Magical Wedding Photography at the American Swedish Institute

Jul 19

photo of the American Swedish Institute Castle

Bride holding bouquet at her summer wedding at The American Swedish Institute.

A summer wedding at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Detail of Brides veil and ring in ballroom on wedding day at The American Swedish Institute.

The Swedish Institute offers the delicate yet grand feeling of finding yourself at a castle in Europe. My aunt used to be the garden keeper at the mansion, and many remnants of her work in keeping a bee friendly environment remain. Both inside the mansion at outside in the courtyard and gardens offer’s so much opportunity for beautiful wedding photos and an experience unlike any other for both the couple getting married as well as their guests.

I have been both a museum guest visitor as well as wedding photographer and party goer at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, and no matter how many times I am in the grand, beautiful space, I am blown away. I have always been attracted to finding beauty in the world - I love delicate details, soft colors, and eye catching light filtering through a floor to ceiling window. This might be why I have so many fond memories of traveling to Europe and why my solo adventures in Paris have left a lasting impression on me…

Bride walking down staircase with bouquet for her summer wedding at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis Minnesota.

Bridal Portraits at the American Swedish Institute

Below I am sharing a selection of bridal photos that I captured of Grace at the American Swedish Institute before her wedding day at the mansion. Getting married during the pandemic meant for a smaller more intimate wedding in a forest at Grace’s family’s house - but we were still able to capture these special photos. I also want to share with you a full wedding that I just captured at ASI in October 2024, and will be linking to that as soon as I can get all of the beauty uploaded!

Minneapolis is home to a selection of beautiful mansion’s, if you are intrigued by the idea of getting married at The American Swedish Institute, you might enjoy checking out my curated list of favorite mansion venues in Minneapolis here!

Vendors

Venue: American Swedish Institute, Floral & Styling: @verdurefloral, Bride: @grace_mandich Gown: Annika Bridal designed by Galia LaHav Hair: 139 Hair by Heidi Make-up: Faces by Amanda Stationary: Lavishing Ink Cake: Jogarrison Cakes Linen, Chairs, and Plates: Apres Event and Tent Flatware Glassware, and Candles: Style Society Mpls

American Swedish Institute Wedding Photography

Minneapolis film wedding photographer Reyna Meinhardt

American Swedish Institute Wedding Size Information

Both The Swan Turnblad House and The Nelson Cultural Center can be used for your reception. The estate can host up to 150 guests, making it the ideal option for smaller and micro weddings. You can turn your reception into an intimate dinner party where you can chat with your guests and toast to the future. For larger events, The Nelson Cultural Center is your spot. The venue allows you to use both of the floors for your celebration, welcoming parties with up to 700 guests. You will have a stage where your entertainment can be set up for the night so your guests have plenty of room to party!

Coral and Pink floral design for summer wedding on patio at American Swedish Institute

My last wedding that I captured at ASI, the cocktail hour was hosted in the mansion - allowing my couples guests to have a private party within, as if we had been transported back to a fine evening ball in Sweden’s times past. The stunning buttercream plaster walls with pale pink and green detailing in the ballroom to the right of the mansion entrance will forever be my favorite room to photograph in. This space just really offers a beautiful experience for couples and their guests!