Jenna & Nick’s Stunning Van Dusen Mansion Wedding

Last weekend, I had the absolute privilege of photographing Jenna and Nick’s wedding at The Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis. From the very first moment of the day, I knew this wedding was going to be something special. These two are artists at heart, deeply in love with each other and with the life they’re building together. Photographing couples like them—creative, intentional, and full of joy—is the best part of being a wedding photographer.

Getting Ready at The Mansion

The day started inside the elegant bridal suite of The Van Dusen Mansion, where Jenna was surrounded by her closest friends. She was absolutely glowing—warm, sweet, and beyond excited to marry Nick. Her makeup was done by the talented Amy Rachel of Amy Rachel Makeup Company, and she looked every bit as stunning as you’d imagine.

Meanwhile, Nick was tucked away in another part of the mansion. Funny, thoughtful, and completely smitten with Jenna, you could see how much the day meant to him. There’s something I love about these behind-the-scenes moments—so much anticipation, so much emotion before the celebrations even begin.

Their First Look

Jenna and Nick chose a private first look in one of the mansion’s tucked-away spots, just the two of them. These moments always stop me in my tracks. When Nick turned and saw Jenna for the first time, his expression said it all—pure awe and admiration. It was a moment of stillness before the whirlwind of the day, and it’s one I know they’ll carry with them forever.

A Courtyard Ceremony Straight Out of a Storybook

The courtyard at The Van Dusen Mansion is breathtaking. The brick architecture, lush greenery, and intimate setting make it feel like a European garden right in the heart of Minneapolis. As Jenna and Nick exchanged vows, surrounded by their closest family and friends, it was impossible not to feel the love radiating through the space.

As a wedding photographer, I couldn’t have dreamed up a better backdrop. Every angle was layered with history and beauty, making their ceremony feel both timeless and uniquely theirs.

A Carriage House Reception to Remember

After the ceremony, guests moved into the Ballroom and the Carriage House for a night filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and nonstop dancing. This crew knew how to party! The dance floor was packed all night, and the energy was unreal. From start to finish, the reception was a true reflection of Jenna and Nick—joyful, creative, and full of love.

Why The Van Dusen Mansion is a Minneapolis Favorite

If you’re on the hunt for a wedding venue in Minneapolis, The Van Dusen Mansion is tough to beat… A historic landmark with old-world charm and luxurious details. The mansion offers multiple event spaces—the elegant main house, the enchanting outdoor courtyard, and the vibrant Carriage House—each one full of character.

What I love most about photographing here is how versatile it is. You get the romance of an outdoor ceremony, the grandeur of a historic home, and the energy of a lively reception—all in one spot.

If you’d like to see more, check out another wedding I photographed at The Van Dusen Mansion or explore my Minneapolis wedding photography blog for more inspiration.

Five Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day

One of the reasons Jenna and Nick’s wedding felt so smooth and joyful was because they were intentional about planning a day that fit them. Here are five simple ways to keep your wedding day just as stress-free:

1. Schedule Quiet Moments

Plan a first look or carve out a few minutes alone with your partner—it helps you connect and ground yourselves before the big moments.

2. Hire Experienced Vendors

Work with people you can trust. From your makeup artist to your photographer, having a reliable team makes all the difference.

3. Add Buffer Time

Give yourself breathing room in your timeline so you’re not rushing from one part of the day to the next.

4. Delegate to Your Crew

Don’t try to do it all yourselves. Let your wedding party or family help with details so you can stay focused on enjoying the day.

5. Stay Present

Take a deep breath, look around, and soak it in. The day flies by, and the little moments are what you’ll remember most.

Jenna and Nick’s wedding was a perfect blend of love, artistry, and celebration. Photographing their day at The Van Dusen Mansion was an honor, and I couldn’t be happier for these two.

If you’re planning your own Minneapolis wedding and looking for someone to capture it, I’d love to connect. Take a look at my wedding portfolio, explore more real weddings on the blog, or reach out here.