The Power of Three

Think about it—roll out of bed to start drinking mimosas with your wedding party. Then simply take the elevator down to the ceremony. Finally, grab an appetizer (and a kiss from your now husband or wife) and switch rooms for your reception.

It could be that easy. Just ask Deb Trask from Holiday Inn Rapid City – Rushmore Plaza, who sees it all of the time. 605 Weddings chatted with Trask on why this streamlines the process, why ending the night in a hotel room with your significant other is a must, and what mistakes to avoid when getting ready for the big day.

Why do you recommend getting ready at the venue where you’re getting married?
Having a suite at your venue gives you an intimate space for all the moments before the ceremony. It’s a time for you to connect with your wedding party and family, whom you may not have seen in months. And if you have a large wedding party, you’ll want to make sure you have enough room for everyone. Your team of vendors will have an amazing space to work in and capture all these moments as you prepare.

What are the pros of having your ceremony and reception at the same venue? And also having your hotel room there as well?
We can offer our couples so many accommodations. Having your ceremony and reception at the same venue enables your guests to relax and enjoy themselves. Your loved ones won’t have to worry about driving or finding a way home. Not only this, but we can offer an amazing space for a gift opening brunch the next morning, so you can carry on the celebrations the following day!

Make Your Wedding Morning Relaxed

+ Hand out timelines of the day to the wedding party, vendors, and others that apply at the rehearsal dinner so everyone knows where to be.

+ Don’t stay up too late or drink too much the night before.

+ Lay out your dress, suit, and accessories so you know where everything is.

+ Have something for breakfast. It’s a long (and amazing) day.

+ Find mindfulness with a walk, yoga, meditation, or something simple like a bath.

+ Pamper yourself with candles, essential oils, flowers, moisturizer, and other things that make you happy.

+ Have a playlist ready with songs that either calm you, make you happy, or both. Not sure what to play? Have Spotify handy.

+ Pack your “getting ready” outfit. Whether it’s a robe or your favorite t-shirt and athletic pants.

+ Coordinate someone to be “your person.” Planning should be done on your end, so if anyone has questions, send them to your mother, best friend, or whomever you assign to be the middle person so you can relax and have fun.

+ Surround yourself with your favorite people. If a certain person will stress you out, have them arrive later on or see them at the wedding. Don’t feel pressured to have anyone with you all day who will only give you anxiety.

+ Start celebrating with champagne, treats, and/or whatever gets the party started. Just don’t start celebrating too much before.

If you’re not getting married at a hotel, why is it important to get a hotel room for your wedding night?
Your first night as a married couple is so special. Having a hotel room or suite to come back to after your reception just completes the whole experience. Oftentimes, your suite can be a perk as part of contracting your guests’ rooms.

What are some recommendations on how to have your hotel room set up for the wedding day/night?
Our Presidential Suite has a huge vanity and a second bathroom, so there is a lot of space to get ready. We work closely with our couples and wedding parties and make sure to freshen up the space during the ceremony and reception so you come back to a perfectly made-up space just for the two of you. Our catering department can prepare a light meal or tray to be waiting for you. Work with your hotel contact so your family or close friends can bring in any bags in advance for you and even check in for you.

Sometimes wedding parties or friends surprise the couple and sneak into their hotel room to make it romantic for their wedding night. What have people done, and ho do you recommend they sneak in?
We have a lot of couples who trust their wedding party or moms to add those special touches. We’ve helped to add chilled champagne and chocolates to the suite. We make sure to talk about this with our couples during the planning process, and they let us know who should have access.

What is something super important that you should do/bring to get ready?
Along with the power strips and extension cords, a wedding day emergency kit is the best invention ever. You never know when you will need as extra safety pin, nail glue, or a breath mint.

For more information, visit rushmoreplaza.com.

