Megan + Jennifer = Married

Megan and Jen's Wedding at Heartland Restaurant in Saint Paul was a delight to photograph. As we've gotten to know these two throughout their engagement, we've learned that they are not only well suited for each other, they bring so much joy into people's lives with their generous hearts, boundless talents and compassionate outlook on life. They have been together for a long time (they have the sweetest daughter) but it wasn't until recently they decided to make their commitment a legal union. A few highlights from their wedding included a traditional Japanese flute and drum performance featuring the brides' very own ensemble which brought a personal touch to their ceremony. Their guests shared various readings and accolades throughout the day which left few without dry eyes. And of course the phenomenal food Heartland provided for the guests brought Megan and Jen's vision for an intimate gathering with really good food to life. All in all, it was a great day and we were honored to tell Megan and Jen's wedding story. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Lif + James = Married

What a lovely little wedding this was! Lif and James were married with an audience of three guests back in April. James grew up here in the states, and Lif grew up aborad, but Minnesota brought them together. They will be celebrating with two more traditional weddings (one here and one abroad!) but wanted to make their commitment legal before they waited any longer. They had a brief ceremony at the Semple Mansion in Minneapolis and I joined them afterward for some portraits around the Mansion and since it was rainy we hit up one of our favorite Minnesota indoor spots - the Como Conservatory in Saint Paul. The lush greenhouse provided a beautiful backdrop for the newlyweds who were literally giddy with excitement at their new state as husband and wife. It made my job a piece of cake as they waltzed through the Conservatory on their cloud of wedded bliss. Lif and James, thanks for trusting us to capture this special day, we know there will be so much happiness in your future together! Congratulations!

Jess + Tom = Married

This wedding makes our hearts happy. Jess and Tom are two of the most genuine, loving folks who exemplify 'better together'. They were married in November in Minneapolis at the Polish Hall in Northeast. We love that these long-standing event venues are making a hip come back with couples getting married today. These spaces went through a phase when 'bigger and better crystal drenched hotel ballrooms' were all the rage and they were forgotten, but now that weddings are as diverse and varied as the couples who make the party, historic event halls are making a serious come back. The energy in these spaces automatically make them a great place to get married because you know there have been weddings there for 100+ years, as well as family reunions, church potlucks and anniversary parties. In short, a lot of love and laughter have passed through these halls. Jess and Tom took full advantage with their crew of loving family and friends who toasted to their vows to be together forever. After getting ready in different rooms at Tom's charming childhood home in south Minneapolis, the pair set aside a few quiet moments to see one another for the first time before the ceremony and take advantage of some pretty fall foliage. Everyone gathered at the Polish Hall for a few more photos before the ceremony as the wedding jitters set in. The ceremony was heartfelt and sweet, and when the couple was announced husband and wife, the crowd burst into happy applause. They had delicious BBQ catered in for their wedding dinner and a spread of desserts that would have made the old Polish ladies proud. The dancing was a hit for all generations and the newlyweds beamed on cloud nine. It was a very good day, and a lovely wedding to end our 2015 season on. Congratulations Jess and Tom! We are so happy for you!

Andi + Alex = Married

In 2015 - pretty much anything goes when it comes to celebrating your wedding. The sky is literally the limit, so this can be a pandora's box situation for couples getting married today. With limitless options of how to celebrate your wedding, the one commonality between weddings we see executed with greatness whittles down to one thing: personalization. Finding elements that add to the celebration in a meaningful and beautiful way always works. Andi + Alex did this with ease and style. They decided to get married in a quaint little church on the outskirts of the Twin Cities and bring along their dearest friends and family. A procession of classic cars waited for the wedding party after the ceremony where they made a getaway for the backyard reception. Instead of the traditional layout for a wedding reception, Andi and Alex did things their way. The evening was filled with numerous musicians, food stations, an endless tap of Bud Lite and BBQ from a Food Truck. Oh, and there were also Wedding Sausages! Guests mixed and mingled by the bonfire enjoying each others company and hugging the newlyweds. The evening ended with a fabulous display of fireworks and dancing under the stars. It was a very good day, indeed.

