We're happy to introduce another couple in our Real Aide-Mémoire Weddings blog series. Thank you, Bridget and Cornelius, for making us a part of your special day!
Names: Bridget & Cornelius
Location: American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, MN
Date: March 26, 2017
What was the most memorable and/or favorite part of your day?
Cornelius: I remember being alone and quiet for 5 minutes, away from all of the craziness, right before I went up to the ceremony. I got to reflect on everything. And a few minutes after that, I remember the moment Bridget turned the corner and I saw her walking towards me, about to become my wife. And maybe I teared up a little. Or a lot.
Bridget: Reading our vows. I was really nervous because, I don't know. I didn't want to be so mushy, pouring my heart out in front of everybody. But it was worth it. Even though I cried a whole bunch, I'm glad we wrote our own vows instead of reciting traditional ones.
Any advice for other couples who are currently planning their weddings?
Cornelius: On the day of, things will go wrong, not everything will unfold perfectly and according to plan. Don't worry about that. No matter what happens, no matter what little things go wrong, you're going to be married to the love of your life at the end of the day.
Bridget: Don't be afraid to keep it small. I'm so glad that we just invited people close to us, because it made it special when each one of them was there, instead of inviting everyone only for the sake of having a huge fancy wedding.
The couple's rings: our 5mm Classic Simple Band, 1mm Smooth Square Band, and Square Solitaire Engagement Ring, all in 14k yellow gold with a matte finish.
Why was choosing an ethical and eco-friendly jeweler important to you?
We loved the idea that a single person, the same person, was carefully making our rings by hand. Everything matched perfectly: the colors, the shapes, the metals. We really liked the idea of supporting a small business instead of a giant brand.
If you could do it all again, would you change anything?
Cornelius: I would've leaned even more on others to help out during the day itself. We had a tremendous amount of help from our family and friends - it literally wouldn't have happened without all of them - but I still found myself running around taking care of small things instead of just enjoying the night.
Bridget: I wouldn't get a naked wedding cake. It was beautiful but the lack of anything (frosting, fondant, etc) on the outside of it made it really dry. Looked great in pictures, though.
What was your wedding song?
Our first dance was to "That's All" by Nat King Cole. It's such a sweet song.
What surprised you the most about your wedding day?
Cornelius: The sheer amount of love that we were surrounded by. Of course you know everyone's there to celebrate with you, but it's another thing experiencing it, being completely enveloped by love and good wishes and kindness from everyone, all at once.
Bridget: I knew it was going to be a really emotional day, but I had no idea it would be that emotional. I basically started tearing up the moment I took my first step down the stairs towards the altar. And all of our friends and family were so happy and overjoyed and emotional, too. It was a big love fest.
Photography by Angela Doheny Photography.