Erica and Chris got engaged on Catalina Island last October during a romantic vacation along the coast of California.  They planned for a winter wedding complete with an elegant silver and gold Christmas theme. (Makes me want to sing!)

Before their traditional catholic ceremony at the beautiful Church of the Assumption in downtown St. Paul, the bride, groom and wedding party followed me around town for some snowy wedding photographs. We took a little time to warm up and get more pictures inside the historic St. Paul Hotel, and after the wedding ceremony, everyone headed to the immaculately decorated Dellwood Country club for a reception!

Ceremony venue – Church of the Assumption – St. Paul, MN
Reception venue – Dellwood Country Club – White Bear Lake, MN
Hair & makeup – Julie Swenson – Minneapolis, MN
Decorator – Terry Gentry, Creative License
DJ – Aaron Fruen, Aaron’s Anytime DJs
Florist – Lakeside Floral
Dress shop –  Bridal Accents Couture
Wedding gown designer – Liancarlo
Tuxedos – Savvi Formal Wear
Limo company – Eclipse Transportation
Stationer – Carlson Craft
Wedding rings – Thomas Joseph & Sons
Bridal jewelry – Cheryl King Couture
Cake designer – Terry’s Cakes and Bakes
Wedding planner – Jill Johnson
Officiant –  Father John Malone

Ashley and Derek got engaged in a ball pit. Yes, a plasticky, colorful, kid’s ball pit. I don’t know if I’ve heard a more original proposal story, and I wish I’d been there to see it (and take pictures!) I can’t image a more fun and playful atmosphere to pop the question…. Maybe a room filled with balloons? Anyway, if that doesn’t paint the picture of how fun these two were to work with on their wedding day, I’m not sure what will.

Ashley and Derek had their wedding at the Le Meridien Chambers hotel in downtown Minneapolis. I absolutely love taking urban wedding photos downtown, because our city is so colorful. We got some great first look pictures and bridal portraits in front of this bright red brick building, the bride and groom photos are filled with blues, greys and purples from our world famous skyway system, and the wedding party took a quick limo ride over to Loring Park for some group pictures among the green trees and up on the iconic blue and yellow Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge that leads over “spaghetti junction” to the Walker Sculpture Garden.

Ashley and Derek were a blast to work with! They appreciated my approach and attempts at humor…

“Preston is a hoot! He’s so fun to work with. And he comes with his camera bags packed with mini liquor bottles to calm nerves, or in my case, warm me up from the cold!!!” -Ashley

Congratulations Ashley and Derek! Enjoy your wedding photos!

Check out Ashley & Derek’s feature on MN Bride

Wedding planner – Ashley Henry, Simply Elegant  – Minneapolis, MN
Ceremony & reception venue – Le Meridien Chambers Hotel – Minneapolis
Videographer – Jud Nichols
Officiant – Reverand Frank Nelson
Hair & makeup – Lisa Reinhardt
Caterer – Marin Restaurant – Minneapolis
Cake designer – Queen of Cakes – Edina, MN
Decorator – Simply Elegant  – Minneapolis, MN
Florist – Arts & Flowers – St. Louis Park
Dress shop –  Bridal Accents Couture – Burnsville, MN
Dress designer – Anna Maier Couture
Tuxedos – Men’s Wearhouse
Limo – Star Limousine – Eagan, MN
Music – Instant Request
Stationer – Gretchen Berry – Minneapolis, MN
Chairs/linen rentals – Linen Effects – Minneapolis, MN
Jeweler – Knox Jewelers – Minneapolis, MN