Kate + Rob = Married

Kate and Rob were married at the historic Semple Mansion in Minneapolis a few weeks back to what turned out to be such a classy day. The mansion served as a beautiful backdrop in an old-world romance sort of way, which was only exemplified with personal touches such as flowers made by the groom's sister and one of their dear friends serenading everyone with 'La Vie in Rose' during the ceremony. With Rob's contagious laugh and zest for life, and Kate's honest and loving heart, they are so good together. We've loved working with these two and know they have so much happiness in their future. Kate and Rob, thank you for trusting us to capture your big day. Congratulations!!

Holli + Menzie = Married

Every wedding we photograph has a unique beauty to it. People celebrate their unions in their own way - and we love how diverse this can be from couple to couple. Sometimes though, there are weddings where every single element is ON FIRE. Holli + Menzie's wedding was such an event. The beautiful bride's sister just happens to be in the wedding industry (hi Amy!) which is the best of all worlds when you have someone so close to you, and who knows you as a couple so well, help turn your wedding into a personal, beautiful event that is professionally orchestrated in every detail. The vendor team was A+++, and for us that means folks who are not only insanely talented at what they do, but also wonderful people to work with who share a vision of pampering the couple with their talents. What really made this wedding work though, was the connection Holli and Menzie share. It's clear they were made for one another and their love gave off such a radiant, welcoming vibe to everyone at Orchestra Hall that night. Holli and Menzie - you guys are the real deal. We have loved getting to know you and know you will have so many years of happiness together. Congratulations!

Sharon + Chris = Married

Sharon and Chris were married in Lakeville, Minnesota a few weeks back, wrapping up our 2014 season on a very high note. They were married on the same week that they celebrated 10 years together, which was one sweet element in a slew of meaningful contributions in their big day. They got ready at their venue and made their way down to a nearby state park for their first look and couple portraits - in the bitter cold of 17 degrees (without coats) - but once they saw each other their excitement and warmth pushed them through for some beautiful images together. A roaring fire welcomed guests as they shared a cozy and meaningful ceremony together. Cold temps didn't keep the crew of Minnesotan wedding attendants  leery of popping outside for some photos (we are a tough breed) and afterward the party continued with witty toasts and some polka dancing. If there is anything we are sure of, it's that these two deserve one another and they will share a happily ever after together. Congratulations, Sharon and Chris!

Kelly + Dylan = Married

This wedding makes us excited for so many reasons. First off all, did you see Kelly and Dylan? They both look like they just walked off the set of The Great Gatsby. Classy, timeless and (dare I say) sexy, these two are easy to photograph. Beside the fact that their wedding was filled with personal touches and styled elements that made our job easy, these two really are as good as it gets. Their hearts are big and open, ready to welcome life and whatever comes their way, together. Secondarily, we're over the moon to share this wedding because it's a testament to why life is such an exciting surprise. If you've been following our blog lately, you'll know that we've been training a new Midwest Associate Photographer, Abby, since the beginning of this year. Abby has been a quick learner, and Kelly and Dylan's wedding was her first solo wedding. When Kelly and Dylan reached out to us just a few short weeks before their wedding, we were already booked but Abby was available and let's just say it was all meant to be. As we tell all our clients, having Associate Shooters was never really in the business plan for us (nor was becoming wedding photographers, actually) but life has amazing ways of presenting opportunities to us when we least expect them and it's always for the best. I think you'll agree that it's good to have Abby on the team, and as far as Kelly and Dylan are concerned? We couldn't be happier to have had the opportunity of working together. Congratulations you two! We're over the moon for you.

Apryl + Ashley = Married

It says a lot when we leave a wedding and feel like one of the guests. Laughing (let's face it, happy crying) and hugging as if we belonged right alongside their intimate list of honored guests. Apryl and Ashley are like that though. They draw people in with their genuine kindness and love. Apart they are both strong, beautiful, successful women. Together....well. Together they are even better. They celebrated their union at the most lovely B&B in North Minneapolis, The Le Blanc House where the skies parted from the rainstorm just in time for them to dry off the chairs and have their ceremony outside. Apryl was crying happy tears the entire ceremony and Ashley was grinning ear to ear. It was so happy. Afterward everyone slipped inside for toasts and a spontaneous dance party. The party continued down the street at the fabulous Red Stag Supper Club where their guests were treated to some of Minneapolis' finest grub. It was a beautiful and joyous day, and we were so happy to be a part of it! Congratulations you two! We wish you a lifetime of happiness together.