http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8 The best FREE resource for Minneapolis and St Paul area brides and grooms! Thu, 08 May 2008 18:58:40 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The very friendly Colleen Burrs from Waterfallview Events wedding recepton hall called to introduce me to their new wedding reception and ceremony site in Anoka, Minnesota. I don't usually review wedding reception sites where I haven't officiated, but Waterfallview Events is new, and they are unique in several different ways. Waterfall ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/05/08/new-wedding-indooroutdoor-reception-site-in-anoka-mn-waterfallview-events/ When my now-wife, Julie, and I were planning our Minnesota wedding, she initially decided that she wouldn't get wedding bouquets for herself or her maid of honor. They seemed unnecessary. Then we went to the Semple Mansion wedding fair in Minneapolis, MN. Julie spoke with a couple of the florists ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/05/08/minnesota-wedding-florist-recommendation-pazzobello-flowers/ I just met with a couple last night who was inquiring about a Unity Sand ceremony (appropriate for more non-traditional wedding ceremonies), and I had so many tips for them that I thought I'd write them out for everyone. First of all, a definition: The Unity Sand Ceremony is a new ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/04/29/important-tips-when-utilizing-a-unity-sand-ceremony-in-your-wedding/ Sarah Pikul from the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Minneapolis was incredibly kind, and she gave me a private tour around Radisson's downtown Minneapolis flagship hotel - wow! What a great place for wedding ceremonies and receptions! Note that this hotel is different from the other Minneapolis Radisson (the one by ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/03/18/review-of-the-radison-hotel-in-minneapolis-for-weddings/ Wow, what a gorgeous site. The Semple Mansion in Minneapolis, MN (reviewed here) had their wedding fair last weekend, and not only was the site stunning, but the vendors there were incredibly friendly and helpful. We started in the fantastic wine cellar downstairs, which is in their old bank vault. ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/03/11/semple-mansions-wedding-fair-was-amazing/ Last weekend's wedding fair at the Semple Mansion in Minneapolis was incredibly fun (review to come), and my favorite vendor was an incredibly friendly, incredibly good caterer - Fabulous Catering of Minneapolis, MN. So now, my favorite restaurant in the Twin Cities is a caterer... who knew? My pick for best caterer ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/03/03/fabulous-catering-favorite-vendor-at-semple-wedding-fair-in-minneapolis/ I always recommend Steve Rouch of Choice Photo when couples ask me for a photographer recommendation, and here's another reason why - yesterday, Steve was voted the Best Photographer In Minnesota by Minnesota Magazine! Here's my favorite example why Steve's photos are so great, and make people look like they should ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/03/03/minneapolis-photographer-steve-rouch-named-best-photographer-of-the-year/ A bride just wrote to me today with some interesting questions about using chairs for weddings at Minneapolis and St Paul, MN parks. Here's my thoughts: Dear Rev. Coleman, thank you for your terrific reviews of Minneapolis and St Paul parks and gardens, and the information about their rental ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/02/27/thoughts-on-minneapolis-and-st-paul-parks-for-wedding-ceremonies/ I was meeting with a couple last Monday evening at my regular spot at Nina's Coffee House in St Paul, when they expressed an unusual wish. This Minneapolis, MN bride and groom expressed an interest in renting a car for their upcoming wedding, and they asked for recommendations. ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/02/25/new-antique-rolls-royce-available-for-rent-for-minnesota-weddings/ Most wedding fairs in the Minneapolis and St Paul area take place in January or February, but there's a great one coming up in March at the Semple Mansion in Minneapolis, MN. Semple Mansion is relatively new on the scene, as it was just renovated a couple years ago. This ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/02/08/2008-wedding-fair-at-semple-mansion-in-minneapolis-31-2/ Minnesota brides may already know about the historic Stillwater Courthouse, which hosts many gorgeous weddings, but did you know that the Stillwater Public Library is now available for wedding ceremonies and receptions, too? The library was originally built as a Carnegie Library, and last year (2007) a major expansion ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2008/01/25/the-stillwater-public-library-is-now-available-for-weddings/ Besides