Emily Howald Sefton is a Minneapolis magazine editor. She covers all things bridal at mspmagweddings.com and loves the Green Bay Packers.
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Articles by Emily Howald Sefton
All Things AutuMN: Your Guide to Fall in Minnesota
Color Outside the Lines Lace up your boots and take to the trails to get an up-close peek at Mother Nature’s masterpiece. Trek trusty trails and wander off beaten paths—here’s where to hike it up this fall. Superior Hiking Trail Is it even fall without drinking in a few North Shore views? We think not. A classic tour, the Superior Hiking Trail spans 300 miles from the Minnesota-Wisconsin border south of Duluth to the Canadian border.
Kids' Guide: Talent Show
This feature was written by Studio MSP writers. While some of our advertisers were sourced, no advertiser paid to be included. The Actress: Audrey You might recognize Audrey Mojica from one of her many roles around the Twin Cities theater scene. She’s been Annie at the Children’s Theatre. She’s answered to Matilda. She’s even faced the Grinch as Cindy Lou Who.
5 New and Renewed Wedding Venues
One of the most important wedding-related decisions you’ll make throughout the entire planning process is arguably where you marry. The venue you choose not only determines logistical considerations such as guest count, date, and transportation, but it also sets the tone for the overall aesthetic of your celebration. While industrial, sleek spaces still reign, venue selection has become less about finding the best blank canvas and more about finding a spot that speaks to you as a couple.
Mallstalgia: Forward Motion
This article is part of a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. Following most 30-year-olds’ birthday celebrations, the only thing on the horizon is rest. But rest is for the weary, and Mall of America is anything but. The forward-thinking establishment may be known for its size, but that doesn’t mean it’s done growing.
Thirty and Thriving: 30 Reasons We Love MOA
This article is part of a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. Dear Mall of America: Let us count the ways we love you. Here are 30 reasons—one for every year you’ve called Minnesota home and we’ve called you ours. 1. Nordstrom. It’s the store that brought us Chanel and Gucci, and it’s been there from the start.
Mallstalgia: A Big Does of Support
This article is part of a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. Like every 30-year-old, Mall of America has had its ups and its downs. It’s made some strong long-term decisions—we’re looking at you North Wing—and endured some break-ups that still break our American Girl-loving hearts.
When Bigger Really is Better
This article is part of a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. Over the last 30 years, Mall of America has generated some pretty impressive stats to help tell the tale of its lore. From square footage to gallons of water, join us as we count some of the things that make MOA what it is today: greater than the sum of its parts. $650 million. Cost to build it.
Mallstalgia: Love, Sweat, and 30 Years
This article is part of a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. The early ‘90s saw its share of leg warmers, step classes, ThighMasters, and Tae Bo. Fitness found its way into our lives through VHS tapes, infomercials, and some pretty sweet neon garb. So when Mall of America opened in 1992, it only made sense that some of the stores would outfit the jazzercise crowd in the hippest of fashions.
Five Ways MOA Gives Big
This article is part of a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. The spirit of giving strikes most malls around pivotal philanthropic times. And while Mall of America does incredible work to support charitable events and drives during the holiday season, it’s MOA’s commitment to local philanthropy year-round that really stands out.
A Look Back at MOA’s Star Power Through the Years
This article is the first in a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. New York has Broadway. Los Angeles has the Walk of Fame. We proudly claim Mall of America. In the last 30 years, MOA has hosted countless celebrities, music performances, book signings, and movie premieres providing us with a bounty of opportunities to meet, greet, and gawk at our favorite celebs.
Mallstalgia: Food, Glorious Food
This article is the first in a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. They say taste and smell can be some of the biggest keys to unlocking your most potent memories. Slurp a milkshake and time-travel back to a childhood ice cream shop. Smell a cinnamon roll and be transported to your grandmother’s kitchen.
Sweet Rides - Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
This article is the first in a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. Some say it takes a brave parent to venture to Mall of America with the sole intention of shepherding the Littles in your life through the heart of the beast—otherwise known as Nickelodeon Universe. But we see you, dear parents, and we salute you.
Mallstalgia: A Shopper’s Paradise
This article is part of a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. If you spent 10 minutes inside each of Mall of America’s up to 500 stores, you would need 84 hours of shopping to make it through the whole thing.
Mallstalgia: The Evolution of a (Very!) Big Idea
This article is the first in a series by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine celebrating MOA’s 30th birthday. Join us as we ride through some of our favorite memories of the last 30 years. In the Beginning It all started with a giant plot of land and a wild idea. In 1982, when the Twins and the Vikings relocated from the Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington to the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, there was an unprecedented amount of prime real estate up for grabs—78 acres, to be exact.
