. “They have loads of taste and obviously know how to style with flowers,” raved one judge. “Their winning social media presence didn’t hurt, either,” added another. 550 Vandalia St., St. Paul, 651-797-4830, munsterrose.com

People’s Choice: Munster Rose

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Musical Entertainment

Synergy

The judges were floored by the “loads of talent and range of live performance” that local staple Synergy brings to the dance floor. The band, which has been together for more than 20 years, knows how to get your guests moving, offering everything from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. 952-926-9927, synergy-dwmusic.com

People’s Choice: Adagio Djay Entertainment

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Bridesmaid Apparel

Bella Bridesmaids

Finding a bridesmaid dress that your ladies will love is sometimes harder than selecting your own gown. Our judges agreed that you “can’t beat Bella’s selection of top designers and new styles,” all pulled together by owner Briana Griffiths in her Excelsior boutique. Plus, its national presence makes shopping with your out-of-town bridesmaids a breeze. 276 Water St., Ste. 200, Excelsior, 952-474-5086, bellabridesmaids.com

People’s Choice: Bella Bridesmaids

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Rehearsal/Event Venue

The Minneapolis Club

“This place is beautiful!” gushed one judge. The elegant setting of The Minneapolis Club provides the perfect backdrop for Twin Cities couples looking to tie the knot in style. “It’s a slam dunk!” said another. 729 2nd Ave. S., Mpls., 612-332-2292, mplsclub.org

People’s Choice: Pine Peaks Event Center

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Bridal Alterations

Amazing Alterations

Finding your dream dress is one thing; making it fit is another. Our judges were impressed with the way these talented seamstresses tailor your dress to fit like it was made for you. “They are more like dress designers than simply tailors,” one raved. Send them a picture from your day and you just may make their “Happily Ever After” wall of fame. 2665 4th Ave. N., Ste. 29, Anoka, 763-432-5243 amazingalterations.com

People’s Choice: Amazing Alterations

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Cake and Dessert Design

Angel Food Bakery

Angel Food Bakery’s dessert spread caught the eyes (and stomachs) of our panel. “The creations are on trend with the desserts that brides are asking for now,” said one judge. “Naked cakes, donut bars, etc.” Owner Katy Gerdes works closely with each couple to customize dessert offerings that fit the personality of the wedding and the personal taste preferences of the couple. “Their creations are beautiful yet appetizing,” added another judge. 86 S. 9th St., Mpls., 612-238-1435, angelfoodmn.com

People’s Choice: Angel Food Bakery

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Videography

Sky Focus Films

Our panel of judges was entranced by the moving film Sky Focus submitted. “It’s evident that they understand their medium,” said one judge, while another commented on this videographer’s outstanding ability to “create a piece of art that reflects your day. Excellent work.” 303-887-9780, skyfocusfilms.com

People’s Choice: Sky Focus Films

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Jewelry

Wixon Jewelers

The pros at Wixon know that a woman’s engagement ring is one of her most cherished pieces of jewelry, so they make it their job to provide the finest quality of diamonds and settings available. Our judges agreed that “their attention to detail seems second to none.” 9955 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 952-881-8862, wixonjewelers.com

People’s Choice: Wedding Day Diamonds

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Entertainment

The Traveling Photo Booth

A photo booth isn’t just a photo booth, thanks to these forward-thinking pros. ”Their apps and tech knowledge make them an obvious winner,” said one judge. “The variety of technology available was convincing,” added another. From its real-time social media sharing and hashtag integration to animated GIF creation and on-site reprints, these entertainers will keep your guests happy all night long. 916 26th Ave. NE, Mpls., 612-605-9203, thetravelingphotobooth.com

People’s Choice: The Traveling Photo Booth

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Bridal Preservation

Wedding Gown Care Specialist

With the careful thought and consideration you put into choosing your gown, equal care should go toward making sure it lasts a lifetime. Wedding Gown Care Specialist works exclusively with wedding gowns, so your pro is no stranger to lace, tulle, and champagne spills. 9424 36th Ave. N., New Hope, 763-588-8030, weddinggowncarespecialist.com

People’s Choice: Treasured Garment Restoration

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Formalwear

Savvi Formalwear

As grooms continue to push the envelope with their aisle style, our judges were drawn to the plethora of options available at Savvi Formalwear. “They’re industry experts and they have a variety of top designers,” recounted one judge. Plus, with more than 400 stores nationwide, out-of-town fittings are easier than ever. Several metro locations, savviminnesota.com

People’s Choice: Savvi Formalwear

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Catering

Common Roots Catering

Common Roots Catering was founded to create food with local character worthy of any celebration. This commitment to support sustainable farmers appealed to our panel of judges. “Their focus on food and local sourcing makes them sound more like a quality restaurant than a caterer,“ said one judge. “They look the most current with what today’s bride wants,” said another. 2558 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-871-2360, commonrootscatering.com

People’s Choice: Premier Catering and Event Planning

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Wedding of the Year

Charlene and Adam Wick

When Adam and Charlene Wick tied the knot in front of family and friends on August 8, 2015, they wanted to make the event as intimate as possible. Because the ceremony was outdoors—a nod to their love of fishing and camping—they positioned the chairs in the shape of a circle so they were surrounded by their guests’ well wishes. “The bride was really about bringing people together,” said one judge. But it was the thoughtful details captured by Jeannine Marie Photography that really won the hearts of our panel. The bride said her vows to her husband’s son so he knew she was dedicated to uniting them as a family, a gesture her stepfather had done with her years before. She also displayed the handmade wedding dress of the groom’s mother, who had passed away seven years prior. “These meaningful details really enhanced the visual beauty,” added a judge. “Everything she did was heartfelt, and that’s why she’s a winner in my book,” said another.  

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Vendor of the Year

Adagio Djay Entertainment

For the second year in a row, Adagio Djay Entertainment takes home the prestigious title of People’s Choice Vendor of the Year. The music masters offer an extensive library of selections, from early ’20s jazz to today’s current hits. They’re known for their extraordinary disc jockey services, but these pros also offer mood lighting, screen rentals, dance lessons, videography, and many other wedding services, making them a go-to resource in the Twin Cities. With Adagio leading the party, you’re sure to throw a reception your guests won’t soon forget. 800-861-3691, adagiodj.com