G and J enjoy their first dance as a married couple.

Photographing G and J’s wedding was like becoming a part of their family. It was intimate: a small guest list and hosted at the historic Stillwater home, Arcola Mills. The classic setting was transformed into a cozy, personal, and romantic event by the entire family’s involvement. Everything was homemade! From the beautifully handwritten chalkboard signs to the epic candy and dessert bar, they created a gorgeous and delicious day. I made it my personal goal to capture the simplicity and sincerity of the wedding in their photos, while allowing the Bride and Groom to enjoy the presence of each other and their family, which was clearly most important to them.

Their pictures turned out amazing. It was the greenest day I can remember. The lush foliage of the surrounding woods provided a gorgeous backdrop for the classic black, grey, and white attire of the bridal party. My favorite picture in the woods, however, is during the couple’s first look, where Jeremy is wiping his tears after being able to see his gorgeous wife-to-be. In that moment especially, it was so obvious how totally in love the two were. There is nothing more satisfying than capturing raw and beautiful emotion like that, and Gemuel and Jeremy gave me so many opportunities to do so.

I also snapped some stunning pictures of the bride and groom on the banks of the St. Croix River. They were clearly just enjoying the few minutes of alone time together, amidst the tall green grass, which allowed me to capture them in a very natural way. I can’t imagine they would’ve acted any different had they been alone. That’s how G and J do it, though. They created their dream wedding in a way that allowed them spend time with one another and the people they love, not overwhelmed by small details or elaborate events. I felt lucky to be invited in to celebrate and capture all the special and unique parts of them and their wedding day. Congratulations you two! You’ll go down in history as the greenest wedding I’ve ever photographed.

Ceremony and Reception Venue – Arcola Mills Historic Foundation – Stillwater, MN
Hair and Makeup – SM Makeup Inc
Cake Designer – Whole Foods Market – Maple Grove, MN
Dress Shop – AniA Collection – Portland, OR
Tuxedos – Men’s Wearhouse
Chair, Table, and Tent Rental – PartyOnStillwater – Stillwater, MN
Jeweler and Dress Alterations – Amazing Alterations – Anoka, 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 

Wedding Photography in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Congratulations Kathy and Eric!
What a perfect day for your beautiful wedding ceremony at the Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Restaurant in Stillwater, MN and a wedding reception at Tria Restaurant in North Oaks, MN.

Thank you for choosing me as your wedding photographer!  Your wedding was wonderful!  I don’t see many weddings as intimate as yours.  I really enjoyed the atmosphere and laid back feeling of everyone in the group, including you guys!  It seemed like everyone knew each other and was very comfortable.  I know that you had a great time, and I wish you all the best in your upcoming years!   I can’t wait to meet the little one you are expecting, and of course to be your photographer for your reception this fall!
Click here for Dominic’s Newborn Pictures

Here are some of my favorites from the day…