Blog

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin,

I’d like use Unity Candle ceremony in our outdoor wedding, if possible. I saw your blog post on Unity Candles at outdoor wedding ceremonies. I’m wondering what you recommend for a whole set, though, that we could get and what you have seen that works the best in outdoor ceremonies. Do you have any suggestions for a unity candle ceremony outdoors, where we could buy the whole set?

Thanks!

Outdoor Bride

Answer:

Good evening, OB,

Sure! Here’s a great set for an outdoor Unity Candle wedding ceremony. It’s always a little tricky with candles outside, but this set is the best.

I hope this helps!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Live streaming for wedding ceremonies

Question (from phone conversation):

Reverend Coleman,

Nice talking to you, Reverend Coleman! As we talked about, Your Host Streaming provides Live Streaming services for churches, and with so many elderly and out-of-state wedding guests, Live Streaming can be a great way of having guests watch the wedding ceremony real-time, blessing them with their presence. Thank you very much for your referrals to some local churches, and I hope that you’ll be performing some wedding ceremonies where our live streaming will help guests witness your couples’ wedding vows!

Sincerely,

Eric Kirkhuff / Technical Sales
YourHost.com / YourStreamingHost.com
Eric@YourHost.com
714 842-8511 x/ 115
Cell – 714-329-4860
SKYPE – YourHost1
Skype number 714 594-7482
Yahoo – EricInTheOffice

Answer:

Good afternoon, Eric,

Glad I could help! I wish you the very best with your wonderful service you offer!

Best regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Wedding violinist in Minnesota, Alexandra Early

I wrote to you a while ago thanking you for maintaining this wonderful resource for MN brides, including your wonderful list of wedding musicians in the Minneapolis, MN area. As it turns out, thanks to your review of Twin Cities wedding venues, I am definitely getting married at the Summit Ave University Club this July! Yay!

I wanted to touch base with you about my violin services for wedding ceremonies in MN. My fiance and I are both professional musicians (I’m a violinist, he’s a bass trombonist). We are moving to the Twin Cities this June when we complete our three-year fellowships with the New World Symphony in Miami, FL. I am a St. Paul, MN native and am very excited about the prospect of moving back to the Cities! In preparation for the big move, I’m reaching out to experienced wedding/event professionals like you in the hopes of building professional relationships.

I have studied the violin for 20 years (I have both a bachelors and masters degree in violin performance) and have many years of experience in the wedding industry. I’ve been playing in weddings and events since 2001 and also owned and managed a wedding/event string quartet LLC from 2007-2009 during my time at the Cleveland Institute of music.

Again, thank you for providing such a wonderful resource for MN brides.

Thank you for your time!

Alex Early
AlexandraEarly.com

Answer:

Good morning, Alexandra,

Wow, so good to hear from you! That’s wonderful that you are getting married at the University Club (you’ll love it). And congratulations!

And yes, I’d LOVE to promote you! I’m a huge supporter of the arts, and it would be wonderful to promote such a talented and experienced violinist.

Best wishes on your careers, and I hope to be working with you both soon!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Skyrock Farm in Medina, MN, available for wedding ceremonies and receptions

The ballroom at Skyrock Farm, home of the Skyrock Carousel

Skyrock Carousel

Plus - absolutely gorgeous horses!

Dear Rev. Coleman

Hi, my name is Stacy. Bill Nunn and I own Skyrock Farm in Medina, MN. We offer a very unique and private wedding venue at our farm and carousel.

Our wedding rental and reception fee is $1200.00. We do not do the catering ourselves and we are open to any caterer the guest would like to use. Note that little ones can ride the carousel and pet the horses if they would like.

We can accommodate up to 200 people – and we have a full kitchen that is open to the caterer of choice.

On another note – I really enjoyed reading your “about me” page. It is so refreshing to hear about your view on respecting all spirituality! Thank you for that.

Thank you for your help! Hope to hear from you,
Stacy Olsen
Skyrock Farm
763-742-8055

Answer:

Dear Stacy,

Wow, what a fantastic wedding venue! A gorgeous farm, a historic carousel – such a charming and beautiful place you have! Yes, I’d love to tell readers about your amazing wedding farm and venue in Medina, Minnesota – it sounds amazing!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Hello Rev. Coleman,

I recently finished a website for a friend showing a new wedding barn location in Belle Plaine, Minnesota called “Rubies and Rust“, and if a couple rents the wedding venue for all day, it’s only $1,000, which is a great price. Since you already list some great farms for weddings in MN, I thought your readers might be interested in this gorgeous site for wedding ceremonies and receptions!

Thank you very much.

George Bilak
carvingart.com

Answer:

Good morning, George,

Wow, thank you for this resource! Rubies and Rust sounds like an amazing wedding barn, only 45 miles southwest Minneapolis, just past Chaska (kind of), on one’s way to St. Peter or Mankato.

I wish you and Rubies & Rust Wedding Barn the very best!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Bravura Dining on KARE-11

Chef Leonard Anderson of Bravura Dining, catering wedding rehearsal dinners and other events in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. Highly recommended!

One of my personal all-time favorite dishes...the famous savory cones.

Hello, Rev. Tomkin,

My name is Leonard Anderson, I am the Chef / Owner of a high end catering – private chef company located in the Twin Cities called Bravura. I saw your wonderful article on wedding rehearsal dinner sites in Minneapolis, MN, and thought I’d drop you a line about another option – having your rehearsal dinner catered at your home.

At Bravura Dining, we specialize in bachelorette parties, intimate wedding dinners, rehearsal dinners, bachelor parties, tasting menus, cooking classes, grooms dinners, casual and fine dining catered events, elegant private dining, cooking demonstrations, etc. I have an extensive background in fine dining service and believe that our company provides topnotch food and service. I am emailing you to see if we can work together on providing a great service to your clients. Please take the time to check out Bravura Dining, and please feel free to contact us anytime.

Thank You,
Chef Leonard Anderson
e: questions@bravuradining.com
p: 651-357-8908

Answer:

Dear Chef Anderson,

Wow, I would love to tell readers about you! Bravura Dining is amazing!

Best wishes,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis, MN

McNamara Wedding Showcase 2012

From the video

Question:

Hello, Rev. Tomkn:

We loved having you at McNamara Center’s Wedding Showcase this year – and thank you for sending all those couples, too! Not sure if you knew there was even a videographer shooting the wedding showcase (Capture Studios) but here is the finished product.

I hope you like it! We’ll have it up on our website throughout the year so, as the last slide suggests, viewers can plan to attend the McNamara Wedding Showcase in Minneapolis, MN in January 2013!

