Some weddings feel like stepping into a hidden garden. Emily and Madison’s summer celebration at Camp Fire Minnesota was exactly that. Tucked along the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, this outdoor wedding felt romantic, colorful, and deeply personal from beginning to end.

As guests arrived at this Excelsior outdoor wedding, they were welcomed by towering trees and soft lake air. Immediately, it felt intimate and peaceful. Instead of traditional aisle décor, Emily designed a stunning floral installation that lined the forest floor. Hot pink peonies, coral roses, dusty blue delphiniums, and peach blooms created a bold pathway through the trees. Because of that creative choice, the ceremony space felt vibrant and completely unique.

Rather than following trends, they followed their instincts.

Emily wore a lace gown from Luxe Bridal Couture with delicate sleeves and a flowing tulle skirt that caught the filtered woodland light beautifully. Meanwhile, Madison chose a custom sage green suit from Hockerty that blended perfectly with the lakeside setting. Together, they looked effortless against the natural backdrop of their Lake Minnetonka wedding.

Why This Excelsior Outdoor Wedding Was So Special

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding near Minneapolis that feels both intimate and expansive, Camp Fire Minnesota offers the best of both worlds. Mature trees create natural cathedral-like ceremony spaces. Open lawns overlook the water. And despite being just minutes from the Twin Cities, the property feels peaceful and secluded.

The tree canopy also provides natural shade, which is a gift during Minnesota summers. The result? Soft, diffused light that makes every moment glow — something every experienced Minneapolis wedding photographer knows is priceless.

Bold Florals at a Lake Minnetonka Wedding

Forget muted neutrals. Emily and Madison leaned all the way into color. Working with Reverie & Rose for her bouquet while designing her own ceremony florals, Emily struck the perfect balance between DIY and professional artistry. The vibrant pinks against the green woodland backdrop were electric in the best way.

It’s a beautiful reminder that your wedding palette doesn’t need to follow trends. It just needs to feel like you.

Planning Tips for Your Own Excelsior Outdoor Wedding

1. Be strategic with DIY elements.
Emily focused her DIY efforts on the ceremony installation, a high-impact visual moment. She invested in a professionally designed bouquet for close-up photos. This balance allowed creativity without sacrificing polish.

2. Time your ceremony thoughtfully.
Late afternoon ceremonies at Lake Minnetonka venues are ideal. Around 4–5pm allows the sun to filter through the trees while avoiding harsh overhead light. Outdoor weddings shine when lighting is considered.

3. Let personality guide your decisions.
From Sam’s Club sheet cakes to vibrant florals, Emily and Madison made choices that felt true to them. The result was a wedding day that felt authentic instead of overly curated.

The day was flawlessly coordinated by Kayli McGee of Green Dress Planning, ensuring every detail came together seamlessly. Primped LLC and Kimmy Lorraine kept Emily looking absolutely radiant, while Instant Request DJ kept the celebration going all night. Unique Dining Catering delighted guests with incredible food, and yes—those Sam’s Club desserts were a hit (and a brilliant budget move!).

Emily’s ring from Gundersons Jewelers and Madison’s from Kayge Studio were the perfect symbols of their commitment, each as unique as their love story.

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Ready to Create Your Own Unforgettable Wedding Story?

At Mycah Bain Photography, documenting weddings like this is about more than beautiful portraits. It’s about preserving the feeling of the day — the laughter under the trees, the quiet lake breeze, the way hands found each other naturally.

If you’re planning an Excelsior outdoor wedding, a Lake Minnetonka celebration, or any lakeside wedding near Minneapolis, I would be honored to tell your story.

Your love deserves to be captured with warmth, artistry, and intention.

📸 Let’s make magic together.

If you’re searching for a Minneapolis wedding photographer who values experience just as much as imagery, let’s connect. Reach out to Mycah Bain Photography to check availability and start planning photography that feels effortless, emotional, and beautifully you.

Limited 2026 and 2027 dates are available. Let’s create something unforgettable together.

Already working with an amazing vendor team like Emily and Madison’s? I love collaborating with Minnesota’s best wedding professionals to create seamless, stress-free wedding days. Let’s connect!

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Vendor Credits

Photography: Mycah Bain Photography
Venue: Tanadoona, Excelsior, MN
Planning & Coordination: Green Dress Planning | @greendressplanning
Bride’s Gown: Luxe Bridal Couture-MN | @luxebridal_mn
Groom’s Suit: Hockerty | @hockerty_official
Bride’s Ring: Gundersons Jewelers | @gundersonsjewelers
Groom’s Ring: Kayge Studio | @kayge_studio
Bouquet: Reverie & Rose | @reverieandrose
Ceremony Florals: DIY by the bride
Hair & Makeup: Primped LLC | @primpedmn & Kimmy Lorraine | @kimmybeautymn
DJ: Instant Request | @instantrequestdj
Catering: Unique Dining | @uniquediningcatering
Dessert: Sam’s Club