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The Van Dusen Mansion

Our Wedding Celebration

Our Wedding

A Love Story in the Making

It began, as most things do, completely over Aaron's head. She was, in her mind, making obvious passes—but Aaron would not know a flirtatious moment if it connected with his jawbone at 100 miles per hour. And so for months, Lena went platonically acknowledged yet romantically unreciprocated. It was the summer of 2020, all the restaurants were closed, and dating mostly consisted of "long, meandering walks that hopefully did not culminate in murder." In July, the stars aligned, and in a sweeping tidal wave of profound realization, Aaron took a hint. He joined Lena for dinner at her townhome, during which she made an attempt at crafting fajitas. The fajitas were more of a deconstructed kebab presented in a loose pile, but at that point, Lena could have served a can of Chef Boyardee and Aaron would have awarded it a Michelin star. He was outkicking his coverage in real time and he knew it. Not even the prospect of two auxiliary toddlers could scare him away. He was in deep. Not quite five years later, Aaron is still riding out that energy, miraculously pulling off the single greatest romantic heist the world has ever seen. Families have blended, homes have been bought &amp; sold, jobs have come &amp; gone, and in November of 2024, a proposal was finally executed in a fashion that Aaron would describe as "perfectly timed" while Lena would herald it as "approximately four years overdue." On August 17th, we're getting the government involved and making this thing official. Rest assured, there will be no kebabs served at this wedding. We hope you'll join us at The Van Dusen Mansion for a night of unspeakable revelry after which none of us will be able to make direct eye contact for a good 3-5 weeks. Debauchery meets charming Twin Cities architecture in the event of the decade, for our love knows no shame and strikingly few boundaries.

Our Story

After a day of high-level self-care—nails, hair, and some light wallet damage—Lena arrived at the historic Blair House in St. Paul, blissfully unaware that Aaron was about to change the trajectory of her evening (and, incidentally, her entire life). There, in a moment of peak romance, Aaron dropped to one knee and popped the question—mercifully, she said yes. Davi and Eva were right by her side, witnessing the whole thing and, we assume, silently critiquing Aaron’s form. But the surprises didn’t stop there. Immediately after the proposal, Aaron whisked Lena away to W.A. Frost &amp; Company, where their parents, grandparents, and a carefully curated selection of family members—including Cousins Peter and Elise (who had been deep in the proposal planning trenches)—were waiting to celebrate. It was, objectively speaking, a flawless execution and the perfect kickoff to this next, contractually bound chapter of their lives.

The Proposal

Our sweet and sassy daughter, Eva, is ready to shine as our flower girl. Always dancing—music or not—she’s been perfecting her petal toss and is sure to add extra sparkle (and a few twirls) to the big day!

Our determined and adventurous son, Davi, is ready to take on ring-bearing like a pro. Always on the move—whether skateboarding or scheming his next venture—he might even try to upsell the rings along the way!

Davi

(Aaron is providing details—insert here.)

Hall

Kandra is my best friend, my constant source of laughter, and truly like family. Her support and kindness mean the world to me, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side on this special day!

Kandra

Wedding Party

We’re so excited to celebrate with you! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Q + A

Getting to Minneapolis

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is the most convenient option, located just 15 minutes from the Van Dusen Mansion and downtown Minneapolis.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

Where to Stay

Stay in luxury at Hotel Ivy, just minutes from the venue. Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, bottled water, and nightly turndown service upon request. Rooms must be booked by July 19, 2025, using the custom link below or by calling the hotel and mentioning "Hunt Rosell Wedding."

Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The Westin offers a comfortable stay in downtown Minneapolis with modern amenities. Rooms must be booked by July 20, 2025, using the custom link below or by calling the hotel and mentioning "Hunt Rosell Wedding".

The Westin Minneapolis

Airbnb Tips

For those seeking a unique or more spacious stay, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/a/stays/Minneapolis--Minnesota--United-States?mlamenities=true&amp;&amp;c=.pi0.pk475441696_25650619936&amp;localized_ghost=true&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA2cu9BhBhEiwAft6IxKDz1zoL9eK1XAwAjoqXoSbY8Y6-ptJQIBrGCRItwb6MAC6JEB2XihoCOd0QAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Airbnb </a>is a great option. Look for properties in neighborhoods like Kenwood, Lake of the Isles, Downtown East, Southwest, or Linden Hills, which offer easy access to the Van Dusen Mansion while maintaining a local and charming vibe. If you're traveling with a group or prefer extra space, Airbnb can provide a homey feel. We recommend booking early to secure the best options, as summer weekends in Minneapolis can fill up quickly.

Getting to the Venue

The Van Dusen Mansion is located at 1900 La Salle Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, conveniently situated near downtown Minneapolis. Guests can take advantage of free onsite parking, and limited street parking is also available nearby. For a stress-free option, consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, which are widely available in the area. The venue is easily accessible by car and just a short distance from most major hotels and neighborhoods.

