Discover Emily and Dustin wedding in the most gorgeous venue in St Paul!

Wedding Photos at the Saint Paul Athletic Club

What memories do you keep from the last ceremony you went? As a wedding photographer in serving the Twin Cities area, I experience a LOT of events! And, to be honest, I can’t remember all of them!
But, have you ever assisted to a wedding which level is far above many other weddings? When you have the feeling to be in another dimension of time, and you just forget that it’s actually a wedding reception? I believe that’s the sign of a successful event. Well, this enchanting and elegant wedding is one of those rare pearls!

So, after covering Emily and Dustin’s engagement session on two historical locations in Saint Paul (the Capitol and the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary), I was delighted to meet this couple again for their wedding at the Saint Paul Athletic Club. Be ready, it’s one of the most memorable weddings of the season in a unique wedding venue! It’s incredible how everything, in every detail from the floor to the ceiling, was enchanting and how the talented couple managed to pull all these elements together!

— first look at the picturesque fitness center — — —first look at the picturesque fitness center —

Table of Contents

Photos of the groom getting ready for his wedding at the Saint Paul Athletic Club

Dustin was getting ready with his best man at the 340 Hotel in Saint Paul Downtown, which has a partnership with the Saint Paul Athletic Club. And for those who wonder, the name is coming from the address: 340 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, MN.

I can’t say the room was huge, especially because I shared it with the great videographer Jorge and his wife, but it was a nice room. Sun rays were coming through the windows, and it offered a scenic overlooking view of Saint Paul Downtown. Actually, it was the best man’s room, who was also the officiant! It is kind of cool to be married to your best friend, isn’t it!

The old furniture in dark wood and the canvas created a vintage style; I liked it. It was really about the spirit of an old club. Then, the groomsmen arrived and helped Dustin to get dressed. The elegant, tailor-made suit came from Indochino.
I took some shots of his brown leather shoe details (Florsheim), his belt, the Michael Kors watch, the cufflinks and his funny socks.

An impeccable gift

Once all done, he seated and he opened the bride’s gift to him: some hiking shoes and a note. So when he read the letter, it was a strong and emotional moment. And it’s precisely these moments that I like during the preparation. The natural light coming from the windows created a dramatic lighting effect.

— a club atmosphere, the bar is open ! — — —a club atmosphere, the bar is open! —

— suite from indochino — — —suite from indochino —

— florsheim shoes — — —florsheim shoes —

— groomsmen waxing his shoes — — —groomsmen waxing his shoes —

— embroidered name — — —embroidered name —

— big day getting ready silhouette — — —big day getting ready silhouette —

— creative photography under the lamp — — —creative photography under the lamp —

— reflexion bw groom — — —reflection bw groom —

— Great service for the best man in action — — —Great service in action —

— michael kors watch on window — — —Michael Kors watch on the window —

— funny pictures with hands — — —funny pictures with hands —

— groom reading letter — — —groom reading letters —

— emotions reading letter — — —emotions reading letter —

The Bride Getting Ready

The bride was getting ready in Saint Paul, MN. She turned her newly renovated home into a bridal suite that accommodated all her bridesmaids and family members. She was surrounded by all her beloved ones. Of course, it was crowded but there were only joyful interactions and excitation. In the air, you could fill these same good vibes you have during Christmas when all your family is gathered!

The bride had her hair and make-up done by Creative Beaute Agency (www.creativebeauteagency.com). To capture the details, I borrowed the elegant golden dress from The Wedding Shoppe: the shoes, the wedding rings (from Blue Nile), and other jewels and brought them outside for better lighting.
Then the bride opened her gift and had the first look with her father.

— home in lush tree and sund — — —home in lush tree and sun —

— glamorous makeup — — —glamorous makeup —

— room full of woman — — —room full of woman —

— neckless and earing pearl — — —neckless and hearing pearl —

— detail of wedding dress white and cream — — —detail of wedding dress white and cream —

— picturesque s style wedding dress — — —picturesque style wedding dress —

— magificient wedding ring in grass — — —sublime wedding ring in grass —

— gold band and pink gold wedding ring and diamond ring — — —gold band and pink-gold wedding ring and diamond ring —

— stationery invitations — — —stationery invitations —

— fiancée reading letter — — —fiancée reading letters —

— white shoes hells — — —white shoes hell —

— the way the mother looks at her daughter — — —the way the mother looks at her daughter —

— almost ready to get married — — —almost ready to get married —

— mother helping with the dress — — —mother helping with the dress —

— she is ready, waiting for her father — — —she is ready, waiting for her father —

— first look with the father — — —first look with the father —

First look at the Athletic Club, Saint Paul, MN

It’s in the yoga room of the Athletic Club that we planned the first look between the husband and wife-to-be. It worked pretty well. The huge arched windows, the decoration of the ceiling and the stunning wood floor created a unique and spectacular backdrop, which helped me to picture perfectly the love between those two.

