Newly engaged and newly freaking out :)

[Deleted User] · February 2012

Hi ladies!

I recently got engaged (1/27/12) and everything I have read regarding wedding planning told me not to wait and start the planning right away. We have decided on a winter wedding (Feb. or March of 2013) and we are going with a traditional/classical vintage look. I was wondering if anyone has any reviews on The Christos Union Depot in Saint Paul? It seems to fit the look we are going for and my fiance would really like to get married in Saint Paul. Also, since we are having a winter wedding, does anyone know of a ceremony site that fits our look in the area? I always wanted to do a semi-outdoor winter wedding but I am afraid the guests will be annoyed. I am open to suggestions on everything!

Thanks!

PoliceWife104 · February 2012

I don't have any suggestions, but just wanted to say congratulations & it sounds like you're on the right track already! = )

trixie549 · February 2012

We are having our reception at the Union Depot in two weeks! The space is gorgeous (and newly-renovated) and the coordinator, Georgia, has been great to work with. One of the biggest selling points of having a winter wedding there is the incredible savings compared to trying to do an event in prime season (April-October). We have a really small rental fee, no F&B minimum to meet, and no cake cutting fee. The food is incredible and they take so much care into planning your reception and ensuring that your guests receive great service.

As far as having an outdoor winter wedding, I would agree that most guests would be annoyed with that. Our weather is so unpredictable (as this winter has shown us), that you never know if you'll be getting married in 50 degree weather or a snowmageddon blizzard (December 2010). Downtown St. Paul has so many great outdoor spots for photos, though, so I would highly advise you to take outdoor photos with your bridal party. Get some faux fur wraps, bundle up and go for it!

Feel free to PM me is you need more info about the Union Depot and good luck with your planning!

[Deleted User] · February 2012

Thank you so much! We are looking to get married around the same time of year as you are too! You just confirmed my choice in The Depot! After seeing it and the price, I really couldnt say no! Are you having your ceremony there as well? I was under the understanding that it was receptions only? Did you guys look at places in that area for your ceremony?

trixie549 · February 2012

They actually don't allow wedding ceremonies there since the remodel; not sure why the policy changed?

We are having our ceremony at a church in Fridley; it was a no-brainer, since I was baptized and confirmed there and my parents are still members.

ceh789 · February 2012

Harriet Island comes to mind for the ceremony. Don't do outdoors though - you'd be playing with fire.

saintpaulJess · February 2012

Congratulations on your engagement! I'm also going for a classic-vintage look and was considering the Union Depot but they weren't booking weddings at the time because of the uncertainty of the remodel plans. We're doing ours at the Landmark Center, but I also love the look and feel of the Union Depot!

wittyschaffy · February 2012

DH and I looked at the Union Depot for our reception back in 09 and loved it - but went with a different venue in the end . I have seen some breathtaking pictures from aquaintenaces weddings there though. Totally beautiful.

I agree with pps - don't bank on an outdoor wedding in the winter. You might get lucky, or you might have a blizzard. Ya just never know. You could totally get some great outdoor shots though! We did some pics in Rice Park and they were really pretty. The only place I could think of for an "outdoor" feel would be the Conervatory but you're very restricted on space there.

Lang125 · February 2012

They do ceremonies at my reception location - 317 on Rice Park in DT St. Paul. It definitely has the traditional/old-world feel look and would only be a few blocks from your reception location.

ceh789 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_minnesota-minneapolis-st-paul_newly-engaged-and-newly-freaking-out?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:81Discussion:de545165-6841-4614-b1ea-32e2a15c7d12Post:58a93f9e-9fa2-496e-8db0-75bf96b110a1">Re: Newly engaged and newly freaking out :)</a>:
[QUOTE]You could totally get some great outdoor shots though! We did some pics in Rice Park and they were really pretty.
Posted by wittyschaffy[/QUOTE]

<div>My sister did her outdoor photos @ Mears Park and they turned out gorgeous. In Feb there will still be xmas lights up in the trees if you go after dark. From Union Depot you could even walk there.</div>

musicalsunlight · February 2012

I would agree that I would not do the outdoor wedding thing. I got married on Jan 6th and even though it was bizarrely warm (45 degrees) and sunny with no snow, it was still not warm enough to do an outdoor ceremony. We took pictures in Rice Park and around that area and even with my fur wrap and heavy dress, I wasn't SUPER warm. I got married at the Landmark Center which also has the similar traditional feel to it. Good luck!

jennipea382 · February 2012

Totally agree with not doing an outdoor anything in Feb or Mar :-) Maybe pictures but it depends. I think we will do more industrial photos than nature photos because everything will probably still be all brown and gross looking for my wedding. So more standing near cool structures and stuff.

I don't really have any other suggestions but I wanted to say welcome and congrats! Glad you found this board and are already seeing how awesome it is :-)

jlmccabe · February 2012

I actually kind of really love the idea of an outdoor winter wedding! As long as you can keep the ceremony decently short and forewarn your guests they'll be outside for a bit. :-) Yes, winters can be crazy cold and really snowy but hey, it's Minnesota and it could be 40 degrees and rainy in the middle of summer too.

I've been to an outdoor ceremony up north in the middle of September and the bride and groom had a ton of quilts for their wedding guests to use during the ceremony. You could have little fur shrugs or pashminas for you and the bridesmaids. Maybe you could set up a hot drink bar so your guests have something warm to sip on during the ceremony.

Here are some fabulous winter wedding ceremony pictures. http://greenweddingshoes.com/a-snowy-winter-wedding-kezia-ashton/

[Deleted User] · February 2012

Thanks again everyone for your imput! This message board is awesome and you all have been more helpful than most!

Genevieve04 · February 2012

I had a classic vintage look too. I've never been to The Christos Union Depot in Saint Paul.

I wanted the outdoor wedding without the stress of having a backup plan, so I got married in a glass dome. But the venue is MPLS. Maybe there is somewhere in St. Paul with lots of windows? Crown Plaza?

CaraBraden · March 2012

Once you get settled with your venue and are ready to try on dresses come check out Sixpence in St. Paul. Gorgeous designer dresses about 20-50% off retail. Such a cute little shop!

Newly engaged and newly freaking out :)

Re: Newly engaged and newly freaking out :)

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