Bellagala, a leading Twin Cities wedding and event planning operator, has opened Equestria West at Bavaria Downs, a luxury events venue located in Chaska, MN. Formerly a traditional horse stable, Equestria West features more than 24,000 sq. ft. of event space, including two grand ballrooms, stylish private suites, indoor-outdoor bar, courtyard, manicured gardens, and multiple wedding ceremony locations. The enchanting property is equipped to host between 50-1,000 guests and features local D’Amico Catering.
“With versatile indoor-outdoor spaces, and exquisite features at every turn, Equestria West was designed with pure elegance in mind,” said Ann Grant, venue director. “From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, the property can be booked to fit a myriad of events and weddings with effortless sophistication.”
Local event professionals got a chance to see the sleek new space at a grand opening celebration in early August. The evening saw an abundance of food and beverages, roaming raw oyster shucking, a wedding party styled shoot, photo ops, and a dance floor.
Check out the photos to see the elegant space and festivities of the opening evening!
All photos courtesy Bellagala Photography
Passed appetizers
Cucumber cup, melon “caviar,”and mint syrup
Elote Salad Shooter
Papaya, grapefruit, coconut, lemongrass, mint, and cilantro
Summer Pea Bruschetta
Ceviche, sea bass, shrimp, tomato, onion, lime, and cilantro
Miniature beef wellington with horseradish cream.
Stations
“Martha’s Vineyard Market” featuring Garden Toast, Roasted Vegetables, Ferments, Buttered Radishes, Charred Leeks with Feta, Cheese Selection, Cured Sausages, Ciabatta with European Butter, Root Vegetable Chips and Chilled Rose Lemonade.
“Du Jour: Chilled Soups with Spirit” featuring chilled summer soups that are delicious on their own or can be enhanced with a spirit. Soups included Pineapple, Yellow Watermelon and Golden Tomato (optional spirit to add of Tequila), Green Melon, Cucumber and Fresh Herb (optional spirit to add of Gin) and Tomato, Red Pepper, Shallot and Jalapeno (optional spirit to add of Vodka).
“The Perfect (Small) Plate” featuring Salmon with Herbed Parmesan Risotto, Herb Pesto, Basil Oil, Summer Pea Salad and Pea Shoots.
“Something Sweet” dessert station featuring Strawberry Cheesecake Cones, Chocolate Lollis, Blueberry S’Mores, Fresh Raspberry Lemonade Tarts, Chocolate Fudge Brownies, Blackberry Lime Parfait, French Macrons, and Limoncello Cupcakes.
Eclairs
Malted Vanilla Custard; Caramelized White Chocolate; Dark Chocolate Mousseline; Pistachio Almond Praline; Mango Blackcurrant
Signature Drinks
Skrewball Old Fashioned in apothecary jars (Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Chocolate Bitters); Hugo Spritz (St. Germaine, Prosecco, Club Soda, Mint, Lime); Summer Wind (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Cucumber Juice, Simple Syrup, Dill, Club Soda); and Non-Alcoholic Rhubarb Fizz (Sweet Haven Peach Rhubarb and Green Tea Tonic, Sparkling Water, Lemon Twist, Pansy).
