Cassandra and Michael Svendsen (Photograph by Paul Retherford Photography) Cassandra Ann Piippo and Michael James Svendsen were united in marriage Saturday, August 15, 2009, at Zion Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Ignace. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, Gerald Piippo. The bride’s grandfather, the Reverend Gene C. Harrison, performed the traditional Christian ceremony. Music was provided by pianist Elaine Sprague.

The bride is the daughter of Gerald and Lynne Piippo of St. Ignace. The groom is the son of James and Kathryn Svendsen of Elk River, Minnesota.

The bride wore a lace, beaded, floor length, ivory, sleeveless gown with a chapel lace train by Spanish designer Pronovias. She wore a veil of ivory tulle and adorned her hair with a white plumeria and crystal beads. She carried a ribbon-tied bouquet of white roses, hydrangea, stephanotis, chrysanthemums, and blue delphinium.

Lacy Delgreco of Canton served as the matron of honor for her sister. She wore a kneelength, taffeta, cobalt blue gown and carried a similar bouquet to the bride’s.

The groom and his attendants, with his father and the father of the bride, wore black suits with cobalt blue accessories. Best man was Josh VanAble of Farmington, Minnesota. The bride’s and groom’s brothers, Jesse Piippo and Andrew Svendsen, served as ushers.

A dinner began the reception at Little Bear East Arena, where nearly 200 friends and family dined and celebrated with the newlyweds. Dinner was followed by cake, dancing, and viewing the St. Ignace fireworks outside. Guests came from Switzerland, Pennsylvania, Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan.

The couple will make their home in Hugo, Minnesota.