the 3 Minnesota wedding shows held in January 2008 (reviewed here), there is a show on February 17th, as well - the Perfect Wedding Show in International Market Square in downtown Minneapolis, MN. Tickets for the Perfect Wedding Show are $10, but if you pre-register at their website, it's buy ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/12/13/minnesota-wedding-show-in-february-2008-perfect-wedding-show/ Check it out: The Minnesota Wedding Blog has won the 11/19/07 Blog of the Day Award! "Blog of the Day Awards offers the best selection of weblogs and famous blogs on a variety of topics. Criteria include content, quality, creativity, and the personal opinion of the judges." Rev. Tomkin Coleman, ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/11/20/minnesota-wedding-blog-wins-blog-of-the-day-award/ New page! Minnesota brides and grooms are often asking where would be an appropriate place for their rehearsal dinner in the Twin Cities, especially one near their wedding ceremony site. These couples are searching for a restaurant which has a private dining room and should be able to ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/11/20/wedding-rehearsal-dinner-sites-in-minneapolis-and-st-paul-minnesota/ Minnesota Wedding Shows in 2008 - Reviews and Info There are four wedding fairs in the Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota area in January, 2008 - here's contact information, pictures, maps, and reviews of these Minnesota wedding shows. The shows reviewed are the: -Wedding Spectacular (aka Bridal Spectacular) -Wedding Fair -Wedding Showcase -Perfect Wedding ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/11/14/3-minnesota-wedding-shows-in-january-2008/ Minnesota Wedding Fairs 2008 - Reviews and Info There are three wedding fairs in the Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota area in January, 2008 - here's contact information, pictures, maps, and reviews of these Minnesota wedding shows. Note that January is the biggest month for wedding planning, as the holidays are over, ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/11/14/another-minnesota-wedding-expo-january-28-2007/ Most of the Minneapolis/St Paul wedding expos are in the fall, or in January-February, but the Como Zoo's Conservatory in St Paul is having one tomorrow, Wednesday, November 14th, 2007. Como Conservatory's Showcase will have some wedding vendors to talk to, such as photographers and musicians, it won't be as ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/11/13/como-conservatorys-wedding-showcase-111407/ I got the nicest email from Tom Weeklund, who plays piano for wedding ceremonies with Mary Pay Nydahl, who is a singer for weddings in the Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota metro area. Their website is Music Ministry Plus, which has information about their experience and services. They have portable equipment ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/10/17/singer-and-pianist-for-minnesota-weddings/ Up till now, there's been no way to compare all the wedding ceremony and reception sites in Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota.  Each bride and groom has to search bridal guides, magazines, and the internet to: 1.  Find what wedding reception sites are out there 2.  Research them online to find out prices... ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/10/09/a-tool-to-compare-wedding-reception-sites-in-the-twin-cities/ I've created a new page for my website, a review of my favorite hotels in downtown Minneapolis where I have performed wedding ceremonies, hotels that are classy, friendly, and which are really expert at hosting wedding receptions.  Each downtown Minneapolis hotel is reviewed in detail, with a general map, pictures of the outside ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/07/18/new-reviews-of-minneapolis-hotels-for-wedding-ceremonies-receptions/ I had a wonderful chat with St Paul, Minnesota's Luther Seminary's seminary pastor, Rev. Dr. John Mann, who explained how the school is tightening up the restrictions on their chapels a bit, and for the time being, are not taking reservations for their chapel for wedding ceremonies.  Couples who have already ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/06/07/luther-seminary-no-longer-reserving-chapel-for-weddings/ For amazing food at really good prices, the best prices (and terrific food, in my opinion) I've found is TST Creating Catering. Their phone number is 651.488.0971. Here are two examples from their website: -$9.50 Stuffed Canadian Pork Loin Roasted Whole Whole roasted stuffed Canadian back pork loin served with oven ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/05/31/reasonably-priced-wedding-caterer-in-minnesota-2/ Some of my favorite weddings have been at Gibbs Farm in St Paul, which is an historical farmhouse and barn that is often set up and rented out for weddings, both indoor and outdoors.   