Some couples arrive at the planning process with a spark. Anna and JT arrived with a clarity that felt rare — the kind that knocks the excess away and leaves only truth behind. From that first email, it was clear this wouldn’t be a traditional wedding.

It would be intentional.
It would be artful.
And it would be unmistakably Anna + JT.

As their Minnesota wedding planner, my role was to help them translate that clarity into an environment that felt soft, soulful, and beautifully curated — a celebration where every detail had purpose. We didn’t want to overdo the decor in the space. We didn’t want to take away from the perfect dinner menu, and we definitely, definitely didn’t want to take the youthfulness out of the space.

The Vision: Parisian Flea Market Meets Art Museum Gift Shop

Anna and JT described their dream aesthetic as a Parisian flea market meets art museum gift shop — which instantly conjures a world of curated objects, layered textures, lived-in beauty, and one-of-a-kind finds. But without intention the design could have veered kitschy, a little musty, and even barren.

They didn’t want décor that looked mass-produced. They wanted pieces with stories — objects that could have been discovered in a Montmartre stall at dawn or tucked on a bottom shelf in a beloved neighborhood shop.

To achieve that vision, we relied heavily on Style Society and their collection of antique furniture, meaningful trinkets, and perfectly fitting art. The effect was warm, elevated, and distinctly them — a style-forward approach becoming increasingly popular among couples planning intimate Minneapolis weddings in 2026.

The Venue: Paris Dining Club — An Intimate Minneapolis Wedding Gem

Paris Dining Club, James Beard award-nominated Chef Jamie Malone’s refined space in the North Loop, is a destination in itself. Just a block from Target Field, the venue blends sleek modernism with a chic, residential feel. The front room is minimalist and sculptural; the deeper rooms feel like walking into a quiet Soho studio — clean lines, soft lighting, thoughtful materials.

For Anna, the goal was simple:

Make it feel like home.

She brought in personal décor, favorite objects, and soft touches that made guests feel like they were stepping into an elevated dinner party in her living room. With that foundation, the venue became the perfect canvas for a Paris-inspired micro wedding full of charm and intimacy.

Floral Design: Muted Hydrangeas & Sheer, Dreamy Draping

Rose Imaginative sculpted florals that brought the entire design to life. Muted hydrangeas, unexpected tones, sculptural shapes, and soft, sheer draping added texture without overwhelming the room. The palette whispered rather than shouted, creating the posh but laid-back atmosphere Anna envisioned.

It was proof that florals for intimate weddings don’t need to be excessive to be unforgettable — they simply need to feel right.

A Nontraditional Ceremony Focused on Connection

Like many Sixpence Events couples, Anna and JT chose a nontraditional wedding ceremony — one centered on meaning rather than formality.

• Anna walked herself down the aisle.

• The couple stood together with their officiant, no wedding party behind them.

• Their parents shared personal blessings and reflections.

• Their vows were spoken quietly, intentionally, and with deep presence.

With just 27 guests, every person witnessed their commitment up close. It was intimate, emotional, and profoundly authentic — exactly what couples seeking 2026 intimate wedding ideas are increasingly gravitating toward.

Cocktail Hour: Mingling, Storytelling, and the Best Toasts Ever Heard

After the ceremony, guests lingered with champagne and bites in the front room. There’s a special kind of magic at a small wedding — a closeness that allows every conversation to matter.

Some of the most heartfelt toasts I’ve ever heard were spoken that night. Friends and family didn’t just talk about the couple — they talked about how Anna and JT make other people feel. It was honest and unpolished in the best way.

Dinner Upstairs — And the Unexpected Freight Elevator Moment

To reach the fourth floor dining space, guests traveled via an old freight elevator, a delightful quirk. Everyone loved it. We set a couch in there and guests got to peek at the artist-in-residence’s space as the elevator slowly chugged its way to the upper levels. It was a moment of character and charm you simply can’t script — a perfect match for their aesthetic.

Upstairs, dinner was prepared in the open kitchen by Chef Jamie Malone, creating the atmosphere of a private dinner party wedding.

The extra-long table was layered with:

• vintage brass animals

• art books and trinkets

• curated linens

• personal pieces from Anna’s home

• soft florals tucked organically throughout

It was the kind of setting where guests instinctively relaxed — where conversations drifted and deepened, where the night felt unrushed.

A Library Bar, a Marshall Speaker, and the Most Personal Dance Floor

The bar was tucked into a cozy, library-like nook — a place designed for lingering. Instead of a DJ or band, Anna and JT chose to play their favorite dance tracks through a vintage-looking Marshall speaker, turning the room into an intimate, stylish dance floor.

It felt spontaneous and casual, like the best kind of house party — except with impeccable food, atmospheric lighting, and the city glowing outside the windows. Literally. With east-facing windows, the skyline reflected the setting sun in a drawn-out moment of magic.

This Is the Future of Intimate Weddings

Anna and JT’s celebration was more than beautiful. It was a blueprint for the future of weddings:

• Intentional guest lists

• Deeply personal design

• Curated, meaningful objects

• Nontraditional ceremonies with emotional weight

• Restaurant-style dining instead of ballroom banquets

If you’re planning your own Minnesota wedding — whether at Paris Dining Club or anywhere in the Twin Cities — and you want an intimate celebration with strong dinner party vibes, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

Let’s plan a wedding that actually feels like you.