Dellwood Country Club Wedding in Dellwood, Minnesota

Some wedding days go exactly according to plan.

Others become unforgettable because of the unexpected moments, the people surrounding you, and the way everyone comes together through it all.

Marissa and Nick’s wedding at Dellwood Country Club in Dellwood, Minnesota, was absolutely one of those unforgettable wedding days.

Located just outside the Twin Cities, near the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, Dellwood Country Club is one of the more distinctive golf-course wedding venues in Minnesota. Known for its beautiful grounds, private country club atmosphere, and scenic outdoor ceremony space overlooking the golf course, it creates an elegant setting for couples wanting a refined wedding experience close to Stillwater, Minneapolis, and western Wisconsin.

As a Wisconsin and Minnesota wedding photographer who has photographed more than 50 weddings at golf courses and country clubs throughout the Midwest, I’ve learned that every golf course wedding venue operates a little differently. Golf etiquette matters, respecting the members matters, and being mindful of the flow of the course is incredibly important when photographing weddings at private country clubs.

From the moment I arrived at Dellwood Country Club that morning, I could already tell this was going to be a beautiful day.

The guys spent the morning downstairs enjoying the golf simulator inside the clubhouse while the ladies finished hair and makeup upstairs in the bridal suite. The bridal suite itself was intimate and cozy, which honestly created the perfect environment for emotional, candid moments throughout the morning. Mimosas were flowing, music was playing, and there was this calm excitement surrounding the entire group.

One of the most meaningful moments from the morning was watching Marissa share a first look with her dad.

As a wedding photographer serving both Minnesota and Wisconsin, I find that these parent moments often become some of the strongest emotional memories of the day. Watching her dad see his daughter fully dressed and ready for the ceremony was incredibly special.

After spending time with her parents, Marissa and Nick shared a first touch inside the clubhouse.

Nick wanted to wait to see his bride walking down the aisle, which is absolutely respectable. Instead of a traditional first look, the couple chose to exchange private vows while standing around the corner from one another on the beautiful staircase inside Dellwood Country Club. With natural light pouring through the large windows surrounding the staircase, it created such an intimate and emotional atmosphere for the two of them to slow down and connect before the ceremony.

Before guests arrived for the outdoor wedding ceremony, we stepped outside with the wedding party for portraits throughout the property.

One thing I appreciated throughout the day was how respectful everyone was of the venue and the golf course itself. Weddings at golf courses require patience and awareness, especially at private clubs like Dellwood Country Club. We worked carefully throughout the property while still creating beautiful images for the couple.

And honestly, this wedding party made everything fun.

There was nonstop laughter throughout the day, and everyone genuinely cared about celebrating Marissa and Nick. At one point, the bride shared a little dance party with the flower girl that was absolutely adorable and became one of those unscripted moments everyone will remember forever.

The ceremony itself took place on the back lawn overlooking the golf course at Dellwood Country Club.

Leading up to the ceremony, I was watching the radar closely because the weather was shifting quickly throughout the afternoon. I had a strong feeling rain was coming, but despite the uncertainty, the couple remained calm and completely focused on what mattered most… getting married.

Marissa made an unforgettable entrance as she walked down from the rooftop level of the clubhouse with her father before making her way down the aisle toward Nick.

The outdoor ceremony was beautiful. Surrounded by family and friends, and with views of the golf course, the couple officially tied the knot while incorporating a rope ceremony symbolizing strength and unity.

And then… right near the end of the ceremony…

The skies absolutely opened up.

Not just a light drizzle.

An unforgettable downpour.

The kind of rainstorm that wedding photographers remember for years because everyone is laughing while simultaneously sprinting for cover.

People always say rain on your wedding day is good luck, and honestly, after photographing weddings throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota for years, some of the rainiest wedding days have also been the most memorable and emotional.

Once the storm passed, the atmosphere shifted into an incredible cocktail hour filled with laughter, hugs, drinks, and guests simply enjoying each other's company. The energy throughout the day never dropped because the couple stayed positive, laid-back, and genuinely excited to celebrate with everyone around them.

After family portraits and wedding party photos throughout Dellwood Country Club, guests transitioned into the reception space for dinner and speeches. Every detail throughout the reception reflected how much thought and effort Marissa and Nick put into their wedding day.

One of my favorite parts of the evening happened when we snuck away for sunset portraits after dinner.

Even though the storm clouds had rolled through earlier, the sky transformed into this dramatic textured sunset filled with soft clouds and incredible depth. Those quiet moments away from the reception allowed the couple to finally slow down together for a few minutes and simply enjoy being husband and wife.

These are often the moments couples remember most after the wedding day.

The evening continued with an intimate first dance, a surprise choreographed dance between the bride and her father, and a beautiful dance shared between Nick and his mom before the dance floor officially opened for the night.

From polka to the Cha Cha Slide to sing-along songs that packed the entire dance floor, the reception quickly turned into an unforgettable celebration surrounded by amazing people and nonstop energy.

As a Dellwood Country Club wedding photographer, days like this are such a reminder that weddings are never truly about perfect timelines, perfect weather, or perfect circumstances.

They’re about people.

They’re about family, connection, emotion, and celebrating one of the biggest moments of your life surrounded by those you love most.

Marissa and Nick handled every curveball throughout the day with positivity, laughter, and grace, and honestly, that’s exactly what made their wedding day so memorable. Thank you for having me be part of your wedding day as your photographer, capturing these memories, and being part of something so special.

Whether it was the emotional moments throughout the morning, the unexpected rainstorm during the ceremony, or the energy that filled the dance floor all evening long, Marissa and Nick’s wedding day at Dellwood Country Club was one that will be remembered for a very long time. It was such an honor to document a day surrounded by amazing people, genuine connection, and so many moments that made this celebration uniquely theirs.