— first look at the picturesque fitness classes — — —Couple having their first look at the picturesque fitness classes —

— first look in a beautiful space — — — what a beautiful space —

— black white silhouette — — —black-white silhouette —

Bridal Party Pictures in the Club Lobby

The lobby, with its balcony is one of the centerpieces of this wedding reception venue. It is the kind of reception hall that brings you to another dimension. We were back at the beginnings of the hotel, during the historic prohibition period. It was such a pleasure to stage these pictures in such a breathtaking backdrop.

— groom and groomsmen Lobby — — —groom and groomsmen lobby —

— ready to tie the knot — — —ready to tie the knot —

— married couple and bridesmaid — — —married couples and bridesmaids —

Couple Session in Saint Paul, MN

During the planning process, we chose the Como Park for the couple session. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and abort the session to make sure we wouldn’t be late to the church.

— relaxing moment — — —relaxing moment —

— wedding colors pink to plum — — —wedding colors pink to plum —

Wedding Ceremony With a Special Officiant

They chose their family’s church, the Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church (Eagan facing Highway 55) for their religious union, big enough to accommodate all their guests. What made this moment special is that it was celebrated by the groom’s best friend, who was also a pastor. And that’s something unique that made the ritual more intense and powerful. The wedding protocol itself was pretty formal, they walked down the aisle, the respective mothers lighted the candles, they exchanged their vows, she said I do, they exchanged the wedding rings and kissed. Then all the guests headed up to the reception site.

— usher lighting candles — — —usher lighting candles —

— woman playing violin — — —woman playing violin —

— emotion waiting for the one — — —emotion waiting for the one —

— she walks down the aisle — — —she walks down the aisle —

— mothers lighting unity candle — — —mothers lighting unity candles —

— Religious union — — —view from above —

— newly married — — —newly married couples —

— when your priest is your best friend — — —when your priest is your BBF —

Saint Paul Athletic Club a neoclassical building and pure joy for a Minneapolis wedding photographer

This Saint Paul wedding venue was so unique that a short historical explanation of this 1915 building is needed. What made it so special is maybe the fact that it has been designed by the same architect who created the Great Central Station in NYC. The Club was designed to be a luxury place, reserved only for rich people who could afford it. Now, it is turned into a wedding and event venue.
In other words, that’s just a sublime location with pure elegance! So if you are looking for a professional wedding photographer to capture-powerful memories of your ceremony in the Twin Cities, please call me! It’s a gift to work is such a location!

—sublime ceilings and large capacity ball room —

— magnificent plaster moldings and chandeliers— — —magnificent plaster moldings and chandeliers—

— simple center table flower — — —simple center table flower —

Celebrate Your Wedding at the Saint Paul Athletic Club

After holding the cocktail hour in the Lobby, the dinner took place in the Grand Ballroom. It’s a huge room, with a very high ceiling with interesting ornamental plaster, some impressive big two-story windows and some massive crystal chandeliers. The room had a balcony that was useful for taking pictures of the bride and groom’s big entrance. Tables were decorated by the talented florist DIY Flower House.

The white wedding cake was designed by buttercream and the catering was provided by The University Club. For the music, the Blue Water King’s band, turned the evening into an unforgettable and perfect wedding party. I believed I was in some clubs, they really made everyone move on the dance floor until the end of the night! At one point the bride did the bouquet toss. They were helped with the lighting by Doy Willis Lighting.

The graphic designer printed (at Ideal Printer) the wedding’s save-the-date and a guest book (on a thick paper) including some engagement pictures of some pictures from other travels.
During the event, the toast was super great, full of emotions and laughs, a perfect moment.

— table decoration with linens— — —table decoration with linens —

— walking in the street — — —walking in the street —

— kiss in front of the famous Renaissance Revival-influenced Beaux-Arts style architecture — — —kiss in front of the famous Renaissance Revival-influenced Beaux-Arts style architecture —

— Photo session by wedding photographer — — —Photo session by wedding photographer —

— wedding group picture in the lobby— — —wedding group picture in the lobby—

— the newly married couple seams surprise to see me— — —the newly married couple seams surprise to see me—

— the food is served by the staff ! large capacity for your dinner — — —the food is served by the staff! large capacity for your dinner —

— who love the bride — — —who loves the bride —

— white wedding cake with flower on the top — — —white wedding cake with flower on the top —

— the cake almost fall — — —the cake almost falls —

— someone if making fun of the husband and wife — — —someone if making fun of the husband and wife —

— let's play with flash and use the vault ceiling — — —let’s play with flash and use the vault ceiling —

— wedding portrait with blue background and candles — — —wedding portrait with blue background and candles —

— Lets the party begin mn — — —Lets the party begin —

— father daughter first dance mn — — —father daughter first dance —

— photos from outside the venue — — —photos from outside the venue —

— black and white artistic picture — — —black and white artistic picture —

— music band is always a must — — —music band is always a must —

— guest having fun — — —guest having fun —

— Other point of view on the sublime room and the Music band — — —Another point of view on the sublime room and the music band —

— last crazy on a rooftop — — —last crazy on a rooftop —

— BFF — — —One-lifetime memory with your BFF —

Turn your receptions into Nightclubs

During the dinner, I remember I climbed the marble staircase to set up some creative and fine-art pictures everywhere I could! Indeed, the floor-to-ceiling windows was more motivating!

