Jen and Pat share a passionate kiss under the night sky.

I photograph a lot of brides, but something about Jen was different. Naturally, she is a very bubbly person, but on her wedding day she had a smile on her face the entire time. Nothing seemed to bother her; she was easily one of the calmest and happiest brides of the season. This lends itself to the fact that she truly was marrying the man of her dreams. Jen and Pat were extremely in love, and their chemistry was unbelievable! They’ve known each other for a very long time, and you could tell that neither of them could wait to finally be married.

Their wedding took place on the most beautiful October day. Because it was an outdoor wedding, Jen and Pat were a little nervous about it being cold, however when their big day arrived, the weather could not have been more perfect. One of my favorite parts about the wedding was the bonfire they held at their reception. This couple is anything but boring! Jen and Pat encouraged their guests to make s’mores over the fire after they had finished dancing, really adding a fun unique twist to the day. Instead of a wedding cake, Jen and Pat had bride and groom cupcakes that they fed to one another. One cupcake was decorated like a wedding dress and the other like a tuxedo, just another really fun unique touch!

Another thing that stood about this couple was how family oriented they both were. Pat’s best man was his brother and Jen’s maid of honor was her sister, which just goes to show how much these two value their loved ones. These tight knit families got along so well and had a blast at the wedding. Props to Jen and Pat for bringing so many great people together! One of the most special relationships I was lucky enough to observe was the relationship between Jen and her father. At the first look with her father, Jen could not hold back her tears, even though she had been sure that her dad would have been the one to cry! Then during the father daughter dance, the pair shook things up by starting with a traditional slow dance but jamming out by the end.

Jen and Pat are no ordinary couple. Their passionate love was apparent to everyone that attended their wedding. They made each other laugh all day long. It really did seem to be the best day of their lives. Your love is on fire, Jen and Pat! I can’t wait to see where your future together takes you.

Ceremony and Reception Venue – Crowne Plaza Minneapolis – Plymouth, MN
Cupcake Designer – Sweet Retreat Cupcake Boutique – Minneapolis, MN
Decorator and Florist – Dressed Events – Minneapolis, MN
Dress Shop – Heartstrings Bridal – Hopkins, MN
Bridesmaid’s Dresses – David’s Bridal
Tuxedos – Men’s Wearhouse
DJ – Bob Wilson Productions
Jeweler – Kitty Glitter – Minneapolis, MN

Sarah and Adam sharing an intimate moment at the Landmark Center in St. Paul.

I was so excited to photograph Sarah and Adam’s wedding. I shot Adam’s sister’s wedding, Courtney and Ryan, in 2009, and it was a blast. I couldn’t wait to hang out with their family and friends once again! On top of that, they had chosen one of my favorite venues, the Landmark Center in St. Paul, to do their entire wedding: getting ready, the ceremony and the reception. I knew it was going to be a fun, beautiful, and memorable day.

Sarah and Adam’s wedding was exactly that and more. The couple and their guests perfectly balanced having a crazy good time and caring deeply for one another. This made photographing them fun and easy. There was no shortage of awesome moments to capture, and each was unique and special. The bridal party photos in Rice Park were hilarious. There were bridesmaids on the ground, groomsmen in each other’s arms, an appearance by a pair of Darth Vader socks, and even a dog!

A perfect contrast to the craziness in Rice Park and an amazing representation of the group’s care for Sarah and Adam happened in the moment when the couple had their first look inside of the Landmark Center. Sarah walked down a gorgeous marble staircase to meet her soon-to-be husband anxiously waiting at the bottom. It was quiet, emotional and intimate. What the couple didn’t know was that their bridal party was camped out two stories up, peeping on the two as they shared their special moment, and crying tears of joy as they watched. This photo ended up being one of my favorites. It’s just so clear how loved Sarah and Adam are, and how powerful of an impact their relationship has had on those they love.

