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Monthly Archives: June 2017

“I Found This Pebble for You” | Anna & Cil

Gay Minnehaha engagement

Basically, I love Anna and Cil’s relationship – from the way they got together to how they got engaged – it’s all wonderful! I’m excited to not only share their stunning engagement pictures with you, but their story as well.

Both work at Lifetime, but different clubs, so it took them until a non-club specific leadership outing to finally meet. The two immediately hit it off, and many hours and rounds later, they ended up at Cowboy Jack’s, still talking and getting to know each other. There Cil asked Anna to describe her type. Anna named five specific traits, and Cil told her that she had just described her. From then on, they both knew it was history. Or as Cil says, the deal was “Cil’d.” 🙂

It gets better. The happy couple was on vacation in Cancun when Cil decided (pretty last minute) that there would be no better place to ask Anna to spend the rest of her life with her. She bought the ring at the resort they were staying at and on the last night the two went down to the beach to soak in the gorgeous view one last time (or so Anna thought). But to Anna’s surprise, Cil pulled out a beautiful ring and said “I found this pebble for you, will you marry me?” Gentu penguins search the beach for the perfect pebble to give to the penguin that will be their soul mate for the rest of their lives. Cil and Anna are undoubtably each other’s penguins. Congrats you two! Thanks for letting us be a part of your story. We cannot wait to capture part of it on your wedding day.

Minnehaha Park engagementAnna and Cil kissing on a rock wallAnna and Cil in the sunlight by Minneahaha FallsAnna cradling Cil's face in her handAnna and Cil kissing under an archwaySame sex Minnehaha falls engagement shootCloseup of Cil holding AnnaCil and Anna smiling with their heads togetherCandid same sex engagement

Basically, I love Anna and Cil’s relationship – from the way they got together to how they got engaged – it’s all wonderful! I’m excited to not only share their stunning engagement pictures with you, but their story as well. Both work at Lifetime, but different clubs, so it took them until a non-club specific...

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Hot Weather, Perfect Wedding | Annie & Tyler

Windblown summer wedding

Simply put, Annie and Tyler are just happy people who are super in love with each other. They’re the kind of people that you could throw obstacles at all day, but as long as they have each other, they’d be content. I know this to be true because on their wedding day, it kind of happened. For starters, they got married on a hot day, I mean really hot. Hot like I was sweating and drinking tons of water and worrying about the heat for them. But whenever I asked them how they were doing and feeling, they would both respond, “hot,” but with a smile on their face, and leave it at that. No complaints, no high maintenance requests. They simply acknowledged the obvious and went on enjoying their special day.

As if the heat wasn’t enough, Annie also lost her voice due to bad allergies. Although no one dreams to lose their voice on their wedding day, Annie somehow was able to laugh it off and turn it into an adorable, funny situation. I’m telling you all of these “not perfect” moments because Annie & Tyler’s wedding was perfect anyway – because they allowed it to be. Even though Annie and Tyler went all out planning their details and decorations (which looked amazing), they didn’t stress about any of it on the actual day of the wedding. Even though it was crazy hot and Annie lost her voice, they didn’t let that distract them from the true meaning and beauty of their wedding day – they fully embraced every moment regardless if it was how they planned it to be or not.

People like Annie and Tyler are rare and wonderful. I truly mean that. They were easy going, relaxed, fun, and crazy in love. In my opinion, they cracked the wedding code. They didn’t expect or demand perfect, they focused on the important stuff – each other, their awesome families and friends, enjoying their unbelievable 12-person band, breaking it down on the dance floor, and cherishing all the special moments. Annie and Tyler, you were our dream clients on your wedding day, we all have a little bit to learn from your approach to life and love. Congrats again!

