October 2025
Sarah and James chose Chart House for the same reason most couples do: the lake. Sarah grew up near Lake Kingsley and had been to the restaurant as a kid. When she and James started looking at venues, it was the first place she mentioned. After one tour, they booked it.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was held in the gardens at 4 p.m. on a clear Saturday in mid-September. The temperature was exactly what you'd hope for — low 70s, a slight breeze off the water. Guests were seated facing the lakeside arch, with the water visible behind the couple throughout.
Sarah wore a fitted gown with a cathedral-length train. James and his groomsmen wore charcoal suits. The floral arch was white and blush — peonies, roses, and eucalyptus — arranged by their florist, who had worked at Chart House before and knew the space.
The processional was just under ten minutes. Sarah's father walked her in. The ceremony itself ran about 22 minutes, officiated by a close family friend who'd been ordained for the occasion.
Cocktail Hour
Guests moved to the garden deck for cocktail hour while the ceremony space was reset. The kitchen sent out three passed appetizers — bruschetta, shrimp skewers, and a brie-and-pear crostini — along with a full bar. The lake was at its best at that hour: afternoon light, a few boats still on the water, the kind of evening that looks like a postcard.
Sarah and James did their portraits during cocktail hour, starting at the lakeside dock and finishing on the garden path near the ceremony arch. Their photographer used the natural light for about 45 minutes of portraits before guests moved inside.
The Reception
Dinner was plated — a choice of filet or salmon, with a vegetarian option that had been pre-selected on the RSVP cards. The ballroom was set for 175 guests at round tables of ten. Centerpieces were low arrangements of white florals on mirrored pedestals.
Toasts ran about 30 minutes — maid of honor, best man, and both fathers. Then the first dance, then dinner. The DJ kept the music soft during dinner and built toward the dance floor opener after cake.
The first dance was to a song James had played in his college band. They'd talked about whether it was 'too personal' for guests to recognize. The guests didn't know the song and didn't care — they were watching the couple, not listening to the lyrics.
The Details
- Venue: Chart House, Lakeville, MN (11287 Klamath Trail)
- Guest count: 175
- Ceremony: Lakeside garden, 4 p.m.
- Reception: Main ballroom, 6–11 p.m.
- Menu: Plated filet and salmon, three passed cocktail-hour appetizers
- Bar: Hosted premium bar
- Florals: Outside florist (local to Lakeville)
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