But out of all the gorgeous and tear-jerking moments, my favorite of the day had to be during the reception when everyone went absolutely nuts as “Bohemian Rhapsody” played. It was unreal! I have never known a group of people that collectively love a song so much. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. And I’ll definitely never forget Sarah and Adam. You and your loved ones are too much fun. I loved getting to know you, and am so excited to watch your love for one another continue to grow. Congratulations!

Ceremony and Reception Venue – Landmark Center – St. Paul, MN
Hair and Makeup – Revive Salon – White Bear Lake, MN
Florist – A Moment In Bloom – Woodbury, MN
Caterer – True Tastes Catering – St. Paul, MN
Cake – Miss Sara’s Cakery – Hastings, MN
Dress Shop – Raffine Bridal and Formal Wear – Woodbury, MN
Dress Designer – Stella York
Tuxedos  – Men’s Wearhouse
DJ – Sound Decision Entertainment – Minneapolis, MN
Jeweler – Kay Jewelers
Bridesmaids Dresses –Bill Levkoff

Lesley and Mat steal a kiss before they leave their wedding reception as husband and wife.

Lesley and Mat have been together for 13 years. For some people in their position, a wedding would be treated as just the next logical step in their relationship. While this natural progression makes sense, Lesley and Mat did not treat their wedding day as the next thing to check off of their to do list. They planned a beautiful wedding at the Gale Mansion in Minneapolis that was uniquely them in every aspect.

Lesley is a music teacher and Mat is currently training to be a pilot (we’re actually going flying together next week)! Mat and I’s similar interests aside, I was so impressed by how these two managed to incorporate both of their passions so seamlessly into their wedding. The bride’s garter was embellished with music notes and the groom’s cufflinks were airplane propellers. The delicious dessert table was accented with sweet sheet music garnishes and guests found their seat assignment atop a miniature music stand; it was all so charming. They tied it together with red accents throughout that drew attention back to the bride’s beautiful and unconventional RED dress. There are few people who can pull off a red wedding gown, however Lesley absolutely did, and she looked amazing.

I had such a good time with Lesley and Mat. They were kind, fun and quirky in the best way. I even learned that they have sugar gliders as pets! What a perfect animal for a couple that loves to fly. Personality and passion aside, my absolute favorite thing about Lesley and Mat was that when asked to describe their favorite moment of the day, they both described times when they were able to focus just on each other. For Lesley, it was the first look. Even after 13 years, simply getting to see one another is still exciting for them. I don’t think these newlyweds will ever become the typical “old married couple.” Congrats Lesley and Mat! I’m excited to watch you two continue to follow your passions and fall even deeper in love with one another.

Ceremony and Reception Venue – Gale Mansion – Minneapolis, MN
Florist – Bachman’s 
Dress Shop and Tuxedos – The Wedding Shoppe – St. Paul, MN
Dress Designer – Da Vinci
DJ – Music Mix Entertainment – Maplewood, MN
Musicians – Lake Minnetonka String Quartet
Jeweler – Monique of Switzerland Jewelers – Wayzata, MN 

Kate’s veil blows in the wind while Ben dips her for a kiss.

Kate and Ben’s wedding was the windiest wedding I can remember, like tear-the-bride’s-hair-out windy. For this reason, we were not able to take many family, first look, or portrait photos of just the bride and groom outside. However, we did not let that hinder us from snapping amazing photos. The couple and their guests definitely didn’t let the wind distract from the joy of Kate and Ben’s special day. We moved all around the Calhoun Beach Club snapping all kinds of photos in order to ensure that our pictures did justice to how special and beautiful the day was.

The couple saw each other for the first time at the foot of the big arching stairwell that Kate would later walk down before meeting Ben at the alter. It was quiet and personal, and there was something so special about the couple being able to spend time alone in the room where they would soon say their vows. I’m pretty sure they only stopped smiling in order to kiss one another. It was so obvious how excited the two were to see each other, and to be married shortly after.

