{TOTALLY YOU VENUES} Campus Weddings

Contributed by: Chloe Mark

Choosing one location that fulfills each requirement on your checklist for both your wedding ceremony and reception can be daunting - especially when every new couple seems to be creating new standards for a beautiful wedding setting. You and your partner debate: Do you say yes to an outdoor wedding, risking bad weather? And no to two different locations for reception and ceremony, not wanting your guests to have to drive the distance? Yes to a more creative location, even though you have always wanted to get married in a traditional church? The variety of viable venue options goes on and on until you feel quite undecided...

Our resolution for this predicament? A campus wedding. 

     University of Minnesota Engagement, Jim Woolsey Photography

1) Many Variations: Yes, we know it’s been done before, yet the variations on this venue are vast! You can get married in a grand historic church and still have your reception a short walk away in a stunning modern dining venue overlooking the city (as is the case with Campus Club at the University of Minnesota). Likewise, you can welcome your guests to explore the numerous facets of the campus during the gap between your ceremony and dinner - directing them to the campus library, historic campus landmarks or surrounding nature - and still be a quick walking distance from the reception. Regardless of whether or not your love story took place on that campus, once you choose this venue, you can use it to your full advantage in a plethora of wonderful ways. 

     Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adophus College, St. Peter, MN, Brovado Weddings

     Campus Club, University of Minnesota, campusclubumn.org

    Arboretum, University of Minnesota, arboretum.umn.edu

    The Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota, weisman.umn.edu

2) Inspirational Platform: With a college as your base, you have extra sources of inspiration for your wedding’s theme. You can play off of the school’s themes, your personal “how we met” story, or the sites of the charming surrounding town.

     Minnesota Twins Wedding Cake Topper

     University of Minnesota Garter, etsy.com

    TCF Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota

3) Picture-Perfect Scenes: The sweet spots for picture perfect moments are endless when you have a campus from which to work. Kate and Jacob tromped all around both their campus of St. Olaf and the surrounding town of Northfield to capture fun photos that convey their love story. They found little ways to incorporate their love story into their wedding and photos. 

 

       St. Olaf College Wedding, Northfield, MN, Exposed to Light Photography

4) Plentiful in Resources: Many times when working with a college, a partnership with a catering service is already established so you can have fine dining without all the research and extra expense. They also would be equipped with any furniture, linens or decor you may need. 

Great Hall Bon Appetite Catering Services, Carleton College, Northfield, MN, Bellagala.com

5) Planting Romance in the Mundane: We all need a little romance added to an otherwise academic setting - don’t hesitate to spice up the college campus by being that adorable couple we all admire from behind our books.

     1) Burton Dormitory 2) Campus Welcome Sign - Carleton College, Northfield, MN, Bellagala.com

Belle Noelle Welcomes Chloe!

Meet Chloe, my new awesome intern!

She is helping me this summer (and beyond) with all sorts of projects...and let me tell you, the help is MUCH needed with my new little man around.

Welcome Chloe; I am MORE than excited to have you on board!  

Make sure to watch for her contributions on the blog.

Read more about her here :

"I’m Chloe Mark, a rising senior Studio Art major from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. I’m highly interested in venturing into the event planning world for my career and feel so fortunate that Casey from Belle Noelle is taking me under her wing this summer. I have always been rather obsessed with weddings and other such parties so the idea of spending my work day with others to coordinate an event sounds ideal. I love taking my artistic eye and abilities and combining them with my interpersonal and organizational skills to make someone’s vision come alive. 

When I’m not studying or working I love to stay active outdoors, dance, attend bible studies, spend time in coffee shops, travel (as cheaply as possible), read, stare at pictures of weddings, hang out with my friends, my grandma and my dogs. I recently returned from a study abroad trip to Italy studying religion and history as well as the many ways Italians know how to throw a party (mainly beautiful weddings in front of gorgeous Basilicas). 

I look forward to learning and growing, taking on any opportunity I can get as I start this internship. I feel lucky to have a chance to write about the world of weddings and events and help you all plan in any way I can. I especially love a good deal, neat D.I.Y. feature, or a sweet story to share."  

Back to Business!

Hello lovely people!

It's been an insanely long time since I have posted anything on my blog...and why such a long break?  Well, Belle Noelle had a baby - our first!  His name is Gates, and my husband and I are GAGA over him.  Here is my little man at 2 weeks old:

and now at 4 1/2 months old:

He is an active, happy, funny baby and the love of our lives.

Now that this Mama is more used to parenthood it's BACK TO BUSINESS time for Belle Noelle Events & Design.  Stay tuned for much more to come!  There are so many exciting things we have lined up, and I can't wait to share them with you all.

Peace and Love ~ Casey Noelle Bahl