Happy Spring!
Amy

Amy Leyden | Director of Sales & Marketing
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak St. SE, Suite 100 | Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612.625.8876
Facebook: MAC | Twitter: @McNamaraEvents

Winner of Best Meeting Facility (Non-Hotel) 2007-2010
Minnesota Meetings and Events magazine

Answer:

Hi, Amy,

Wow, that’s amazing! Such great work!

Loved the showcase, loved the Alumni Center (as always), and looking forward to working with you again!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Wedding at the University Club on Summit Ave. in St. Paul

Question:

Dear Rev Tomkin,

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for providing such a great resource for the Minneapolis wedding community. My boyfriend and I have yet to become officially engaged but we’re toying with the idea of a Dec 2012 wedding in the Minneapolis, MN area. I feel that the least I can do is let you know how much I appreciate all the information on your website. Based on your reviews, I’m hoping to book a room at the Summit Ave University Club (once we get things more finalized) and I assure you that I will make them aware of how much your website pointed me in their direction.

Your site has been an invaluable reference for Minnesota brides and I want you to know how much I appreciate all the effort and time you’ve invested in it.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Minneapolis Bride

Answer:

Good afternoon, Alex,

Wow, your email just made my day! Thank you! It’s funny, everyone goes through the same steps, with planning and figuring everything out, and yet there isn’t really much out there that’s helpful, so I try to make everything as easy as possible.

Congratulations on your engagement, and on your upcoming wedding, too! The University Club on Summit is a gorgeous site, isn’t it?

If you ever have questions, whether about sites, or anything else, I’m always here for you!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Harrington Mansion in Minnepolis, MN - no longer hosting wedding ceremonies

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin Coleman,

I just wanted to let you know that the Harrington Mansion in Minneapolis, MN, will no longer be hosting wedding ceremonies.

Saint Mary’s University acquired the Harrington Mansion and Zuhrah Shrine Center in June 2011 and is in the process of developing the them. The development includes renovating parts of the buildings, engaging a corporate caterer, and creating the operational infrastructure to produce future conferences and events. We anticipate that the development will be complete, at the earliest, by August 2012, and perhaps later.

While the Events Center will eventually be open for wedding receptions, the Mansion will be utilized only for University events and offices (and not available for wedding ceremonies or receptions).

Thank you in advance for your assistance with my request. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Cordially,
Ben

Ben Murray
Assoc. VP of Finance and Facilities
Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612.238.4526 – Office

Answer:

Dear Ben,

Thank you so much for your email! If you ever start hosting wedding ceremonies at the Harrington Mansion again, just let me know and I’ll put the info back up right away.

Good luck with your renovation!

Best regards,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

Even though I’m not using your services, I was just wondering if you knew of anybody that wanted to get married on Friday, June 15th, 2012 because I have to change my date due to family circumstances and was seeing if you knew anyone that would want to fill it. It is at Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park, MN, in the room upstairs with the big balcony. Thanks!

-Sarah
Sarah.Johnson@cuw.edu

Answer:

Good afternoon, Sarah,

Ooh, so sorry you have to switch your date! I don’t know of anyone offhand (sorry). Would you like me to post your email on my blog?

Warmly,
Rev. Tomkin

Answer:

Sure, Rev. Coleman, that would be great! I really appreciate it!

-Sarah

Outdoor wedding at Minnetonka Orchards, in Minnetonka, MN

Question:

Hi Rev. Coleman,

I’ve been looking on your website and have found it to be very thorough and helpful. Thanks for providing such a great resource! I’ve got a question for you about Minneapolis wedding venues if you’ve got time to consider it and reply. If not, no worries! But if so, here it is. My boyfriend and I are hoping to get married this summer. We’d like an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception at one location, something fun and playful but not too casual.

We’d love to have lawn games or other fun things for the guests to enjoy at the reception. Can you think of any venues that would be suitable for us? We’ll be looking at the Woods Chapel in Orono as well as Outing Lodge in Stillwater,  Minnetonka Orchards in Minnetonka, so while we are willing to drive a bit out of the Twin Cities, we’d really prefer an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception in the actual city of Minneapolis or Saint Paul, MN. Do you know if there’s anything closer? Thank you!

Outdoors Loving Bride in Minnesota

Outdoor wedding at the Saint Paul College Club

Answer:

Dear OLBIM,

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Wow, a wedding reception at The Woods? That would be gorgeous! Yes, if you don’t want to go out of town, or even to the suburbs, there are definitely outdoor wedding options in Minneapolis and Saint Paul proper. I highly recommend the Saint Paul College Club, Summit Manor, and Gale Mansion. I’ve coordinated and performed outdoor wedding ceremonies at all three locations – and they worked wonderfully!

I hope this helps!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin,

My name is Lauren. I came across your Minnesota wedding blog while looking for Minneapolis bloggers and writers. I am a small business owner, also local beauty blogger in Minneapolis, and my business is called Lovelo Beauty LLC. I specialize in silk and mink eyelash extensions as an on-site service and also do make-up for photo shoots, weddings, senior pictures etc. I have been in the industry for almost 8 years, but recently started my own company.

Thank you for your time! Hope to hear from you soon.

Love,
Lauren O’Leary Pavelka

952-847-7612
Lovelo Beauty LLC
Twitter Facebook

Answer:

Dear Lauren,

What a lovely email! Your blog is wonderful, as is your makeup for Minnesota weddings (and the eyelash extensions look gorgeous!) . I hope we get to meet in person on a future wedding!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Happy New Year Reverend Coleman,

How right you are on your article on how to become a wedding planner! I have been giving classes for persons wanting to become wedding coordinators/directors for over 20 years…and many of the applicants to the program were either family members or the brides who thought what a wonderful opportunity to pick up a new career..UNTIL they had to do other people’s weddings…and found out how much work was really involved that was behind the scenes of their own wedding!

You may have a copy of my training manual: WEDDING DIRECTING AND COORDINATING – A Training Manual with Challenging Stories and Scenarios –How to be a Professional Wedding Director with Competence,with Style, with Elan ISBN 978-0-9816172-1-3. If not, you may order it from Amazon, or my publisher Westview publishers, Brentwood, TN or from my website.

I just read your WONDERFUL WEBSITE…your site contains ALL the BEST! You are VERY WELL ORGANIZED, and recognized…congratulations on being the the BEST in Minnesota! It is one of the states we have not had the opportunity to visit…saving the rest of the USA for later retirement trips! It would be a privilege to meet you someday.

Happy New Year to you and your family.

