Wedding Date: November 5th 2022

The highest compliment anyone can pay me is to refer me to a friend or family member. So when I keep coming back to photograph family wedding after family wedding, I begin to feel like a genuine family member myself! This is definitely the case with Amy and Christopher. I photographed her cousin Sarah’s wedding, her cousin Angie’s wedding, and earlier this year her brother’s wedding. The family keeps joking that I get to see them more than they see one another! It’s been an honor to capture all of these family celebrations and see how each one of them is so special and unique.

Amy and Christopher planned to start their day at the iconic Renaissance Hotel before meeting for their ceremony at their families favorite location, Church of the Assumption in St. Paul. Amy was busy putting on her finishing touches while I waited with her very excited friends and family for the big dress reveal. They screamed and laughed with excitement as the doors flew open and the picture perfect bride emerged. They wiped away the happy tears and got ready to depart for the church but not before blowing a few kisses out the window.

The beautiful and historic church was filled with loved ones all buzzing with excitement when Amy’s car pulled up to the front doors. Christopher made his way to the front of the church and no one's excitement quite matched his as the church doors opened and Amy walked toward him down the aisle. They were all smiles from the moment their eyes met and it seemed like they were the only two people in the entire church. After exchanging vows and a kiss, they practically floated down the aisle, now husband and wife and head over heels in love. Everyone gathered outside to see the happy newlyweds as they walked down the grand staircase to applause and cheers of love.

On our way back to Minneapolis we took a little detour and stopped by one of my favorite spots in Saint Paul where you get the entire skyline framed by the autumn leaves. It felt like we were in the clouds as the mist and a few rainclouds met up with us to take in the view of the city. However the couple wasn’t fazed at all and just continued to laugh and enjoy the celebration with their friends. We keep the celebration going at the iconic Stone Arch Bridge to include the Minneapolis skyline into their day. We toasted with champagne and the cool autumn air was the perfect compliment to our festivities.

We finally made our way to The Machine Shop where the room was set for a beautiful candlelight dinner. Greenery and candles hung above the head table and all the guests “oh-ed” and “aw-ed” as they entered. They started with their first dance in the warmly lit and welcoming space before loved ones stood up and honored the happy couple. They shared dances with their parents and then the floor opened up for everyone to join as the lights went dim and changed to red and blue. We stepped outside for a moment so they could breathe in the cool night air and really take in the moment. The dance party could be heard faintly through the walls and they both smiled knowing how much they were loved and how much they loved one another.

Vendors: The Machine Shop (reception venue), Church of the Assumption (ceremony venue), Martha’s Gardens (florist), Apres Event Decor (decor), PHOS Events (lighting), D’amico Catering (catering), Summit Hill Studios (videographer), Martina Liana (dress designer), Mira Couture (dress boutique), Milbern Clothing (suit designer), Ziel Bridal (hair and makeup), Jill Elaine Designs (stationery), Blue Water Kings (music), Renee's Limosines (trolley), Renaissance Hotel (hotel)