Chainika and Shatanu share a dance on the streets of Minneapolis.

I cherish the opportunity to capture weddings like Chainika and Shantanu’s. It’s not often that I get to attend or photograph a wedding that is so rich in culture and love. This couple’s wedding was absolutely beautiful! The two worked hard to blend their two backgrounds into one traditional, colorful, and memorable day. The ceremony was three hours long, and half of it was spoken in Sanskrit, the sacred Hindu language. The night before, Chainika spent five hours getting her arms and legs beautifully hennaed. All the time and effort they spent planning their perfect wedding made me especially motivated to capture all of the important details that made their day so unique: the tradition, culture, colors and all of the dancing!

Generally after a long ceremony, the guests are ready to celebrate. Chainika and Shantunu’s were no different, except surprisingly when they let loose on the dance floor they were actually good at dancing! Some of my favorites photos from the entire day came from the dance floor. All generations were united through this celebration, and there was not a sullen face in the room. Those moments of unedited joy are my absolute favorite to capture, and Chainika and Shantunu gave me so many opportunities.

Outside of the ceremony and reception, I loved the couple’s desire to embrace the city that they live in. I photographed the couple and family photos amidst the city streets. The first look was captured on a sidewalk with busy traffic rushing past, and group shots were taken in an alleyway. The contrast of their bright, traditional clothing against the downtown Minneapolis architecture made for unique, stunning photos. This entire wedding blew our photography team away and so did Chainika and Shantanu. We couldn’t stop talking about how perfect of a fit they were for each other. It was unbelievably obvious. Congratulations you two, thank you for letting us share in the joy of your wedding day! It was one we will never forget.

Ceremony Venue – Radisson BLU Minneapolis – Minneapolis, MN
Caterer – Bombay Bistro Fine Indian Dining – Minneapolis, MN
Cake Designer – Buttercream – St. Paul, MN
Decorator and Florist – Festivities – Medina, MN
Jeweler – Tanishq Jewellars 

Jennifer and Jake celebrate as they exit their beautiful ceremony at the historic courthouse in Stillwater as bride and groom.

It’s magical to be a part of someone’s dream coming true. For me, it’s even more magical to be able to photograph it. Jennifer and Jake’s wedding was their dream wedding, and I felt so lucky to be able to capture it in pictures. It is hard to know where to start when describing the beauty of their day. The stunning vintage style, the unbelievable dinner and desserts, and the gorgeous ceremony on the steps of the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater, Minnesota are only a few of the things that made this day so special; but then there’s the  couple themselves. Jennifer and Jake are world travellers. Their home is in California, but right now they are currently on a 4-month international honeymoon. I had known they were a good fit before their wedding day, but not until I spent the day photographing them did I truly get to know them and understand why exactly they are so good together. Their first look said it all. The two just looked so content and complete in that moment. I think they would’ve been okay with that first hug lasting the rest of the day. Jennifer and Jake understand each other; they knew what each other was thinking, and how to care for each other. Some might say that’s just because they have been together for a long time, but I say that’s a sure sign that they’re going to be together forever. Obviously they think so too, and made that clear not only by declaring their vows, but also by locking away wine bottles for their 1st, 5th, and 10th wedding anniversaries during their ceremony, which I thought was a unique way of not only creating a commitment, but also promising good times and celebration in the years to come as well.

Overall, Jennifer and Jake found a variety of ways to make their wedding uniquely them. They decorated with wine cork letters, wore top hats, created a table of old family photographs, and even allowed me to exercise my creative crazy by shooting them and their family in the Historic Courthouse’s Jail Cell, which created eerie, amazing, and absolutely unique photos. I have never photographed a wedding like Jennifer and Jake’s before and I don’t think I ever will again. It was so stunning and unique I don’t think it could ever be replicated. Congratulations Jennifer and Jake! I had an amazing time at your wedding, and I hope you had an amazing time traveling!

