A Work of Art: Delani & Adam's Gracefully Romantic Mansion Wedding

The bride surprised everyone with a show-stopping second wedding dress!

On a sun-drenched day in September, US real wedding couple Delani and Adam wed in a celebration of pure timeless elegance. Their day of joy took place at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis with the aesthetic drawing inspiration from the elegance of romantic European weddings. Intimate and sophisticated, feminine and romantic, to say we are in love with the details is a *major* understatement.

They basked in fairytale light as they celebrated with 100 of their nearest and dearest and they exchanged vows in a breathtaking outdoor ceremony in front of the mansion. The atmosphere only became more magical as the sun set for their candlelit reception in the courtyard under twinkling lights. We simply can't wait for you to see their imagery from luxury wedding photographer Märit Williams who captured the memories that they will love to relive forever.

First, let's dive into their love story. Delani is from Detroit and Adam is from Chicago and they are based in Minneapolis. They met in Scottsdale in Arizona when Delani was attending her best friend’s bachelorette party and Adam was at his best friend’s bachelor party! Coincidentally, they both happened to be living in Chicago at the time and when they got back from their trips Adam asked Delani out on their first date. The rest was history!

Fast forward to their proposal, "Adam proposed on our trip to Maui Hawaii on 1/1/24. He coordinated a private dinner with a photographer at the Four Seasons Maui. It was magical!"

Delani dreamt of a historic wedding venue that married vintage charm and European-inspired architecture with a beautiful outdoor space. It was love at first sight when she saw a photo of the courtyard at the American Swedish Institute, she simply had to view it. "The mansion is absolutely beautiful inside and out and has several rooms with distinct style and décor, making every corner feel like a work of art. I fell in love with the idea of our ceremony being outside on the front steps of the mansion and our reception in the courtyard under the twinkly lights."

Enlisting Jenna Culley Events to bring their dream day to life, Delani envisioned decor that exuded timeless elegance, romance and sophistication. The colour palette was infused with subtle hints of blush pink and delicate bows were a key accent in the styling. "Even my wedding dress embodied my personal style and wedding aesthetic – elegant, bold, and undeniably unforgettable, making a powerful statement on my special day!"

Her wedding day look was a masterpiece of timeless glamour as she wore the illusion lace Veronica dress by Galia Lahav. The trumpet-style bridal gown boasts three-dimensional embroidered lace and soft ruffles, with sheer side panels and a voluminous skirt made of layered soft tulle. She accessorised with gathered illusion tulle gloves with floral and beaded crystal embellishments, floral lace Betsey Johnson heels and vintage earrings from The Golden Pearl Vintage.

The couple's outdoor ceremony included a mesmerising floral display with tonal tea roses and lush foliage lacing up the steps of the mansion.

"My biggest priority from the very beginning was to always remind myself what this day meant to Adam and I," Delani says. She will never forget their first look. "Both of us were overcome with enthusiasm and emotion. It was the first time I truly felt some relief that day was when I was able to embrace and hug Adam. It reminded me that this day was about celebrating our new life as husband and wife, and not about the small details that could go wrong."

The couple opted not to have a traditional wedding party so that they could spend as much time together soaking up every magical moment.

Dapper groom exuded timeless suaveness in his Martin Patrick suit and amongst his accessories was a sustainable feather bow tie.

Delani's bridal bouquet marrying blush and sun-bleached hues is giving us IRL heart-eyes.

"Our officiant and Delani’s brother in law, did an amazing job at making our guests laugh while sharing thoughtful pieces of martial advice that we will never forget," they reflect.

The amorous ambiance of their courtyard reception was undeniable as oodles of candles brought an enchanting glow with bow details a plenty and place cards boasting the couple's uber-chic monogram. The elegant florals which included hydrangeas, dahlia and anemone added to the timeless beauty of the decor.

"The wedding day unfolded in the most enchanting way. We were blessed with a flawless, sun-drenched weather. The atmosphere was nothing short of romantic, feminine, and intimate, brimming with love and joy," the bride reminisces.

As if we couldn't swoon anymore... How gorgeous is the couple's wedding cake which rested on a table scattered with rose petals.

The couple loved being able to spend some one-on-one time together before joining their loved ones for cocktail hour.

"We were able to unwind and enjoy our first drink together rather than feeling pressured to finish the wedding party photos. It was such a special experience!"

The celebration felt like "a dream" especially during golden hour and their reception had the vibe of a relaxed dinner party with their closest family and friends.

As the sun set the atmosphere became wonderfully cosy with string lights twinkling above and candles flickering softly. "It was warm, personal, and unforgettable."

Their stunning celebration included a first dance to Found by Jacob Banks, a spellbinding second wedding dress with a scene-stealer bow and late-night pizza.

"I wish someone had told me before starting the planning process that planning a wedding is as hard as you make it," the bride reflects. "My advice to future brides is to not stress about the 'what ifs' and just enjoy the process. Everything will come together as it should, and your guests won’t even notice those small details that are keeping you up at night!"

The couple set off on a trip of a lifetime as they began their honeymoon on Pangulasian Island in the Philippines. "We enjoyed lounging by the pool, island hopping, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, diving, and indulging in relaxing massages and facials." After their tranquil escape things took an action-packed turn as they went to Japan, exploring Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. "The food, culture, and shopping were beyond amazing, offering an unforgettable experience. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure—an experience we highly recommend!"

Congratulations Delani and Adam we wish you a lifetime of happiness! A very special thank you to our fabulous couple and Märit Williams Photography for sharing today's breathtaking celebration with One Fab Day.

Planning a destination wedding? Get inspired by these stunning celebrations from couples who tied the knot abroad.

Suppliers 

Videographer //
Harvest Wedding Films
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Venue/Catering & Bar //
American Swedish Institute
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Wedding Dress Label //
Galia Lahav
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Bridal Boutique //
Annika Bridal
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Bridal Shoes //
Betsey Johnson
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Bridal Accessories //
The Golden Pearl Vintage
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Groom's Suit //
Martin Patrick
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Groom's Shoes/Cufflinks //
Ferragamo
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Groom's Bow Tie //
Brackish Bowtie
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Hair //
MKM Stylings
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Stationery //
Epitome Papers
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Cake //
Cocoa & Fig
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Wedding Rings //
United Gem Ltd.
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Ceremony/Reception Music //
Roma Duo Minneapolis
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Planning/Styling //
Jenna Culley Events
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Transport //
Silver Rolls Royce
|
Rentals/Decor //
Linen Effects
|
Late Night Snack //
Wrecktangle Pizza MN
|
Dance Lessons //
Four Seasons Dance Studio
|
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