Category Archives: Spring

April 17, 2024

Hilton Wedding :: St. Louis Park, MN

Tags: april, April wedding, hilton wedding, hotel wedding, Minneapolis, minneapolis wedding, minnesota wedding, mn wedding, Spring wedding, Wedding photography, west end wedding

On a radiant April day, love filled the air as Alex and Maria exchanged vows at the Hilton in St. Louis Park, MN. The urban landscape provided a stunning backdrop, perfectly complementing the joyous occasion. From emotional first looks to a stunning golden hour, this wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and happiness.

The day began with excitement as the bridesmaids giggled and rolled down the hallways in carts, creating unforgettable memories while the groomsmen toasted and cheered for Alex as he got ready. With the talented team from Taylor Marie Beauty taking care of hair and makeup, Maria and her bridesmaids were a vision of elegance and grace in their stunning dusty blue Azazie dresses.

The first look moments were truly emotional. Maria was helped into her elegant dress purchased at the Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul by her mother, and then went to meet her father for their first look. As she stepped out to meet Alex, looking dapper in his dark suit from Knights of Chamber, the love and anticipation were palpable. Love, joy, and excitement radiated from the couple as they prepared to embark on their new chapter together.

Along with the stunning wedding party, Maria and Alex took to the streets around the West End, where cheers and well-wishes followed them. We had so much fun enjoying the beautiful day and walking the streets of St. Louis Park where spring was truly in the air. Megan Charlton of Blooma by Design had crafted stunning spring floral arrangements with pops of yellow tulips, ferns, and white roses that added a touch of natural beauty to the urban setting.

Family then joined us for photos at the Hilton, and guests began arriving to start the celebration of Maria and Alex. The two exchanged heartfelt vows, promising lifelong love and support as Alex’s father wed the two. With rings from Shane Co, they sealed their commitment in a deeply emotional and touching kiss, surrounded by loved ones.

The evening was filled with laughter and joy which began in speeches and toasts by the bride and groom’s fathers, maid of honor and best man. The Hilton then provided a delectable meal that delighted the guests’ taste buds and Nothing Bundt Cakes and Key’s Cafe brought in sweet treats for guests to enjoy. The celebration continued thanks to the lively tunes spun by Mark Haugen. The daddy daughter choreographed dance was a hit and started off the party! Every moment was captured beautifully among the beautiful linens and decor by We’ve Got it Covered, ensuring that the memories of this special day will be cherished for years to come. At the end of the night we headed to a spot overlooking downtown Minneapolis for some beautiful sunset photos to remember this incredible day. This was not just a wedding; it was a celebration of love, friendship, and the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

Many blessings to you Alex and Maria!! Have a wonderful honeymoon celebrating in Disney World, and on the beautiful beaches of Florida!

Venue:: Hilton, St. Louis Park // Hair and Make-up:: Taylor Marie Beauty; Aspen doing hair, Taylor doing makeup // Caterer:: Hilton // Florist :: Megan of Blooma by Design // DJ :: Mark Haugen // Wedding dress:: Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul // Bridesmaid dresses:: Azazie // Men’s designer:: Knights Chamber in Maple Grove // Shoe designer:: Etsy // Rings:: Shane Co // Linens:: We’ve Got it Covered // Desserts:: Nothing Bundt Cakes and Key’s Cafe //

Tags: april, April wedding, hilton wedding, hotel wedding, Minneapolis, minneapolis wedding, minnesota wedding, mn wedding, Spring wedding, Wedding photography, west end wedding

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May 12, 2023

Saint Lucia Wedding :: Virgin Islands

Tags: Destination, destination wedding, Destination wedding photographer, La Toc Wedding, minnesota bride, Saint Lucia wedding, Saint Lucia wedding photographer, Saint Luia, Sandals wedding, Sandals wedding photographer, wedding, Wedding Photographer

They met on the app Hinge. Kelsey, from the flatlands of Tennessee, and Brian from Minnesota, connected in 2021 when Kelsey moved up to Minnesota. After dating for a while, Brian suggested the two of them get dressed up and go out to dinner in Hudson. As they walked along the beautiful pier on the Minnesota/ Wisconsin border, Brian got down on one knee and asked Kelsey to marry him. The two quickly decided they wanted to do something different to get away from the Minnesota weather, and decided on the beautiful Virgin Island of St. Lucia.

