Minneapolis Event Centers Wedding | Claire & Matthew

This day was the stuff of dreams in the Mill District area of Minneapolis! As a Minneapolis Event Centers wedding, we were able to capture the vibe of the riverfront and downtown. Starting the day at the stunning Canopy hotel, Claire wore her Mori Lee dress and a surprise gift from Matthew – a beautiful diamond bracelet from James Allen! Witnessing Claire cry so beautifully as she read Matthew’s letter on her wedding morning was a treasure. I love watching the surprise planned by her sister and her fiancé come to fruition! Claire is such a sweet and joyful person, so easy to rejoice with.

The Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

Awe – that is the feeling that overcomes you as you walk into the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas! I do not think I’ve seen a more beautiful ceiling in all of Minneapolis – it is truly an architectural work of art. Every angle was picturesque! I loved using the choir loft for wider perspective photos that showcased the fullness of the community gathered around these two. The gentle butter yellows and golden accents ascending to the dazzling ceiling heights transcend the imagination. Claire & Matthew’s Catholic wedding mass was such a beautiful highlight of the day. The reverence towards the sanctity of marriage is truly upheld here and it was a joy to witness.

I truly love photographing the Catholic wedding mass and the way it focuses guests, family, the wedding party, and the couple on the delight of God in marriage. The length of the mass is perfect for slowing down wedding day and allowing everyone to truly pause in the middle of all the excitement. To hold a reflective space where all can cherish and savor the moment. The beauty of the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas is truly ethereal and I cannot say enough about it!

Wedding Portraits on St. Anthony Main

First, I must say that the use of a party bus was so wonderful for navigating the downtown area. Keeping the wedding party together added hilarious memories to the day as well as an stress-free way of accommodating Claire & Matthew’s desires for a photo by the University of St. Thomas arches. As tradition has it, if two Tommies kiss under the arches at midnight, they are destined to marry! So naturally, we had to document the prophecy come true 🙂 Photographing under the arches of campus was a must have moment for these two so we made it work even though the rain nearly came down.

Minneapolis Event Centers – the heart of the city!

Afterwards, (aboard the party bus again!) we separated from the wedding party to take stunning portraits of just the couple on “the rock” of St. Anthony Main. Husband & wife photos are always one of my favorite parts of the day! Claire’s long veil got a full feature – I will never tire of long wedding veils! In spite of forecasted rain, our time outside was a glorious mix of sun and clouds allowing for a full set of portraits.

I cannot say enough how ideal the location of the Riverside is as a venue! We were able to walk right from our portrait location into the reception. No time wasted with another drive. Claire & Matthew’s reception was filled with dancing! The Riverside All Stars played for the entire night – from first dances through the open dance floor. There is something irreplaceable about live music. And the guests were HERE FOR IT! Even Grandma Grace brought out her moves!

Claire & Matthew,

Thank you so much for having me (literally ride!) along on your wedding day. I thoroughly enjoyed being with your friends and family and am so happy for your marriage! Your nuptial mass at St. Thomas Aqunias brought such high art into your day and truly allowed everyone to focus on what matters most: you are becoming one family! May the Lord bless you with grace and patience to truly cherish each other as you grow evermore into who He made you to be! You are perfectly suited to each other.

Joyfully,

Jennifer