Wedding Date: October 15th 2022

Whenever I have the opportunity to photograph a wedding of another vendor in the wedding industry, I always know I will be impressed and Ellaina and Brendon brought it to a whole new level. I’ve been good friends with Matthew from The Wedding Guys for years and when he introduced me to his colleague, Ellaina, I was taken by how sweet, caring, and genuinely excited about every single wedding and event she is. Knowing her excitement for others wedding days, I knew her own wedding would be something incredibly special.

We started their wedding journey with an epic engagement session around The Walker and ended up capturing some of my favorite engagement moments of the year. Throughout planning, we had several meetings about timeline and flow since she knows how important that is when hosting an impeccable event. They were both open to all of my ideas and were really the dream couple, coming in with an up-for-anything attitude and the ability to open their hearts and show their sweet relationship in every frame. Matthew helped in their planning journey and made a point to give them everything they ever dreamed of. We could all feel that this was going to be the event of the season!

When the big day finally arrived, I entered the buzzing Intercontinental hotel and was flooded with memories from the first time I was here. I captured the event that marked the first flight with Aer Lingus and now, Ellaina and Brendon were their very first wedding! I made my way to the bridal suite and could practically feel the excitement radiating from the room before I entered. Everyone was all smiles and Ellaina had laid out all of her stunning details for me ahead of time. She put so much love and thought into each and every piece of their day and you could see it from the stationery, to the attire, to the words spoken. Once she had put on her finishing touches we set up a fun little dress reveal. She stood in the big window and pretended to be a bridal mannequin posed and ready. Her bridesmaids screamed, laughed, and then shed a few happy tears as they took in the view.

Over in Brendon’s room, he had just finished putting on his own finishing touches and was ready to see his bride. He has impeccable style and it showed in the care and detail he put into his own look. Once he was ready we made our way to Ellaina’s room which had been cleared out and was ready for their first look. This was the moment they were both waiting for, I think for years. Private and sweet, they sat down together and exchanged vows that they had written just for each other. This was the first time I had seen this and it tugged on my heartstrings so much that I had to wipe my eyes more than a few times.

Now that their vows had been spoken, they were ready to start the party so we ventured outside to take in all of this gorgeous October day had to offer. The leaves were colorful and gently blowing in the autumn breeze as we made our way from one picturesque spot to the next. Their wedding party met up with us soon after and the laughter started and didn’t stop until the night was over.

Back at the Intercontinental, the final touches had been put on the ceremony location and was ready to welcome guests. It felt like a ceremony on top of the world! Looking down on the runway as busy travelers and holiday-seekers buzzed around, these two sweethearts were saying “I do” halfway to the clouds. The aisle was lined with trees covered in beautiful white flowers that gave a delicate touch to the modern space. As they took their place at the front of the room, no one could take their eyes off of the couple and they couldn’t take their eyes off one another. The room erupted in cheers and applause as they were pronounced husband and wife and then had the perfect Hollywood kiss. We celebrated with a bottle of champagne as everyone came downstairs for the cocktail hour while the room was being turned for the reception.

We snuck back upstairs to view the finished room before everyone entered. It was absolutely perfect with everything in its place. The candlelight gave a warm glow and soon it was filled with loved ones and was filled with another kind of warmth. Each toast was sweet and thoughtful, just like Ellaina and Brendon. They were such gracious hosts, always making sure everyone was having a wonderful time. All the vendors that rallied around these two pulled out all the stops and made sure they could check out of “work mode” and just sit back and enjoy their own party. It was truly an unforgettable day and even better knowing that they got the wedding of their dreams.

Vendors: InterContinental MSP Airpot (venue and catering), One Precious Pearl Floral Design (florist), Haven & Gather (decor), Sweet Assurance (cake), Eve of Milady (dress designer), Mestad's Bridal & Formal Wear (dress boutique), Verragio from Arthur's Jewelers (engagement and wedding bands), Suit Supply (grooms suit), R.F. Moeller Jeweler (groom's watch and bride's necklace), Olive + Piper (bride and wedding party earrings), Crystal Dill with Double Take LLC (makeup), Hello Hair Collective (hair), A Milestone Paper Co. (stationery), Harmony DJ Entertainment (dj), Milburn Clothing (groomsmen and usher suits), Revelry (bridesmaid dresses)