Elaine M Parker, ABC Emerita
Member of ABC; ACF; AFWPI; TWESA; BBB;
Tel numbers: 615-298-2578 home
615-594-2578 mobile
4400 Iroquois Ave. Nashville, Tn 37205
(Reconstructing a new website 2012 to indicate my new retirement activities )
www.weddingswithelan.com

Answer:

Dear Elaine,

Thank you so much for your wonderful email! And good luck with your book!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

The Stone Arch Bridge area in Minneapolis, MN - great for wedding pictures

Question:

Good morning, Rev. Tomkin,

I need some help finding the perfect place for wedding pictures in Minneapolis, MN. I loved your article on how to find a wedding photographer in Minneapolis, by the way. It will only be the family we wanted to be nice and to make it an unforgetfull day Please, can you give me some advice??

Photogenic Bride

Answer:

Dear PB,

The most popular (and best) place for pictures is on, and around, the area of the Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis. Your photographer will be very happy if you choose this spot! Here’s pictures of the area from John Weeks.

I hope this helps!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Main room of the Mcnamara Wedding Fair

Another shot of the gorgeous atrium of the McNamara Center

Free dance lessons at the wedding showcase!

On-staff wedding coordinators were at the McNamara wedding showcase to show guests around, answer questions, etc. - VERY helpful!

Question:
Dear Rev. Tomkin,M

We met you tonight at the Macnamara wedding expo, after reading your blog article about the upcoming wedding showcase. (We are the couple from [deleted]…I’m sure you met a ton!)

We both really enjoyed talking to you and love that we felt a connection with you. Our wedding date and site is still to be determined (until after we see the Crow River Vineyard site in Hutchinson, MN and possible a couple mroe sites in the cities) but we will hopefully know by next weekend. If we decide on the Chanhassen Dinner Theater for our wedding ceremony and reception, we have to know by the 20th, and the date for that wedding would be 10/27/12. Either way, we wanted to be sure to connect with you, because we enjoyed chatting!

Sincerely,

One of the Happy Brides From the McNamara Wedding Showcase

Answer:

Dear OHBFMWC,

What a wonderful email!

I loved talking with you two last night – and I loved how you work together, thinking of each other’s feelings for each choice (and obviously enjoying each other’s company). Such great indications for the future!

Wasn’t the wedding show at the McNamara Center in Minneapolis wonderful? It was great getting to know you, and to talk to all the excited bride who were planning their upcoming wedding. Yes, as soon as your date/site/time is set, just let me know and we’ll set up a time to meet, chat, and plan.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Dolce Woodwind Quintet, for weddings in MN

Dear Readers,

Once again, I got to work with the amazing Dolce Woodwind Quintet, this time at the University Club on Summit (FYI, more info on the quintet can also be found on my info page about their music, and info about the club can also be found on this page). Not only do they work incredibly well with the timing of wedding ceremonies, which makes my job easy, but I’m always so pleased to get to hear them – their sound is amazing!

How often do we get to hear live music? Especially something as gorgeous as woodwinds, and in an intimate setting. Sure, we could all be going to classical concerts all the time, and get to hear the Minnesota Orchestra or the Saint Paul Orchestra, and they’re lovely, too, but I have to admit, there’s something pretty special about being right in the same small room, getting to actually appreciate the sound right up close – and so the music not only puts everyone at ease before the wedding begins, it helps make everything (the seating of parents, the processional, the grand entrance of the bride with the ushers dramatically opening up the doors for her) a blessed and beautiful experience. Live music has such an effect on people…it makes the room and the wedding ceremony, well, simple but elegant. Such a great feat!

Such a gushing post…I just love getting to work with them. If you’ve been thinking about hiring a musician for your Minnesota wedding, you may want to look for something a little different than the string quartet you heard at your friend’s wedding, and check out the Dolce Woodwind Quintet. I love them, and I think you will, too!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Photo by Karen K. Hansen

Mandolin and guitar duo, Cafe Melange Music

Question (verbal question):

Dear Rev. Tomkin,

Here’s an unusual request – while we love the recommendations for MN wedding musicians that you post, we were looking for a wedding duo. Two instruments that can complement each other, but not a full quartet…do you know of anything wedding musician options like that in the Minneapolis, MN area?

MN Music Lover

Answer:

Dear MML,

Wow, I love getting a question that I’ve never had before! I didn’t know personally of any Minneapolis area musicians in this category, but asking wedding musician friends, we came up with this list, which are highly recommended:

Flute and cello (or violin and cello) with the Ensemble Con Brio (I haven’t worked with them personally, but I hear great things). For either a flute/cello duo, or a violin/cello duo, (and they have other combinations, too), Ensemble Con Brio can be reached at 651-274-5916, and their website is ensembleconbrio.com. A duo is $275 for first hour, $125/hour thereafter.

Mandolin and guitar – Brian Barnes (612-217-0564) with Cafe Melange Music – Base charge for a Minneapolis wedding ceremony is $325, which includes prelude, processionals, music during the ceremony, recessional and postlude, up to 90 minutes. They have a song list on our website for couple to peruse. They’ll also learn special music, but there is a charge for that under certain circumstances.

Two flutes (Dedrick Flute Duo), or
Flute and cello: $395
Their price for the ceremony includes 15 minutes of music before the processional, the processional(s), music during the ceremony, the recessional, and 10 minutes after the recessional. This is usually about an hour and the charge is $395. Any extra time for a social hour or reception is $80 an hour, and can be divided into fractions of an hour.
Also available from Polly Meyerding is the Lyric Duo (flute and harp), for $545. You can hear samples of their music at her website, and Polly’s phone number is 651-776-1780.

I hope this helps!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin
Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Invitation from WeddingPaperDivas

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin (via personal conversation),

We would like to have an adults-only wedding reception, but do you have any ideas for how to word the wedding invitations?

Adults-Only-Event

Answer:

Dear AOE,

Inviting adults only to your wedding ceremony and reception is completely appropriate (and often appreciated by the parents…it gives them an excuse to go out for a night without the kids!)

The first step is to only include the names of the adults on the wedding invitation, e.g. “John and Jane Doe”. Then, on the invitation itself, rather than saying “Adults-only reception”, which is a negative sentence, a positive sentence to state “Guests 18 and above are welcome at the reception”. If anyone asks, you can say that you thought it would be nice for parents to have a free date-night without the kids.

I hope you find this helpful!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question (phone call):

Dear Rev. Coleman,

Do you know who in charge of the Lake Harriet Rose Garden? Do you know how I could reserve this Minneapolis garden for my outdoor wedding ceremony, (assuming no one else has reserved it on my date yet)?

Thanks so much!