Fake eyelashes ready for bride's makeupAnnie holding her wedding day cup of coffeeAnnie posing with her bridesmaidsBridesmaids helping Annie put her veil onAnnie posing in her family's foyerTyler reading a letter from bride AnnieAnnie reading a handwritten note from her fianceAnnie's first look with her fatherAnnie and her dad huggingFirst look in backyard gardenTyler smiling at Annie during first lookEmotional first lookAnnie wiping tears from Tyler's eyesBride and groom's families watching first lookAnnie and Tyler posing insideAnnie and Tyler with their foreheads togetherAnnie and Tyler outside of their churchFlower girl and bridesmaids walking down the aisleAnnie's father walking her down the aisleBride and Groom kissing at the altarAnnie and Tyler cheering while walking down the aisleFamily formal portraits at the front of the churchIndividual groomsmenIndividual bridesmaidsBridesmaids laughing togetherGroomsmen posing along st anthony mainGoofy wedding party poseBride and groom kissing in Minneapolis parkWedding party posing on party busWedding reception details at union depotGrand entrance into receptionBridesmaid and groomsmen wearing sunglasses during grand entranceAnnie and Tyler cheering during grand entranceAnnie's parents giving a toastBride and groom laughing togetherMother and father of the groom speechBest man and maid of honor speechesWedding cake and dessert spreadAnnie and Tyler cutting their cakeBride feeding the groom wedding cakeWedding guests at Minneapolis DepotFirst dance at Depot in MinneapolisGroom dipping the brideBride's first dance with her fatherAnnie and her father dancingMother son first danceTyler dancing with his motherBride and groom laughing during family receptionBride and groom's family doing a goofy danceWedding guest doing the air guitarBridesmaids and groomsmen dancing at receptionKid asleep at wedding reception

Vendor List:
Wedding planner — Lasting Impressions —Minnetonka, MN
Ceremony venue — Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church — Minneapolis, MN
Reception venue — The Depot — Minneapolis, MN
Officiant — Fr. Griffith — St. Paul, MN
Hair stylist — Sarah Peterson & Giana Capuzzi
Caterer — The Depot — Minneapolis, MN
Cake designer — Buttercream — Minnetonka, MN
Decorator — Lasting Impressions — Minnetonka, MN
Florist — Sadie’s Couture Floral — Minneapolis, MN
Dress Shop —  Brides of France — Edina, MN
Bridesmaid Dresses — The Wedding Shoppe — St. Paul, MN
Bridesmaid Dress Designer— Bill Levkoff
Tuxedos — Jos. A. Bank
Party bus company — Renee’s Royal Valet — Minneapolis, MN
Band — Blue Water Kings Band — Minneapolis, MN
Stationer — Sarah Glad- A Milestone Paper Co — Burnsville, MN
Chair/table/tent rentals — Apres — Minnetonka, MN
Jeweler — Melgram Jewelers — Little Falls, MN
Ice Sculpture— Minnesota Ice Sculpture — Minneapolis, MN

Simply put, Annie and Tyler are just happy people who are super in love with each other. They’re the kind of people that you could throw obstacles at all day, but as long as they have each other, they’d be content. I know this to be true because on their wedding day, it kind of...

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A Perfect Match | Brooke & Aaron

Van Dusen Mansion Wedding

There were so many wonderful and unique things about Brooke & Aaron’s wedding, it’s hard to know where to start. There was little magical moment after magical moment all day. It started right away in the morning when the forecast – supposed to be rainy – turned out to be the sunniest, most perfect summer day. Weather aside, the wedding itself was stunning. The newly remodeled Van Busen Mansion was one of the most gorgeous mansions I have ever shot in before. It shined during the day and continued at night with a courtyard strung carefully with hanging lights. It was truly a vision, and so was Brooke. Everyone thought so, but the interaction between her and her father was really special. The first look that these two shared was one of the most emotional and memorable I have witnessed between a father and a daughter (see pictures below for proof). It was obvious how much he loved and cherished her – so you know he wouldn’t give her away to just anyone. It must have been clear, to him especially, that Aaron is not only good for Brooke, but perfect for her.

We noticed this, too. Brooke and Aaron are just such a perfect fit for each other. Their relationship has such ease about it – it’s hard to describe. Throughout the entire day they were both so relaxed, calm, and unworried by small details. They were more concerned about their guests having a good time than whether or not their day went “perfect.” However, you could tell there was a special peace they found in each other whenever they were able to steal a second alone. When we were taking couple pictures, it was like the cameras weren’t even there. Brooke and Aaron were just happy to together, and nothing else really mattered. Their love is natural and beautiful.

