Wedding Date: September 23rd 2022

The phrase “cute as a button” gets thrown around a lot, but I’m pretty sure Brianna was the true inspiration. Brianna and Nick are head-over-heels in love and it shows in every motion, laugh, and smile. I was beyond excited to get to spend the day with them and feel like I was surrounded by family and old friends. I’ve known Nick’s family for a long time and we have worked together in many different ways including corporate headshots, senior photos, creating album art, and two cousin weddings, Angie and Nick and Claudia and Paul! The entire family has a flare for the creative and are always up for whatever I toss their way. Brianna and her family fit right in with their own creativity and didn’t miss a beat. With these two unstoppable creative families coming together, I knew I was in for an amazing day!

These St. Paul roots run deep, so it was only natural to celebrate in their city. We started the day at A’Bulae where Brianna and her girls popped some bubbly to kick off the day in style. Their laughter could be heard down the halls of the venue and everyone else agreed we were in for a good time. Then we traveled to Assumption Church where she had a special moment with her father before her first look with Nick. Their entire crew was fun and full of energy. Whenever I would suggest something, Brianna would be the first to say, “Great! Let’s do it!” Their joy and love was contagious and left the entire wedding party smiling.

Their ceremony began in the historic church filled with their loved ones. Normally a big ceremony like this can be quite somber, but not them. They were smiling ear to ear the entire time and even had the flower girls on their toes trying to get a glimpse of the action. The joy and celebration didn’t stop there. They danced out of the church as their guests cheered them on down the grand stairs as they made their way to their getaway car. Clouds blew in and the rain began, but it never stopped their sweet pair. They dawned clear umbrellas and were ready to dance in the rain through the city.

Back at A’Bulae, the reception began with heartfelt toasts followed by beautiful spotlit dances. As I watched them and their family on the dance floor, I couldn’t help but think how their day really exceeded expectations in every way possible. They were all so grateful to be together surrounded by their loved ones, they were on cloud nine. I’m so fortunate to get to capture their love story, but also their unique family story as well. Being welcomed in as their “family photographer” is an honor I can never put into words. When there was a pause in the dancing, I asked if I could steal them away for a special moment on the roof. They wholeheartedly agreed and we were left with the most perfect Singin’ In The Rain moment I ever could have imagined.

Vendors: A’Bulae (reception venue), Assumption Church (ceremony venue), Mintahoe (catering), Cafe Latte (dessert), Midwest Sound (photo booth), Posh Bridal (dress boutique), Milbern Clothing Co (suit), Invitations by Dawn (stationery), Emily Schuette with Mary Kay (makeup), Baily, Just Cuz Beauty (hair)