Dana and Sergio's Wedding
June, 2007, Minneapolis
Venues
Wedding Celebration
Nicollet Island Pavillion
40 Power St
Minneapolis, MN USA
We are 100% happy with our choice. We fell in love with the trees, water, and the building. They were flexible with our last minute change from on the grass to under the tent (we made the decision the night before the wedding). Our contact at NIP (Katie) was great, however she no longer works there. Her replacement (about 1 month before our wedding) was nice however we did not interact with her much as most of the details were taken care of. My only complaint with Julie (I think that is her name) is that when I questioned the calculations on the bill, she seemed a bit snippy in her email. It is hard to read too much into this and her explanation was legitimate. It just wasn't 100% clear on the invoice. This location is a bit pricey, but the food was EXCELLENT!! Everyone commented on that, and the chef even allowed us to combine pieces from two different entrees to make our own unique entree. Our maitre d' gave us a whole bottle of champagne for our wedding night (to take with us) and was kind enough to allow us to take all the "late night snack" cookies from the premises as well (which they almost NEVER let you do)!!
Hotels
Best Western Normandy Inn
405 S 8th St
Minneapolis, MN 55404, US
This hotel was a very nice option for guests that were watching their budget. A group reserved a suite and had no troubles. I haven't heard any complaints regarding their stay.
Embassy Suites - Downtown Minneapolis
425 S 7th St
Minneapolis, MN 55415, US
We chose this hotel for its location, but also because they serve a cook-to-order breakfast every morning as well as complimentary cocktails and snacks in the evening. They are a bit pricey, though. One majorly annoying this is the lack of parking. They charge and additional fee ($15-$20 PER DAY) for parking, and they have very few spaces available. I felt that this was a bit of a rip off. Also, it was a huge pain for our guests to reserve a room under our block rate. The hotel kept saying that they didn't have a block in our name and so we had to keep calling in reservations for our guests. They couldn't give us a specific contact person or direct phone number either. It was very irritating for all of us involved.
Airport
Minneapolis-St. Paul Int'l Airport
MSP - Minneapolis-St Paul Intl/Wold-Chamberlain/ Airport
The closest airport to the cities with many options for incomming guest flights. We recommend SunCountry Airlines, American Airlines and Continental. None of our guests had any trouble with their flights, luggage, etc.
Restaurants
Buca di Beppo
1204 Harmon Pl
Minneapolis, MN 55403, US
612.288.0138
Buca di Beppo is an authentic Italian restaurant that offers flavorful Italian dining. Dine with family and friends while enjoying the Italian traditions of food, friendship and hospitality. In the spirit of Italian culture, their dishes are served family style and are meant to be shared. Groups small and large come together to pass platters of their mouth-watering cuisine around the table for all to enjoy. The first Buca di Beppo opened its doors in 1993 in the basement of a Minneapolis apartment building. They’ve since grown to 93 locations nationwide. Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire their menu, giving Buca its authentic Italian flare. They continue to innovate and create recipes beyond their traditional style by adding new menu items inspired by Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Come indulge in the Buca experience of unforgettable appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, entrees, desserts, beer and fine wine.
Chino Latino
2916 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN USA
(612) 824-7878
This is definately a location for those looking for a hip, modern dining experience. They have a lot of exotic foods on the menu (guinea pig, anyone?) but the dessers are pretty decent. If you are a picky eater though, I'd avoid this place. Also, they get really crowded on weekends. They have valet service, but there is a parking ramp (which also gets crowded) about a block away.
Hell's Kitchen
89 S 10th St
Minneapolis, MN 55403, US
612.332.4700
In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, tucked just a half block around the corner from Nicollet Mall, you'll discover a beautifully renovated historical building with old brick archways, a spirited wait staff, original art over the fireplace by world-renowned artist Ralph Steadman, and the best damn breakfast and lunch in town.
