Grand, indeed. “Just by walking into Grand Cafe, you stand up a little straighter, yet feel right at home. Where better to have a fashionable, small and detailed event?” says florist and stylist Ashley Fox about the beloved Minneapolis restaurant, newly remodeled with a French flair. A nontraditional wedding venue like a restaurant gives you permission to take liberties with other traditions too. Here, a ravishing Temperley London blouse and skirt combo is an unexpected nod to something blue, and a brilliant bouquet by Fox blossoms into an ebullient pastel rainbow.
While your guests indulge in one of the restaurant’s dessert specialties (how does milk chocolate pot de crème sound?), you can slice into a gorgeous cake made for two. Fresh blooms adorn the simple sweet treat.
(a)
Local illustrator and calligrapher Esther Clark is the talent behind this suite, which looks as if it took a spin through a vintage typewriter. Textured paper, elegant calligraphy and gold accents are topped off with the final touch, a personalized wax seal.
(b)
Make a fashionable escape into married life. These unconventional end-of-night looks aren’t for just any couple, they’re for a pair looking to do things their way ... perhaps on the back of a motorcycle. She sports a rosy Rejina Pyo trench, while the newly minted Mr. looks sleek in a Zara jacket.
(c)
The lovely light streaming in through Grand Cafe’s windows begs for an easy, breezy look—a black tux just wouldn’t do. Instead, he’s in a pale blue suit that lets a playfully patterned tie do the talking.
(d)
Vintage aqua lusterware plates add luminous appeal to the place settings, a perfect complement to the floral arrangement. The name cards, set atop the plates, will make your guests gawk, with good reason: gold ink stamped onto capiz shells. Genius.
(e)
Practically speaking, an intimate restaurant setting is simply no place for layers and layers of tulle. This Milly dress, a glamorous show-stopper, is a sleek substitute for the traditional white gown. You almost expect F. Scott Fitzgerald to wander in and cheer.
(f)
Keep glasses clinking and conversation flowing with lush, low florals. Here, Fox expertly pairs orchids with garden roses, anthurium, tiny pink anemones, green lady slipper orchids, blue tweedia, blushing bride protea and bright green amaranth for a lavish contemporary look with soft textures and softer colors.
