This candid summer wedding at The Depot Minneapolis is one of my favorites to date. The gorgeous downtown venue was the perfect backdrop for this couple’s classic aesthetic and emotional commitments.

Caroline and Sam’s Candid Depot Minneapolis Wedding

Caroline (she/her) and Sam (he/him) met in college. The two were paired up when Sam needed a tutor, and the rest was history. The couple currently lives in Chicago, and I love the fact that they both work in education (Caroline’s tutoring skills definitely paid off 😉). I had the pleasure of knowing Caroline in college, and was pumped when she reached out about wedding photography. I had never photographed at the Depot before, and was so excited by the possibility to do so for their wedding.

About the Venue: The Depot Minneapolis

The Depot Minneapolis is a beautiful venue located in the Mississippi Riverfront District of downtown Minneapolis. The former Milwaukee Road railroad depot now houses two hotels and hosts events like galas, weddings and conferences. With over 70,000 square feet, this venue has plenty of space for indoor and outdoor events. Conveniently located downtown, it’s close to US Bank Stadium, the Guthrie Theater, and the iconic Stone Arch Bridge. Caroline and Sam’s rental included access to rooms like Winter Garden, Great Hall (pictured above), and Charles Frost.

Getting Ready in The Charles Frost Room

Caroline and Sam’s entire day of festivities took place at the Depot, which made for a relaxed and peaceful morning. Sam and his friends got ready in their hotel room, while Caroline and her side of the party got ready in the Charles Frost Room on the main floor. We arranged the couple’s first look inside the building, to give them as much privacy as possible.

Portraits in Downtown Minneapolis

Caroline and Sam’s wedding took place at the end of August, which is the peak of summer heat in Minnesota. We needed an outdoor location that was close to the venue for the wedding party and family portraits, so we wouldn’t have to walk that far in the heat. Luckily the steps of the Minneapolis Passport Agency are just across the street from the Depot and it was perfect for our needs. Then, because it was so hot, we booked it back inside the Depot to take some portraits of the couple inside the hotel’s Milwaukee Road Bar.

Ceremony in the Winter Garden Room

The ceremony took place in the Winter Garden room, a 2,600 square foot space. The room feels quite spacious while also providing an intimate feel, and has capacity for 300 guests. With its vaulted ceilings and skylights, the space lets in plenty of natural light which adds to its already warm and inviting ambiance. The beautiful circular frame, decorated with florals from Leitner’s Garden Center, was the perfect backdrop for Caroline and Sam’s emotional ceremony.

After the ceremony, the couple stepped away for a few minutes to sign the marriage license. They asked for a few minutes of privacy after signing so they could soak up the feeling of being married before joining the party. I was more than happy to do so, and I loved this idea so much that I’ve encouraged my couples to do the same ever since. Giving couples the chance to take a breather and just focus on each other during an emotionally charged day is a great way that we can show them care.

Reception in The Great Hall

The reception was held in the Great Hall, a gorgeous ballroom that is attached to Winter Garden. The Great Hall is 4,600 square feet with capacity for 450 guests. The Hall’s beautiful historic architecture provided a sophisticated atmosphere for the reception, which featured emotionally charged speeches, dancing and several types of cake (of course 😉).

Vendors:

Florals: Leitner’s Garden Center

DJ: Bellagala

Coordinator: Bellagala

Dessert: Cafe Latte

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