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I'm a Minnesota mom, dreamer, & photographer with a joyful and timeless style. You might notice I'm quite passionate about my work. I love it!

Hi, I'm jennifer.

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The Bakken Museum Wedding | Marie & Johnny

Aug 12, 2025

Weddings

Hey hey! I’m Jennifer Sanders, a Minnesota wedding photographer. In this post, I will share details from a vibrant wildflower wedding held at the Bakken Museum in Minneapolis on the shores of Bde Maka Ska.

The moment for vows had come, and Marie spoke eloquently about her devotion, leading into a very specific promise. With a twinkle in her eye, she emphatically read the words. Suddenly she then held out her hand to the officiant, staring down her vow book as she grabbed a pen. She spoke aloud, saying no, indeed, that promise should not be included in these vows and promptly crossed them out. Every guest was rolling in laughter as her groom bent over for the hilarious impact of the joke. Johnny had also intended to add a dramatic flair to his vows. He planned to cue in his groomsmen to clap and give a nod to the Friends TV series, but alas! His plans were foiled by a false start to the sequence.

A Bakken Museum Wedding Day Filled with Personality

What I love about that fun in Marie & Johnny’s ceremony is that it showcases their unique and open-hearted personalities. Despite a heat index that competed (and won) against their home city in California, this day was filled with such joy and levity in the full delight of what mattered most: the marriage of Marie & Johnny! Such a happy day.

In addition, I love the unique details they chose for their day: a white tuxedo for Johnny, a unique color palette, custom cufflinks of their dog Indy (who also received a shoutout during cake cutting, on the head table, as well as the featured name of their lavender custom drink!) These two customized their day to include the Marquette Hotel, Lyman Lakes, and The Bakken Museum. The three spaces perfectly capture a day spent on the shores of Bde Maka Ska. Planning the day through Kim with D’Amore Weddings, the day flowed smoothly. Marie’s wildflower dreams were realized through Blossom Studios’ floral artistry. The bouquets and arrangements featured foxglove, phlox, chamomile, and delightful summer colors.

Outdoor Reception on the Green Roof

To overlook a beautiful scene is a treasure for anyone. Marie & Johnny wanted guests to enjoy the architecture of the Bakken Museum and all it has to offer, so naturally they chose to have an outdoor reception on the green roof. The table umbrellas shielded guests from the sun as stories were shared, thanks were given, and cake was cut. It was absolutely a dream to be here as the sun sank in the west, dappling the trees with golden light.

Letter to the Couple

Marie & Johnny, I love your zest for life. You are the best! I am so thankful you chose me to photograph your wedding, and to create art with you on this day you designed so beautifully. I am so thankful you chose to have your wedding in Minnesota so that I could serve you! May you always treasure the uniqueness of each other’s love, and may the joy of your union bring life and light so everyone you know.

With love,

Jennifer

The Bakken Museum Wedding Team

Venue: The Bakken Museum @thebakkenmuseum
Planning: D’amore Weddings @d_amoreweddings
Bartending: Liquid Motion @4liquidmotion
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie @azazieofficial
Bridal Boutique: Lorien Bridal @lorienbridal
Cake: Thirsty Whale Bakery  @thirstywhalebakery
Catering: Gastro Truck  @gastrotruck
Dress Designer: Allure Bridal  @allurebridal
Florals: Blossom Studio  @blossomstudiompls
Groom’s Tux: Gregory Tuxedos  @gregorytuxedos
Hair: Jo Gamoke @jo.gamoke
Makeup: Kassie White Artistry  @kassiewhiteartistry
Rentals: Aprés Event and Tent  @apreseventandtent
Photography: Jennifer Sanders Photography @jennifer.sanders.photography
Videography: Cooper Films  @cooperfilmsmn

DJ: Beats Boutique

The Bakken Museum is located near Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is not only a museum, hosting the history of the West Winds Mansion built in 1929, but also offers venue rental for weddings that features beautiful gardens, a koi pond, and a green roof patio with lawn. It’s architecture offers a unique combination of English Tudor and European Gothic styles.

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