Bell Museum Wedding :: Saint Paul, MN - Karen Feder Photography Blog

On a crisp October day, Elizabeth and James celebrated their love with an enchanting geode and stargazing-themed wedding at the Bell Museum in Saint Paul. This venue held a personal significance for the couple—it was where they shared their first date. During that special day, they broke open a geode, which James later had transformed into a stunning necklace for Elizabeth. She wore this heartfelt piece as a reminder of their journey, making it a beautiful and meaningful accessory on their wedding day.

The day began with getting ready at the DoubleTree Roseville Minneapolis, where Elizabeth and her bridal party prepared with the help of Luminous Beauty for makeup and hair. Elizabeth looked stunning in a vintage, heirloom gown originally hand-sewn by James’s grandmother for his mother. After receiving significant alterations by Before The Ball Vintage Bridal, it fit Elizabeth beautifully, carrying forward a legacy of love. Her galaxy-themed shoes from Offbeat Sweetie added a fun, celestial touch.

Meanwhile, James prepared with his custom suit from Daniels Custom Clothing, designed by a talented neighbor and styled with cuff links from his father and a watch given to him at his graduation. The suit featured stargazing-themed interior, and buttons that were brightly colored to match, which paired perfectly with Elizabeth’s look and the event’s celestial theme.

Liz and her team at Jenna Culley Events orchestrated every aspect, from vendor coordination to last-minute touches, allowing Elizabeth and James to enjoy a relaxed, unforgettable day. The couple met for their emotional first look in one of the Bell Museum’s stunning galleries, surrounded by awe-inspiring exhibits that mirrored their shared love for natural history. The brides people, dressed in jewel-toned emerald green dresses from Vow’d, and grooms people in navy suits from Daniels Custom Clothing, joined for photos, capturing both the joy and vibrant color palette of the day.

The wedding ceremony was held in the Bell Museum’s planetarium, offering an intimate, celestial backdrop as the couple exchanged heartfelt vows. Guests cheered as Elizabeth and James were officially pronounced husband and wife. For the reception, Elizabeth changed into a chic, knee-length gown by Vow’d that was tailored for her personality and added ease for dancing. Elizabeth and James exchanged custom rings from CustomMade.com, with Elizabeth’s ring featuring a geode element and James’s ring including a dinosaur imprint—a nod to their shared love for history and natural elements.

At the reception, the museum’s gallery spaces transformed into an experiential celebration. Guests enjoyed a geode-breaking station and explored the interactive Touch and See Lab where they encountered reptiles and other live exhibits. The Harmony DJ Entertainment team, led by Keny Grey, set the mood with an incredible playlist, keeping the dance floor lively all night long.

Adding to the day’s unique atmosphere were breathtaking dinosaur-themed centerpieces created by Carra at La Petite Fleur in collaboration with Tonkadale Greenhouse. The florists designed displays that featured ferns, pinecones, paper wasp nests, mushrooms, sticks, and other foraged elements, all carefully arranged around the ever-growing dinosaurs. Lanterns added a warm glow, and customized lighting displayed fern patterns along the museum walls, enhancing the wedding’s forest-meets-museum aesthetic that beautifully replicated the couple. The couple’s unique style and celestial theme shone through in every aspect, especially in the reception decor. Linen Effects brought in beautiful off-white linens and rustic wood chairs that lent an elegant, earthy contrast to the museum’s modern aesthetic

Guests were greeted by a creative dinosaur seating chart that tied the event’s theme together with a playful nod to the couple’s love of natural history. Each table was named after a different dinosaur, guiding guests to their seats amidst the museum’s exhibits. The geode-inspired place cards created by Epitome Papers at each setting were a striking touch, designed to match the day’s theme and tie in Elizabeth’s original geode necklace

A celestial stargazing experience on the Bell Museum’s rooftop rounded out the night, allowing guests to view Saturn and distant galaxies, making the evening all the more magical. From the personalized geode jewelry created by a beloved friend to the intricate décor, each detail celebrated the couple’s story, their loved ones, and their love of the cosmos.

Elizabeth and James’s Bell Museum wedding was a perfect blend of history, love, and personal touches, making for an unforgettable day for all who attended. Congratulations to one incredible couple!