HOLIDAY INN MARIGOLD SHOOT VENDOR LIST
PHOTOGRAPHY, PLANNING + STYLING: INDIGOBLUE // STYLING, PLANNING, DÉCOR + RECEPTION FLORAL DESIGN: JUSTIN STRAW DESIGNS // VENUE + FOOD: HOLIDAY INN RAPID CITY-RUSHMORE PLAZA // DRESS: DAVID’S BRIDAL // SUIT: MAIN STREET MENSWEAR // BRIDAL BOUQUET: FLOWERS BY LEROY // FLORALS FOR RECEPTION TABLES AND CEREMONY SPOT: CHANGING SEASONS FLORAL, HOT SPRINGS // CAKE AND MACRONS: SWEET SECRET BAKERY // BEER: LOST CABIN BEER CO. // HAIR + MAKEUP: HEATHER RUPP BEAUTY // OFFICIANT: MARY MAISEY IRELAND // JEWELRY: DANA VOORHEES // STATIONERY: LAVA STATIONERY // MODELS: EMMALYNN JANIS + JOEL SMITH

A One-Stop (Wedding) Shop // Uptown Events

Planning your wedding can be stressful, to say the least. Where should you being? What professionals should you use?

What if it all could be decided in one place? That’s exactly what you get at the wedding co-op studio, Uptown Events in Sioux Falls.

The idea of camaraderie was what drew Brandi Goebel of b. invited to the group in 2015.

“I loved the idea of local business owners supporting and promoting other local business owners,” she said.

Many of the professionals work out of the studio, like Jeremy and Sara Brech of DJ Jer Events & Lighting Design.

“I love the element of surprise! Couples who love to surprise their guests, or better yet, be surprised (in a good way) with moments created for them by loved ones such as voiceovers, special music, flash mob dances, etc., it’s something memorable added to their wedding they didn’t have to plan.” – Jeremy, DJ Jer Events & Lighting Design

“We were flattered and excited to be selected to be in this co-op of Sioux Falls’ finest wedding professionals,” said Jeremy. “We saw this as a great opportunity to network and as an opportunity to help our clients find other great wedding professionals when planning their wedding.”

Other vendors are members, but are off location, like Amanda Nelson of Blue Haven Barn and Gardens.

“We were attracted to the group because the members are all top level event professionals providing high quality services with high standards,” said Nelson.

The group stresses the importance of collaboration, which Jeremy said is only possible with trust.

“We trust one another to do what’s best for the client and all have their best interest at heart,” he said. “We have each other’s backs and are willing to help out to achieve the best results for our clients.”

Top Tips from Uptown

+ Be a guest at your own wedding.

+ Honeymooners get a lot of nice amenities on vacation. Make sure you get them, along with great tips from an expert who has been to your desired destination.

+ Lighting is the most impactful and cost-effective decor for any venue.

+ Prioritize your budget so you know exactly what you want to spend in each category.

But Uptown Events wants couples to know there is no pressure to hire them all. Even if the couple hires just one vendor it’s no issue. Member Loghin Welch of Serendipitous Events said it’s great when they do get the chance to combine forces, though.

“I personally love that we get to know each other so well that working together is so easy,” she said. “On wedding days, we know exactly what each person will be doing so we’re confident nothing will be missed and our couples will be well taken care of. I think it is so important in the wedding industry to collaborate, because couples want a good, cohesive team that will be working their wedding.”

“Personally, I’m loving the modern trends that are coming back. Velvet and textures, black chic, and big florals are on the horizon for 2020, and we’re so excited about it.” Loghin, Serendipitous Events

Jason Fuccello of Refractor Films joined the group in 2018 and said the best part of hiring any of them as wedding professionals is that each member has a solid background in the state (and some worldwide).

“Uptown provides couples with confidence and comfort in knowing that everyone here has years of experience, is highly rated, and works flawlessly together,” he said.

Meet the Members

+ b. invited
+ Blue Haven Barn and Gardens
+ Catering by Cleavers
+ DJ Jer Events & Lighting Design
+ Ideal Wedding & Events
+ Marie & Marie Bridal
+ Refractor Films
+ The Cake Lady
+ The Country Club of Sioux Falls
+ The Flower Mill
+ The Photography Shoppe
+ True Travel Company
+ Platinum Imagination Hair and Makeup + Serendipitous Events

For more information, visit uptowneventssf.com.

A Sit-Down With // Timeless Wedding & Event Rental

Timeless Wedding & Event Rental has been a top source for any and every type of rentals in the Black Hills since 1971. The Rapid City family owned and operated company is also known for innovative design and planning. 605 Weddings caught up with Miranda Boenisch (whose partner in crime is sister Mirissa Swaney) to see what’s trending, what goes into their (heavy-lifting) jobs, and what she’s doing when she’s not juggling it all.