Accommodations

Things to Do in Minneapolis

Welcome to the Land of 10,000 Lakes (and, more importantly, the land where we fell in love). Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Twin Cities pro, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spots to help you eat, drink, and adventure your way through Minneapolis.

Explore the Outdoors

If you’ve ever wanted to witness nature showing off, this is your spot. Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall conveniently located in the middle of the city—because why not? Walk the trails, grab a bite at Sea Salt Eatery, and pretend you’re in a National Geographic documentary.

Minnehaha Falls

You technically aren’t allowed to visit Minneapolis without taking a scenic stroll, bike ride, or paddleboard session at Lake Nokomis, Lake Harriet, or Lake Bde Maka Ska. These lakes are where locals go to people-watch, get their steps in, and have deep, introspective moments about why they don’t spend more time outside.

Chain of  Lakes

Local Landmarks & Attractions

Come for the Spoonbridge and Cherry, stay for the modern art and existential pondering. The Walker Art Center is perfect for those who appreciate contemporary art, quirky sculptures, and feeling slightly underdressed in an art museum.

The Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Once the flour milling capital of the world (yes, that was a thing), this museum brings Minneapolis’ history to life with interactive exhibits and scenic Mississippi River views. Bonus: it’s inside a beautifully preserved industrial ruin, so your Instagram feed will thank you.

Mill City Museum

Whether you see a show or just head up to the Endless Bridge for breathtaking city views, the Guthrie is a must-visit. Fun fact: you don’t actually have to know anything about theater to appreciate how cool this place is.

Guthrie Theater

Shopping & Dining

If you enjoy boutique shopping, upscale salons, and trendy finds, welcome to your personal paradise. Just don’t be surprised when you leave with things you didn’t know you needed.

50th & France

Imagine a Pinterest board of trendy shops, award-winning restaurants, and converted warehouses—now step into it. The North Loop is where style meets substance, and where you’ll find Martin Patrick 3, Statement Boutique, and enough Instagram-worthy brunch spots to fill your entire feed.

North Loop District

Located dangerously close to our house, Heather’s is Lena’s all-time favorite neighborhood eatery. The food is top-tier, the patio is perfect, and Paige, the manager, deserves a medal for making sure every visit feels special. (There’s also a Minnetonka location if you find yourself on that side of the metro—equally great, just a little farther from our fridge.)

Heather's

Our favorite burger joint in the Linden Hills neighborhood. Lena swears by the L’OIGNON burger, the pommes frites are perfect for sharing, and the fry sauce is next-level. Don’t skip the soft serve—worth popping a Lactaid—and take it to go for a stroll around nearby Lake Harriet.

Le Burger 4304

If you're feeling fancy, Spoon and Stable delivers with its French-inspired cuisine, stunning cocktails, and a reputation that basically guarantees you’ll need a reservation.

Spoon and Stable

This James Beard Award-winning restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers and history buffs alike. Owamni serves Indigenous, decolonized cuisine, meaning no dairy, wheat, or processed sugar—just bold, locally sourced flavors that celebrate Native American traditions. It’s delicious, educational, and one of the hardest reservations to snag in town—but totally worth the effort. If you manage to get in, consider yourself lucky (and definitely invite us).

Owamni by The Sioux Chef

Family-Friendly Activities

Lions, tigers, bears—oh my! This zoo has everything from grizzly bears to adorable farm animals, plus walking trails and interactive exhibits to keep everyone entertained.

Minnesota Zoo

It’s free (though donations are encouraged), it’s full of adorable animals and lush gardens, and there’s a historic carousel. Basically, if you’ve got kids—or just enjoy fun—you’ll love it.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Dinosaurs, hands-on experiments, and an actual giant astronaut suit make this one a hit for all ages. Also, there’s a very scientific exhibit where you can see how loud your scream is, so go nuts.

Science Museum of Minnesota

It’s a mall, but make it an entire city—featuring a theme park, aquarium, mini-golf, and more stores than you’ll ever have time for. If you're feeling brave, take a ride on the SpongeBob roller coaster (or just watch others scream while you sip a coffee).

Mall of America®

Nightlife & Breweries

A Minneapolis beer icon with a sprawling beer garden, fantastic food, and brews that even self-proclaimed "I don't like beer" people tend to enjoy.

Surly Brewing Co.

An actual hidden speakeasy—look for the red light in an alley and step into another era. Expect craft cocktails, live jazz, and just the right amount of mystery.

Volstead's Emporium

Home of the legendary Parlour Burger and some of the best cocktails in town. You’ll leave full, happy, and possibly texting your friends about how life-changing a burger can be.

Lena & Aaron