Rebecca and Jack’s American Swedish Museum wedding was a pretty perfect way to spend a June day in Minneapolis. Rebecca is half Swedish, so the American Swedish Institute was an obvious choice when they started looking at venues. The historic mansion, outdoor ceremony space, and all the little details throughout the property made it such a good fit for what they had planned.

A little about these two! Rebecca and Jack met in grad school at Indiana University before moving to Minneapolis in July 2024. They got engaged the following May and have been settling into life in the Twin Cities, where they both work and love taking walks around Lake Harriet. I connected with them through their planner, Hanna Marie Events. I’m so glad I did because this was such a fun wedding to be part of.

A Meaningful American Swedish Museum Wedding

I knew the American Swedish Institute would be fun to photograph, but the Turnblad Mansion really does have some of the coolest architecture. The stone archways, intricate woodwork, and grand staircase create many places to take portraits without needing to go anywhere else. I also love the contrast between the older mansion and the more modern spaces.

Rebecca and Jack started with a first look outside beneath one of the mansion’s archways. Jack’s reaction was SO good. I mean, the photos pretty much speak for themselves. Their ceremony took place outside in the courtyard, with the mansion as the backdrop. They kept the setup fairly simple with gold chairs and colorful floral arrangements in shades of blue, purple, and pink. Honestly, they couldn’t have asked for better June weather, either.

A Ceremony Full of Love, Family, and a Few Happy Tears

A couple of moments from Rebecca and Jack’s wedding really stuck with me. During the ceremony, their aunt read a poem that had everyone tearing up. I wish I could properly explain how sweet it was, but I think that’s one of those things you just had to be there for. You could tell how much it meant to everyone.

Later in the evening, Jack’s dad gave a speech that was equally emotional. Jack lost his mom when he was younger, so hearing his dad speak about him and this new chapter of his life was especially moving. I don’t think there were many dry eyes after that one, either. But don’t worry, the whole day wasn’t spent crying, haha. Rebecca and Jack came back down the aisle with their hands in the air, clearly VERY excited to finally be married. The rest of the day was full of conversations, hugs, and catching up.

One thing I always pay attention to at weddings is what’s happening outside of the main events. The groups of friends talking during cocktail hour, family members hugging, or the little reactions during speeches. Those are usually some of my favorite photos to deliver because the couple might not have even realized they were happening.

Wedding Photos at the American Swedish Institute

One of the best parts about photographing a wedding at the American Swedish Institute is how many different looks you can get in one location. We took portraits around the mansion, used the stone archways outside, and made sure to get some photos on that incredible staircase. We also took advantage of the historic interiors for classic black-and-white wedding party portraits.

And once the reception started, things got a little less formal. Rebecca and Jack were out on the dance floor having the best time, and I spent the rest of the evening documenting everyone enjoying themselves. Pretty ideal, if you ask me.

After I delivered their gallery, Rebecca sent me this message:

“Jack and I went through the album for the first time yesterday and were floored. It truly transported us back. Some favorites on our first pass were the film camera selfie (as you predicted we would love), the pictures on the staircase in the mansion, seeing different constellations of guests talk at the welcome party, and SO many good photos of our friends and family. We cannot thank you enough!!”

I especially loved that they mentioned the photos of their guests. Obviously, we spent time getting beautiful portraits of the two of them, but knowing they also loved seeing all those little interactions throughout the weekend meant a lot. It’s a pretty good reminder that some of the most important photos aren’t necessarily the ones you planned for.

Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

If you’re considering the American Swedish Museum for your Minneapolis wedding, I can confidently say it’s worth checking out. The mansion has so much character, the outdoor ceremony space is beautiful, and there are plenty of portrait spaces throughout the property.

I’d love to photograph another wedding here, so if you’re planning yours and looking for someone who will capture the beautiful portraits AND all the candid stuff in between, let’s chat!

Vendors

Ceremony music | Lake Minnetonka String Quartet
HMUA | Ziel Bridal
DJ | Harmony DJ
Rentals | Linen Effects
Florals | Fireweed Flower Co
Planning and Design | Hanna Marie Events
Dessert | Thirsty Whale Bakery
Venue | American Swedish Institute