Lush, green, and full of beauty, the Sandals resort of La Toc in Saint Lucia was a perfect location for their destination wedding. Gorgeous turquoise waters surrounded the island with the Piton Mountains hovering in the background to make an incredible landscape for photos.

Kelsey began the day at the beautiful Red Line Spa that is featured at every Sandals resort getting her hair and make up done. She looked incredible! We then continued in her hotel room by photographing her incredible details from her Maggie Soretto Designs Dress purchased at the Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul to her beautiful rings from Continental Diamonds. She and her bridesmaids, wearing light blue dresses from Azazie, got ready and then Kelsey went to meet Brian on the beautiful grounds of the resort.

After an emotional first look and an intimate time of reading their vows to one another, we were joined by their wedding party who all had traveled from different states to celebrate with Kelsey and Brian. We wandered all over the beautiful La Toc resort which ranged from the golden sandy beach to a beautiful sone wall covered in vines and florals.

The ceremony was absolutely stunning and Kelsey and Brian exited in joy as they were united as husband and wife! Guests gathered on the sand for photos and a joyous celebration with confetti and cheers of joy! A stunning sunset waved the day away and provided a glorious golden hour as guests gathered for the reception at Sunset Bluffs. A five course meal was provided ranging from Ahi Tuna to Coffee-rubbed sirloin, shrimp, grilled supreme chicken and a raging dance party followed. Kelsey then changed into a lightweight dress, perfect for dancing in the midnight air!

Kelsey and Brian, thank you so much for having us capture your big day! We are so thankful for both of you and feel so honored you would choose to celebrate with you! Congratulations!

Ceremony and Reception:: Sandals:: La Toc // Florist:: Etsy // Wedding dress:: Maggie Soretto Designs purchased at the Wedding Shoppe // Hair and Make-up:: Red Line Spa // Men’s Ware:: Kohls // Caterer:: Sandals // DJ:: Sandals // Rings:: Continental Diamond //

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April 18, 2023

Saint Michael Catholic Church Wedding:: St. Michael, MN

Tags: catholic wedding, minneapolis wedding, Minnesota, saint michael catholic church wedding, saint michael wedding, Spring wedding, Weddings

After a fender bender in a rented pickup truck, Katie and Steve made their way down to Capital Grille for a dinner and then off to Orchestra Hall for Brahams 2^nd symphony (a favorite of Katie’s). When the concert came to a conclusion, the couple then headed off to Maple Lake for star gazing from the back of the pickup truck in a farm field. As they listened to Lone Star’s Amazed, Steve got down on one knee and asked Katie if she would marry him. With joy, she said yes and the two began planning their spring wedding.

With its latest beautiful renovations, the Saint Michael Catholic Church is a masterpiece located in the heart of St. Michael, Minnesota. Katie and Steve were the first of many weddings to take place here this year on a this beautiful and rainy April day.

Katie and her girls began the getting ready process at home and finished up at the church where she was helped by her mother and daughters into her beautiful wedding gown purchased from Xandy’s Bridal House. She and Steve then had an intimate first look and together we headed to a few places on the church grounds where we dodged the rain for couple more photos. We met back up with their wedding party and family for more traditional photos on the alter and then got ready for the mass to begin. Emotional and uplifting the two exchanged rings from Loch Jewelers while friends and family watched and gave their blessings to the couple. They ceremony concluded with a joyful exit and later in the evening friends and family gathered to celebrate the couple.

Katie and Steve, what a blessing it was to be a part of your day. Congratulations and best wishes to you and your family!

Ceremony and Reception:: Saint Michael Catholic Church// Wedding Dress:: Xandy’s Bridal House // Men’s Designer:: Xandy’s Bridal House // Rings :: Loch Jewelers //

Tags: catholic wedding, minneapolis wedding, Minnesota, saint michael catholic church wedding, saint michael wedding, Spring wedding, Weddings

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Terry Farrand
Love these perfect just perfect

June 24, 2022

The Minikahda Club Wedding :: Minneapolis, MN

Tags: basilica of st. mary wedding, classic wedding, minikahda country club, minikahda wedding, Minneapolis, minneapolis wedding, pink wedding, summer wedding

As avid hikers and adventurers, Maddie and Rob have been on many trips together. One such early in their relationship trip took them to Lake Tahoe to hike, mountain bike and explore. Being that it was one of the first “trips” together, Rob knew that when he was going to propose to Maddie they would be back. In April of 2021, Rob planned a surprise trip back to Lake Tahoe. As they began their first hike of the trip and about a mile in on the Rubicon State Trail, Rob asked Maddie to be his wife! For the rest of the trip they were able to celebrate together and begin planning for their May wedding.