Minneapolis Outdoor Wedding Bride

Answer:

Dear MOWB (talking on the phone):

Sure! You probably saw my review of the different Minneapolis gardens for weddings that I publish, which describes several sites for outdoor wedding ceremonies in the Minneapolis, MN area. Note that the official name for the site is the Lyndale Rose Gardens (which is by Lake Harriet). The garden and park is run by the Minneapolis Parks Board, and their phone number is 612-230-6400. I love the Minneapolis Parks Board, by the way – they’re very nice, super-professional, and really helpful – a terrific resource! It makes me realize what a special thing it is to live in Minnesota, and in the Twin Cities – people really take pride in what they do, and public officials really think of themselves as public servants – they really care, and do a great job. Well done, Minneapolis!!

Now that it’s 2012, I’m hoping that this info will help a lot of other Minneapolis brides, too!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Rev. Tomkin,

I thought I would send an email keeping you posted and ask some questions for my peace of mind. We still don’t know an exact date for our wedding but we have narrowed it down to early May. I was looking through your website and was wondering what people have typically done for music in an Minnesota outdoor wedding. We were looking at a guitar player that plays light Caribbean music, would this be okay with you or would you recommend something different? Sorry for all the questions.

Thank you!

Minneapolis Music Lover

Answer:

Dear MML,

Yes, a guitar player is a terrific choice for an outdoor wedding. Not only is live music gorgeous, but here’s the three main reasons why I recommend a guitarist for an outdoor wedding:

1. A guitarist will be especially good at reacting to the wedding ceremony, changing mood, style as necessary. A good guitarist will especially excel in this capacity.
2. Any guitarist will be much less expensive than a multi-musician group, such as a trio, quartet, or quintet.
3. If you wind up using the guitarist for the cocktail hour (or even the reception), and the reception is in a different location than the ceremony, a guitarist is very mobile will have no trouble moving. A harpist or string quartet, for example, would have much more difficulty switching sites.

By the way, I highly recommend Joel Shapira as a MN wedding guitarist (review here).

I hope the above helps!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin,

As you know, just around the corner — the evening of Wednesday, January 11, 2012 — is our third annual Wedding Showcase at the McNamara Center at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis! It’s a great event to help engaged couples imagine a wedding reception in our spaced here. Delicious food, live music by a 10-piece band…very fun night. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Amy
Amy Leyden | Director of Sales & Marketing
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak St. SE, Suite 100 | Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612.625.8876
Visit our website at www.mac-events.org
Facebook: MAC | Twitter: @McNamaraEvents

Winner of Best Meeting Facility (Non-Hotel) 2007-2010
Minnesota Meetings and Events magazine

Answer:

Dear Amy,

Ooh, I love the Wedding Showcase at the McNamara Center – count me in!

Note to readers: This is a super-fun event, completely free (although you need to RSVP here). There are hair and makeup consultations, you get to see all the rooms set up for weddings (which is really quite spectacular), and it’s a very festive atmosphere. It’s fun to actually enjoy being engaged – buying magazines, searching the internet, watching movies – and part of the experience is going to a wedding showcase, seeing various ways flowers can be set up, what food options are available, and what vendors offer in ways you might not think of (an espresso bar, or photo booth, for instance). Other wedding events are often held in non-wedding locations such as conference halls, which isn’t as inspiring as this one, which is held in the unique McNamara Center, with its fantastic architecture, water features, and combination of old and new design elements.

For instance, check out this old-school stone arch from the former University of Minnesota sports coliseum, which has been rebuild into the inside of the modern McNamara Center:

This arch is in the same room as the amazing avant garde architecture of the McNamara’s main room:

There are other rooms available for wedding ceremonies and receptions, too, if your wedding is more intimately sized:

Other wedding reception options at the McNamara Center:

I’ve performed wedding ceremonies in all the above rooms (reviews here), and if you go to the Wedding Showcase, you’ll see them set up for receptions, and you can get inspired. Some brides go with their grooms, and some with their mothers or friends…either way, it’s a great way to spend time having fun being engaged, while getting to meet vendors, see the McNamara Center in all its different aspects, and spend time with your fiancé, mother, or girlfriends!

McNamara’s Wedding Showcase, Wednesday, January 11th, 2012, 5:30-8:00 pm.
200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
RSVP here.

See you there!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Hi, Pastor Tomkin,

I was lucky enough to find your site and I must say that I really appreciate all of the helpful information as I am just at the beginning of planning our wedding. We live in downtown St. Paul and really would like to have a “downtown” St. Paul wedding. I have to say that I really loved reading the background information about how you came to do what you are doing now. I was raised Catholic but also feel that it is very important to have my Native American heritage be a part of our wedding. My fiance was also raised Catholic and it is very important to him to get married in a Catholic church. Are there Catholic churches in St. Paul (we are willing to go outside of St. Paul if need be) where you have performed ceremonies? We are looking at a November wedding and possibly on a Friday night as we really want to have the wedding reception at the Landmark Center and this is the only time it is available. Please let me know, and again it was so nice to read your website and how you feel about those with different “feelings and beliefs.”

Thank you!

Landmark Bride

Answer:

Dear LB,

Thank you so much for all your kind words! You’ve made my day. I’ve actually performed several wedding ceremonies where one or both of the parties were Native American, so I have some familiarity with respecting the traditions of Native Americans.

I have also performed many interfaith wedding ceremonies where either the bride or groom is Catholic, so I am very familiar with the Catholic tradition. Unfortunately, Catholic churches have very strict policies regarding weddings – both parties must be Catholic, for instance, and they must both go through Catholic wedding counseling and be married by a Catholic priest. So while there are a couple Catholic churches in downtown St. Paul (St. Mary’s at 651-222-2619, and Assumption at 651-224-7536), I wouldn’t be able to perform the wedding ceremony there.

Have you thought about having a reverent, Catholic-tradition wedding ceremony at the Landmark Center? That option can be a good one, and with a minister performing the wedding ceremony, families are usually very receptive to the idea. That option might be worth talking over with the site manager – I have performed many wedding ceremonies at the Landmark Center and the site has worked extremely well.

By the way, if you’re interested in a piece of advice, here goes: If you like the Landmark Center at all (review of this St Paul wedding venue here), I would highly recommend booking it immediately. There are not that many banquet sites available in the Twin Cities, and they book FAST. (My services book up quickly, too, but you generally need to have a site, date, and time before you can reserve my services.)

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Greetings Rev. Tomkin!

How are you? Gearing up for engagement season? We’re hopping with tours here at the McNamara Center in Minneapolis, MN!

You asked me to let you know when I get good new photos of the McNamara Center. Here’s a new exterior image of us for your review (note, top photo), taken from the new Gopher Stadium (TCF Bank Stadium) across the street.

See you soon!

