A Fitger’s Affair

By Francoisetmoi

This past weekend Ken and I stopped in at Fitger’s while in Duluth for an obligatory (ha!) growler exchange at the Brewhouse. (Have you tried their Apricot Wheat Beer? It’s crazy good.) On our way out of the complex, we passed through the courtyard where we held our wedding reception 2 years prior and saw there was another wedding reception underway that evening. It brought back such fun memories of that night, so I thought I’d post a few photos and share our experience in case anyone is considering tying the knot in Duluth.

Just over two years ago, we held our wedding reception at The Fitger‘s Brewery Courtyard which overlooks the great Lake Superior, and the idea was to host a classic and elegant dinner party–not too fussy and overdone. Instead, focusing on simple elements to set a relaxed, but thoughtful tone. The Brewery’s distressed exterior brick created the perfect backdrop, while oversized cafe lights dressed the Courtyard providing an ambient glow as the sun went down. We were concerned that the weather might not cooperate, but it was a beautiful Duluth evening–no wind or misquitoes to speak of. We really lucked out!

During the cocktail hour we served Fitger‘s Brewhouse pints, grapefruit mojitos, and a mix of antipasti hors d’oeuvres. Ice cream cones were scooped from a vintage ice cream vendor cart while Eartha Kitt and other french classics hummed in the background and the iconic Fitger‘s watertower and chimney stack looked on.

The dinner tables were arranged on the lawn along the railing so that each guest had a panoramic view of the lake. To our surprise, an ocean liner made its way into the harbor during dinner, almost as if Fitger’s had ordered it up on cue. White table linens draped the dinner tables and a mix of mercury glass and vintage bottles sourced from Duluth antique stores displayed a generous mix of white garden roses, ranunculus, and aromatic herb lavender.

Not only did we choose Fitger’s for their killer views and courtyard backdrop, we also loved how convenient the vendors located in the complex made planning the details:
  • Heather Jensen, Midi Restaurant’s event planner, helped us pull every last detail together (and I mean every last detail), making sure all my wild ideas like lighting off wish lanterns at the end of the night were implemented. If you’re interested in reserving the Courtyard, she’s your contact.
  • The Fitger’s Hotel provided comfortable and convenient accommodations for guests.
  • The Brewhouse (just down the hall from the Courtyard) hooked us up with 100+ craft brew growlers to get the party started.
  • Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, who has a permanent stand right in the Courtyard provided the ice cream cones during the cocktail hour.

Wedding planning is daunting and overwhelming enough as it is, so having great vendors right at our fingertips that already know one another is super helpful. Seriously, they were great or we wouldn’t have used them simply for their convenient locale. (I’m particular! And the first to admit it!)  In my opinion, Fitger’s is Duluth’s best kept secret when it comes to weddings!

Location: Fitger’s Courtyard

Catering and Event Coordination: Midi World Catering & Event Center at Fitger’s

Florals and Styling: Studio Emme

Ice Cream: Bridgeman’s Ice Cream

Hotel Accommodations: Fitger’s Hotel

Photography: Eric Lundgren