turning concept into reality
The Concept
Claire and Jason loved the idea of an intimate, black-tie ceremony for close friends and family, but they also wanted to celebrate with the broader circle of friends they had both met along their journey of finding love. So, they decided to do both and created a weekend dedicated to their wedding! They wanted their celebration split into two days: a formal, intimate black-tie ceremony and formal dinner on Friday for 50 family members and guests, followed by a fun, vibrant, blowout party on Saturday! In contrast to the two events, Friday was candlelight and Saturday was fireworks! Friday was stately and elegant and Saturday was pure whimsy. These two events needed to be vastly different in every way.
Our Vision - Day 1
Day 2
The Reality
Finding the right venues for Friday and Saturday was key to ensure the vision for the two nights would be vastly different. For the intimate, black tie dinner Friday night, we suggested a venue that would facilitate a long harvest table for all 50 guests. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts had the perfect stately architecture and long marble-lined corridor for the long dining table. Dining amongst art was also a sure way to elevate the event. Claire and Jason were married in one of the galleries. Following the ceremony, guests were invited downstairs to mingle amongst the art. Open galleries and a string quartet entertained the guests. Gorgeous canapes including Thyme and Gruyère Gougères with Fromage Fort and Fines Herbes, Demi-Sec Tomato, Olive and Chèvre Tartlets, and Duck Rillettes with Preserved Satsuma gave the hint to the guests that this night was going to be a culinary experience!
The dining table was filled with lush florals and an elaborate tablescape. Personalized menus outlined the menu – a formal, five-course dinner with wine pairings which included such delights as Cauliflower Bavarois, Wagyu Zabuton, Seared Scallops and a Cheese Course/Sauternes pairing followed by a traditional Mexican vanilla wedding cake. The guests enjoyed live piano music throughout the night, and left with take-away favors of Chocolate Mendiants with Pistachio & Apricot.
Friday was gorgeous, but Claire and Jason’s wedding celebration was nowhere near over!
On Saturday, it was time to party! Claire hung up Friday’s ball gown and slipped into a white, strapless jumpsuit for the Saturday festivities at The Whim. Here, 200 guests gathered for a lively party bursting with color and energy. On top of the already abundant floral displays, several large-scale paper flower structures were spread throughout the space to serve as focal points, with floral projections displayed onto the walls. Photos from the previous night were staged in virtual frames and were also projected on a large wall for guests to enjoy and to share in the intimate festivities. Instead of a sit-down dinner, the event was cocktail reception style with smaller round tables and lounge groupings for a more relaxed vibe. Five food stations were set around the space, serving more than 20 unique items from different regions around the world. Their favorite desserts were also served, including pie, cake pops, and ice cream sandwiches. Bold, vibrant table linens were selected. Because the room was not filled with 20+ dining tables, it was important that each decor piece really added a wow factor to the overall look of the room.
The party was abundant with entertainment options. An 11 piece band performed all night, providing excellent live music for dancing. Additional activities included a fun photo booth and a live painting station, where guests each added their own contribution to an art piece to be displayed in their home.
The two nights could not have been more different yet each uniquely played to the various sides of the couple and their wishes for their wedding celebration, or should we say celebrations!
Day 1: Full Service Design & Planning: Style-Architects Weddings & Events | Photography: Robert Evans Imagery | Videography: Alma Films | Venue: Minneapolis Institute of Art | Catering: Paris Dining Club | Cake: Emily Grace Cakes | Floral: Botany Creative Works | Decor: Apres, Linen Effects, Haven & Gather | Music: Adam Daniel | Ceremony Musicians: Lake Minnetonka String Quartet | Hair/Makeup: Brett Dorian | Paper: Paper Rock Scissor | Transportation: Eclipse
Day 2: Full Service Design & Planning: Style-Architects Weddings & Events | Photography: Robert Evans Imagery | Videography: Alma Films | Venue: The Whim | Catering: Create Catering | Desserts: Honey + Milk, Cocoa & Fig, Sara’s Tipsy Pies | Floral: Botany Creative Works | Decor: Apres, Collected & Co, Haven & Gather | Floral Projection: Future Projections | Neon Sign: MASS Group | Lighting: PHOS Events | Band: Northstar | Hair/Makeup: Brett Dorian | Paper: Paper Rock Scissor | Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth | Painting: Paint My Wedding Day