Summer Wedding at The Luminare

We helped them narrow down venues by planning a single, focused day of tours — a strategy we always recommend if you can take time off work. It makes comparisons easier when every location is fresh in your mind. Their favorite? The Luminare — a space with incredible flexibility around catering and bar options, and someone as thoughtful as Catherine on the venue team.

Their summer wedding at The Luminare began at the beautiful Ellipse on Excelsior, where Caitlin got ready with her bridesmaids. The amazing team from Minneapolis Beauty Lounge worked their magic on hair and makeup.

One of the most special moments of the day was when Caitlin and Abe exchanged private vows — just the two of them. It gave them just a few moments alone before the excitment of the day started!

One thing about Caitlin — she loves color. Her bridespeople wore outfits in the most beautiful shades of pink, and the whole wedding was full of rich blues, soft pinks, and pops of bold florals from Studio B Floral. Each of Caitlin’s people held a bouquet of a single style of flower which were all in her bouquet.

One of our favorite moments? Right before the ceremony, Abe’s groomsmen circled around him, hyping him up and cheering him on like the MVP he is. This set the perfect tone for the ceremony.

Once the “I dos” were done, it was time to party — and the reception didn’t disappoint. The reception space at Luminare didn’t need to be flipped as we held the ceremony in the front room as the couple didn’t want the hassle of a space transition when catering would need to set up in the back room.

One of the many things we loved about Caitlin and Abe was how intentional they were. Planning a day that honored Caitlin’s Irish-Italian roots and Abe’s Ethiopian heritage was no small task. Caitlin joked often about wanting to “equally disappoint our families,” but the truth is they built a day that centered love, inclusion, and authenticity.

Their approach to food was the perfect example: CRAVE brought classic American fare like sliders, salads, and hanging pretzels, while Bole Ethiopian Cuisine served a generous Ethiopian buffet that had everyone going back for seconds (and thirds). It was a true culinary celebration — and the guests loved the chance to taste both cultures side by side.

When it came to dessert, Caitlin and Abe opted out of the traditional cake. We got some Nothing Bundt Cakes for the gluten-free people and an assorted cookie tray. We also recommended something cool for the August heat — and La Vita Espresso delivered with icy treats that kept everyone refreshed and happy.

Towards the end of the night, Caitlin and Abe slipped outside for one last photo session. It had started to rain — but instead of running inside, they leaned into it. Rachel Lahlum Photography, captured the most magical shots in the rain.

From the very beginning, Caitlin and Abe knew they didn’t want a wedding full of traditions that didn’t feel right. They wanted a day that felt true to who they are. From private vows and colorful dresses to sliders and Ethiopian stews, they made every decision with intention. And that’s what made this summer wedding at The Luminare so beautiful.

It was their wedding — and it was perfect for them.