My only regret is that the swimming pool was closed (not for the swim lesson), but I would have tried to do some staging pictures! That said, I “kidnapped” Emily and Dustin, the best man and the maid of honor, for a last picture on the rooftop of the adjacent parking lot. That was a lot of fun!

I can’t say enough how grateful I am to Emily and Dustin, who trusted me and allowed me to testify of their unique, wonderful wedding. That’s the kind of wedding that makes me love being a wedding photographer in Saint Paul. At the end of their special day, to me they were more friends than clients.

7 reasons to choose the St Paul Athletic Club to host your wedding celebration

The lobby and the sublime Grand Ballroom

I have already detailed how beautiful are those rooms. Visit them, and you will understand!

Enjoy the hotel amenities

It’s pretty convenient to have an all-in-one venue. You and your guests don’t have to drive and thus can party until the end of the night.
What’s more, if you have family flying to your event, it would also be more convenient for them to enjoy the 340-Cedar Street Hotel.

Perfect to have rehearsal dinner

If you gather your close family, you might plan for a dinner the day before the event. Again, it’s easier for everyone to be in the same hotel downtown.

A bar for a refined beverage

Having an extra room for guests who don’t like to dance but prefer to chat is always great. And having delicious cocktails is always better than cheap beers.

Only one lifetime event

Such a high-standing venue, with an experienced team (managed by the University of Minnesota), high-quality service working with qualified staff, and good caterers, comes, sure, with a price.
If I never encourage a couple freshly graduated from university to get a loan to get married. But I would rather encourage those who have comfortable incomes to allow you a folly.
Indeed, it’s a one-lifetime event that you will never regret or forget!

Save on decoration

Another great advantage of such a location is that you don’t need to spend money on decoration. Thus, you can trim on flowers, linen, and other superficial interior ornaments.

Saint Paul Athletic Club: Pure elegance for sublime photos

All photographers would tell you that they dream is to work in such a photogenic venue. Indeed, chronicling an event there is the guarantee of having enchanting images that you will cherish forever.
Nevertheless, you need a good and experienced professional to work in a low-light environment.

Managed by the University of Minnesota

You might not be aware, but the University of Minnesota hold and managed several of the most beautiful venues in town. Which means they have experience and are a solid company you can trust.

Vendors

CAKE Buttercream
MUSIC BAND Bluewater Kings Band
GROOM WATCH/CUFFLINK: BELT Michael Kors
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ideal Printers
CAMERAMAN Karica Films
BRIDAL PARTY DRESS & WEARHOUSE Birdy Grey
WEDDING RINGS Blue Nile
HAIR STYLIST & MAKEUP ARTIST Creative Beaute Agency
SHUTTLE/CAR/CARRIAGE: Enterprise Exotics
GROOM SHOES Florsheim
GROOM SUITE/TIE/BOOTIE Indochino
VENUE CONTACT: The University Club
BRIDE DRESS The Wedding Shoppe
FLORIST DIY Flower House
LIGHTENING Doy Willis Lighting

Conclusion

If you are planning your one-lifetime event at the Saint Paul Athletic Club, I would be more than happy to hear from you. Indeed, for pictures, it’s really one of the top wedding venues in Saint Paul and a real dream for photographers.

In consequence, If you are planning to get married there, don’t hesitate to send me a message!

Three other Historical venues in The 10 000 Lakes State

After if you don’t have 300 guests to invite and only have a limited budget, you might prefer to consider more affordable locations. This is three charming venue, with different styles, in the 10,000 Lakes State. Let’s go from the simple to the more sophisticated.

Berwood Inn

If you are ready to drive 2 hours driving from Minneapolis, the Berwood Inn in Lanesboro features a charming Victorian House. Photographers would love the rustic aspect, the cottage garden four outdoor weddings, the open view on the valley, and the warm atmosphere of the dinner room. Of course, this country side venue is closer to a barn than a fancy palace!

The Aster Cafe

Located in the Historic Minnesota St Anthony Main Street in Minneapolis, the Aster Cafe is a cute venue, perfect for a rehearsal dinner, or a small event. The historical green frontage with arch windows is nothing but lovely. It’s ideally settled in front of the Mississippi River, providing a view on the city skyline and access to the nearby parks. You would also appreciate the bright bridal suite to get ready!

The Famous Conservatory

The McNeely Conservatory is another Minnesota gem cherished by photographers for portraits and family sessions. Its Sunken greenhouse and its renowned dome are nothing but enchanting. It provides an enchanting location to tie the knot.
The Park also provides all kinds of room for receptions.
One century ago, when the gentlemen from the university went to private Clubs to smoke cigars and discuss the future of Minneapolis, the young ladies used to go to the park.