Winter Wonderland Wedding at McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis

Christmas 2020 was the best one yet for Matthew Ellison and Alexandra Philipsek, since that’s the day he proposed. The couple, who had dated for five years, tied the knot at McNamara Alumni Center, transformed into a winter wonderland with a grand floral installation at the ceremony and a sea of twinkling lights and bright candles to illuminate the space. Centerpieces with lush florals and pops of gold perfectly represented the couple’s winter garden theme. Music lovers Alex and Matt carefully chose songs for the day, adding special tributes throughout. Their first dance as newlyweds was to “January Wedding” by the Avett Brothers, a group they saw together. The couple also included a nod to their pup, Willie: Cocktail napkins showed a drawing of him, with the message, “Cheers from Willie!” Playing off the venue’s angular architecture, Ink Sweets created a delectable display of desserts decorated with intricate lines to match the gold and blue palette. Nature provided perhaps the loveliest décor with an evening snowfall. “I don’t think either of us stopped smiling all day,” Alex said.