The pictures speak for themselves. Jenny & Blake’s wedding day was absolutely beautiful. It all started at Jenny’s mother’s stunning home, where the women got ready together, shared sweet laughter and conversation, and even stole a couple snuggles from their adorable dog. It might be hard to believe, but the day just kept getting better and better. The weather was gorgeous and the sun perfectly peered through the trees as Jenny and Blake shared their intimate first look. In the middle of ceremony, Blake played the violin. He is so talented, and the music added a depth to the service that was so beautifully unique and personal.

There are so many obvious aspects of this day that were beautiful – the vibrant bouquets, the classic details, Jenny’s stunning wedding dress – but above all, it was Jenny and Blake themselves that made this day so special. They obviously focused on the love they had for each other (it is their wedding day) but they did not get tunnel vision in a way that blinded them from focusing on the beauty of the love that their guests shared as well. During their reception, they took a spin on the tradition of kissing every time their guests clinked glasses, and turned it back onto the other couples in the room. They wanted their guests to “show them how it’s done” and to learn from those who had been married much longer but were still very much in love. Every time someone clinked a glass, the newlyweds chose a couple to kiss, and then they would imitate them. It was so fun, so entertaining for everyone, and most importantly, gave us insight into who Jenny and Blake are. They don’t just care about themselves – they love each other, they love the family and friends that love them, and they want to make both of those things very clear. On their wedding day, they definitely did. Congratulations Jenny and Blake! Your love is beautiful and we have no doubt that you two will live a beautiful life together.

It was Brittany and Grant’s fairytale to have an airplane themed wedding, and wow, did that dream ever come true. The pictures speak for themselves. During the ceremony an aisle of planes led Brittany to Grant, who was eagerly awaiting her in his pilot’s uniform. After they officially tied the knot, the newlyweds flew across and landed on the lake to join their guests for dinner. The reception was held shortly after back at the airport, which had been charmingly decorated with aviation details. It was amazing. As a fellow pilot, this day spoke to my heart in a special way.

What arguably even more special than the simple reality of having a gorgeous airplane themed wedding was the community of people that came together to make it possible. The hanger at the New Richmond airport that Brittany and Grant held their day at is home to the planes of some of their dearest friends. These friends volunteered the planes that created the aisle that led Brittany and Grant to the moment where they would commit their lives to one another, forever. These friends flew across the lake with them, joining in the joy of their love for aviation, and more importantly, each other. This community of people loves Brittany and Grant so much that they worked hard to help them create their fairytale wedding and when the day came, they celebrated with them wholeheartedly.

Brittany and Grant, the love you two have for one another and the love your close friends and family have for you was so obvious throughout the entirety of your day. Although the theme of your wedding was unforgettable and amazing, those two loves ultimately stole the show. Congratulations again, it’s hard to explain how much joy shooting your wedding brought me. I wish you two a lifetime of happiness and have no doubts that it will come true, just as your dream wedding did.

Nicole and Sudhir have an amazing connection. It’s been obvious to them since they first met at a bar in Madison, Wisconsin, where they both attended the university. The second they started talking, they couldn’t stop. Seriously, the owner had to tell them to leave so he could close for the night! On their wedding day, this connection became crystal clear to all that were present.

Nicole and Sudhir have this unique and remarkable quality of being completely connected with each other while still completely accepting and honoring exactly who the other person is. Their ceremony was an example of this quality come to life. Not only did the couple decide to include both traditional American and Indian ceremony elements – creating a beautiful mesh of their two cultures – but they also read a personalized note to each other before they recited their vows. I mention the reading of these notes, not only because it was adorable, but because each showcased their personalities so beautifully. Nicole’s letter was heartfelt and sincere and Sudhir’s, while heartfelt nonetheless, was hilarious–plastering a huge grin across Nicole’s face the entire time he read to her.

While the ceremony specifically stuck out to me as an exceptional representation of their love and compatibility together. The entire wedding was amazing, and SO much fun. The dance floor was crazy, the photobooth was constantly filled with goofy guests, and Nicole and Sudhir enjoyed every second of it. Neither of them stressed over small details, but instead just simply allowed the day to occur as it would. And wow, was it wonderful. Congrats Nicole and Sudhir, you two are absolutely perfect for each other. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your beautiful, special day.

Vendor List:
Ceremony & Reception Venue – Villa Bellezza – Pepin, WI
Officiant – Reverend Dale Bluem – Lake City, MN
Caterer – River Valley Catering – River Falls, WI
Cake Designer – BoJo’s – Ellsworth, WI
Florist – Alma Blooms – Alma, WI
Dress Shop – Vera’s Bridal – Madison, WI
Tuxedos – Men’s Wearhouse
DJ – Instant DJ Request – Bloomington, MN
Jeweler – Kessler’s Diamonds

It’s always so special when the bride and groom get a moment to themselves on their wedding day.

I struggled to write about Rachael and Jim’s wedding day because I was completely torn when deciding to focus on describing the sheer beauty of the wedding itself, or how beautiful of a couple Rachael and Jim are. It felt impossible to do justice to both in a short blog post, but both were so wonderful I couldn’t help but try.