A Little Twist on Tradition
When was the last time you heard a bride or groom say “I want my wedding to be just like everyone else’s”? Never. Regardless of the scale or budget, weddings have always been hotbeds of creativity. We’ve seen mirrors for tabletops, globes for guest books, personalized monograms for invitations, and flower walls for seating charts. The idea of adding a dose of distinction to your day is not a new concept, but then again, certain tenets of the wedding industry have remained steadfast.
How to Plan a Wedding in a Pandemic
Planning a wedding during a normal year is typically riddled with small trials and tribulations. But as we all know, 2020 is no normal year. The coronavirus pandemic has drastically impacted the wedding landscape, and local couples are faced with some difficult decisions as it pertains to their own impending nuptials. “Things are changing every day,” says Sarah Trotter, owner of the wedding planning company Lasting Impressions Weddings.
10 Picture-Perfect Outdoor Wedding Venues
A’bulae When COVID-19 drastically changed the scope of weddings, the pros who built this St. Paul venue were some of the first to put a new plan in place. The “petite wedding” package was designed specifically for couples who desire the simplicity and affordability of a small wedding but also want some of the traditional accoutrements. The package accommodates up to 25 guests and includes access to its breathtaking rooftop, with space for social distancing—and stunning views—included. 255 E.
The 2019 Diamond Awards
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu Love All Around The best in local bridal. by Emily Howald Sefton January 24, 2020 3:17 PM Planning a wedding is no easy feat, especially in our great twin towns, where there’s an abundance of talented wedding professionals ready to help make your dream a reality. This list offers an inside look at the best of the best in the bridal business—our Diamond Award winners.
Paperless Posts
Breaking All the Rules Be bold with your wedding stationery. by Emily Howald Sefton November 21, 2019 4:20 PM Who needs paper when the world is at your fingertips? Stationers and calligraphers are ditching traditional cardstock for more statement-making stationery suites that are anything but ordinary.
Breaking All the Rules
Velvet Crush Today's brides have more options than ever. don't be afraid to push the bridal boundaries and make a seriously stylish statement. by Emily Howald Sefton November 11, 2019 1:03 PM Tags Dresses Wedding Fashion Emily Howald Sefton Emily Howald Sefton said "I Do" to the role of Weddings editor and after a few years of veils and venues, she added wallpaper and wainscoting to her scope by becoming the Deputy Editor of Home & Design.
Velvet Crush
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu In Living Coral A velvet material can make your bridesmaid gowns bridesmaid gowns stylish yet dramatic. by Emily Howald Sefton October 7, 2019 2:27 PM Give your gals a dress they’ll want to wear again—really. These bridesmaid gowns are stylish yet dramatic thanks to velvet’s luxurious touch. Plus, the lush fabric looks rich and regal, which sets the stage for an unforgettably grand entrance.
In Living Coral
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu Custom Order at Mara Marie Bridal Pantone's color of the year is making an impression at weddings. by Emily Howald Sefton September 10, 2019 8:52 AM Gone are the days of subtle and subdued. Thanks to Pantone declaring “Living Coral” this year’s Color of the Year, weddings are standing out with a bright blend of pink and peach. Here are six ways to color your day in style.
Custom Order at Mara Marie Bridal
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu Colby’s Next Move: Flutter Bridal Boutique Saying yes to the dress is not as easy as it looks on TV. by Emily Howald Sefton September 3, 2019 12:05 PM Saying yes to the dress is not as easy as it looks on TV. Sometimes you envision precisely what you want and simply cannot find it in the stores—or, when you do, it doesn’t look in the mirror like it did in your imagination.
Haute House Studio
facebook twitter pinterest instagram RSS Menu New Venue: Pinewood Weddings + Events in Cambridge Haute House Studio combines floral design, planning, and fun under one roof. by Emily Howald Sefton August 20, 2019 12:15 PM When Marsha Hunt and Bridget Connell combined their floral design and event planning expertise to create Haute Flower Boutique, they didn’t plan for Hunt’s home to be their base forever.
The 100 Best Wedding Venues We Love in the Twin Cities
Wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes. Some are old, some are new. Some are rustic, others refined. Many offer a whimsical setting, while some are sleek and modern, just waiting to be transformed. With so many options available in our great twin towns, knowing where to find a wedding venue that fits your style, size, budget, and timeline is imperative yet sometimes tricky. Here you’ll find 100 coveted Twin Cities wedding venues (in no particular order) and why we love them. 1.
Decorative Dishes for Every Wedding Style
Gussy up your wedding décor with decorative dishes that greet your guests the minute they find their seats. These plates and chargers, available from local rental companies, create pretty place settings that are sure to pop. Ultimate Events, 13405 15th Ave. N., Plymouth, 763-559-8368, ue-mn.com Beaded glass charger, also from Ultimate Events; platter, from On Solid Ground Vintage Rentals, 451 NE Taft St., Ste.
