You may remember these two from their stunning engagement shoot in Denver, CO with our Associate Photographer Brooke. Well, Brooke captured their wedding that somehow beat those incredible Denver shots!

Zach and Coty flew from Colorado to have their ceremony at Coty’s parent’s home in rural Minnesota. Having their day at a place that is familiar, the two were able to decorate the venue in a way that was entirely theirs. Their details placed an emphasis on rustic elements, their ceremony and reception studded with antlers and cross-sections of trees, with a stunning Kransekake as their wedding cake. Zach and Coty perfectly blended their own style with tradition. Coty is a bride who can rock red Jimmy Choos and dark lipstick, but also wore her veil while walking down the aisle, something that you don’t see many brides do any more.

While we could talk about the connection between Zach and Coty for hours, one that isn’t always focused on is the bond between the bride and her father.  Coty’s father was a blast, fully enjoying his daughter’s big day. He took not one, not two, but three shots during his speech. But that’s not the most noteworthy part of his speech. While he spoke, you could see the love that he has for his daughter and the respect that he holds for her. He spoke to Coty’s time in college in Wyoming and her independent nature, which is perfectly complemented by Zach’s good-natured demeanor. Needless to say, everyone was at least a little misty-eyed during Coty’s first dance with her father.

The joining of Zach and Coty, and their families, was a truly illuminating thing to watch. Seeing two people so in love, and their families so in love with them together, is a beautiful thing. With such intense love, two people are able to melt into each other and feel true comfort, which is obvious in how these two photograph together. Zach and Coty’s sunset shots are especially jaw-dropping. Being able to pull them away from their reception, once all of the day stress had melted away, allowed for some of the most honest, raw moments you can capture. These two were a joy to photograph, and we don’t doubt that Zach and Coty will be each other’s joy for the rest of their lives.

Vendor List:
Videographer — Phil Salvador —
Officiant — Pastor Keith Weber — Salina, KS
Hair stylist — Studio 14 — Faribault, MN
Makeup artist — Sophia Thao — Minneapolis, MN
Caterer — Arna Farmer — Faribault, MN
Cake designer — Ingebretsen’s — Minneapolis, MN
Florist — Wanda Leppert — Fairbault, MN
Dress Designer — Monique Lhuillier —
Dress Shop — L’Atelier Couture — Minneapolis, MN
Tuxedos — Men’s Wearhouse by Joseph Abboud
Limo/party bus company — Krazy Train — Faribault, MN
DJ — DJs on Demand — Denver, CO
Chair/table/tent rentals — Apres

Katie and John had a super elegant wedding. With a live band, slick tuxedos, dancing between dinner courses. East Coast style. These two are just cool. The kind of people that glide through life, in a way that makes you want to be like them. I had so much fun photographing their wedding at the Depot in downtown Minneapolis. Everything about it was classy. The venue, the outfits, the guests. The band, R Factor was one of the best I’ve ever heard at a wedding! I’m not kidding when I say that every single guest was on the dance floor while they played.  This wedding will go down in history as one of my favorites, out of literally hundreds of weddings over the years. Congratulations, Katie and John! Keep being cool. B-)

Wedding coordinator – Mi Mi Design – Minneapolis, MN
Ceremony venue – Central Lutheran Church – Minneapolis, MN
Reception Venue – The Depot – Minneapolis, MN
Videographer – Anthony Begley Productions
Officiant – Rev. Mark Nelson
Hair – Molly Black Style
Makeup – Nan Fletcher
Cake – Cold Spring Bakery – Cold Spring, MN
Florist – St. Cloud Floral – St. Cloud, MN
Dress – Macy’s Bridal Salon
Mensware – Men’s Wearhouse
Band – R Factor
DJ – Bellagala
Stationery – Ginger P Designs
Decorations – Apres Party Rentals

Where do you take pictures on a rainy wedding day? Under anything you can! Utilize bridges, overpasses, awnings, umbrellas and large trees.

Ashley and Colin’s wedding day was a whirlwind of emotion. Only the happiest of emotions, of course. But there were still a lot of tears.

This was because Ashley and Colin were simply overjoyed to make it official. Every detail had been sorted out, and the couple spent some time getting ready in the morning… They opened sweet love letters from each other, and there were some tears.  Ashley put on her Rush’s Bridal gown, and had her hair and makeup done by The Blushing Room in a way that made her brilliant blue eyes pop even more, and there were more tears.  When she walked outside to see Colin for the first time, you should have seen it… Actually, you can! Just scroll down to see how ridiculously happy these two were to see each other on their wedding day!

Yes, it rained, and it rained some more. We took lots of pictures under bridges, overpasses and in parking garages (which actually turned out pretty great.) But they say rain on your wedding day is a good omen, and I say, so are tears.

Congratulations, Ashley and Colin! You two are perfect for each other!

Ceremony venue – Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church – Apple Valley, MN
Reception venue – Intercontinentatl St. Paul Riverfront – St. Paul, MN
Videographer – Matthew Smith 
Hair stylist – Bridget Wanchena, The Blushing Room – St. Paul, MN
Decorator – Erin Olsen, We’ve Got It Covered  
Florist – Gayle Kenow, Design n Bloom – Eagan, MN
Dress shop – Rush’s Bridal – Minneapolis, MN
Tuxedoes – Savvi Formalwear 
Limo – Exceptional Transportation 
Party bus – Schmitty & Sons – Lakeville, MN
DJ & uplighting – Adrian Perryman, Events by MV LLC 
Pianist – Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties – Minneapolis, MN