Wedding Reception at The Blaisdell | Vibrant Indian Celebration in Minneapolis

Traditionally dressed Indian couple share a kiss in front of the ivy wall at The Blaisdell during their wedding reception

The Blaisdell, in the heart of Minneapolis, was the perfect setting for Niyo & Arun’s unforgettable Indian wedding reception. Elegant, modern, and full of character, the venue set the stage for a night that blended rich cultural tradition with one of the most electric dance parties I’ve ever photographed.

This celebration was truly one for the ages, filled with energy, color, and pure joy. Below, I’ll share a bit about the venue, the couple, and what made their Bollywood-inspired Minneapolis wedding reception so special.

A Fun Backstory with the Groom

Arun and I first met almost nine years ago at the inaugural Midwest Tomato Fest, both of us covered in tomatoes (yes, really). I was photographing the event, and he was right in the middle of the chaos, and somehow, a friendship was born from that wild day.

Since then, Arun (also a talented photographer himself) has supported my work over the years, so being asked to capture his and Niyo’s wedding celebration was a huge honor.

Weddings at The Blaisdell

Located just south of downtown Minneapolis, The Blaisdell is one of the city’s most sought-after wedding venues. The historic mansion features classic architecture on the outside, paired with bright, modern, and open interiors, a perfect blend of timeless charm and contemporary elegance.

Here are a few reasons couples (and photographers!) love this venue:

  1. Picture-perfect spaces – manicured outdoor grounds, gorgeous white façade, and bright, airy interiors.

  2. Spacious design – large open rooms, high ceilings, and beautiful natural light for stunning photos.

  3. Fantastic staff – professional, friendly, and consistently praised by my couples for making the day seamless.

For more details on pricing and availability, visit The Blaisdell Weddings Page.

Niyo & Arun’s Indian Ceremony and American Reception

Before their Minnesota celebration, Niyo & Arun were married in Chennai, India, where Arun grew up. Niyo, originally from Hyderabad, had her dream coastal ceremony near the Bay of Bengal, a vibrant, traditional South Indian wedding surrounded by family and friends.

When they returned home, they wanted to host a second celebration that blended their cultural roots with their love of dance, art, and community, and The Blaisdell was the perfect place for it.

An Epic Bollywood Dance Party

The evening started elegantly and ended in a full-on explosion of dance, music, and laughter.
Niyo & Arun’s Bollywood-inspired dance group, SAATH (South Asian Arts & Theater House), transformed The Blaisdell ballroom into something out of a movie scene. The energy, choreography, and pure joy were incredible, every single guest was on their feet.

The couple and their SAATH crew teach Bollywood dance classes every Thursday night at Tapestry Folk Dance Center, and also perform at major Twin Cities events like MinneUtsav, MN Fringe Festival, and other cultural showcases.

To say their performance brought the house down would be an understatement.

Gallery of Wedding Photos from The Blaisdell

 

Beautiful wide shot of the outside of The Blaisdell wedding venue in Minneapolis, with the sun flaring over the top of the building, and the well landscape front walkway in full summer bloom

The Blaisdell sign in front of the main wedding venue building in Minneapolis

Traditionally dressed Indian couple walk along the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Blaisdell during their wedding reception

Traditionally dressed Indian couple hold hands, which are decorated in henna, on the grounds of the Blaisdell during their wedding reception in Minneapolis

MC's get the dance party started at the wedding reception at The Blaisdell in Minneapolis

Wide angle shot of the large main room of The Blaisdell during a wedding reception

Bride and groom share a laugh during a wedding video that their friends made for them at The Blaisdell during their wedding reception

Close up of bride and groom sharing a laugh during a wedding video their friends made for them at The Blaisdell during their wedding reception

Groom and his groomsmen perform a choreographed dance at The Blaisdell

Bride reacted wildly to the groom and his groomsmen performing a choreographed dance at The Blaisdell during their wedding reception

Groom presents his bride a special flower at The Blaisdell during their wedding reception

Groom getting a huge group hug from all of his groomsmen

Bridesmaids perform a choreographed dance

Bride performs a choreographed solo dance

Bride & groom play a fun wedding party game

Groom dips the bride and gives her a kiss in front of the large white wall at The Blaisdell

Bride and groom giving a speech

Bride and groom passionately dancing

More people joining the bride and groom on the dance floor

Wedding guest passionately dancing during wedding reception at The Blaisdell

Wedding guests passionately dancing with bride during wedding reception at The Blaisdell

Wedding guests passionately dancing with groom during wedding reception at The Blaisdell

Wedding guest in bright yellow dance battles the bride during wedding reception at The Blaisdell

Many wedding guests dancing with their hands in the air during wedding reception at The Blaisdell

Bride spins and flairs out her beautiful wedding dress during her wedding reception at The Blaisdell

Wedding guests dance low to the ground with the bride

Bride singing out passionately

Junior bridesmaid hangs playfully on her mother, on the dance floor

High angle shot of the bride and groom dancing and showing the beautiful henna art on the bride's hand

Bride and grooms feet reflecting off the shiny dance floor

Groom picks up his bride and twirls her around

Bride singing while being spun in the arms of the groom

Wedding guests pose with the bride while dancing

Colorfully dressed wedding guests leaning way back together on the dance floor with their arms raised high into the air

Belly laughs on the dance floor while leaning way into a backbend

Bride and groom in full dance motion with dj lights illuminating the scene

Planning a Wedding at The Blaisdell

Whether you’re planning a classic Minneapolis wedding reception or a multicultural celebration like Niyo & Arun’s, The Blaisdell offers a flexible and elegant backdrop that can be styled to fit your unique story.

I’m Jackson Tyler Eddy, an award-winning Minneapolis wedding photographer and the creator of A Frame Forward Photography. I specialize in documenting meaningful, vibrant celebrations across Minnesota and destination weddings worldwide.

If you’re planning an Indian, multicultural, or Minneapolis wedding, I’d love to capture your story.
Reach out here to check availability and learn more.

 

 

Minneapolis wedding photographer Jackson Tyler Eddy

Jackson Tyler Eddy is a Minneapolis wedding photographer with 17+ years behind the camera, hundreds of weddings photographed, and a place in The Knot Hall of Fame. His landscape work has been featured by National Geographic in its Daily Dozen, and that same artist's eye carries into every wedding he photographs. Available for weddings throughout Minnesota and destinations worldwide.

More about Jackson → See wedding collections →
Let's Talk

Tell Me About Your Wedding

I'd love to hear what you're planning. I photograph a limited number of weddings each year and dates do book well in advance. Reach out and I'll get back to you personally with everything you need to know.

Get in Touch