Fun Facts About The Duo

Miranda
+ I went to the South Dakota School of Mines (& Technology) for Geology and worked as a geologist.
+ I am a momma of two beautiful daughters, Ruby and Juniper.
+ I am addicted to scarves and hats, so it’s no surprise I love the fall!

Mirissa
+ My favorite color is black, and I rarely wear anything but black clothing.
+ I have a rambunctious pup named Moxie Marie.
+ I just bought my first house and immediately painted the front door and mailbox black.

We’ve been involved in the rental business… essentially our entire lives! We’re a third-generation family business, and our grandparents opened Time Tool Rental in 1971, which rented contractor equipment and items for weddings and funerals. Both Mirissa and I have worked at the family business since high school and through college in one capacity or another. Since we started the event division, Timeless Wedding & Event Rentals in 2013, we’ve both been working primarily with weddings and events full time.

We’re known for renting… tents! From small festival tents to our new clear tent to huge tents for events of 400-plus guests. Additionally, we have the area’s largest rental inventory of the event basics including tables, chairs, linens, and décor.

To set up a tent it usually takes…well, it depends on the size of the tent! Our tent crew is four to six people, and it can take anywhere from an hour for a 20-by-40 tent for a backyard BBQ to eight-plus hours for a big 60-by- 120 wedding tent. There’s a number of factors and variables that need to be considered, but our tent rental experts and our experienced tent crew can make sure everything is taken care of.

What people don’t realize they can rent is… tableware. We have been growing our inventory of dishware, flatware, glasses, and we have everything from basic white buffet plates, decorative plates, fancy flatware, to wine and water goblets. We can rent them for big events or for your holiday party, and the best part is we take care of washing them when you’re done.

A rental item we wished was utilized more is…tall centerpieces. Oftentimes people shy away from tall centerpieces because there’s a misconception that they will prevent guests from conversing across a table. We’ve not found this to be true at all, as long as it’s 29 inches or taller, and a tall floral centerpiece or a candelabra makes such an impact in an event space that really wows guests.

Top Advice for Rentals

+ Have a budget in mind, because renting is 100 percent budget friendly. We have so many options for rentals but we can best advise you when we know what you’re willing to spend. Sometimes, something as simple as pretty colored napkins can make a huge impact for a minimum amount of money.

+ Know the requirements and rules of your venue. Most event venues have set times for setup and tear down, so speak with your venue contact or your planner about those details and communicate them to us so we can make sure everything is up and down when it’s needed.

+ When it comes to tents, remember that it may not be a cheaper option, because we are essentially building you a custom venue at a remote or unique location. We can certainly offer clients advice on how to work within a given budget, so again start with a budget and go from there.

A couple of wedding/event trends we’re loving right now…are outdoor weddings, and that’s one trend that won’t be going anywhere in the beautiful Black Hills. One of our most popular rentals is our clear top tent and it’s such a beautiful sight to see it all lit up for a dance! Another trend we’re loving is fully set tables. Having full place settings makes tables so inviting, and it’s amazing how much beautiful decorative plates or a jewel-toned goblet impresses guests.

Something we would love to see in more weddings is…personal or original special touches that represent the couple’s unique personalities or interests. For example, we had a couple who flew airplanes, so their guest favors were little airplane bottle openers and their guestbook was a five-foot airplane propeller that people could sign. It was something that they were so excited about, and their guests really enjoyed the personal touch.

We have different rental/design styles for every couple, like… very classic items such as table candelabras or white ceremony arbors to more unique and trendy things like a circle arbor and geometric shapes for centerpieces. We always take some time to get to know our clients, and if we’re working with them for planning and design, we create style boards so we know we’re on the right track with their theme and color palette.

People should book their planner/rentals…as soon as the date is set! We book rentals and services on a first come first serve basis, so we recommend getting in touch with one of our wedding and event specialists right away!

When we’re not buried in weddings and rentals…we’re spending time with family. I have two daughters and Mirissa is a dog mom so, believe it or not, even though we work together, we enjoy going out in the Hills and spending time together.

Our favorite part about South Dakota weddings is…getting to work in beautiful locations in the Black Hills, Badlands, and surrounding prairies. From our tented weddings to many of the venues we work with, there is no lack of beauty in western South Dakota!

