We can’t seem to stop gushing about our sparkly new Fashion & Beauty E-Mag and it’s for reasons like this little ditty by Yan Photography and Bliss Events. It boasts a Bride that rocks a pixie cut like nobody’s business, who’s charisma is practically bouncing off the pages of our e-glossy and who looks as though she was BORN to wear that fabulous red lipstick. This is a stunner from beginning to end and we couldn’t help but give it a little extra love on the blog. See the fun feature in the mag and stop by the gallery for so much more.
From the Bride…Andrew and I have known each other for quite some time. In fact, Andrew’s sister Beth married my cousin, Ryan, several years ago. We hesitate to let anyone in on this secret because people often think that we’re related. I assure you we are not. It wasn’t until two years ago at my Grandmother’s funeral that we were brought together by fate and our lives changed forever. On this cold and rainy day I was overwhelmed by my Nana’s absence and couldn’t stop crying. After the ceremony, I stepped outside the tent and tried to compose myself. Standing there was Andrew Stensaas. I know it sounds incredibly cliqued, but I believe the moment I met eyes with him, the sun came out from behind the clouds. I was drawn to him. We started talking, and I knew that our immediate connection was nothing of the ordinary. We like to think that Nana helped bring us together.
Several months later Andrew proposed. While I was on tour performing with a dance company in Greece, Andrew showed up to surprise me. His arrival, having come across the world was enough for me. The next day we drove to the base of Mount Olympus where Andrew pulled the most beautiful ring from his pocket and proclaimed, “I just need you as my wife, will you marry me?” to which I replied, “of course!” Because of our extraordinary love for each other we knew that we had to celebrate our love in an extraordinary way. Our wedding was reflective of this. I have always loved anything vintage inspired. My grandma also played a huge part in bringing us together, so we wanted to honor her memory with photos and relics of her past. Each table was named after a relative of ours, represented by a sepia photo placed in the center of the table. This vintage theme was the inspiration for much of the wedding and helped tie everything together.
Andrew and I both grew up in Boise, Idaho, so it was an easy decision to get married here in our hometown. We chose a really cool, urban, industrial event center called, The Linen Building. It has a great vibe with white washed brick walls and open space, allowing us to create the look we wanted. It’s located directly across the street from The Modern Hotel, a hip, swanky local hotel, served as the spot for the bridal party to get ready and where we headed after the dancing stopped to get one last drink, before retiring to our room.
The ceremony was held upstairs which usually serves as a gallery whenever the Linen Building is not hosting a wedding. We knew that it was a perfect setting when we saw that the art display for the month of December would be bunny rabbits. Andrew and I have always affectionately called each other, “Bunny.” We also illustrated this nickname in the photos Diana Palmer took. These two stuffed bunnies only complete the word “bunny” when they are together, sitting side by side. More than anything we feel like this wedding was a true reflection of us and was an incredible setting for us to celebrate our love. It felt effortless. The greatest part of our wedding was the love we share for one another and getting to express. Having our closest friends and family there was simply the icing on the cake.
Photographer: Yan Photography / Event Design: Bliss Events / Floral Design: Edward’s Greenhouse – John Carpenter / Venue: The Linen Building / Catering: Open Table / Cake: Greg Marsh / Invitations and Paper Products: Wedding Paper Divas / Favor Buttons: Andies Specialty Sweets / Music: VCI Audio / Wedding Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier / Bridesmaid Dress Designer: J.Crew / Jewelry: Smith and Bevill (Portland, OR) / Headpiece: Pinkham Millinery (Portland, OR) / Brides Shoes: BHLDN / Hair & Makeup: Amber Coats / Bride’s Clutch: BHLDN / Bride’s Bolero: BHLDN