A Vintage Literary-Themed Wedding at a Library in Minnesota

Erin and David

Erin and David first met in high school, when they were both on a college recruiting trip for swimming. Though they ended up going to different schools, the pair instantly connected and began a long-distance relationship that would last for seven years. They made it official on May 19, 2012 at the James J. Hill Library in downtown St. Paul. After the ceremony, the newlyweds celebrated with loved ones among vintage details, custom décor, and--of course--plenty of books.

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The Invitations

The blue, white, and neutral invites were made by Wedding Paper Divas.

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The Fashions

Erin, who loves polka dots, knew her Christos gown was the one before she even tried it on. She paired it with a custom headpiece, made from a flower that was originally on the dress. David sported a Heimie's Haberdashery suit.

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The Bride's Bouquet

The bride carried a soft clutch of peonies, spray roses, and scabiosa pods that were wrapped in the same fabric that was used for the table runners.

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A Heartfelt Accessory

David carried an engraved pocket watch, a gift from his friend.

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A Family Affair

Erin's three sisters, dressed in navy J. Crew dresses, and David's three brothers, who sported suits from Heimie's Haberdashery, served as the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

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Snazzy Shoes

The bridesmaids' navy Menbur shoes featured a polka-dot pattern that complemented the bride's dress.

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Posing for Portraits

The couple stopped for pictures in Mear's Park before the ceremony.

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The Venue

David was an English major in college and Erin loves books as well, so the James J. Hill Library in downtown St. Paul was an obvious venue choice for both their wedding ceremony and reception.

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A Photo-Op

The bookshelves inside the library offered a unique backdrop for Erin and David's portraits, snapped by Becca Dilley.

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The Programs

A Milestone Paper Co. created simple ceremony programs to complement the couple's wedding invitations.

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The Ceremony

The couple recited their own vows in front of 120 guests, then ended with a Champagne toast after their kiss. "Every guest had a glass of Champagne and we were toasted down the aisle!" said Erin.

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A Special Reading

The ceremony readings included "Answer to a Child's Question" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the groom's favorite author.

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Party in the Library

Erin and David loved the library's historic charm and character and opted for simple décor to let the innate ambiance take center stage.

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Keeping it Cozy

Small table lamps, which serve as lighting for the library patrons by day, served as cozy accents for the side tables that night.

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A Touch of Nostalgia

Escort cards were housed in a vintage card catalog, which guests flipped through to find their seating assignments.

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The Table Numbers

Instead of numbers, each table was named after David's favorite authors, another nod to his love of literature.

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The Place Settings

Custom vintage-inspired runners in two different patterns embellished the library tables. The napkins, which were also custom-made, are now an entertaining staple in Erin and David's home.

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Simple Centerpieces

Small floral arrangements in mercury glass vessels topped the tables, as did a few vintage books.

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Father-Daughter Dance

"I don't know who was more nervous—me or my dad!" said Erin of her father-daughter dance. The two had taken lessons and choreographed a dance to "Daughter" by Loudon Wainwright III.

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