For more information, visit timelessweddingandevents.com.

On the Menu // Catering by Cleavers

When the folks behind Cleaver’s Market tried their hands at Catering, a new world opened up, a world that offered everything they had been missing.

Now known as Catering by Cleavers, the Sioux Falls-based catering service specializes in delivering gourmet food, providing quality service, and creating an unforgettable experience. Owner and head chef Tyler Honke prides himself on upholding these standards for businesses and couples alike.

“We aren’t like typical catering companies,” said Honke. “We are exclusive and only take one booking per day. This way we guarantee that the quality will be second to none.”

With all guests in mind, Honke offers an array of menu options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.

“My favorite time of year to cater is in the fall. There is something about the smell of our smoker and the crisp, cool air that is so satisfying.”

“We meet with each couple to help create a menu specifically for them,” said Honke. “We have done everything from homestyle menus to upscale menus, and everything in between.”

Such menus include some of Honke’s most popular dishes, like the Smoked Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce. Another fan favorite is the Sous Vide New York Strip served with a choice of sauce, vegetable, and starch.

“This is a chef-manned station where I stand at the end of the buffet and carve the New York strip to each guest’s specifications,” said Honke.

More of What’s of the Menu

HORS D’OEUVRES

+ Carved Pork Tenderloin Slider // Soften dinner roll, grilled pork tenderloin, cucumber chili sauce.

+ Pesto “Cheesecake” // A layer of lemon basil cream cheese topped with pesto, sun dried tomatoes, and pine nuts served with crackers.

+ Lobster Gratin // Our most popular dip! Cream cheese, lobster meat, and sour cream infused with lemon and basil, served with grilled naan bread.

+ Buffalo Meatballs // Served in caramelized onion cream sauce.

+ Grilled Vegetable Crudités // A new take on a vegetable tray! We marinate then lightly kiss the vegetables with a flame so they maintain their crispness!

ENTREE SALADS

+ Roasted Asparagus + Prosciutto // Mixed greens, roasted asparagus, prosciutto, tomatoes, red onion, banana peppers, roasted almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette.

SANDWICHES

+ Smoked Pork Banh Mi // Crusty French bread, grilled sous vide pork loin, pickled julienne vegetables, cilantro aioli.

CAKERIE CAKES

+ Sticky Toffee Pudding // Layers of buttery toffee sauce, whipped cream, and moist sponge cake.

In addition to personalized reception menus, Catering by Cleavers also has a private hall couples can use for rehearsal dinners that can fit 55 people for a seated dinner and 75 for standing social engagements.

Honke and his team are fully prepared for either situation with smaller dishes, like the Boursin Bacon Tomato Cups, to larger dishes, like the Smoked Coulette Slider. Being in the catering business 20 years, Honke realizes the importance of adhering to a couple’s budget without losing the quality in the company’s food.

“It’s great to see couples get so excited about having us cater their wedding,” said Honke. “We are able to create their dream menu, keep within their budget, and do so in an easy and simple way.”

Honke went on to explain that working with a catering company should also be fun, which is why he offers a free tasting to the soon-to-be-newlyweds, giving them a chance to pick their menu by flavor and not just descriptions.

Heavy Appetizer Menu Example

Bacon Jam over Cream Cheese // Boursin Bacon Tomato Cups // Calamari Stingers // Naan Bread Tacos // Thai Basil Chicken Meatballs

“My advice to brides and grooms is to come meet with us,” said Honke. “We can work with anyone and any budget to make their dream day come true.”

As far as reservations go? Honke urges couples to book as soon as possible, even if they don’t have the menu nailed down. Catering by Cleavers has already begun booking for 2022 weddings, and they don’t expect to slow down.

“Since I am the owner and the main chef, I am on site for every event,” said Honke, “which is worth it when I see the quality we provide.”

For more information, visit cateringbycleavers.com.

A Sweet (and Savory) Partnership // Chef Jeni & Chef April

“We both have been in the industry for over 20 years—April [Austin] as pastry chef at CJ Callaway’s, and myself with my business, Chef Jeni & Company,” said Jeni Thomas.

After Callaway’s closed, Austin decided to open her own bakery business. She was on the search for her brick and mortar when she says she realized the potential of partnering up with Thomas and her space.

