The Machine Shop Wedding | Minneapolis, MN
A Downtown Minneapolis Wedding Weekend—
And a gorgeous one at that! I have fallen in love with Minnesota since my first real visit here last fall, when I photographed Savannah and Connor’s engagements, and I so excitedly looked forward to their wedding weekend for the year that fell between the trips. And when I say the whole thing exceeded all my very high expectations, I mean it. We had the best time celebrating these two and exploring Minneapolis, and we were so genuinely sad to leave when it was all said and done. So I hope you enjoy this visual synopsis of their wedding weekend, from their rehearsal dinner at Birch’s on the Lake in Long Lake, their Catholic ceremony at the Basilica of St. Mary, and their reception at Machine Shop.
We began the weekend with a “cowboy chic” themed rehearsal dinner at Birch’s on the Lake, a local favorite of Savannah and Connor’s, and the theme a nod to Connor’s Texas upbringing. This more intimate gathering of their wedding party and close family kicked off the weekend so beautifully— sunset on the lake while everyone greeted each other on the restaurant’s scenic patio, before moving inside for dinner and toasts. We all got a kick out of the slideshow put together by family members featuring childhood photos of Savannah and Connor. The night before looks so different for every wedding, but I loved the intimacy and low-key nature of this one.
The following morning we arrived at the Machine Shop, where Savannah, Connor, and their wedding party got ready. The venue is in the historic district of Minneapolis, showcasing its grain and manufacturing industry, with plenty of gorgeous brick buildings along the Mississippi River. This made for such a beautiful location for getting ready photos, as well as formal portraits of the wedding party. After a few first looks and a slow, lingering morning, we hopped in the trolley and made our way over to the Basilica of St. Mary, where Savannah and Connor’s ceremony would happen.
This was, by far, the most beautiful church I have ever seen. We were able to access the church grounds early and take all of Savannah and Connor’s formal family portraits before the ceremony, as well as some of their bridals around the church. This place was simply palatial, and made for such a stunning and unique setting for all these photos! Savannah and Connor exchanged private vows in the church before anyone arrived, and I got to capture the sweet, emotional moment from afar. This is something I suggest all our Catholic couples do, as the Catholic ceremony traditionally does not include personal vows. We then hid and awaited guests’ arrivals, and it was so cool to capture the awe as people saw the church for the first time (very similar to ours, lol). In front of everyone they love, Savannah and Connor became husband and wife!
After exiting the church, a natural “receiving line” of sorts formed, as the newlyweds got to greet all their guests as they exited. This was so sweet to capture, as this was the first time Savannah and Connor got to see many of their people that day. It truly became one of those unplanned, yet beautifully serendipitous moments I am sure they will cherish forever. After a spirited exit down the basilica’s front steps, we hopped back in the trolley and headed to the Machine Shop.
Cocktail hour was a sweet opportunity for Savannah and Connor to greet all their guests. As everyone was being seated for dinner, we stole a little bit of the last light of the day and captured a few more bridals on the cobblestone streets of this district. The warm glow of all the candles incorporated in Savannah and Connor’s event design cast a real feeling of intimacy as we all shared a delicious dinner. The toasts given by various bridal party and family members were deeply emotional— we laughed and we cried all together in the candle light. And then, the energy of the evening really turned up. One of Savannah and Connor’s biggest wishes for their wedding was to have a live band, and I really believe they found the best one. The dance floor was packed all night, and this was a wedding that we stayed at to celebrate long after our coverage ended. We are so grateful to have been part of this sweet celebration for two people we love deeply!
A special thank you to the incredible team who made this day possible, some of the Twin Cities’ very best wedding vendors.
Venues - Birch’s on the Lake, The Basilica of St. Mary, Machine Shop / Coordination - Amber Terese Events / Flowers - The Cutting Garden / Beauty - Jesus Arte / Bar - D’Amico / Catering - Deco / Band - Bluewater Kings Band / Rentals - Ultimate Events / Draping & Lighting - We’ve Got It Covered / Transportation - Schmitty & Sons
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We’re Katie and Joseph, a husband and wife team, and documentary wedding photographers.
We are big fans of documenting wedding days in an unposed, raw, genuine, and honest way that allows our couples to maximize their experience on their day while also receiving a gallery full of stunning images that communicate how it felt to be there.
Though we’re based in Arizona + California, we’ll travel anywhere, like Minnesota (Minneapolis is a new favorite city after this trip!!!), for a good love story (and dance party). We invite you to follow the links below to learn more about us and our services, and to get in contact with us!
