Some weddings feel like stepping into a secret garden. Emily and Madison’s summer celebration at Tanadoona was exactly that kind of magic. Nestled on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, Minnesota, this historic venue provided the perfect woodland backdrop. As a result, their wedding was equal parts romantic, colorful, and authentically them.

From the moment guests arrived at this Tanadoona wedding in Excelsior Minnesota, they knew this wasn’t going to be your typical celebration. Emily had created a stunning DIY floral ground installation that transformed the ceremony space into something straight out of a fairytale. Hot pink peonies, coral roses, dusty blue delphiniums, and peachy blooms created a vibrant pathway through the trees, proof that breaking traditional wedding “rules” leads to the most memorable moments.

Emily wore a breathtaking gown from Luxe Bridal Couture with delicate lace sleeves and the most romantic tulle skirt that caught the dappled forest light perfectly. Madison looked sharp in a custom sage green suit from Hockerty that complemented the natural surroundings beautifully. Together, they were the picture of summer romance.

Why This Tanadoona Wedding in Excelsior Minnesota Was Unforgettable

If you’re dreaming of a Minnesota wedding venue that feels both intimate and grand, Tanadoona delivers. This historic Lake Minnetonka property offers mature trees that create natural cathedral-like spaces, open lawns with lake views, and a sense of privacy that’s hard to find so close to the Twin Cities. The tree canopy provides built-in shade for summer ceremonies while creating that dreamy, diffused lighting that makes every photo glow.

Vibrant Florals at a Lake Minnetonka Venue

Forget the muted neutrals—Emily and Madison went bold with their floral choices, and it paid off spectacularly. Working with Reverie & Rose for her bouquet while creating her own ceremony installation, Emily proved that mixing DIY elements with professional florals can create something truly special. The pops of hot pink against the natural green backdrop? Chef’s kiss.

Planning Your Tanadoona Wedding Excelsior Minnesota

1. Mix DIY with Professional Vendors Strategically Emily’s approach was genius: she DIY’d the ceremony floral installation (a major wow factor that also saved budget) while investing in a professionally designed bouquet from Reverie & Rose. This gave her a creative outlet and significant savings without sacrificing the polished look where it mattered most. If you’re crafty, consider which elements you’ll be photographed holding versus what guests will experience from a distance.

2. Time Your Ceremony for Perfect Woodland Lighting Summer in Minnesota means long, gorgeous days—but also harsh midday sun. For a tree-covered venue like Tanadoona, plan your ceremony for late afternoon (around 4-5pm). You’ll get that magical golden hour glow filtering through the leaves without the intense overhead sun that creates unflattering shadows.

3. Let Your Personality Lead Your Planning From Sam’s Club sheet cakes (because why not?) to vibrant, unconventional florals, Emily and Madison made choices that felt right for them. The result? A wedding that felt genuine, joyful, and completely unforgettable. Your wedding doesn’t need to follow a Pinterest-perfect template—it just needs to feel like you.

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.

---

Ready to Create Your Own Unforgettable Wedding Story?

Your love deserves to be captured authentically. If you’re planning a Minnesota wedding—whether it’s an intimate woodland ceremony at Tanadoona in Excelsior, a lakeside celebration, or something totally unique to you, we’d be honored to tell your story through photography that feels genuine, joyful, and beautifully you.

We specialize in documenting real moments, authentic emotions, and the details that make your day one-of-a-kind. From Minneapolis to Lake Minnetonka venues to destination celebrations, I’m here to create images you’ll treasure forever.

📸 Let’s make magic together.

CONTACT US to check availability for your wedding date, view full pricing, and schedule a consultation. Limited 2026 and 2027 dates still available, let’s start planning your dream wedding photography experience today!

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!

---

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