navigate

St. Paul & Minneapolis,
Minnesota Photographer

blog

contact

offerings

ABOUT

HOME

Inquire

weddings

for photographers

Personal

PORTRAITS

ENGAGEMENTS

WEDDINGS

More Categories

Browse Posts

Portraits

Browse Posts

Engagements

Browse Posts

Weddings

find me elsewhere:

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.

Browse Posts

Personal

The Grand 1858 MEC Wedding | Kelsi & James

Sep 1, 2025

The Grand 1858 MEC Wedding Jennifer Sanders Photography

Weddings

Hey hey! I’m Jennifer Sanders, a Minnesota wedding photographer. In this post, I will share images and details from an elegant Grand 1858 MEC Wedding held in Minneapolis near the historic streets of Saint Anthony Main.

Kelsi & James filled their day with honoring their parents in so many creative ways, laughter all around, and a beautiful spring palette on this hot summer day. This was truly a day of room-wide celebration and a packed dance floor! So many of their details showcased their hearts to love well. Kelsi was literally smiling the whole day – even as rain threatened to take away the outdoor ceremony!

American and UK Traditions

Mixing the traditions of the UK with the US, Kelsi & James poured the warmth of their hearts into their wedding. Bridesmaids walked down the aisle solo before taking their seats, and groomsmen attended the wedding already seated. Speeches had the room rolling with laughter. James’ best man from England brought the charming stories of young James to life while Kelsi’s dad shared about her vivacious personality. The couple used James’ parents cake decorations.

Custom Touches for a Grand 1858 MEC Wedding

The Grand 1858 was the perfect choice for Kelsi & James. They love the iconic urban spots! Kelsi & James chose the same calendar day for their wedding as Kelsi’s parents! So it was an anniversary celebration as well as a wedding day. Kelsi had her mother’s dress altered into a beautiful robe featuring their wedding date. I loved seeing her connection with her mom!

As lovers of Minneapolis, the couple incorporated the Stone Arch bridge into their save the dates. I absolutely loved the sky, kiwi, and patterned tones of Kelsi’s maids and invitation suite  – such a perfect combination with Artemisia’s bouquets! Kelsi’s beautiful East-West Oval ring was another example of how these two tailored the details to their taste, to stunning effect.

Letter to the Couple

Kelsi & James,

You’re married! I am truly so happy for you, and wow am I thankful you chose me to be your wedding photographer. You brought together such a wonderful team of vendors, and I just LOVED how you delighted in each other all day, with so many happy tears! Nothing dampened your joy. Your families and friends are such lovely people. Never forget how blessed you are to be surrounded by them! May you grow in ever deeper love and treasure each other through every trial and joy life brings. Cheers to you!

With love,

Jennifer

The Grand 1858 MEC Wedding Creative Team

Venue: The Grand 1858 at Minneapolis Event Centers

Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie, Show Me Your Mumu, Hello Molly, Revelry, and Astr the Label

Photography: Jennifer Sanders Photography

Dress: Anthropologie Weddings by designer Jenny Yoon

Florals & Rentals: Artemisia Studios

Hair & Makeup: The Beauty Collective

Groomsmen Attire: Moss Bros

DJ: Ambient Entertainment

Content Creator: Media By MK

The Grand 1858 MEC is a wedding venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota located right on the historic street of St. Anthony Main. As a part of the Minneapolis Event Centers (MEC) and the Entourage Events Group, The Grand 1858 offers a private outdoor ceremony location, bar area, as well as a beautiful dance floor and brick reception room. It allows for up to 350 guests with convenient nearby parking for guests. As a photographer, I love the proximity to iconic urban spots on St. Anthony Main!

Reply...