Maybe it’s the skyline in the background, or the way everything feels a little more elevated without trying too hard. When it’s done well, it doesn’t feel overly styled or overthought, it just feels easy.
That’s exactly what makes A’BULAE such a special place to get married. With sweeping views of downtown St. Paul and a space that’s already beautifully designed, you’re not starting from scratch, you’re building on something that already works.
Here’s how to lean into that and create a day that feels effortless, intentional, and really you.
Start with a space that already does the work
One of the biggest advantages of getting married at A’BULAE is that you don’t have to overcompensate with design. The floor-to-ceiling windows, the clean lines, the open layout, it’s all already there. The city becomes part of your backdrop, and the natural light carries the entire space. You don’t need to “transform” anything for it to feel special. Instead, think about enhancing what’s already working.
That might look like:
• Placing your ceremony or head table where the skyline naturally frames the moment
• Being intentional about what you add so nothing blocks light or sightlines
• Using decor to guide the eye (florals, signage, candles) rather than fill every corner
When your venue is this strong, restraint is usually what makes everything feel the most elevated.
Keep the design thoughtful, not overdone
Once you understand the space, then you can start shaping the overall look and feel. City-chic design comes down to editing. It’s about choosing pieces that feel cohesive and elevated, without everything competing for attention.
This is where your design details really come in:
• Florals that feel soft and organic, adding movement without overwhelming the room
• Signage and paper goods that double as décor—clean, elevated, and consistent with your palette
• A color story that stays tight (neutrals, black, champagne, subtle metallics) so everything feels pulled together
• Candlelight and textures that warm up the space
The goal is for everything to feel connected. When each piece is working together, the whole space feels intentional without feeling overdesigned.
Let your day flow instead of forcing it
One of the most underrated parts of a wedding (and honestly one of the most important) is how the day actually moves.
Because everything at A’BULAE happens in one place (getting ready, ceremony, reception), you don’t have to think about transportation, timing gaps, or constantly shifting locations.
What that really gives you:
• A slower, more relaxed start to your day
• A smoother experience for your guests
• More time where you’re not rushing from one thing to the next
That’s the difference people feel. A day that flows naturally and feels good to be part of.
Focus on how it feels, not just how it looks
The weddings people remember most aren’t always the ones with the most elaborate details. They’re the ones where the energy felt right. Where the night flowed naturally. Where nothing felt forced or overly structured.
That comes from thoughtful decisions—choosing a space that supports your vision, keeping your design cohesive, and building a timeline that gives you room to actually be present. When all of that is working together, everything else falls into place in a way that feels easy (even if a lot went into making it that way).
Have a team that knows how to bring it all together
A wedding like this doesn’t just happen, it’s built intentionally.
Having a team that understands the space, the flow of the day, and how to balance design with logistics makes such a difference. You’re not the one worrying about timelines, transitions, or whether everything is coming together the way you imagined. You get to be in it.
Ready to start planning?
If you’re drawn to a modern, city-chic wedding at A’BULAE, you’re already in a really good place. Whether you’re still gathering ideas or ready to lock in your date, our team is here to guide you through it in a way that feels clear, organized, and actually enjoyable.