Wedding Planner – Wonderful Day Weddings – St Michael, MN
Ceremony & Reception Venue – Washington County Historic Courthouse – Stillwater, MN
Hair & Makeup – Creative Beaute Agency – Minnetonka, MN
Caterer – Lettuce Cater – Columbia Heights, MN
Beer – Total Wine & More – Roseville, MN
Dessert Caterer – Cocoa and Fig – Shakopee, MN
Wedge and Wheel – Cheese Wheel Tower  – Stillwater, MN
Florist – Rose Floral and Greenhouse, Inc. – Stillwater, MN
Dress Shop – Trudy’s Bridal Campbell
Bridesmaids Dresses – The Wedding Shoppe – St. Paul, MN
Bridesmaid Dress Designer – Bill Levkoff
Tuxedos – Savvi Formalwear – Woodbury, MN
Top Hats – CostumeRentals (Guthrie Theater) – Minneapolis, MN
DJ – Instant Request DJ Entertainment – Bloomington, MN
Stationer – Night Owl Studios
Linens – Linen Effects – Minneapolis, MN
Rehearsal Dinner – Gordy’s Steakhouse  – Willemie, MN
Wedding Party Accommodations – Ann Bean Mansion – Stillwater, MN

Scott dips Maria Hollywood style and her veil flies through the air.

Of all the weddings that I shoot, small weddings are some of my favorite, simply because I get to join a family for a day. These weddings are especially great when the family I get to shortly become a part of is wonderfully welcoming, such as Maria, Scott and their families were. Their wedding was small, intimate, and filled with joy. There was a total of 44 guests, and they traveled from all across the nation to celebrate with Maria and Scott. This level of dedication for supporting Maria and Scott’s relationship made it clear how special both the bride and the groom were, and how passionate their loved ones were about their love story.

There were a collection of unbelievably touching moments throughout the day that further reassured my initial impression on Maria and Scott’s relationship and how special it was. The first looks between Maria and her father and Maria and Scott were unbelievable. I wish everyone could’ve seen it. Both her father and Scott had similar reactions, their facial expressions read something along the lines of, “oh snap, look at MY girl!” Which is absolutely understandable as Maria looked amazing – her dress, her hair, her glow. However, it went even deeper than that. The expression of awe on Maria’s father’s face after seeing her for the first time quickly transformed into a look of pride and joy. Scott had been so anxious to see her all morning that when he finally did, he was clearly overwhelmed. Overwhelmed that his soon-to-be wife was so incredibly gorgeous, overwhelmed that soon-to-be would soon become right now, and overwhelmed upon realizing that he gets to experience this joy with Maria for the rest of his life.

Even amongst a day heavy with commitment and promise, Maria and Scott and their guests remained so funny and playful. You’ll know exactly what I mean once you see the mini-photoshoot I had with Maria as she got ready. From preparation to reception, there was no shortage of joy amongst this group. The beautiful, natural expression of emotion exhibited by the bride, groom, and their guests, along with the gorgeous Gale Mansion as their backdrop made it easy for me snap tons of amazing photos. I felt lucky to be able to capture all of these special moments, from laughter to tears. Maria and Scott, you both are hilarious, kind, and perfect for eachother. Your love is contagious and I’m happy I was able to join you and your wonderful family during your wedding day. Congratulations!

Reception Venue/Caterer – Gale Mansion – Minneapolis,MN
Officiant – Ceremonies by Positively Charmed – Minneapolis, MN
Hair/Makeup – Mollie Kae Hair and Makeup Artistry – Minneapolis, MN
Cake Designer – Angel Food Bakery – Minneapolis, MN
Florist – Luna Vinca – Minneapolis, MN
Dress Shop – Camarilla Bridal – Camarilla, CA
Limo/Party Bus Company – Super Shuttle
Musician – Arioso Strings – Minneapolis, MN
Stationer – Paper Source – Minneapolis, MN

Jen and Pat share a passionate kiss under the night sky.

I photograph a lot of brides, but something about Jen was different. Naturally, she is a very bubbly person, but on her wedding day she had a smile on her face the entire time. Nothing seemed to bother her; she was easily one of the calmest and happiest brides of the season. This lends itself to the fact that she truly was marrying the man of her dreams. Jen and Pat were extremely in love, and their chemistry was unbelievable! They’ve known each other for a very long time, and you could tell that neither of them could wait to finally be married.

