Keeping the celebration small allowed Jason and Kalley to give their guests the kind of personal attention that isn’t always possible in a large wedding. Each guest had a name tag waiting on their seat and a beautifully wrapped, hand-crafted Christmas ornament at their place setting. It set the tone for a celebration designed to feel like a warm family gathering rather than a traditional large-scale event.
With fewer guests to accommodate, the couple invested in elevated touches—luxury dining, immersive florals, and thoughtful guest experiences that made the day feel unforgettable.
For Jason and Kalley, as a chef and a pastry chef, respectively, in the Twin Cities restaurant industry, food was at the heart of their celebration. Instead of a quick reception dinner, they curated a leisurely nine-course chef’s tasting menu that allowed their guests to savor each moment. This included two pieces of cake with different flavors so guests did not miss a detail of the day.
Small tables of four created cozy pockets of conversation. Throughout the night, the couple visited each table for extended time with their families—a luxury only a petite gathering can offer.
With the budget focused on experience over guest count, Kalley’s floral vision came to life in the form of ethereal baby’s breath clouds suspended above the dinner tables. Sister Honey Floral Co. created an environment that felt dreamy, seasonal, and interactive—guests dined beneath soft, floating installations that gave the room a whimsical winter feel.
One of the benefits of hosting a small wedding at a boutique hotel was the built-in sense of togetherness. All guests stayed at the Hewing Hotel, turning the event into a shared family retreat. After the dinner, many enjoyed an informal after-party on the rooftop—yes, even in the snow—complete with hot tubs and panoramic Minneapolis views.
The next morning, everyone gathered again for brunch, complete with a rented coffee cart. It was the perfect ending to a weekend intentionally crafted for connection.
Kalley also surprised guests with a mid-event dress change, and even jumped in the hot tub with her after-party dress on.
Coordinator: Great Day Events
Photography: Clewell Photography
Venue: Hewing Hotel Private Dining Room
Florals: Sister Honey Floral Co.
Hair & Makeup: Paige Palma
Cake: Ink Sweets
Lighting: Phos Lighting
Tables & Chairs: Ultimate Events
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linens
Chargers: Linen Effects
Officiant: Jill England
La Tavola linens, Phos Lighting, and beautiful charger plates from Linen Effects helped elevate the tablescape into something elegant and intimate.
The Beauty of a Petite Guest List
A Culinary Experience at the Heart of the Celebration
Cloud-Like Floral Installations
A Warm Family Weekend at the Hewing HOTEL
VENDORS
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