Ellen and Jason were the perfect match.

Ellen, Jason and their adorable Australian cattle dog, who I was lucky enough to meet during their engagement shoots, are going to live a wonderful life together. I feel confident in saying this because I understand that there is a difference between loving someone and caring for someone. In a marriage, you need to do both, and Ellen and Jason set a great example for the rest of us. They loved each other AND cared for each other so well on their wedding day. Jason was incredibly in tune with Ellen’s well being. He was always looking out for her and making sure that she was okay. She was clearly the highest priority of his day. I have no doubt that Ellen will continue to be the highest priority of his life as well.

I loved being able to witness and capture all of the special ways that I saw these two care for each other and I’m sure there were even more that I missed. It started right away in the morning as Ellen opened a gift from her soon-to-be husband, wrapped beautifully in what looked like a treasure box. I’m sure she felt as though it was. Inside were two beautiful pieces of jewelry, a small book titled “What I Like About You,” and a long handwritten note. Her reaction to the gifts said it all as tears welled in her eyes.

The couple had their first look in the church they were soon to be married in, St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michaels, Minnesota. There is something so surreal about seeing each other for the first time in the place you will commit your lives to one another forever. After their gorgeous traditional wedding in the church, the bridal party hopped on a bus to Minneapolis, taking a necessary stop at the Stone Arch Bridge for pictures, and ending at the Minneapolis Event Center for a reception filled with food, cake, toasts, and dancing. Speaking of dancing, there was one dance that I don’t know if I’ll ever forget. There is always a series of special dances, but this one topped them all. Ellen and Jason danced with their grandparents, Jason with his 100 year old grandmother. 

This day filled me with feelings. From witnessing the bride and groom’s loving, nurturing relationship to watching their emotional grandparents share a dance with them, Ellen and Jason overwhelmed me with a truly special day. I was lucky to be a part of it and have the opportunity to capture so many treasured moments. Congratulations Erin and Jason! May you continue to grow in love and care for one another.

Ceremony Venue – St. Michael Catholic Church – St. Michael, MN
Reception Venue – Minneapolis Event Center – Minneapolis, MN
Makeup Artist – Face to Face with Violett – St. Louis Park, MN
Cake Designer – Buttercream
Florist – Sadie’s Couture Floral – Minneapolis, MN
Dress Shop – Effie’s Bridal Trunk – Burnsville, MN
Bridal Shop – Allure Bridal
Tuxedos & Suits – Savvi Formal Wear – Minneapolis, MN
Party Bus – Rent My Party Bus, Inc. – Minneapolis, MN
DJ – Generation Now
Stationer – Paper Rock Scissor – Minneapolis, MN

Jennie and Scott had a beautiful shoot on the banks of the Mississippi.

To give you a little taste of what this couple is like, Jennie hid a bottle of champagne behind her back to surprise Scott with during their first look. In that special moment she set the tone for the rest of the day; it was going to be a party. Jennie and Scott are definitely “go big or go home” kind of people, and in the best kind of way. I love this about them! I also love that amongst all the the crazy celebration, Jennie and Scott never lost sight of the meaning of the day. All that they did on their special day was rooted in their deep love for one another.

The day started off with very intimate ceremony, underneath a gazebo at Centennial Lakes Park. It was unlike one I had ever seen before, in a good way. Just their closest friends and family were present, and they all formed a circle around the bride and groom as they exchanged their vows. It was a really unique and powerful way to include everyone they loved in their relationship, and ultimate commitment to each other. But that’s exactly Jennie and Scott. These two don’t just get married, they get married within a circle of those they love. They don’t just drive to their wedding reception, they take a party bus and stop at the bars on the way over. They don’t just take pictures, they take pictures with Jennie doing handstands and standing on top of water fountains.

The photography team and I were excited to come along for the crazy ride. We captured every moment, from the tears at their intimate ceremony, to Scott dipping Jennie while standing on top of the bar. Yes you read it right, ON TOP OF THE BAR. We even got to stop on the way to their beautiful rustic barn reception to shoot the huge bridal party and the couple in some of Minneapolis’s photographic treasure; the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill City Ruins. We got so many amazing photos on this gorgeous summer day.

This wedding was arguably the craziest wedding I’ve ever been a part of, and I loved it. I loved it because Jennie and Scott were a perfect match for each other. Undeniably. Everyone knew it. Which was why everyone was so excited to celebrate their marriage. It was clear that the couple’s guests loved them, loved their relationship, and couldn’t have dreamed of being anywhere else than along for a crazy ride with them on that day. Congratulations Jennie and Scott, you threw the most memorable party of the year! I have no doubt that your relationship will continue to be as fun and joyful as this party was for the remainder of your lives.

Ceremony Venue – Centennial Lakes Park – Edina, MN
Reception Venue – Green Acres Event Center – Eden Prairie, MN
Hair and Makeup – SM Makeup Inc
Caterer – Sterling Catering & Events – St Cloud, MN
Cake Designer – Wuollet
Florist – Roger Beck Florist – Minneapolis, MN
Bouquet – Cultivar (Etsy)
Dress Shop – Bella Bridal Boutique – St Paul, MN
Alterations – Custom Sewing by Heather – Woodbury, MN
Tuxedos/Suits – Mens Wearhouse
Party Bus Company –Fun Run Party Buses Inc – St Paul, MN
Accommodations –The Grand Hotel Minneapolis – Minneapolis, MN