One wedding was held on the porch, with the Guests in chairs under the shade trees, ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/02/07/review-of-gibbs-farm-in-st-paul-for-wedding-ceremonies-and-receptions/ A new wedding reception hall has been opened at the Como Conservatory in St Paul, which is building the Conservatory has needed for a long time. The Conservatory is the most highly sought-after wedding site in the Minneapolis St Paul area (the most sought-after in the state, actually), but up ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/02/06/notes-on-como-conservatorys-new-wedding-reception-hall/ Notes on: Rice Park for wedding ceremonies I have peformed many wedding ceremonies at the Landmark Center in St Paul, but a new twist on that idea is to have the wedding ceremony outdoors in Rice Park, the gorgeous “town square” in the middle of St Paul, which is front of the Landmark Center ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/02/06/notes-on-rice-park-for-wedding-ceremonies/ Both Minneapolis and St Paul have websites for their city that lists suggested outdoor wedding sites. St Paul lists 8 outoor wedding sites and Minneapolis lists 11. And yet in my experience, the vast majority of outdoor weddings in Minnesota are at just 3-4 sites. The others ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/02/06/notes-on-outdoor-wedding-sites-in-minnesota/ Welcome to my blog! My name is Rev. Tomkin Coleman, and I have officiated many weddings at Minnehaha Park. The following are some notes which you may find helpful with your planning. I'm not affiliated with Minnehaha Park, nor the Minneapolis Park Board (612-230-6400) - the following ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/02/06/notes-on-minnehaha-park-for-outdoor-wedding-ceremonies-in-minneapolis/ I was just at the James J Hill library for a photo shoot and the photographer remarked that she didn’t know that it was available for weddings.  Sometimes a person has to be kind of “in-the-know” to know about more unusual wedding reception and ceremony sites in the Minneapolis and St ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/02/06/notes-on-the-james-j-hill-library-for-wedding-ceremonies/ I love performing wedding ceremonies at the Gale Mansion, which is right across the street from the park in front of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Their address is 2115 Stevens Avenue South. Anyway, I was meeting with a couple this week who are getting married at the Gale ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/02/06/notes-on-gale-mansion-for-wedding-ceremonies/ This post is a follow-up to the article on outdoor wedding sites in Minnesota.  Como Conservatory has just so many options, both indoors and outdoors, that it deserves its own article.  The Como Conservatory is the most popular wedding site in Minnesota. While all wedding sites should be reserved early, you’re ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/02/06/notes-on-the-como-conservatory-for-weddings/ I have performed many wedding ceremonies at the McNamara Center at the U of M and it’s a great site for wedding receptions in Minneapolis, plus they allow wedding ceremonies there. It’s often mis-spelled as the MacNamara Center of the University of Minnesota. You dont have to be an alumni ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/01/26/notes-for-a-mcnamara-center-wedding/   A new Minnesota wedding reception site that is also appropriate for wedding ceremonies is the Mill City Museum in downtown Minneapolis, which is at 704 South 2nd Street, right by the new Guthrie Theater.  Pictured above is the Ronald William Guzy Mill Commons, which holds 220 wedding guests. D’Amico caters ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/01/25/notes-on-the-mill-city-museum-for-wedding-ceremonies/ I perform many interfaith Jewish and Christian wedding ceremonies in Minnesota, both in the Minneapolis and St Paul area, and one of the items used is a Ketubah, or wedding contract.  These are usually highly priced because they are illuminated and often framed and kept for posterity, but not everyone ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/01/24/reasonably-priced-ketubah-for-jewish-weddings/ For most kinds of music appropriate for a wedding, I highly recommend Diane Martinson with her band named Elevation. Personally and professionally, I love Diane Martinson and her partner, JJ Saeker.  Diane sings solos for weddings in Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota and she has an amazing voice and the two of ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/01/24/recommendations-for-a-minnesota-wedding-band/ Blog post moved http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/01/08/minnesota-wedding-caterer-reasonably-priced/ I’ve heard from a couple that a new wedding reception hall has been opened at the Como Conservatory in St Paul, which is something the Conservatory has needed for a long time.  