Catalyst
The Catalyst is a 15,000 sf idyllic wedding and event venue at Nature Link Resort in Nisswa, Minnesota. The building is designed to accommodate each part of a wedding day within a naturally beautiful setting, from getting ready, to taking photos, to having a pre-wedding toast, and—the most important—getting married with a celebration to follow.
The two-story modern, Scandinavian designed building has a playful profile with 3 varying heights along the roofline indicating different areas within the building from the outside. What feels like it's floating among the pines is the second-level main ceremony room, which holds up to 225 guests with floor to ceiling windows, fireplace, warm-toned finishes, and lots of natural daylight with views towards the lake.
Across the interior bridge on the second level is a bridal suite equipped with hair and makeup stations, a kitchenette, private bathroom, lounge area, balcony with immersive views to the lake for sipping mimosas. As well as a vendor room for wedding vendors to store their gear, eat their meals, and recharge between wedding day festivities.
“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”
The main level of Catalyst boasts a large reception room with floor to ceiling windows, a fireplace, a bar with three service windows to keep the guests hydrated on the dance floor, in the lobby and on the patio. Also on the main level is a full catering kitchen, event staff office space, and groom suite with private bathroom, kitchenette, lounge area, and private patio to enjoy a cigar while taking in the natural site.
The Catalyst was designed with intention and thoughtfulness with the user experience in mind. The design intent was not only for the building to complement its surroundings, but to experience the natural beauty of the site using the building to guide and focus your attention to the outdoors.
“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes.”