“April and her realtor approached me with the idea of sharing my commercial kitchen and dining room,” said Thomas. “We didn’t really plan on collaborating and sharing a venue, but once we met we saw how well it would work.”

Austin said, “It was fate and a lot of good luck that I found her.”

“Even though we had never met before, we had heard of each other and immediately bonded on our small town S.D. roots, being only a month apart in age, and our love for working in the food industry.” – Jeni

The space on Southeastern Avenue is a kitchen and a dining space where patrons can have private tasting or throw an event, like bridal showers, champagne brunches, corporate events, and more. Both companies use fresh ingredients, and Chef April is known for unique dessert designs, while Chef Jeni’s team is known for creative and customized menus.

Fun Facts About Jeni

+ I worked as a catering server and prep cook to help pay my way through Augustana (University).

+ When I started my business I knew how to cook five things.

“We have incorporated family recipes into our wedding menus many times,” said Thomas. “Examples have been Grandma Varro’s Sicilian Sunday Gravy with spicy sausage and linguine for a family style entrée and Sebastian’s Grandpa’s Bao Char Siu as a signature appetizer. One of our couples had an Italian Millefoglie Cake on their engagement trip, so April and I collaborated to recreate it and assembled it at the wedding for all of the guests to watch.”

While the entrepreneurs own two separate businesses under one roof, they say they enjoy working together on the day to day and for problem solving.   

Fun Facts About April

+ Growing up I played restaurant instead of house. I would make my parents order steaks instead of hamburgers.

+ I made my first Thanksgiving dinner all by myself when I was 11, with the exception of the gravy – grandma helped me with that!

“We’re able to help each other with business challenges, new ideas and creative inspiration, and just having a friend in the kitchen,” said Thomas. “In our businesses, anything can happen—an employee can’t come in because of a sick child, a storm hits, the delivery truck is late, a guest informs you of an allergy at the last second. Since we’re both experienced, we can hop in and help each other make the deadline so the client never has to worry or even know what happens behind the scenes.”

She continued, “We could tell you some crazy stories!”

Some of the stories “behind the pipe and drape curtains” have included creating temporary kitchens in tents in open fields, dealing with detoured roads, last-minute time adjustments, and inclement weather.

“No two events are ever the same, and we love it! We must be insane, but we love it,” laughed Thomas.

Because both small companies are ranked as some of the best in the business, the duo say they’re selective with how many events they take on each year.

“We aren’t a huge company doing hundreds of events a month,” said Thomas. “We’re happy to focus on fewer events and make one customer happy at a time with spectacular food and attentive service staff.”

Much like they enjoy getting to know their clients, Thomas and Austin say they’re happy to get to know and have one another.

“We’re almost the same person. We have a lot of the same things in common,” said Austin.

Thomas added, “In a way we feel like the universe brought us both together at the right time.”

For more information, visit chefjeni.com and bychefapril.com.

Francesca + Austin

Francesca and Austin’s story began at Al’s Oasis where they both worked in the summer of 2015. They continued their story in Moab, Utah where Austin proposed to Francesca. Their story circled back to Chamberlain where they tied the knot five months later.

Francesca and Austin wanted to make their wedding more special by having a traditional Lakota ceremony followed by a legal wedding ceremony the next day.

Francesca and Austin described their Missouri River wedding as simple, rustic, and spiritual. The ceremonies featured an arbor made out of willow created by Francesca’s stepfather and Austin, hand-picked bouquets of sage, and a guestbook made of canvas print that now hangs in the couple’s home.

“Our love for each other is genuine and real, and we wanted everyone there to feel that.”

“We also wrote our own vows, too,” said Austin.

Instead of a father/daughter dance, Francesca created a slide show video of memories with her father who passed away when she was 10.

Top Piece of Advice

Think twice before spending outrageous amounts of money on things that won’t matter 10 years from now.