The Melting Pot
80 S 9th St
Minneapolis, MN USA
(612) 338-9900
The Melting Pot is the country's largest fondue restaurant chain. At the Melting Pot, fondue becomes a memorable four-course dining experience where guests can "Dip Into Something Different." Guests enjoy a choice of four flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees combined with specical dipping sauces. The menu also includes creamy cheese fondues, fresh salads, fine wines and mouthwatering chocolate fondue desserts. The Melting Pot provides a unique, upscale and intimate dining experience with its assortment of fondue, cooked at the table by the guests. It is the perfect location for a romantic evening, dinner party or friendly gathering.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
1300 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403, US
612-339-8696
Welcome to the Oceanaire Seafood Room. As sleek as a 1930s ocean liner, yet as relaxed as a dinner on the shore, the Oceanaire provides the perfect setting to enjoy Ultra-Fresh seafood, flown in daily from around the world. Sip a Sidecar in the lounge, sidle up to the oyster bar, or kick back in a horseshoe booth before diving into a sea of Ultra-Fresh fish, including steak-cut Alaskan halibut, seasonal favorites like fresh Copper River salmon or hard-to-find delicacies like true Dover sole or bluefin tuna. Their daily-printed menu will guide you, a wine list as deep as the sea will seduce you, and the world’s best seafood awaits you at the Oceanaire. Reservations in advance are recommended.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
We held our Rehersal dinner here for about 25-30 people. They situated us at two long tables in a somewhat seperated area. The food was great, the menue pretty decent and the service was fast. The total bill was under $500 as well. Can't complain!!
Entertainment
Block E
600 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403, US
A lot of our guests enjoyed themselves here. There was a bunch of different activities that appealed to everyone. No complaints
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 W Kellogg Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55102, US
(651) 221-9444
The Science Museum of Minnesota, founded in 1907, is a large regional science museum located on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul. The Science Museum's programs combine research and collection facilities, a public science education center, extensive teacher education and school outreach programs, and an Imax Convertible Dome Omnitheater to provide science education to our audience of more than a million people per year. The Science Museum of Minnesota is known worldwide for its interactive exhibits, dynamic traveling exhibitions, and internationally distributed large format films. The Museum was an early innovator in the use of live theater as a humanizing interpretive tool.
The Hennepin Stages - Showing "Kiss of the Spider Woman"
824 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403, US
612.373.5600
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Kiss of the Spider Woman explores the complex relationship between two men caged together in a Latin American prison for political reasons. Valentin dreams of his wife and the revolution he once led, while Molina, a gay window-dresser, spins a fantastic yarn of romance and intrigue about Aurora, a B-Movie actress. And when the Spider Woman comes to glorious musical life, Kiss of the Spider Woman casts a spell that is breathtaking, heartfelt, and profound.
The Orpheum Theater - Showing "Momma Mia!"
910 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403, US
A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Over 20 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show! Writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives! With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, Mamma Mia! is the World’s #1 Show!
Walker Art Center & Minnesota Sculpture Garden
1750 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403, US
612.375.7600
Formally established in 1927, the Walker Art Center began as the first public art gallery in the Upper Midwest. The museum's focus on modern art began in the 1940s, when a gift from Mrs. Gilbert Walker made possible the acquisition of works by important artists of the day, including sculptures by Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti, and others. During the 1960s, the Walker organized increasingly ambitious exhibitions that circulated to museums in the United States and abroad. The permanent collection expanded to reflect crucial examples of contemporary artistic developments; concurrently, performing arts, film, and education programs grew proportionately and gained their own national prominence throughout the next three decades. Today, the Walker is recognized internationally as a singular model of a multidisciplinary arts organization and as a national leader for its innovative approaches to audience engagement. Adjacent to the Walker is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, one of the nation's largest urban sculpture parks. When the Garden opened in 1988, it was immediately heralded by the New York Times as "the finest new outdoor space in the country for displaying sculpture." The Garden's centerpiece and most popular work is Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's Spoonbridge and Cherry (1985-1988), which has become a beloved symbol of the Twin Cities. The Garden has demonstrated extraordinary appeal in the community, and is a vital force for bringing new visitors inside the Walker and building new audiences for contemporary art. Key note: The Walker Art Museum requires an admission fee, however the Sculpture Garden is free to everyone! Definately worth a trip to see it.
Casinos
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW
Prior Lake, MN 55372, US
The bridesmaids hosted bridal shower/bacherlorette party here. Food was yummy and service very polite and fast. The room was a little bit out of the way from the casino (closer to the hotel) so it wasn't as close to the gambling. It was also a little confusing to get to the room as they were doing som

"Well, if you are reading this, Congrats!! We loved getting married in the Twin Cities, and I hope that you will as well. Nicollet Island Pavillion was the perfect place for us. We loved the scenery (it made for amazing pictures). We found that everyone was nice, pleasant and helpful. If you are looking for a great, fun and professional wedding planner, we HIGHLY recommend Angie Swits of By Your Side Wedding Planning. Her price was great and she made things very stress-free! "