Amy

Amy Leyden | Director of Sales & Marketing
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak St. SE, Suite 100 | Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612.625.8876
Visit our website at www.mac-events.org
Facebook: MAC | Twitter: @McNamaraEvents

Winner of Best Meeting Facility (Non-Hotel) 2007-2010
Minnesota Meetings and Events magazine

Answer:

Good afternoon, Amy,

Wow, I love what you do over there at McNamara! Your photo looks fantastic, and I’ll put it up on my reviews of amazing wedding receptions in the Minneapolis, MN area – brides love to see gorgeous photos like that, showing how the whole center fits together, and showing what a unique space the McNamara is. We’re lucky to have such avant garde architecture in the Twin Cities!

Count me in for the wedding showcase – what fun!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Hello my name is (Twin Cities Bride),

I am looking for a location to have a Minneapolis wedding reception where I can bring my own food. I would like to have enclosed area but also be able to go outside. I do not live in MN but have a large family there. I am looking for some ideals and locations. Can you help!

Thank you
Twin Cities Bride

Answer:

Good afternoon, TCB,

Wow, that’s a tough question, because most wedding reception venues in Minnesota make their money from the catering, so they don’t allow you to bring in your own food. One exception, though, is the Profile Event Center on University Avenue. The Profile is a Minneapolis wedding reception venue that allows you to do your own catering, and while they book up fast, it’s worth checking out. Their phone number is 612-378-2200. The Profile is especially well-known for its amazing sound and light system, possibly the best in the Minneapolis, MN metro area!

I hope this helps you in your quest!

Sincerely,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

I was doing a search for “free wedding websites” and your site came up, but I haven’t located a search feature on it to see if you have blogged on the subject on your MN wedding blog, or mentioned any website services you recommend in the rest of your site. If you have suggestions I would be happy to hear them!

Thank you,

Online Bride

Answer:

Dear OB,

What a great question! Taste-wise, everybody’s different, of course, but personally, I loooooove paper…the heaviness, the printing, the inks, the physical paper… (that’s why I used a print designer to design my website, for instance). This love of paper means I love wedding invitation designers, and their aesthetics, and those are the designers that WeddingWire uses. So, with these criteria, I’d highly recommend checking out WeddingWire’s free wedding websites.

I hope this helps!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

p.s. Good call on the search function – I’ll have to set that up!

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Award-winning wedding planner, Sandy Stringer, with Strings & Champagne Events in Sacramento, Roseville CA

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin!

I love your article on how to be a wedding planner–it’s fantastic! I agree with all of your information and have experienced the same. It’s so easy to think of wedding planning just by seeing pretty decorations and colors at a wedding, not knowing what else it takes to put an event together.

Thanks again for sharing and if there’s anything I can do for you in return, please let me know.

Best wishes,

Sandy Stringer
Wedding & Events Planner
Strings & Champagne Events “A Luxury you can afford”

ph: 916 397-9346
e-mail: sandy@strings-champagne.com
face: Http://www.facebook.com/strings.champagne
twit: http://www.twitter.com/SandyStringer
store: http://www.myfavoriteweddingshop.com

Answer:

Good afternoon, Sandy,

Thanks so much! Now that you’re in California, you must enjoy not having the terrible Minnesota weather any more. You’ve now got a new fan on Facebook, Sandy – keep up the great work!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin,

I hope all is well with you! I want to say thank you so much for putting our hotel, Hilton Garden Inn St. Paul City Center, on your page about hotels for weddings in Minnesota, and we have received lots of wedding receptions directly from it, which is so appreciated. One quick note – you mentioned our gorgeous atrium (your words, thank you!), but it’s not 7 stories high…it’s 11!

Thanks so much, and we look forward to many more weddings with you!

Sincerely

Brier Veit
Catering Sales Manager
Hotel: 651-291-8800
Direct: 651-605-0272
Fax: 651-605-6979
Hilton Garden Inn St. Paul City Center
411 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101

Answer:

Good afternoon, Brier,

You are so very welcome! Sorry for the mistake (wow, that’s an amazing atrium), and it’s now been corrected!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Hi Rev. Tomkin,

I read with great interes your article about how to be a wedding planner! As a Wedding Planner based in Rome, I handle destination weddings in Italy and all the aspects are dealt with via e-mails. Therefore, I always have to reply to them promptly and exhaustively, to put their mind at rest!

Needless to say, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work, from the very first step when they choose my organization, to be their Wedding Planner on their big day. I’m grateful to have such a fulfilling job, and I always receive a good feed back from my couples in the form of testimonials letters or press articles which I use as reference to prospective couples who approach me.

I do enjoy wedding coordinating, and for me, it started after many years of counseling and advice/assistance to employees in private multinationals and governmental agencies. Since each wedding is unique in its way, this experience brought me into contact with different nationalities, cultural background, and their general interests. This varied background helped me to broaden even more my interests and experience.

I would also like take this opportunity of wishing you a Meryy Christmas and a happy New year.

Regards,

Gabriella Lojacono
Weddings in Rome

Answer:

Good afternoon, Gabriella,

Thank you so much! Your services sound amazing, and brides must be very grateful that you make such an effort to make their wedding go smoothly and easily, and to make sure that their travel plans go so well, too.

Ciao!

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

Nice to know someone notices our hard work. Had a great time reading your “How To Be A Wedding Coordinator“. Have a blessed day.

Regina Hare
Coordinator and Event Manager
Planning with Excellence Event Management
Phone: 540-223-7548
Bridal Representative and Account Executive for WedAlert
Follow our Blogs

Answer:

Good afternoon, Regina,

Wow, thanks so much! It’s so nice to be able to support and rely on each other.

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin,

I just wanted to tell you that I read your article on how to be a wedding planner, and I think that it is right on the nose!!! Your deep understanding of wedding ceremonies, receptions, and people’s feelings are some of the reasons why I love working with you.

Great job.. like always
Sarah

Sarah Trotter
Lasting Impressions Weddings
Blog
3431 The Mall
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Phone: 612-245-4791
Fax:952-378-2788
sarah@lastingimpressionsweddings.com

Answer:

Hi, Sarah,

Thanks so much, Sarah. Looking forward to working with you at our next wedding!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

 Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

I’m a sophomore in college, and am interested in perhaps becoming a wedding coordinator some day. Your website and blog has been so fascinating to read. Would it be possible to ask you some questions about becoming a wedding planner?

Future coordinator

Answer:

Dear FC,

Good question! I interviewed Katherine Hendrickson of Semple Mansion in Minnepolis, MN, and her answers were so good that I typed them up into an article here, named How to Be a Wedding Planner. There’s all sorts of information about the different routes people take to get into the wedding business, advice on what kind of personality works well in the job, and more.