FRANCESCA + AUSTIN’S VENDOR LIST
PHOTOGRAPHY: HANZLIK STUDIO // VIDEOGRAPHY: ALEX HAMMELL // WEDDING VENUE: AMERICAN CREEK CAMPGROUND // RECEPTION VENUE: AMERICINN LODGE & SUITES // HAIR: AFFINITY SALON // WEDDING DRESS STORE: DAVID’S BRIDAL // BRIDESMAID DRESS STORE: DAVID’S BRIDAL // INVITATION SUITE: SHUTTERFLY // CAKE: SUNSHINE FOODS // DESSERT: SUNSHINE FOODS AND ANGELA’S BAKERY // CATERING: CHAMBERLAIN FOOD CENTER // FLORAL: HOBBY LOBBY // OFFICIANT: YOUR JOYFUL WEDDING

Kaitlyn + Colin

Kaitlyn and Colin wanted their big day to feel like a private look into their relationship.

“Everything from the colors to the details were a nod to who we are as a couple,” said Kaitlyn.

The Sioux Falls couple celebrated in Rapid City with a romantic, yet modern affair. This included jaw-dropping florals and Corgi escort cards, which were for their two “fur babies” at home. One of their favorite details was the florals.

“The floral was absolutely jaw dropping,” said Kaitlyn. “No photo could do the ceremony ground floral justice.”

“During the ceremony, we shared our own personal vows with each other. Although our friends and family were present, it truly felt like we were the only two people there.”

One of the couple’s favorite moments was sneaking away without cameras just before the reception to enjoy time together and to “slow down and take everything in.”

The other best part for Kaitlyn and Colin was being near those they cared about.

“Nearly every single person who attended our wedding traveled in order to celebrate with us. We wanted to ensure our guests had an easy, relaxing, and fun experience.”

Top Piece of Advice

Make sure to surround yourself with a great wedding day team. Vendors are so important in curating a successful event for you and your guests, so choose people who mesh well with you and your vision.

KAITLYN + COLIN’S VENDOR LIST
PHOTOGRAPHY: CADEY REISNER WEDDINGS // VENUE: BLACK HILLS RECEPTIONS & RENTALS // CAR RENTALS: BLACK HILLS TOUR COMPANY // DESIGN + STYLING: THE VINTAGE LEASE // VIDEOGRAPHY: ANTHONY BEGLEY CINEMATOGRAPHY // HAIR + MAKEUP: AJ’S WICKED SALONG & SPA // DRESS STORE: RHYLAN LANG // DRESS DESIGNER: HAYLEY PAIGE // VEIL AND JEWELRY: LINDSAY MARIE DESIGN // CUSTOM GARTER SET: LA GARTIER WEDDING GARTERS // BRIDESMAID DRESS STORE: SAMPLE AND SOIREE // BRIDESMAID DRESS DESIGNER: HAYLEY PAIGE // GROOM TUX/SUIT STORE: THE BLACK TUX // GROOMSMEN TUX/SUIT STORE: THE BLACK TUX // FLORAL: JENNY’S FLORAL // CAKE: BAKEHOUSE // INVITATION SUITE: SHINE WEDDING INVITATIONS // WELCOME AND TIMELINE SIGNS: CHASING LINENS // OTHER SIGNAGE: BLUE LINE LASER WERKS // CATERING: ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE CATERING // DJ: POWERHOUSE DANCE DJ’S & SOUND PRODUCTIONS // OFFICIANT: YOUR JOYFUL WEDDING

THE GREEN PALACE WEDDING & EVENT BARN

Photo: Hanzlik Studio

“Couples are incorporating old buffets as dessert bars, vintage chairs and tables are used for the ‘Sweetheart Table,’ and vintage campers are popular when covered to mobile bars, photo booths or places to get ready.”

WALKER DOWN THE AISLE

Photo: Brittany Elizabeth Images

“My favorite trend is a more pronounced Sweetheart Table. Whether it’s the couple sitting just in front of the bridal party or the Sweetheart Table is separated from the Head Table completely, it puts the focal point of the entire room on the reason the guests are there – the couple.”

OLIVE&GRACE FLORAL CO.

Photo: Britany Moser Photography

“Pampas grass is a floral trend that I hope stays around for a while. You can cover the room with it or just use it sparingly – either way it makes an impact!”

JANE RAE EVENTS

Photo: Submitted by Jane Rae Events

“This gold pipe boho arch is one of our most rented items. I love how sleek this arch can be and its versatility. We can add just about any floral color scheme to the structure.”

Tamra + Kris

Tamra and Kris were University of South Dakota (Greek life) sweethearts.

