Claire & Jason // The Minneapolis Institute of Art & The Whim
Claire and Jason first met at a wedding in 2019. While they immediately hit it off, Claire was in a relationship at the time, so nothing came about. The second time they met was a few years later through the dating app Bumble; Jason immediately remembered Claire and matched with her, but Claire didn’t recognize him and passed him by! More time passed and Claire, who was growing frustrated with online dating, finally reached out to Jason in a last-ditch attempt—almost nine months after they initially matched. When Jason made the connection for Claire back to their first meeting at the wedding, she immediately insisted they meet. Their first date was a romantic night out on New Year’s Eve 2021, and after that date, Claire told her mom she was going to marry Jason.
When beginning their wedding planning process, the couple loved the idea of an intimate, black-tie ceremony for close friends and family, but also wanted to celebrate with the broader circle of friends they had both met along their journey of finding love. So, they decided to do both and created an entire weekend dedicated to their wedding! Their celebration was split into two days: a formal, intimate black-tie ceremony and formal dinner on Friday, and a fun, vibrant, all-out party on Saturday!
On Friday, Claire and Jason were married in a romantic ceremony at the Minneapolis Institute of Art among 46 of their close friends and family. Following the ceremony, guests were invited downstairs where open art galleries and a string quartet entertained them. Gorgeous canapes from Paris Dining Club, including Thyme and Gruyère Gougères with Fromage Fort and Fines Herbes, Demi-Sec Tomato, Olive and Chèvre Tartlets, and Duck Rillettes with Preserved Satsuma, gave a hint to the guests that this night was going to be a true culinary experience! At dinner, the guests sat at one long family table with the couple. The space was filled with lush florals and an elaborate tablescape. A formal, five-course dinner with wine pairings was served and included such delights as Cauliflower Bavarois, Wagyu Zabuton, Seared Scallops, and a Cheese Course/Sauternes pairing followed by a traditional Mexican vanilla wedding cake. The guests enjoyed live piano music throughout the night and left with take-away favors of Chocolate Mendiants with Pistachio & Apricot.
But, Claire and Jason’s wedding celebration was nowhere near over!
On Saturday, it was time to party! Claire hung up Friday’s ballgown and slipped into a white, strapless jumpsuit for the Saturday festivities at The Whim. Here, 200 guests gathered for a lively party bursting with color and energy. On top of the already abundant floral displays, several large-scale paper flower structures were spread throughout the space, with floral projections displayed on the walls. Photos from the previous night were staged in virtual frames and also projected on a large wall for guests to enjoy and share in the intimate festivities. Instead of a sit-down dinner, the event was cocktail reception style with smaller round tables and lounge groupings for a more relaxed vibe. Five food stations were set around the space, serving more than 20 unique items from different regions around the world. Their favorite desserts were also served, including pie, cake pops, and ice cream sandwiches. The party was abundant with entertainment options. An 11-piece band performed all night, providing excellent live music for dancing. Additional activities included a fun photo booth and a live painting station, where guests each added their own contributions to an art piece to be displayed in Claire and Jason’s home.
The two nights could not have been more different yet each uniquely played to the various sides of the couple and their wishes for their wedding celebration, or should we say celebrations!
TO SEE MORE OF EACH EVENT, CHECK OUT THEIR GALLERIES HERE:
Claire & Jason || MIA
Claire & Jason || The Whim
Full Service Design & Planning: Style-Architects Weddings & Events | Photography: Robert Evans Imagery | Videography: Alma Films | Venue 5.3.2024: Minneapolis Institute of Art | Venue 5.4.2024: The Whim | Catering 5.3.2024: Paris Dining Club | Catering 5.4.2024: Create Catering | Cake: Emily Grace Cakes | Desserts: Honey + Milk, Cocoa & Fig, Sara’s Tipsy Pies | Floral: Botany Creative Works | Decor: Apres Event Decor, Linen Effects, Collected & Co, Haven & Gather | Floral Projection: Future Projections | Neon Sign: MASS Group | Lighting: PHOS Events | Band: Northstar | Music: Adam Daniel | Ceremony Musicians: Lake Minnetonka String Quartet | Hair/Makeup: Brett Dorrian | Stationery: Paper Rock Scissor | Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth | Painting: Paint My Wedding Day | Transportation: Eclipse