I hope this helps!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Rev. Tomkin,

I hope your Thanksgiving weekend went well! Just FYI, your readers may not be aware of the MOMS (Minnesota Official Marriage System) web site, a wonderful on-line resource for couples to request their Minnesota marriage certificate and pay on-line. The MN Official Marriage System a great site for married couples to research and order a copy of their MN marriage certificate.

Thanks,
Susan Anderson
Office Supervisor – Vital Statistics
325 East Main Street Ste 120
Anoka MN 55303

Answer:

Dear Susan,

WOW, thank you for this amazing resource! How kind of you to write me! I’ll definitely let my couples and readers in on it, and publicize this wonderful option. (By the way, kudos to the logo designer…I love that wedding ring in the middle). Thank you so much – I love Minnesota, you are doing a great job over there at your office!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

We are getting married next year, and and looking for a string quartet for our wedding in Minneapolis at the Como Conservatory in St. Paul, MN. We loved your write-ups of Minneapolis wedding musicians, and while the group you recommend was booked, we were wondering if you knew of any others?

Thank you!

Strings Loving Bride

Answer:

Dear SLB,

Congratulations on your engagement! Would you perhaps be interested in a string trio? I haven’t worked, but hear very good things about, the Terzetto String Trio in the Twin Cities and suburbs, which are two violins and a viola. Their services for a wedding ceremony are about $425, and you can see and hear them actually playing at St. Paul’s Como Conservatory (!) here, plus they have more songs you can listen to here.

I hope this helps!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Hello, Reverend!

Thanks to a Google search, I discovered your website and WOW! That is impressive and a lot of hard work that you’ve done on your pages about the wedding venues in MN. It is most appreciative. May I ask you for a recommendation? I run the Twin Cities Social Club with over 850 members. I am in the early stages of planning our holiday party. From past experiences, I expect between 75-100 attendees, at $15-20 per ticket. I plan to offer a dessert buffet and for entertainment, a DJ and dancing. Any suggestions?

Thank you kindly,

Monica
Twin Cities Social Club

Answer:

Good evening, Monica,

Such a nice email! Thank you! Here are some questions to think about, which can help you plan:

• Budget – What is your budget? In your case, it sounds like you have between $1125 and $2000 to spend, (75x$15, or 100x$20), correct?
• What are you willing to pay to rent the space?
• Will the venue provide the food (dessert buffet)? (I would recommend having them do it.)
• If so, how much are you willing to spend?
• Will the venue provide the alcohol? (I would recommend having them do it.)
• Is it a cash bar (guests pay for their own drinks), or a hosted bar (you pay for their drinks, so they drink for free?) (With the budget you have, I would recommend cash bar).

I realize that getting the answers to the above questions is difficult, but if you can figure out what your budget is (how much for the rental fee, how much for the food, how much for the alcohol), then it will be MUCH easier to know which space to use. (Offhand, I would recommend Jax Cafe in Minneapolis, MN, which is a wonderful Minneapolis wedding reception venue, sometimes available for event rentals, and see if you can get it with no rental fee, use their catering, and a cash bar).

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Dear Laguna Photography,

I loved working with you this weekend at the Calhoun Beach Club in Minneapolis, MN, and wow, I love it that you post wedding images on your Studio Laguna blog just as soon as you’ve shot the wedding ceremony! I’ve never heard of anyone providing wedding photos immediately like you do, and it’s an incredible extra benefit for couples to be able to see images right away, instead of having to wait six months until absolutely everything is all set and ready and printed. Friends, relatives, and the couple themselves want to see wedding photos right away, and you provide that service in a way that’s classy and beautiful.

It was wonderful working with you, and I look forward to working with you again!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

 Question:

Can you help me with a wedding reception question, Rev. Coleman?

I want to have our wedding catered in Minneapolis, but so many Minneapolis wedding reception sites are $60/plate, and we’re looking for something cheap because we want our wedding at our home in Minneapolis, MN, near Lake of the Isles. Do you know of where I could find a cheap wedding caterer in Minneapolis?

Thank you!

Minneapolis Bride

Answer:

Dear MB,

There are many wonderful caterers in Minneapolis who specialize in providing wonderful food at reasonable prices. Often, it’s hard to get in touch with these caterers because their catering is on the side, and not their main business – their main business is running their restaurant! The place to go is Cater for Less…you just fill out their form saying what your budget is, when your event is, and your contact information, and they’ll get back to you with several quotes. They’re very friendly and professional (and they’ve got a special doing right now!) Some of the restaurants and catering services they work with include Vescio’s Originale, FujiYa, Abundant Catering, and Cocina de Nonna Rosas.  Cater for Less.. is definitely work checking out!

I hope this helps!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Photo courtesy of Françoise Beeken

Cedars Hall in NE Minneapolis, photo taken by Sky Blue Rose Photography.

Profile Event Center on  in Minneapolis, on University Avenue

Question (via phone call):

Good afternoon, Rev. Coleman,

God bless you for the wonderful website on Minneapolis weddings you’ve provided! Can you help me with a question? I have no one else to turn to. I’m looking for a wedding reception venue in Minneapolis for my daughter, who is getting married next year. I’d really like a reception site that is elegant, but we’d really like to provide our own catering, rather than use the catering provided by the wedding venue. Any ideas? I know this is a hard question, but I was hoping you could help!

God bless you!

Mother of the Bride

Answer:

Good afternoon, MOB,

It was so nice talking with you yesterday! God bless you and your soon-to-be-wedded daughter.

You said that you were looking for a wedding reception venue where you can choose your own caterer, is elegant, and can host 200 guests.

• I recommend checking out Cedars Hall Banquet and Event Center on 602 University Avenue NE in Minneapolis, next to Honda Finacial. They have a rental fee of $3500 for a Saturday afternoon in warm weather, but are much cheaper on off-peak days or seasons.Cedars Hall’s phone number is 612-379-8989.
• If you are looking for a more reasonably-priced venue (although not as elegant), I would recommend checking out the Profile Event Center on 2630 University Avenue SE in Minneapolis. Their phone number is 612-378-2200.

I hope this helps! God bless you!

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Glowing review of weddings at the McNamara Alumni Center
at the U of M in Minneapolis, MN

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin,

I hope your wedding season is going well! I am pleased to announce that the McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis, MN has won the grand prize in The Knot’s first annual competition recognizing marketing design excellence!

Warm regards,

Amy

Amy Leyden | Director of Sales & Marketing
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak St. SE, Suite 100 | Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612.625.8876
Winner of Best Meeting Facility (Non-Hotel) 2007-2010
Minnesota Meetings and Events magazine

Answer:

Dear Amy,

Congratulations to you and your team! You deserve it!