The fun-loving pair planned their big day in Sioux Falls from New York City, and were inspired by recently seeing a play production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“We are both detail-oriented and love personal touches, so we tried to include lots of small details throughout the day,” said Tamra.

And they truly did. Details included mini-biographies on the wedding party in the programs, “fun fact” napkins about the couple, a sommelier who paired entrées with wine at the tables, a string quartet that played songs by the Beach Boys, The Beatles, and Lady Gaga, and glow sticks and light-up glasses on the dance floor.

“After the ceremony we did a receiving line to make sure we could hug and thank all of our guests for coming. And we were so happy we did that. The day is such a blur and goes by fast, so this allowed us to get a moment with everyone at least once.”

The reason they had such amazing elements in their wedding? They had experience.

“We had been together for 12 years when we got married, and we attended lots of weddings throughout the years,” said Tamra. “One thing that we discussed was ensuring the day was fun, as we didn’t want it to feel uptight or stuffy.”

Guests fully indulged with an array of beverages and food options, and the pair made sure guests could do so without worry by arranging transportation to and from the venue. They also planned different areas for “moments” where guests could chat and enjoy themselves. The evening ended with a tradition they learned from a New Year’s in Thailand.

“Thousands of people throughout the city release paper lanterns at midnight. It was such a special moment to be a part of, and we really wanted to incorporate them into the wedding,” remembered Tamra. “We got so lucky that it was a wet spring season and the wind was minimal on our day. Watching all of our friends and family release the lanterns was really magical.”

Top Piece of Advice

Be transparent with your wedding party and guests about the day. We created a website with Squarespace that had all the information on locations, times, dress code, and such.

TAMRA + KRIS’ VENDOR LIST
PHOTOGRAPHY: BRITTANY ELIZABETH IMAGES // CEREMONY + RECEPTION VENUE: BLUE HAVEN BARN & GARDENS // PLANNER: SERENDIPITOUS EVENTS // FLORAL: THE FLOWER MILL // INVITATION SUITE/STATIONERY/SIGNAGE: B. INVITED // CATERING: CATERING BY CLEAVERS // LIGHTING/DESIGN/DJ: DJ JER EVENTS & LIGHTING DESIGN // RENTALS: PRAIRIE LANE VINTAGE RENTALS // VIDEOGRAPHY: UNCHARTED VISUALS // GETTING READY VENUE: GRAND FALLS CASINO & GOLF RESORT // HAIR & MAKEUP FOR BRIDE: SHELON ARTISTRY // HAIR & MAKEUP FOR BRIDESMAIDS: KRUSH BEAUTY & BEKA LEIGH // DRESS STORE: LOVELY BRIDE NYC // DRESS & TOP SKIRT DESIGNER: MADE WITH LOVE & WTOO BY WATTERS // BRIDESMAID DRESS STORE & DESIGNER: JENNY YOO // GROOM TUX/SUIT DESIGNER: BLACK LAPEL // GROOMSMEN TUX/SUIT STORE: GENERATION TUX // CAKE: CAKES BY MONICA // CAR RENTALS: STELLAR LIMOUSINE // BAND: DIAMOND EMPIRE BAND // RENTALS: APRES EVENT DECOR & TENT RENTAL

Get to Know Solis Photography

While Patricia “Patty” Solis is a Midwest photographer, she shares her talents with Solis Photography worldwide. It’s not a surprise as this “professional coffee drinker” and “devoted pasta lover” was born in Spain and fell in love with her craft while studying in Sweden.

605 Weddings caught up with Patty on her favorite places in South Dakota, her wedding photography style, and her recent re-brand.

When did you get into photography and when did you know you wanted to start a business?
In 2011, after years of taking photos for myself as a hobby, I invested in my first professional camera and started my business. Little did I know that would be the start of my wonderful journey through the “American dream!”

I photographed my first solo wedding in 2012. I loved the experience, the romance, and the beauty of the moment. That year I booked three more weddings. By 2013, three weddings turned into eight, eight turned into 15 in 2014, and so on.

I have discovered a lot about myself on this journey. My style has changed over time, and I’ve gained experience and improved my skills, but one thing remains the same: I want to give my couples memories that will last more than a lifetime!