Brooke and Aaron’s amazing ability to love each other well is special, and it seems like they may have learned it from their parents. We couldn’t help but notice that both sets were happily married and obviously still in love. Which is rare. It was beautiful to see so many different relationships at different stages in life, all still going strong. These awesome families did an outstanding job raising their children and setting a good example for marriage, it makes sense that the two ended up together. I have no doubt that Brooke and Aaron will do the same in their future. I could go on forever, but ultimately, it was a beautiful day of celebrating true love and families being joined together. I only foresee one conflict in their future – will their children be Vikings or Packers fans? 🙂 Congrats again Brooke and Aaron! Keep spreading your infectious love.

White bridal details against velvet and leather armchair
Closeup of wedding rings against gold backdrop
Brooke wearing a robe embroidered with her new last name
Bridesmaid posing next to wedding dress
Groom playing pool in the Van Dusen Mansion
Groom Aaron fixing his tie in the mirror
Bridesmaid buttoning up wedding dress
Bride Brooke looking out the window
Brooke's first look with her father
Father of the bride crying during first look
Bride and her father embracing
Brooke sneaking up behind Aaron
First look between bride and groom
Aaron and Brooke posing among trees
Brooke twirling her lace wedding dress
Bridesmaids posing in blue dresses
Bride and bridesmaids smiling
Groomsmen in grey suits
Groomsmen laughing together
Wedding party cheering
Bride and groom posing with their families
Mothers of the bride and groom lighting unity candle
Aaron and his mother walking down the aisle
Aaron walking family down the aisle
Wide angle of church
First kiss between Brooke and Aaron
Bride and groom cheering while leaving church
Brooke and Aaron popping champagne on party bus
Champagne toast closeup
Wedding party toasting on party bus
Wedding party on bus
Stone arch bridge dip
Couples posing at Van Dusen
Cake cutting
Gold reception details at Van Dusen Mansion
Groomsman carrying bridesmaid for grand entrance
Bridesmaid posing in front of reception
Brooke and Aaron's grand entrance
Maid of honor toast
Father of the bride speech
Brooke crying into napkin during her father's speech
Best man giving a speech
First dance at Van Dusen ballroom
Brooke and her father dancing together
Aaron and his mother dancing together
Wedding guests dancing and laughing
Dancing guests
Wedding guest raising the roof on dance floor
Brooke and Aaron dancing together
Dancing wedding guests
Brooke throwing her bouquet over her shoulder
Bridesmaid with bouquet
Aaron pulling garter off of bride
Groom throwing garter over shoulder
Brooke and Aaron kissing in Van Dusen courtroom

Ceremony Venue — Nazareth Chapel — St. Paul, MN
Reception Venue — Van Dusen Mansion — Minneapolis, MN
Officiant — Father Steve Prokop — St. Paul, MN
Hair Stylist — Nivala & Co. (Alex Kraus) — Rosemount, MN
Caterer — Mintahoe Catering & Events — Minneapolis, MN
Cake Designer — The Cakery by Farmington Bakery— Farmington, MN
Florist — Stems & Vines — Prior Lake, MN
Dress shop/Designer — Posh Bridal — Minneapolis, MN
Tuxedos — Men’s Warehouse — Minneapolis, MN
Limo/Party bus Company — Renee’s Limo Valet: Limos, Coaches, & Trolleys — Minneapolis, MN
DJ — Sam Johnson (Bellagala) — Minneapolis, MN
Ceremony Music — Sharon Planer (Pianist for Parties) — Minneapolis, MN

There were so many wonderful and unique things about Brooke & Aaron’s wedding, it’s hard to know where to start. There was little magical moment after magical moment all day. It started right away in the morning when the forecast – supposed to be rainy – turned out to be the sunniest, most perfect summer...

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CONTACT


2409 Lyndale Ave S,
Suite 202
Minneapolis MN, 55405

 

612.242.8655
[email protected]

FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM

@brovadoweddings

FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES

@brovadoweddings

CONTACT


2409 Lyndale Ave S,
Suite 202
Minneapolis MN, 55405

 

612.242.8655
[email protected]