Grace & Michael Get Married!

What an amazing weekend this has been! Back to back weddings with two fantastic couples and venues. Grace and Michael were married today and everything went so perfectly! Weather alone (yes, I know I talk about weather a lot...) was a perfect Minnesota summer day. We started this perfect day at Capture Salon Studio in Stillwater where Grace, the maids and mother of the bride got all dolled up! Grace was well, full of grace. All day long. Elegance seems to just surround her; maybe it was the bridal glow. :) 

Grace and Michael did not see each other before the ceremony so there seemed to be quite a bit of anticipation! The happy couple said their vows at St. Patrick's Parish just across the river in Hudson. What a gorgeous and unique church! Lovely stain glass elements and giant wood beams throughout. After a few readings done by family members and a touching service, Michael and Grace sealed the deal with kiss! And were all smiles for the rest of the day. 

We headed back into Stillwater for some fun with the newlyweds and their wedding party. The flooding along the riverside has subsided mostly so we made sure to get as close to the water as possible! I just love the shots of the bride and groom with the water and bridge behind them! What a good looking pair! The reception was being held in the Waterstreet Inn. Location, location, location! The head table had a view of the bridge and river! We also made sure to use nearly every inch of the inn as well including the couple's romantic suite. Dinner of course was enjoyed by all after Grace's father gave a lovely blessing and reminded Michael that although he felt like the luckiest man to be the father of the bride today, that it was Michael who was truly lucky. Michael agreed fully and took a bow. :)

The evening proceeded with very, very touching and personal toasts from a few wedding party members. Stories were shared illustrating how selfless and loving Grace and Michael are and of course everyone wished them nothing but the best in their new journey together. Grace and Michael then took to the dance floor for their first dance; turns out they took lessons and surprised everyone with a very elegant performance. After cutting a beautiful two-tiered cake from P.J. Murphy's Bakery, guests enjoyed raspberry filled cupcakes before hopping onto the dance floor.... these guests, in particular the groomsmen, had some pretty good moves! Unfortunately we were just leaving as the men got to show their dancing skills to Britney Spears... 

Grace and Michael, thank you for having us capture your wedding day! Enjoy the quick recap of your beautiful day. 

Nikki & Chrissy Get Married!

What an amazing day today! First, it didn't rain (70% chance of rain my foot!)! Big bonus letting us have an amazing first sight with Nikki and Chrissy at the Guthrie's Endless Bridge. Just beautiful! Second, it was my first same-sex couple which I am so happy about for so many reasons. (That could be a whole other blog entry...) Third, Nikki and Chrissy were so gorgeous and the cutest couple in town today! I digress... 

As said, we had an amazing first sight at the Guthrie. Chrissy was so stunning in her organza gown with asymmetrical beading on the bust from The Wedding Shoppe. Nikki wore all white as well in a three piece suit from New York and Company. Both brides were so beautiful. And so in love. Their jaws dropped as they saw each other for the first time. It was one of the sweetest "first sights" I've had the pleasure of capturing. Photos continued throughout the Guthrie and then continued on near the ruins at Mill City with the rest of the wedding party. 

Nikki and Chrissy had a very touching ceremony which took place at the Park Square Theater in Downtown St. Paul. A first for the venue! Bonus touch, bar was open before the ceremony! Cold drinks were enjoyed on this muggy day by many! All in all, it was such a lovely space, inside and outside, for the intimate gathering. You could feel the love during the ceremony as tears were shed and cameras were out! Throughout the day, Nikki and Chrissy had a TON of photos taken of them by lots of family and friends. Everyone wanted their shot of the beautiful brides. :) 

I love when I get to join the wedding party on the party bus! It is always so fun and it was definitely time to let loose for this wedding party. The bus, from Eclipse, took us back to Minneapolis for a little bar-hopping and more photos. These ladies, and gents, like to dance! Lots of shimmies and shakes as the bus cruised around town. I wish I could show all the images.... 

Guests awaited the arrival of the wedding party at the Profile Event Center in the Diamond Room. This space has such a fun layout and great lighting! You walk in and just feel like you are ready to party! Reception details were kept simple with a thank you from the couple and a slideshow played as guests enjoyed their cupcakes from Dorothy Ann Bakery. Nikki and Chrissy started off the dancing with a very sweet first dance and in no time, the dance floor was full! Even family and friends liked to shimmy and shake! I could've stayed all night capturing this crowd dance the night away! 

Nikki and Chrissy, thank you so much for having us capture your day! It was a really amazing day! Big congratulations to you both! Enjoy your sneak peek. 

Love is love.