Maddie and her family began their day getting ready at the home they all grew up in. Longtime friend and hair dresser, Meg Cargas came to the home and gave Maddie a beautiful updo while Paige Bodene focused on subtle and stunning make up for the ladies. Maddie’s sister helped her into her classic wedding dress from Che Bella. We captured a few photos of Maddie’s family at the house and then headed to the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis where Maddie and Rob would be married. Both Rob and Maddie chose not to do a first look. The ceremony began with Maddie’s nieces and nephews coming down the aisle… some ok with it and a few having a harder time! Maddie and her father followed with tears shed and a beautiful ceremony followed.

The couple the headed to celebrate their reception at the Minikahda Club in a classic Rolls Royce. Upon arrival, we were able to get some family photos on the outside deck and then headed into the beautifully decorated ballroom thanks to the staff at the club and Westdale Floral who brought in an array of Peony’s, garden roses and Anemones; all in Maddie’s favorite color, pink. Both sets of parents brought tear jerking speeches while guests enjoyed a delicious meal and cake created by Patti Soskin at YUM! The evening was perfect for some golden hour photos on the front lawn of the club, and the night came to a beautiful end as Blue Water Kings Band brought incredible music for all. Congratulations Maddie and Rob, I could not be happier for you. Enjoy your incredible Italian Honeymoon!

Ceremony:: Basilica of St. Mary // Reception:: Minikahda Club // Florist:: Westdale Flora // Wedding dress:: Che Bella // Hair:: Meg Vargas // Make-up:: Paige Bodene // Men’s Ware:: Hubert White // Caterer:: Minikahda Club // Baker:: Patti Soskin at YUM! // Band:: Blue Water Kings Band // Rings:: Thomas Joseph and Sons //

Tags: basilica of st. mary wedding, classic wedding, minikahda country club, minikahda wedding, Minneapolis, minneapolis wedding, pink wedding, summer wedding

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June 1, 2022

St. James Hotel Red Wing, MN :: Wedding

Tags: historic hotel wedding, hotel, hotel wedding, minnesota wedding, red wing couple, Red wing wedding, Spring wedding, st james hotel, st james hotel wedding

I was able to meet up with Rebekah, Alex and their boys in January for their combined engagement and family session. It was wonderful getting to know them and hear more of their story, see how they all love one another and get an idea of how their wedding day would be.

Their May wedding was held at the beautiful St. James Hotel in Red Wing. The two chose the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend to have extra time to celebrate with family and friends who came from far away. The two were wed and celebrated at the beautiful St. James Hotel. They chose to keep the day more traditional and wanted to accentuate the beautiful historical rooms there. Rebekah’s Justin Alexander dress from Angelique’s Bridal was a perfect satin white and lace and when paired with the beautiful white spring blooms from Bachman’s, looked even more classic. Jessie Condon and Rachel Olsen worked to create the beautiful hair and make up for Rebekah and her bridesmaids. The women began the day off in the beautiful bridal suite and before meeting Alex, Rebekah chose to have a special moment with her father.

The Bridesmaids all wore navy formal dresses from David’s Bridal and the groomsmen and Alex sported classic black tuxes and bowties from Men’s Warehouse giving the whole feel to the day a Downton Abby look. We spent time photographing inside around the hotel and after the ceremony headed outdoors for a few more photos in classic downtown Red Wing. We then spent some time doing family photos and then headed indoors for the ceremony where the couple exchanged their vows and their beautiful Helzburg Diamond rings. All cheered as the happy couple were pronounced husband and wife.

As guests made their way to the cocktail hour, Alex, Rebekah and I headed out for a few golden hour photos on Memorial Bluff in Red Wing. It overlooked the entire city and because of the overcast day, provided a beautiful backdrop for photos. Shaun Louis brought the perfect back ground music for the day and the St. James Hotel catering staff served a tasty meal. Amy Zerwas from the Baker’s table created the most a sweet and beautiful wedding cake to end the meal while guests mingled and danced the night away. Being a DJ at one time, Alex surprised guests by doing a set and the dance floor erupted! We ended the evening in celebration with Alex and Rebekah kissing though a beautiful canopy of sparklers.

Alex, Rebekah and family, it was a blessing to share your day with you. Alex and Rebekah enjoy your honeymoon on Mackinac Island and your time together away! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.