Typically constrained by decorating dos and don’ts and limited catering options, clients and guests alike can breathe a sigh of relief when they walk into the blank canvas that is PAIKKA. An event venue located in St. Paul’s Vandalia Tower, PAIKKA is entering into its second year of operation under the creative direction of Marlo Munch and Angie Trygg. After working together as event designers and stylists, Marlo and Angie decided to open up their own event space in an old mattress factory that is now home to a myriad of artists, nonprofits, and businesses. 

We recently sat down with Angie and Marlo to find out what PAIKKA means and how they transform the space to reflect their clients’ eclectic and unique personal styles.

Pollen: Paikka, which means “place” in Finnish, is a nod to a cabin in northern Minnesota that belonged to your family. What does Paikka or place mean to you, and what spirit or memory are you trying to capture with the event venue?

Angie & Marlo: The cabin, “Pikku Paikka” (Little Place), was built by Angie’s great uncle in the 60s and because the land on which it was built is now national park property, the cabin was torn down. It was used and loved by so many families and friends and became a really meaningful place to so many people. Our intent with PAIKKA is to foster an event place that becomes meaningful to our community in the same way.

(Photo: Ashley Camper)

We’ve put a lot of ourselves into the space, so it feels personal and exciting to share with others.

We want people to come back again and again, for weddings, shows, markets, parties, and feel a connection to us and to the place.

(Photo: Ashley Camper)

Pollen: What prompted you to open PAIKKA?

Angie: Marlo and I had been working together for a few years doing event design and styling for friends and family. We designed invitations, created custom backdrops and decor, provided florals and some coordinating services. We loved being involved with events and connecting with our clients. Opening a venue seemed like the perfect way to continue doing that, while also having the opportunity to create something new and that we felt was untapped in MN.

Pollen: What’s different about PAIKKA compared to other event venues in Minneapolis-St. Paul?

Angie: We designed PAIKKA to be changeable. We don’t have a formula for how to use the space, we don’t have a required catering list, we have a lot of things on wheels so they can be moved around. We design a floor plan with each client that suits their vision so every event looks and feels a little different. Aesthetically, we’re different from other local venues because in designing PAIKKA, Marlo and I collected what we were drawn to, bought way too many plants, and made some big, visual decisions that excited us. It’s still changing, and we think it always will be.

(Photo: Ashley Camper)

Pollen: You present PAIKKA as a blank canvas to your clients, inviting them to transform it to reflect their own personal styles. What are some of your favorite ways clients have used the space?

Angie: We’ve been lucky to attract very creative and interesting clients. The first wedding we did this year, the couple hired a DJ, Jake Rudh, who played music videos on a giant screen for the dance party, which was amazing. Many of our clients hire food trucks to park out back and opt for more informal gatherings, creating lounge areas and ample dance floors inside. The addition of plants, green garlands, and botanical installations are always really impactful in the space, creating a really soft contrast to the black and white stone and metal interior.

PAIKKA has also been used for a few really exciting art-based events, like the show involving live music, theater, installation, and performance art created by students from the St. Paul Conservatory of Performing Arts. We have a busy calendar for 2017 and are so excited to see PAIKKA transformed again and again.

(Photo: Ashley Camper)

Pollen: With your aesthetic expertise, clients must often ask for your recommendations as well. What tips do you have for how people can use the space for events, parties, trade shows, etc.?

Angie & Marlo: PAIKKA has two large spaces and a large adjacent courtyard, so there are many ways to craft an experience. We usually suggest the Gold Room (larger of the two) to be used as the primary focus, with room for seating up to 200 guests. The courtyard, accessed through a large glass garage door, works great as a cocktail hour area with bistro tables or lounge furniture. Then the Pink Room (the smaller of our two spaces, named for the color of the floor!) can either be used as an alternate cocktail hour space or serving area, or be closed off from guests and used for catering prep and storage for the event. With high ceilings, a neutral palate, and a lot of wide open space, there is so much versatility.

(Photo: Canary Grey)