Last Saturday I photographed a Stunning wedding at The Depot at Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel! The details were planned by Pink Peony and Events, one of my favorite wedding planning companies in Minnesota! And honestly, if you look at all these details you’ll want to stand up and clap! The wedding took place at The Depot at Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel. This venue was completely remodeled a few years back and this was my first time back since. Let me tell you, it’s a stunning place! Brides get either get ready at the hotel, or there’s also this big room available (you’ll see in the photos below). The floral wallpaper was my favorite part about it!

Bride and Groom First Look at The Depot

Courtney and Chris fell in love YEARS ago. Actually, Chris fell in love with Courtney at first sight. Except they were still children back then. And it was only a few years later when he got the nerve to ask her out on a date. I’m pretty sure they’ve been inseparable ever since!

For their first look, they read letters to each other right before, back to back. Such an intimate moment! The parents (well, the moms!) had asked to be able to view this moment, so we chose this spot. Family and friends were gathered right inside watching through the big glass walls! I’m definitely a fan of private first looks, but this arrangement was perfect in my opinion!

Wedding Party Photos in Downtown Minneapolis

These light blue bridesmaids dresses from Azazie are still calling my name! Azazie is truly a great option to find bridesmaids dresses as you can send your own sizing so it gets custom made for you (hello short ladies no need for a hem!). I love that Courtney let the girls choose different dress designs too; the mismatched look is so beautiful!

Chris and the guys looked pretty cute too…

The Signing of the Ketubah

The Ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract that is validated before a wedding. It is this ceremony that makes the marriage legal and binding according to Jewish law. It is a private moment, with the Rabbi and a close family and friends. I felt so honored to have been there to take some photos of it!

Wedding Ceremony at The Depot

And then it was time to walk down the aisle! Upon entering the ceremony area, guests were greeted with this beautiful display of glasses with their place cards for dinner. Even cooler, the pottery glasses were all handmade by the groom’s mom and husband, Joey! All unique and beautiful, they were also filled with champagne for a little sip while finding a seat before the ceremony!

I love that both mom and dad walked to the middle of the aisle, and then waited for their beautiful daughter so they could BOTH walk her the rest of the way to her husband!

The Wedding Chuppah

A chuppah is a traditional Jewish wedding canopy that symbolizes the home that a couple will build together. How stunning is this one?? With beautiful floral by Kindred Blooms!

And the cake??? By my all time FAVORITE, Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe (Who also did MY wedding cake!).

Wedding Reception at the Depot Minneapolis

What a reception!!! Courtney and Chris sure know how to entertain! They had one of my favorite bands ever, The Blue Water Kings, fabulous food, the best cake, props for the dance floor, handmade ice cream sandwiches (what???)… Everything was so perfect!

I also got to try Challah bread for the first time! I will now be ordering from Morgan weekly for the rest of my life! Best bread EVER!

The Horah Dance

It probably wouldn’t be a Jewish wedding without the horah dance! The energy from this moment was unbelievable! The horah dance, also called chair dance, is a big Jewish wedding tradition for weddings.

Courtney and Chris, from the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best in your married life together! It was an honor working with you! Mazel Tov!

And the fabulous vendors who made this Stunning wedding at The Depot at Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel a reality:

PHOTOS: Poly Mendes

VENUE: Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot

PLANNING: Pink Peony and Events
VIDEO: Harvest Film Co.
MUSIC: Blue Water Kings (band + duo for ceremony)
FLORAL: Kindred Blooms
LIGHTING: Phos
HMU: Primped
RENTALS: BBJ (linens), Apres (Chairs, chargers, settee, shelving units + easel)
DESSERT: Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe, Honey & Milk Ice Cream sandwiches
PAPER GOODS: A Milestone Paper Company
PHOTOBOOTH: Time into Pixels
TRANSPORTATION: Renee’s Limousines
RABBI: Justin

CHALLAH: Morgan’s Broth and Buns
OTHER: welcome drink cups hand made by the Groom’s mom and husband, Joey, of Pecantree Pottery