Wedding Date: August 6th 2023

When Emily and Jacob met at a climbing gym they knew they were the perfect fit for one another and were excited to go on adventures together for the rest of their lives. When I met this adventurous pair, I too knew it was the perfect photography fit! From our very first discussion they were up for anything and wanted to make plenty of time in the day for photo adventures, oh and did I mention they were getting married at the always gorgeous Villa Bellezza? To say I was excited for this day is a complete understatement!

When I drove up to the beautiful Villa Bellezza the morning of their wedding, I took a few moments to bask in the golden morning sun and take in the grounds. The vineyard was filled with healthy grapes and deep green vines that created thick paths through the grounds. It looked like a healthy growing season and I knew this was going to be a very good year indeed! I met Emily and her family in the bridal suite where she excitedly showed off her dress as it hung bravely from the winding staircase. After putting on her finishing touches, she showed off the completed look to her friends who were waiting in the other room. She was met with screams of joy and lots of tears. The group took a few moments together before she walked up the stairs to see Jacob for the first time that day.

The second their eyes met, a huge smile spread across their faces and they couldn’t help but start laughing. They were getting married today after all! We decided to take in the gorgeous scenery and took a stroll through the vines. As we passed the bustling tasting room we heard yelling and whistling. Everyone started cheering on the almost-newlyweds as they sipped their wine and Emily twirled effortlessly in her dress. A toast was in order and everyone happily obliged. After strolling the grounds a little more, we decided to go on an adventure.

During their planning, they had set aside dedicated photo adventure time and trusted me to do the location scouting. I found this stunning spot along Lake Pepin with the limestone cliffs in the background to harken back to their days of climbing together. Instead of a climbing wall, we traversed the rocky roadside path and in heels that was quite an impressive feat! After working up an appetite, we headed into town and stopped by the famous pie shop for a glass of wine and a little pre-wedding toast. Then it was time to head back for some fun family photos before the ceremony began.

They opted for the outdoor pavilion since it was an August wedding. It was a great choice as the roof sheltered everyone from the warm sun and offered an intimate setting among the vines. They exchanged their vows and said “I do” then walked down the aisle to a shower of flower petals and cheers. They had requested some time to exchange personal vows in private, so we made our way to the lake with a bottle of wine. I let them go off and have a private moment where they could share whatever words filled their hearts while I captured the beauty of the nature that surrounded them. It was a beautiful and intentional moment that I don’t see very often and now wish I did. When they rejoined me on the shore it was as if they just got married again and their smiles show it.

Back at Villa Bellezza the guests were seated and cheered enthusiastically as the newlyweds walked through the doors. They exchanged sentimental toasts and shed some tears of joy while everyone enjoyed a lovely dinner and of course, amazing wine. The dance floor filled with happy guests as the sun set and night fell on the vineyard. I asked them if we could sneak away for a little while and take a few night photos and just like always, they were up for anything and jumped at the chance. Our footsteps echoed through the empty courtyard while dance music faintly carried in the air and the fountain could be heard off in the distance. They twirled and embraced under the moonlight and everything felt right in the world. This day wasn’t exactly what I had imagined, it was somehow even better.