Their wedding took place on the most beautiful October day. Because it was an outdoor wedding, Jen and Pat were a little nervous about it being cold, however when their big day arrived, the weather could not have been more perfect. One of my favorite parts about the wedding was the bonfire they held at their reception. This couple is anything but boring! Jen and Pat encouraged their guests to make s’mores over the fire after they had finished dancing, really adding a fun unique twist to the day. Instead of a wedding cake, Jen and Pat had bride and groom cupcakes that they fed to one another. One cupcake was decorated like a wedding dress and the other like a tuxedo, just another really fun unique touch!

Another thing that stood about this couple was how family oriented they both were. Pat’s best man was his brother and Jen’s maid of honor was her sister, which just goes to show how much these two value their loved ones. These tight knit families got along so well and had a blast at the wedding. Props to Jen and Pat for bringing so many great people together! One of the most special relationships I was lucky enough to observe was the relationship between Jen and her father. At the first look with her father, Jen could not hold back her tears, even though she had been sure that her dad would have been the one to cry! Then during the father daughter dance, the pair shook things up by starting with a traditional slow dance but jamming out by the end.

Jen and Pat are no ordinary couple. Their passionate love was apparent to everyone that attended their wedding. They made each other laugh all day long. It really did seem to be the best day of their lives. Your love is on fire, Jen and Pat! I can’t wait to see where your future together takes you.

Ceremony and Reception Venue – Crowne Plaza Minneapolis – Plymouth, MN
Cupcake Designer – Sweet Retreat Cupcake Boutique – Minneapolis, MN
Decorator and Florist – Dressed Events – Minneapolis, MN
Dress Shop – Heartstrings Bridal – Hopkins, MN
Bridesmaid’s Dresses – David’s Bridal
Tuxedos – Men’s Wearhouse
DJ – Bob Wilson Productions
Jeweler – Kitty Glitter – Minneapolis, MN

Sarah and Adam sharing an intimate moment at the Landmark Center in St. Paul.

I was so excited to photograph Sarah and Adam’s wedding. I shot Adam’s sister’s wedding, Courtney and Ryan, in 2009, and it was a blast. I couldn’t wait to hang out with their family and friends once again! On top of that, they had chosen one of my favorite venues, the Landmark Center in St. Paul, to do their entire wedding: getting ready, the ceremony and the reception. I knew it was going to be a fun, beautiful, and memorable day.

Sarah and Adam’s wedding was exactly that and more. The couple and their guests perfectly balanced having a crazy good time and caring deeply for one another. This made photographing them fun and easy. There was no shortage of awesome moments to capture, and each was unique and special. The bridal party photos in Rice Park were hilarious. There were bridesmaids on the ground, groomsmen in each other’s arms, an appearance by a pair of Darth Vader socks, and even a dog!

A perfect contrast to the craziness in Rice Park and an amazing representation of the group’s care for Sarah and Adam happened in the moment when the couple had their first look inside of the Landmark Center. Sarah walked down a gorgeous marble staircase to meet her soon-to-be husband anxiously waiting at the bottom. It was quiet, emotional and intimate. What the couple didn’t know was that their bridal party was camped out two stories up, peeping on the two as they shared their special moment, and crying tears of joy as they watched. This photo ended up being one of my favorites. It’s just so clear how loved Sarah and Adam are, and how powerful of an impact their relationship has had on those they love.

But out of all the gorgeous and tear-jerking moments, my favorite of the day had to be during the reception when everyone went absolutely nuts as “Bohemian Rhapsody” played. It was unreal! I have never known a group of people that collectively love a song so much. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. And I’ll definitely never forget Sarah and Adam. You and your loved ones are too much fun. I loved getting to know you, and am so excited to watch your love for one another continue to grow. Congratulations!

Ceremony and Reception Venue – Landmark Center – St. Paul, MN
Hair and Makeup – Revive Salon – White Bear Lake, MN
Florist – A Moment In Bloom – Woodbury, MN
Caterer – True Tastes Catering – St. Paul, MN
Cake – Miss Sara’s Cakery – Hastings, MN
Dress Shop – Raffine Bridal and Formal Wear – Woodbury, MN
Dress Designer – Stella York
Tuxedos  – Men’s Wearhouse
DJ – Sound Decision Entertainment – Minneapolis, MN
Jeweler – Kay Jewelers
Bridesmaids Dresses –Bill Levkoff