I loved what one of the judges, Lori Richmond, said:

• “We love how McNamara Alumni Center took cues from their building’s architectural features to develop their design elements and color palette and then carried them through consistently and creatively through multiple mediums, from print pieces to their websites to chocolates. You get a sense of what the space feels like before you’ve ever been in it.”

Such a great accomplishment – I look forward to many more weddings at the MacNamara Center at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin
Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Juliane James Place for destination weddings in Minnesota, photography by Photogen Inc.

Question:

Hello Rev. Coleman,

My name is Alyson Newquist and I’m writing to introduce myself and my wedding venue, Juliane James Place. I have seen your website from the beginning of my days researching weddings in Minnesota when I was first exploring creating a new venue and I love the fact that you include information about same-sex wedding ceremonies in Minnesota. When I was looking for an officiant for my wedding this past summer I came across your website and it made me so happy that you do same-sex weddings and commitment ceremonies in our pre-legalization state of Minnesota. We ended up having a friend of ours host our ceremony in the end but I just wanted to let you know how great I think it is. Now for a little about our place!

The Juliane James Place in Finlayson, MN, about an hour and a half north of the Twin Cities, is a Minnesota destination wedding venue for the couple who is looking for a blank canvas to create their creative, unique wedding. Our location consists of 40 acres, a main house, a cabin, a large pond, and cocktail, ceremony, and reception spaces. Our location is perfect for the couple looking to get married in a quintessential Minnesota location but are not interested in utilizing a barn or a space that looks the same every time a wedding occurs there. The Juliane James Place is more of a cabin getaway, forest fantasy location for the couple hoping to get married on the water but who want the privacy of 40 acres to themselves for the entire weekend (or longer if they rent the property for the week to get ready for their nuptials). The property currently sleeps 14 and we have many accommodations nearby for guests, many of which also represent Minnesota perfectly, in that cabin-on-the-water way. We host weddings of up to 150 guests, allow couples to use their own caterer and to bring in alcohol. The Juliane James Place is dog friendly too! Our rates start at $3500 for renting the entire property starting Friday morning through Sunday mid-day.

I wanted to reach out to you as a prominent member of the Minnesota wedding community to make you aware of our wedding venue, the Juliane James Place. We would like to attract attract both couples who are looking to create a unique wedding experience and those who may be marrying someone of the same sex.

I welcome you to take a look at our website and please let me know if you have any questions!

Thank you for your time!

Alyson Newquist, Owner
Juliane James Place, LLC

Answer:

Dear Alyson,

Wow, the Juliane James Place is such a gorgeous site for wedding ceremonies and receptions in rural Minnesota (although only 90 minutes from Minneapolis)! Thank you so much for your kind words, too – it’s really appreciated.

Your wedding venue is amazing – it’s not that far from the Twin Cities, it’s gorgeous, and a perfect site for a whole wedding weekend. I would love to recommend the Juliane James Place for receptions and ceremonies, and I wish you the very best!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

p.s. My wife will be so excited to hear of a dog-friendly cabin. We’ve been looking for a place where we might bring our 11-year-old mellow old dog, but the closest places we’ve found is Grand Ely (4 hours 15 minutes), but your place is SO much closer – YAY!!

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s (and now 2011′s) “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Photos from Minneapolis wedding photographer Laurie Schneider.
In fact, if you want a super-short answer the question below, even shorter than the answers I listed below, just choose Laurie.
Easy-peasy.

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

Thank you for all the wonderful advice on your website! May I ask you a question? I’m confused in my search for a Minneapolis wedding photographer. I see all these websites, and don’t even know where to start looking. How do I know if their sample wedding photographs are actually the kind of thing they always do? Are these just the few good photos they’ve taken? And how much should a MN wedding photographer charge? Would I be paying right amount? Can you help? I don’t even know how to begin!

Confused in Minneapolis

Answer:

Dear CIM,

• Short answer: 1. See if you like their photos. 2. Interview them to see if you like them as a person. 3. Make sure the Minneapolis wedding photographer has done at least 20 weddings at very minimum (and expect to pay at least $1,000…up to $5,000).
• Long answer: See how my article on how to choose a Minneapolis wedding photographer.

I hope that either the short answer or long answer helps!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s and 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

Thank you for your wonderful review of the Nicollet Island Inn for weddings! We love having you here, and really appreciate you spreading the word about our hosting of wedding receptions, both large and small.

We’ve just posted our new Holiday Banquet Menu at the Nicollet Island Inn, and thought you might want to let your readers in on it!

Sincerely,

Erin

Erin Brunelle, Special Events Director
Nicollet Island Inn
Old world Charm. New world comfort.
95 Merriam Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-331-1800 x3 (direct)

Answer:

Dear Erin,

Ooh, your holiday menu looks delicious! Thanks so much!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2010′s Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine
Voted 2011′s Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

The Nicollet Island Inn – perfect for wedding receptions. It’s a restaurant, it’s an inn, it’s a wedding reception site…such a great place for a downtown Minneapolis wedding reception. The family and attendants and out-of-town guests can even stay there for the weekend, while you have the wedding reception (and even the wedding ceremony) right there, as well.

Question:

Hi Reverend! Long time no talk. I hope you’re doing well and wedding season is fairing well for you.

After Wolfgang Puck was no longer at the Walker Art Center, I was hired by the Nicollet Island Inn in downtown Minneapolis, MN, as Special Events Director. I know you’ve performed and coordinated many weddings at the Nicollet Island Inn, and I wanted to give you a special tour, as well, some time when it’s not an actual wedding day!

I hope to hear from you soon!

Erin Brunelle, Special Events Director
Nicollet Island Inn
Old world Charm. New world comfort.
95 Merriam Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-331-1800 x3 (direct)

Dear Readers,

What a treat – I love the Nicollet Island Inn in Minneapolis, MN, and it was great to come over and get a real tour, not just work there during a wedding day, and my wife and I got to actually sit down and have dinner at the Inn’s restaurant. What a wonderful downtown Minneapolis spot for a wedding reception, right on the Mississippi River on Nicollet Island, next to Riverplace and Saint Anthony Main! While there’s a complete review of the Nicollet Island Inn for weddings here, this post is about the dinner – which was amazing!

We got the tasting menu so we could check out as many items as possible (that’s my wife enjoying the French onion soup – wow, was that good! My wife also got the pairing of wine with each meal, and their wine service is amazing…their sommelier really knows what he’s doing!

I loved the pork, I loved the salad…but the dessert (pictured above) blew me away…such a dessert chef they have! Outstanding!