After the ceremony we trudged through the wind to the other side of Lake Calhoun in order to take wedding party pictures against the Minneapolis Skyline. Let me just say, it was so worth it. The bridesmaids’ dresses created a perfect pop of color against the misty Minneapolis view. On that same side of the lake I was able to capture stunning photos of the bride and groom with my new amazing Ziess lens. My favorite is when Ben dips Kate. At first her veil blew elegantly with the wind and then was completely snatched off and blown into the sky. The progression of these photos was amazing. Kate and Ben were amazing, too. They trusted me to get great photos even in less than ideal situations. Congratulations you two! May you continue to love each other regardless of the conditions, as you did on your wedding day.

Ceremony/Reception Venue – Calhoun Beach Club – Minneapolis, MN
Videographer – DMLT Video Productions Hair Stylist – The Wow Bar – St. Paul, MN Makeup Artist – Julie Martin
Caterer and Cake Designer – D’Amico & Sons –  Minneapolis, MN
Dress Shop – Posh Bridal Couture – Wayzata, MN
Tuxedos – Jos A. Bank
Limo/Party Bus – Eclipse Transportation – St. Paul, MN
Band – The R Factor – St. Louis Park, MN
Chairs and Tables – Midway Party Rental – Minneapolis, MN

Karna and Nick were so wonderful to photograph. They were totally into each other, they trusted me to do what I do, and let me do it. The couple allowed me to oversee their day and schedule adequate time for pictures. Because they put their complete trust in me they were able to spend their wedding day at ease, and fully enjoy their picture taking experience. Which resulted in good times and gorgeous photos taken all around the city of Minneapolis.

The steps of the Guthrie Theater were the backdrop for Karna and Nick’s touching first look. A moment that both the bride and groom agreed was their favorite. I easily could have told you that without even asking. The excitement and satisfaction that Nick expressed when he was finally able to see his bride-to-be was undeniable, I think he forgot I was even there. The couple had amazing chemistry, on and off camera. It was clear that they were not focused on getting incredible photos—even though they did— they were completely engaged in the moment, and with each other.

Their incredible connection never faded throughout the day, and was highlighted at their simple ceremony in 514 Studios. Karna says she doesn’t remember a single word that was said or vow that she spoke, she just remembers staring into Nick’s eyes and realizing that this moment was what they were here for. It was special. Both the bride and the groom looked completely content to be where they were. They understood that that moment was the moment that mattered the most.

Nick and Karna didn’t let any moment slip away from them. We took bridal party photos at the Mill City Ruins, and then they rushed back to celebrate appropriately: with dancing, drinks, and a catered Chipotle line. If that isn’t a recipe for wedding success, I don’t know what is. And when the crazy day had come to a close, the couple and I headed out to the Stone Arch Bridge to photograph one final moment: the newlyweds in front of a stunning Minneapolis skyline at night. Together, we successfully captured every stage of their wedding day. Congratulations Karna and Nick! You two are amazing. It was an honor to be a part of your wedding day, there is not a doubt in my mind that your amazing connection will continue to grow for the rest of your lives.

Oh, and they even coined their own pose! We nicknamed it the “nuzzle,” you’ll know it when you see it.

Ceremony and Reception Venue – 514 Studios – Minneapolis, MN
Hair Stylist – The Refinery – Minneapolis, MN
Makeup Artist – Makeup by Mindie – Stillwater, MN
Caterer – Chipotle
Desserts – Kowalski’s 
Florist – Sam’s Club
Day of Coordinator – Chelsey Webber – Minnetonka, MN
Dress Designer – Mori Lee
Alterations – Amazing Alterations – Anoka, MN
Limo/Party Bus Company – Buttered Toast Productions – Willernie, MN
DJ – Midwest Sound – St. Paul, MN
Table Rental – Midway Party Rental – Minneapolis, MN
Jeweler – JewelrySquare
Jeweler –Rosados Box – Chicago, IL