The pictures speak for themselves. The scenery and style at this wedding was just unbelievable. It was the perfect clash of elegant and rustic decor. From the ceremony to the reception, there was wood and burlap paired with blush roses and lush greenery – all tied together with shimmering gold accents. The combination perfectly complemented the equally gorgeous outdoors. We were just in awe. What makes the beauty of this décor even more special is that Rachael planned it all herself. The flawless day that you see is completely her vision come to life. You can tell Rachael put her heart into planning this day, yet she didn’t allow that to manifest into worry and cause her to lose sight of the true purpose of the day when it actually arrived. Not once did she stress about small details or show concern about how things looked. The entire day she was calm, smiling, and joyful – which is a total testament to the beauty of Rachael and Jim’s relationship.

Together, Rachael and Jim wholeheartedly enjoyed their big day. Even when things didn’t go exactly as planned, they went with the flow and trusted that their love was bigger than any circumstance, and it absolutely was. For example, at the last minute we had to delay the couple’s first look. Jim was all settled, anxiously waiting for his bride, when we told him we had to switch spots before we could shoot the moment. The disappointment he felt was obvious and understandable, as this is arguably the most anticipated moment of the day. But without question, he accepted the situation and continued patiently waiting – he knew it would be worth it. The extra time provided space for extra excitement and anticipation to grow, and when the moment finally came for him to see Rachael, wow, was it special. These two really, really love each other. The way that they interact with ease and confidence in what they have together, just made it obvious how good of a match they are. Rachel and Jim, you two are perfect for each other. I have no doubt that there is a lifetime of joy and happiness ahead of you.

Vendor List:
Venue – Chankaska Creek Winery – Kasota, MN
Videographer – Clarity Films (Jon Evans)
Caterer – Absolute Custom Catering (Shelly Sabatka) – Mankato, MN
DJ – Open Bar Entertainment (Ryan Wold)
Decorator – Parties and Weddings Plus (Linda Miller) – Mankato, MN
Florist – Parties and Weddings Plus (Nell) – Mankato, MN
Ceremony Guitarist – Tony Cuchetti
Hair/Makeup Stylist – Mani Mela (Kylie Preusse)
Baker – Decadent Desserts (Amy Otto)

Some of you might remember Vonnie and Boone from their engagement session (it’s hard to forget kids that cute), but I just can’t help retell a little bit of their story. It’s so special. Vonnie and Boone have known each other since high school, but lost touch for about 15 years (Vonnie says it’s because Boone never called her back) until they reconnected at a friend’s birthday party. They have since spent the past six years together building a house and family, until Boone finally found the perfect time to propose. The couple traveled down to Tennessee with Vonnie’s entire family to celebrate her brother’s wedding. They had planned a Florida vacation for after, and Boone was intending to propose there, on the beach at sunset. But the anticipation of waiting was too much. So during a family get-together, he surprised everyone by announcing that he had something to say and got down on one knee right then and there, in front of her entire family. There was not a dry eye in the room. Vonnie says that she still gets teary-eyed to this day when she thinks about it—It was absolutely her dream proposal.

Vonnie and Boone have continued to write their love story and just a couple weekends ago, they held their absolute dream wedding in the W Hotel. I am convinced that this wedding was not just incredible as far as weddings go, but is also in the running for party of the year. Which is precisely why the W Hotel was a perfect for their special day. I don’t know of many other venues that could match the glamour, class, and desire to have a good time that the couple and their guests brought. Stepping into the W Hotel on their wedding day was like walking into the most chic nightclub you’ve ever seen. And after the beautiful couple exchanged their emotional vows, that is exactly what it became, in the best way possible.

Vonnie and Boone are relationship goals, family goals, and wedding goals all in one. They are amazing parents and love their children unconditionally. Even on the rare occasion when they get to spend some time together alone, they find themselves talking and laughing about how adorable and funny their kids are. This was beautifully obvious during their wedding, as they intentionally found opportunities to include their children and spend time with them, even on a day where they had a legitimate excuse for it to be all about them. That being said, Vonnie and Boone did not hold back on their wedding day either. They ate, drank, danced all night, and threw a party that their friends and family will be talking about for many years to come. We will be talking about it for years to come, too. Vonnie and Boone, your love for each other and your family inspires us. It was such joy to be a part of your special day and incredible celebration.

Vendor List:
Ceremony and Reception Venue – W Hotel Minneapolis – Minneapolis, MN
Officiant – Melanie Hamill
Videographer – Greg Thuente from Thuente Productions
Hair stylist – Mani Meli (Kylie) – Minneapolis, MN
Makeup artist – Mani Mela (Jesse) – Minneapolis, MN
Florist – Mani Mela – Minneapolis, MN
Caterer – Manny’s Steakhouse
Cake Designer – Cocoa and Fig – Minneapolis, MN
Florist – Mani Mela – Minneapolis, MN
Table Decor – Mani Mela – Minneapolis, MN
Draping – Avant – Minneapolis, MN
Dress shop – David’s Bridal
Tuxedos – Men’s Wearhouse
Limo Company – Total Luxury Limousine – St. Paul, MN
DJ – Bellagala – St. Paul, MN
Stationer – Minted
Jeweler – Wedding Day Diamonds