Trend for Grooms: Berry-Accented Boutonnieres
Bouquets shouldn’t get all the glory on your wedding day. Bedeck your boutonniere with a mix of berries to show you’re on-trend and attentive to even the smallest of details. These tiny accents add variety, texture, and a little something unexpected. Indulge & Bloom, 651 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., indulgeandbloom.com Bachman’s, several metro locations including 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., bachmans.com Wisteria Design, wisteriadesign.com Lake Harriet Florist, 1034, 5011 Penn Ave.
6 Ways to Incorporate Greenery Into Your Wedding Day
When Pantone named “Greenery” the 2017 color of the year, we knew we’d see weddings that would make us green with envy! From dangling decor to elegant emerald frocks, this rich and earthy hue works well in every setting. Here are six ways to go green in style. Let your bridesmaids fit right in with your emerald city theme. Hunter green frocks photograph well, look good on most every skin color, and are original enough that your best gals might actually wear them again.
Dress Your Bests
Bridesmaids, flower girls, gala goers, and mothers-of-the-brides/grooms now have a new spot to shop in town that doesn’t disappoint. The Social Room, which opened last week in Wayzata, offers higher-end gowns that are both fun and bold with couture silhouettes at a moderate price point. Founder Marie Suchy, who also owns designer boutique l’atelier couture and sister store Posh Bridal Couture, put much consideration into this locale before taking the ready-to-wear plunge.
These Bouldering Gyms in the Twin Cities Give Climbers a New Challenge
Climbing can be intimidating. With all those ropes and harnesses—and 60-foot walls—it’s not immediately a sport that most people would call approachable. But the Twin Cities climbing scene is expanding to incorporate bouldering—a rising trend across the country. With shorter walls and virtually no gear, bouldering is both more accessible—and more intense. The routes are typically called “problems,” which (naturally) must be solved. And there’s only a crash pad to catch you if you fall.
Eucalyptus Love - Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
Known for their light herbal scent and coveted blue/green coloration, eucalyptus leaves make an attractive addition to all aspects of your wedding. From invites and accessories to centerpieces and bouquets, the muted colors and beautiful shapes are an ode to timeless style that sets the tone for an unforgettable day.
Forget the Frills
Emily Howald Sefton said "I Do" to the role of Weddings editor and after a few years of veils and venues, she added wallpaper and wainscoting to her scope by becoming the Deputy Editor of Home & Design. October 12, 2017 11:24 AM
Beauty Treatments for Wedding-Ready Skin
Make a vow to get your skin aisle-ready for your big day. Consider one—or all!—of these six facial treatments,and you’re guaranteed to radiate love, happiness, and a perfect complexion as you glide down the aisle. Where to Go: ZelSkin, 4100 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-929-8888, zelskin.com What to Expect: Also known as “blading,” this procedure may sound scary, but it’s anything but.
Bright, Colorful Bridesmaid Dresses
Emily Howald Sefton said "I Do" to the role of Weddings editor and after a few years of veils and venues, she added wallpaper and wainscoting to her scope by becoming the Deputy Editor of Home & Design. September 29, 2017 9:30 AM
Love Connection: Katie & Alex
If you believe in fate, you might say that Katie and Alex were destined to be together. They rode the same bus to elementary school, their grandparents played cards together, their parents frequented the same church, and Katie’s best friend married Alex’s teammate. But it took a chance encounter 10 years after high school for the two to actually connect. Alex joined Facebook shortly thereafter, simply so he could ask Katie out.
Innovative Wedding Place Cards
Emily Howald Sefton said "I Do" to the role of Weddings editor and after a few years of veils and venues, she added wallpaper and wainscoting to her scope by becoming the Deputy Editor of Home & Design. September 14, 2017 12:21 PM
Bridal Fashion: The Greatest Capes
Bridal designers have opted to skip the veil in lieu of equally impactful stylish shoulders caped in beauty. Emily Howald Sefton said "I Do" to the role of Weddings editor and after a few years of veils and venues, she added wallpaper and wainscoting to her scope by becoming the Deputy Editor of Home & Design. September 11, 2017 9:46 AM
Wedding Shows 101: What You Need to Know
If you're newly engaged or just really love weddings, it's time to grab your #squad and head to the expo centers for an afternoon of matrimonial mayhem. While exciting, the sea of vendors, handouts, cupcakes, and champagne may get overwhelming. We sat down with wedding show pro, Matthew Trettel of The Wedding Guys, for his advice on how to tackle the day like a boss. Here's what he had to say. 1. Agree on a budget before attending the show.
The Wedding Shoppe Opens a Men's Shop
Brides have been flocking to The Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul since its inception in 1977. Its collection of designer gowns, coveted bridesmaid dresses, fun accessories, and on-site tailoring—all in a welcoming and approachable environment—has made it a one-stop shopping experience for brides. And soon, grooms can join in on the fun.
