Brady always knew Alicia was the love of his life, the one he had been waiting to meet, and despite their obvious differences – being respective diehard fans of rivaling football teams –  the two fell in love, and discovered they had enough things in common to make up for their conflicting sports preferences.  Wine, for example, has been a great unifier, and Alicia and Brady have enjoyed attending wine classes and events as well as building a fine wine collection of their own.   They also love cooking and dining out, and have developed quite the hobby of trying new restaurants around town.

So where do foodies and wine lovers choose to host their wedding reception?  At the Depot in Minneapolis, of course!  Alicia and Brady had a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony at the Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka, MN before inviting guests to the Depot for a Minnesota wedding reception.  We took their wedding photographs around downtown Minneapolis, near the Stone arch Bridge and Mill Ruins Park.

Alicia and Brady’s “first look” photographs were unique.  They decided to have the entire family present in the room when Brady got his first glimpse at his beautiful bride.  It was a fantastic idea, and it made for a very touching moment, for both the couple and their families.  Tears were shed, proud parents beamed, and Alicia and Brady got to be surrounded by love from the first moments of their wedding day and throughout.

I had such a great time photographing this wedding.  Alicia and Brady, you have a wonderful family.  Thank you for letting me be part of your wedding day!

Ceremony venue – Adath Jeshurun Congregation – Minnetonka
Reception venue – The Depot – Minneapolis
Videographer – David Dotterweich
Officiant – Rabbi Harold Kravitz – Minnetonka
Hair stylist – Angela Ross, Mask Hair Designs and Day Spa – Minnetonka
Makeup artist – Mani Mela
Caterer – The Depot – Minneapolis
Cake designer – Cafe Latte – St. Paul
Decorator – Mani Mela
Florist – Mani Mela
Dress shop – Che Bella Boutique – St. Paul
Dress designer – Jim Hjlem
Tuxedos – Men’s Wearhouse
Limo company – Total Luxury Limo – Minneapolis
Band – Bruce A. Henry Dance Band
Stationer – Paper Event – St. Louis Park
Chair & table rental – Mani Mela
Jeweler – Wholesale Gold and Diamond

Murphy’s law states: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”  Though the term is generally used in the context of aerospace engineering, Matt would wholeheartedly agree that Murphy’s law was in full effect on the day he planned to propose to his beloved Angie.  Not only had he come home to whisk her away for a romantic dinner, only to discover that she had already eaten, but all FOUR of the restaurants he had in mind ended up being closed.  On a Saturday night, in downtown Minneapolis for heaven’s sake!  But still, he persevered….  After a (small) snack at another (less romantic) venue, Matt brought Angie to one of the most beautiful downtown locations he could think of – the immaculately maintained grounds of the Minnesota Orchestra Hall – only to find out the entire area was under construction!  At this point, sensing Matt’s disappointment, Angie suspected what was going on.   “I tried to make up for it a bit,” she says.  “The proposal was still the most beautiful moment, because we made it that way. (But the poor guy!)”

Well, it all worked out in the end, and Angie and Matt were married by a judge in Minnesota in preparation for an overseas wedding ceremony on a beautiful cruise ship headed to the Southern Caribbean last October.  They planned a large wedding reception for the rest of their friends and family at Matt’s father’s farm and apple orchard in Wyoming, Minnesota later in the spring.  I am so excited to show you these wedding reception photographs, because they couldn’t have turned out better!  The Sunrise River Apple Farm was in full bloom, with gorgeous white blossoms on the trees, and bright green clovers in the fields.  The greenhouse on the farm was spectacular!  The interior had been decorated by a family friend, and featured colorful linens, an enormous candy table, a dinner buffet and plenty of room for dancing.  Have you ever been to a wedding inside of a greenhouse?

Angie said her favorite part of the night, aside from the moment Matt teared up upon seeing her in her wedding dress, was going out to the pasture with him to feed the family’s donkeys.  “It was hard work walking in the mud with heels, but it was such a blast getting our photos taken with the donkeys.”  Well, I’m sure glad you humored me for those shots, Angie, because they turned out to be some of the absolute best wedding pictures from the day!  See for yourself below!  (You have to admit, those donkeys are pretty cute little buggers…..)

Congratulations, Matt and Angie!  I wish you the best!

Reception venue – Sunrise River Apple Farm – Wyoming, MN
Hair & Makeup – Cara & Tracey, Salon Ultimo – Woodbury, MN
Caterer – Old Log Cabin – Forest Lake
Cake designer – How Sweet it is Cakes – Duluth MN
DJ – Mike & Nate, Adagio Djay Entertainment 
Dress shop – The Wedding Shoppe
Dress design – Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner
Suits – Men’s Wearhouse
Tables & chairs – Ruddy’s Rental – Forest Lake