What is your style with photography and working with couples?
I define myself with three words: Romantic, Real, and You. My style is light, airy and timeless. I like to capture the colors as they are, as my brides want to remember them. I help my couples pose during the shoot, of course, but I like to give them time to be themselves, too—to be real. A perfect combination of posed and candid photos is what everyone should have on their wedding day.

Tell us about your recent rebrand.
During the last eight years, I have grown a lot, personally and professionally. My style, equipment and ways to do shoots have evolved with every wedding I have done. I am not the same person that I was eight years ago. I am a mom now, and I have more experience. I felt that it was time for my brand to mature, too.

My ideal client has also changed. Year after year, I have been attracting a very specific kind of bride, and my business needed to reflect all that change. I tried to include parts of my childhood in it. The olive tree [in the logo] is a symbol of my region in Spain. The leaves represent the members of my family. Everything about this new brand is a reflection of me and my world.

You have a free wedding planning guide on your website. Tell us about that.
During my time as a wedding photographer, there are always questions that my couples ask me, and they keep surprising me with new ones over the years. I realized that it was time for me to give them those answers before they even met me. So I put those questions all together in a free guide anyone can download from my website.

5 Fun Facts About Patty

+ I am completely bilingual, so yes, I speak with a funny accent.

+ If you want to make me happy, don’t give me wine. Give me Starbucks.

+ I cry every time the groom dances with his mom, and there is nothing I can do about it.

+ I know the lyrics to almost every single Disney song ever done. I am up for a challenge anytime.

+ I am a hugger and a toucher. If you don’t like to be touched, don’t hire me, because I am going to hug you. And your dad. And pretty much anyone that steps in my way on the day of your wedding.

What is one of your favorite moments shooting weddings?
I am a hopeless romantic, so I love the portraits of the couple. Having those 20 to 30 minutes alone with them to capture their true love is my favorite part of the day. Give me a couple in love, a wedding dress and good sunset light, and I am in heaven!

Do you have any habits/traditions when you shoot weddings, like shots that are really important to you or something you like to do with couples?
I take the time to get to know my couples and be sure we are a perfect fit. I make a point of it. I am in contact with them during the planning. They text me. They call me. I send them personal notes. I even have inside jokes with them. I work with them before the big day and try to learn as much as I can about the kind of people they are. This helps tremendously on their wedding day. How comfortable they feel when they see me arrive the morning of is totally reflected in their pictures.

I also never start a wedding day without stopping at Starbucks first. This is just tradition!

What is your favorite part about shooting in South Dakota?
The light and the seasons are the best. We have incredible light to work with in South Dakota, and the same location changes drastically with every season. I just love it.

Tell us about your travels and some shoots you’ve done outside of the Midwest.
Traveling is one of my biggest pleasures, and in the last few years, I have been lucky enough to have couples give me the opportunity to capture love stories not only in the Midwest, but in many other places as well. This year, Paris and Cuba have been the cherry on top of my ice cream, and I already have Mexico and London waiting for me in 2020.

My bucket list of ideal locations goes pretty much worldwide, so I am excited to keep going. My passport is always ready!

Solis Photography’s Top Advice for Booking a Photographer

+ Choose your photographer based on style, quality, and experience, not pricing. Your memories are in their hands, and once the wedding is over, that is all that is left.

+ Meet with them and be sure your personalities actually fit. You are going to spend a very stressful day with your photographer. It would be a disaster if they just add more stress to that, don’t you think?

What are some of your favorite places in South Dakota for dining or for entertainment?
My husband and I are crazy about food! We try to go to a new restaurant every time we can, but overall, we love Parker’s Bistro and MacKenzie River [Pizza] in downtown Sioux Falls.

What’s something in weddings you wish you saw more of?
Rentals! There are many companies in town and online that would rent anything you need for your wedding day, from real china to decorations. They drop it off and then pick it up! They look very high end and photograph beautifully. I really think couples should stop by these places before setting foot in a craft store and save themselves many hours of labor.

What are some wedding trends you’re loving right now?
It looks like 2020 keeps going with the trend of loose, garden-style bouquets with a touch of greenery, and I am in heaven. I am a floral nerd and always push my couples to get real flowers on their big day. So for me, the bigger the bouquet, the better!

For more information, visit solisphoto.com.

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