Wedding Favor Idea: Maddy & Maize Gourmet Popcorn
There’s popcorn, and then there’s Maddy & Maize. The recently released gourmet popcorn is a scrumptious option for couples looking to give their guests a healthy taste of the Twin Cities. Made with locally sourced seeds, no artificial flavors, and no high-fructose corn syrup, the lip-smacking snack is available in bulk for a popcorn bar or small batches for welcome bags, with creative flavors like bourbon barbecue and coconut curry. Founder and CEO Brett Striker says, “Our flavors are so unique.
Take a Bow: Wedding Dress Trends
1) Sleek & Chic - Push the boundaries in an elegant and sleek Vera Wang gown bedecked with a statement black bow. Micaela ($3,990), by Vera Wang, from l’atelier couture 2) Center Stage - The attention-grabbing waist detail of this stunner brings a romantic addition to your aisle style. Niara gown (price upon request), by Rosa Clará, available through Annika Bridal 3) Belle of the Ball - It’s drama, drama, drama in this strapless deep-V silk gazar ball gown with a draped and bowed skirt.
Minny & Paul Bridesmaid Gift Boxes
Your favorite ladies have been by your side every step of the wedding planning process, so when it comes time to thank them, the task of finding the perfect gift may seem daunting. Local company Minny & Paul offers a Bridesmaid Box ($112) that comes with Minnesota goodies like Annie B’s caramels, Maddy & Maize popcorn, a Goldfine Jewelry Swarovski crystal bracelet, and an Ashley Mary Art zip coin purse, all wrapped up in a custom birch wood box from WAAM Industries. “Brides are busy.
Annika Bridal Boutique
Call it a coincidence, but when the first customer at the new Annika Bridal Boutique in Edina was named Annika—and she found her dress in the first 30 minutes of her appointment—owners Kate Applebaum and Annie Corbin considered it a good sign. The seasoned pros opened Annika—derived from the marriage of their two names, Annie and Kate—at 50th & France in September because they wanted a place for the on-trend bride who is also a savvy shopper.
Decadent Wedding Dresses - Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
Hair and makeup by Julie Lam, Modeling by Ellie Dulac/Wehmann Agency, Photography by Kevin White, Styling by Sarah Cochran Emily Howald Sefton said "I Do" to the role of Weddings editor and after a few years of veils and venues, she added wallpaper and wainscoting to her scope by becoming the Deputy Editor of Home & Design. April 26, 2017 12:00 AM
Au Naturel Wedding Bouquets
Take the thrill of receiving freshly cut flowers, then multiply it by a thousand. That’s how you’ll feel when you walk down the aisle with an artful arrangement that appears as though it’s fresh from the garden. Here, local florists share their advice on how to achieve a bouquet that’s vibrant, original, and bursting with beautiful blooms.
Personalized Wedding Details from Local Vendors
Match your individual style with handmade embellishments that show your attention to details. From custom calligraphy to hand-dyed ribbons, when it comes to personal touches, there’s something to be said for going overboard. Focus on the first thing your guests will see with custom calligraphy. rosannkcalligrapher.com Commemorate your day with custom illustration by local artist Cait Courneya. caitcourneya.com Adorn your invites with swoon-worthy, naturally dyed ribbons by Shasta Bell Calligraphy.
New Designer Alert
Posh Bridal Couture is celebrating the addition of Caroline Castigliano gowns to their Wayzata store. The British designer is known for her unquestionably feminine and effortlessly elegant designs. "She is the perfect addition for our Posh Bridal curated collection because it brings a classic feel with a contemporary twist," says Posh owner Marie Suchy.
Rustic Earthiness Decor for Your Home
The dramatic florals that hit runways and our homes last year are giving way to an earthier side of the great outdoors. Nature is being objectified in modern interpretations (hello, Texas tumbleweed chandelier) to bring rustic warmth indoors on everything from wallpapers and tiles to side tables and light fixtures. Inspired by Indian Chintz wall hangings from the 1600s, this wallpaper’s modern mix of flowers, animals, and botanical patterns has graphic impact.
Inside the North Loop's New All-Wood T3 Building
While the production of the timber structure has made construction history, it’s the inside of T3 where the attention to detail shines. Historical photos are laser-printed onto nail laminated timber panels, while wood-themed photos from Minneapolis fill the lobby. Architect Michael Green poured concrete on the first floor to establish a foundation, but he used real cedar planks to mold the concrete and mimic the texture of wood.
Flutter Boutique Moves to Northeast
Flutter Boutique, a leading bridal and bridesmaid shop in the Twin Cities, recently moved from its spot at the Semple Mansion to a new, open, and airy locale in Northeast. "We were immediately drawn to the Northeast because it feels like an untapped market for a bridal shopping experience—and who wouldn't want to be right on St. Anthony Main's cooblestones streets, looking out at the river?" says manager Laura Rudolph.
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