Morgan and Gavin’s wedding at The Grand Mansion on Pillsbury was the definition of chill, intentional, and charming. These two aren’t the “center-of-attention” types. They’ve always dreamed of something small and heartfelt, and they nailed it. From start to finish, the day felt easy and genuine, like a long exhale after months of planning.

The Grand Mansion itself is a restored Georgian estate designed by architect Ernest Kennedy and has some serious old-school character. Built in 1931, the place has eleven thousand square feet of history and warmth. A grand staircase, black walnut-paneled living room, and the kind of kitchen you’d only see in your “someday dream home” are just some of the perks. The property has seven bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, multiple living rooms, and kitchens. Basically, it’s the perfect spot for couples who want that “elegant but homey” vibe for a smaller wedding or elopement.

When Morgan and Gavin told me they were moving their date to a Wednesday, just so I could be there, I about melted. I was so excited, especially since I loved working with them at their engagement session.

Personal Touches at The Grand Mansion on Pillsbury

Morgan and Gavin’s wedding was full of small and thoughtful details. Morgan, who works part-time at a floral company, teamed up with her mom to design all the bouquets and potted flowers for the ceremony. They absolutely crushed it. The arrangements were warm and vibrant.

Then there was Gavin’s side of things. He and his dad are total car guys, so of course, there had to be a little nod to that. They had a vintage Porsche parked in the mansion’s driveway, and I was obsessed. It perfectly matched the timeless vibe of The Grand Mansion. It was a classy and nostalgic getaway car.

These two proved that simple doesn’t mean boring. They went for local pizza (10/10 choice, by the way). Their cake was from Hy-Vee, and it was delicious. Even their signage and menus were minimal, clean, and still stylish as hell. You could tell they cared about the details, but they didn’t overthink it. It all flowed together.

Also, I’ve gotta talk about the color palette — pinks, oranges, and reds. This combo has been everywhere with my couples lately, and I’m not mad about it. It’s bold, romantic, and adds such a playful pop. Something about those warm tones just feels alive.

“I was SO excited when I opened my email today! Our pictures are incredible! Thank you so much for everything!”

Why I Love Local Minnesota Weddings

Maybe an unpopular opinion, but I love a weekday wedding. It was a different kind of energy, and I feel midweek weddings are kind of underrated, honestly.

And smaller weddings like this one will always have my heart. When you keep the guest list tight, you get to slow down, talk to everyone, and soak it all in. There’s flexibility, too, and you get a better chance of claiming all of your favorite vendors.

If you’re dreaming of something intimate, meaningful, and unique to you, this is your sign. Local weddings like Morgan and Gavin’s prove you don’t need 200 guests or a massive budget to make magic happen. Whether it’s at The Grand Mansion on Pillsbury or another hidden gem in the area, I’m always down to capture those raw, intimate moments that feel like home, and maybe grab a slice of pizza with you afterward, too.

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