Courtney & Ben had their summer wedding at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. It was a big magical party and an awesome start to their marriage.
Getting ready before your wedding at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
I and my second photographer were with Courtney and Ben from the early morning until sunset, documenting each sparkling moment of their day. We started with the couple getting ready in their separate hotel suites. The lovely morning window light was perfect to capture their wedding details. It’s important to know that all photographers capture details differently. I like my detail shots to feel organic and unplanned. Even though I actually do plan them.
The first look for your wedding at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.
We did the couple’s first look outdoors in a private space near the hotel before heading over to the venue for more portraits with their wedding party.
One of the great things about photographing a wedding at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is that you get an incredible variety of spots for pictures. Whether you like outdoor wedding photography with natural light, or indoor pictures with a dramatic flare the Dinner Theatres have it all.
An outdoor ceremony for your Chanhassen Dinner Theatres wedding.
Courtney & Ben had their June wedding ceremony outdoors at Bluff Creek’s ceremony site. Originally when we talked about their wedding they were concerned about a plan for photos if it rained. I always joke that if you don’t want rain on your wedding day you should hire me because for every hundred weddings I shoot it rains (or snows) for about 3 of them.
The day of this wedding the forecast called for thunderstorms, but by the time we finished portraits, there was nothing but sunshine all day long. Lesson: don’t worry about rain on your wedding day because either it happens or it doesn’t and I always plan for it.
Plus you don’t have to worry about it at all when you’re having a wedding at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres because they have great indoor spaces and you can move the ceremony inside if needed.
Classic Rock-inspired wedding reception at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters
After their gorgeous outdoor ceremony was over it was time to party at the reception. A cocktail hour followed by one of the Dinner Theatres’ delicious meals kicked off Courtney & Ben’s post-ceremony celebrations. Their reception had classic rock details with records to mark each table (hello Beatles and Punk Floyd!) and a Def Leppard Pour Some Sugar On Me sign for the cake. It was a very awesome and creative way for the couple to mix their favorite bands into their reception decor.
For their first dance, Courtney and Ben took to the stage in the Club Theatre, with a curtain of shining crystal behind them and beautiful lighting that made their dance feel completely romantic and magical.
After parent dances concluded the main dancefloor below the stage opened up. There was a photo booth going, good drinks flowing and everyone had the best time dancing. This is the part of your wedding where you get to really relax and celebrate while the photographers stand out of the way and capture you and your guests enjoying the big party.
Night-time photography for your wedding at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
As the night went on and the sunset arrived it was time for photography to wind down. The last thing I always like to do for my coupes is to go outside and get a picture in front of the big neon sign at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. It’s a special reminder for you of how gorgeous this venue is at night. Plus you get a little break from the reception to have some quiet and enjoy each other’s company.
3 photography tips for your wedding at the Chanhassen Dinner theatres:
- For a wedding like this, you need a second photographer with your wedding package. Courtney and Ben had one. One photographer can’t be in two places at once.
- Be open to your photographer experimenting with on and off-camera lights. Not all shots need extra lighting. The right lights at the right times will give you unique pictures that feel romantic and have a little drama.
- Invest in an engagement session with your photographer to get to know them and make sure they’re the right fit for your wedding. (See Courtney & Ben’s engagement highlights here)
Featured Wedding Vendors
wedding at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres https://chanhassendt.com/weddings-events/
Buttercream Bakery https://buttercream.info/
KMB Floral http://kmbfloral.com/
DJ Minnesota Wedding Party https://www.mnweddingparty.com/