The Conservatory is the most highly sought-after wedding site in the Minneapolis St Paul area (the most sought-after in ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/01/08/c/ I just got an email from the Heart of the Beast Puppet Theater in Minneapolis on East Lake Street, informing me that they have renovated Celebration Hall and that is available for rent for wedding ceremonies and receptions.  I've never been there (it's new), and it's not on my reviews ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/01/06/new-wedding-reception-hall-in-minneapolis-celebration-hall/ Hiring one musician, such a violinist, is a lot cheaper than hiring a full quartet or quintet for your wedding. If you’re interested in a violinist to play for your Minnesota wedding ceremony, I recommend first seeing if Cheryl Zylla is available.  Cheryl performs with the Lyra Baroque Orchestra, the Bach Society Orchestra, ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2007/01/05/notes-on-recommendations-for-a-violinist-for-minnesota-weddings/ Sharon Planer, 612-845-1970, is my favorite wedding pianist in the Minneapolis area and I have worked with her many times.  Her fee is $225, and most pianists are about that rate.  Sharon is very professional, knows just about every song used in weddings, and is friendly and fun.  Information about her rates (and ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2006/12/18/minnesota-wedding-pianists/ Most people have never heard a harp in person before, but live, their music is really enchanting and adds a great deal to a wedding ceremony.  In Minnesota, I've met many harpists who play for weddings.  One that has a great website with lots of music samples is James Buxton.  ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2006/12/15/harpist-for-minnesota-weddings/ I've worked with Joel Shapira (651-646-3274) many times and he’s wonderful, possibly the best wedding guitarist in Minnesota.  One of the reasons I say that is because he provides his own amplification equipment if you are having an outdoor wedding. In Minnesota, the breezes can take away sounds pretty easily, but Joel has a ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2006/11/08/wedding-guitarist-in-minnesota-recommendations/ I had an interesting request:  A Bride emailed me and asked if I knew any Chinese ministers in Minnesota, especially in the Minneapolis or St Paul area.  She was inquiring because her soon-to-be in-laws were from China and didn't know any English. The following ministers speak both English and Chinese.  While ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2006/10/02/chinese-ministers-for-weddings-in-minnesota/ Note:  DJs can provide music for the wedding ceremony as well as the reception, so throughout the years I've met many of the wedding DJs working in Minnesota. By far my favorite Disk Jockey for weddings in the Minneapolis and St Paul area is Troy Ackerman with Dancin’ Tracks.  Troy takes his ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2006/09/09/minnesota-wedding-djs-recommendations/ Outdoor weddings often require chairs for the wedding ceremony, and many couples like to rent them.  Here are some of my recommendations to rent chairs in the Minneapolis and St Paul area for wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions: Apres Party Rental (in Edina) has chairs, tents – and delivers!  952-942-3399.  They ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2006/08/25/places-to-rent-chairs-for-a-wedding-in-minneapolis-or-st-paul/ For amazing food at really good prices, the best prices (and again, terrific food!) are at TST Creating Catering in St Paul. Their phone number is 651.488.0971. Here are two examples from their website:-$9.50 Stuffed Canadian Pork Loin Roasted Whole Whole roasted stuffed Canadian back pork loin served with oven brown potatoes, baby ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2006/08/02/reasonably-priced-wedding-caterer-in-minnesota/ I have performed many Jewish-Christian weddings in the Minneapolis and St Paul area.  Many couples are not of the same faith, but wish to honor both faiths in their wedding ceremony and make sure that both sides of the family feel comfortable.  At one Minnesota Jewish-Christian wedding ceremony I performed in a Minneapolis hotel ballroom, ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2006/06/05/purchasing-a-wedding-chuppah-huppah/ I have performed many wedding ceremonies where a bagpiper was used for the Processional and Recessional.  I'm always very impressed and their use makes for an exciting, grand event.  Most of the couples have Scottish or Irish heritage (either the Bride or Groom) and it's a nice way of honoring their heritage.  The ... http://mnweddingminister.com/blog8/2006/06/01/recommendation-for-minnesota-bagpipers-for-weddings/