Note that while the Nicollet Island Inn can host a small wedding reception (4-20 guests), it can also host big wedding receptions if you rent out the entire space. That’s the really amazing way to do it…guests dancing all night, everyone gets to stay at the Inn, spend the whole weekend together…such a great spot.

This blog post is really just reviewing the dinner we had and announcing the review, so again, check out my complete review of the Nicollet Island Inn for weddings, which includes all the details. I think you’ll love this wonderful option!

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine
Voted 2011′s “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

p.s. Readers – over the last ten years, you’ve helped make the website “Minnesota Weddings with Rev. Coleman” the number one resource for weddings in the Twin Cities! Check out the newest numbers shown below for page visits from local brides and grooms per day!

Question:

Greetings, Rev. Tomkin,

I saw your website and love your Minnesota Wedding blog and would like your suggestion on a wedding reception site in central Minnesota. I have just moved to Minnesota and will be getting married next year and I would like to find a suitable wedding reception site. My fiance is from Royalton but I do not like the Legion in Royalton, MN nor the LIttle Falls Ballroom. I have looked at the Mulligans, but perhaps you have additional thoughts. I think my fiancee and I would be willing to look at sites within 60 miles of Royalton, MN.

Thank you!

Central Minnesota Bride

Answer:

Dear CMB,

Good afternoon, CMB,

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

I would suggest looking into the country club named Little Falls Golf Course, in nearby Little Falls, MN. I’ve never been there, but they host wedding receptions, and they are quite close to you. Their phone number is (320) 616-5520.

I hope this helps!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s (and now 2011′s) “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin,

Your breakdown of wedding reception sites in the Minneapolis area is great. Do you know which Minnesota wedding reception sites will allow the wedding reception to go beyond the typical midnight? A out-of-state family member had a reception last until 4 am, therefore the bride and groom are looking for a late night/early am ending time as well.

Any info you may have regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Friend of Late Night Bride

Answer:

Dear FOLNB,

Ooh, such a good question.

Venues in the Minneapolis, MN area are not open very late night, are they? In fact, Minnesota bars used to close at 1:00 am, and only recently were allowed to stay open till 2:00 am on weekends. As you know, most wedding reception venues in the Twin Cities, MN area are only open till midnight, but here’s a thought:
The Profile Event Center in Minneapolis, MN will let you stay partying till 2:00 am. (Here’s a review of the Profile Event Center.) As far as I know, it’s the only late-night wedding reception option in the Minneapolis, MN area. Note to readers: If you ever hear of another late-night option besides the Profile Event Center, please let me know!

I hope this helps!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s (and now 2011′s) “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Hello, Rev. Coleman,

I realize that you are not Catholic, but I don’t really know who else to ask. I found some great information on weddings at the Saint Paul cathedral, (this is the cathedral in Minnesota, not the one in England, or Australia, or India!) but the sheet I referred to doesn’t list the rental cost for weddings. Do you know how much it costs to rent the St. Paul Cathedral, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to use their space for a wedding ceremony?

Thank you!

MN Bride

Answer:

Dear MB,

Well, first of all, you have to be Catholic to get married at the St. Paul Cathedral (at least, either the bride or groom has to be Catholic). Officially, the name of the cathedral is Cathedral of Saint Paul, National Shrine of the Apostle Paul. Also, to get married there, you have to go to the 12-hour premarital counseling, including a retreat, and you have to use a Catholic priest (or perhaps deacon). But yes, you can rent the cathedral for weddings, usually at a price of about $2,000 for non-members, or $1,000 for members. For that fee, you’ll get wedding programs, the service of a priest and deacon, a cantor (singer), and organist.

I hope the above helps!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s (and now 2011′s) “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Dear Rev. Tomkin,

I’ve met you a couple times shooting with Ezra Moore at the Nazareth Chapel at Northwestern College in Roseville, MN. It was great working with you again! Last time we met you asked me to send you some photos of the wedding we were doing together. We’ve now completed them, and the wedding photos are posted on our blog here.

Have a great night and let me know if there is ever anything we can do for you!

Tim and Madie

Website | Facebook | 651-434-7347

Answer:

Dear Tim,

Wow, your photos are FANTASTIC! What great work! I’m proud and happy to feature such photos on my page about church weddings in Minneapolis, MN – thank you for such wonderful work!

You are an amazing Minnesota wedding photographer, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Dear readers, I don’t usually post non-wedding news, but this is amazing:

From the Daily Mail, 8/2/11:

A married lesbian couple who saved 40 children from white supremacist Anders Breivik’s murder spree at a youth summer camp have been hailed as the unsung heroes of the massacre. Hege Dalen and her partner, Toril Hansen, braved gunfire to make repeated trips to pick up frightened and wounded youngsters from the waters around Utoya Island.

On the way back they saw the right side of their boat was riddled with bullets but, since there were so many to rescue, they returned to the island four times.

Continued here.

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

Many congratulations from everyone here at Minnesota Bride magazine for (once again) winning the Best Wedding Officiant in Minnesota award! Because this award comes directly from your very satisfied customers and your peers in the industry it is very high praise indeed. The brides-to-be of Minnesota are lucky to have access to so many stellar wedding professionals across their state. We are very proud to support this great community.

Thanks so much for your hard work, creativity and continued support of Minnesota Bride magazine!

Very kind regards,
Katie

KATIE ROBERTS
MINNESOTA BRIDE | WISCONSIN BRIDE
Tiger Oak Publications, 900 South Third St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
T 612.927.3010 C 612.462.2978 F 612.927.3011

Answer:

Dear Katie,

Thank you so much! And thank you for hosting such a wonderful event. In my opinion, Minnesota Bride Magazine is the best bridal magazine in the state. You do an amazing job!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s (and now 2011′s) “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine

Question:

Hellom Rev Tomkin,

Thank you for your part in our special day!! People to this day are still talking about our event and how well you told our story. The harpist played beautifully and I really pulled off the elegant look!! Later in the evening, the DJ did a fabulous job. Thank you for both those referrals. You are very special to both of us and I hope that you will be able to continue to be a part of our lives.

Warmly,

Nancy and Dan Comstock

Answer:

Good afternoon, Nancy,

Aw, thank you so much for the fantastic email (and picture!) You two are so amazing…(I’ve been telling your story to single friends, and they absolutely love it!)

I loved getting to know you, and meet your friends and relatives. Thank you for letting me part of your special day – God bless you today and always!

Warmly,

Rev. Tomkin

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Voted 2007′s “Best Wedding Planner” by CitySearch
Voted 2010′s (and now 2011′s) “Best Wedding Officiant” by Minnesota Bride Magazine