Wedding Date: July 25th 2026

This love story started with a leap of faith. A girl from the Chicago suburbs, a boy from Pittsburgh, both headed to the University of Minnesota with no reason their paths should ever cross. Gaby posted in a class Facebook group looking for anyone sharing her orientation date, Sean commented, and from that one small moment of courage, the two of them haven't stopped talking since.

Their first look took place tucked into a private corner of the Arboretum, beside a small pond and waterfall that felt like something out of a fairytale. Gaby walked toward Sean in her billowy dress looking every bit the part of a storybook princess, and the two of them melted into pure joy the second they saw each other. We spent some time wandering the grounds afterward before meeting up with their wedding party, everyone soaking in what turned out to be a perfect blue-sky day, white puffy clouds drifting overhead like something painted on.

The ceremony took place outdoors, of course, because with a setting like the Landscape Arboretum, there was really no other option. White petals lined the aisle leading toward a lily pad pond, and partway through their vows, Gaby and Sean planted a small plant together, watering it as a symbol of letting their love grow right alongside it. When it came time to walk back up the aisle as newlyweds, they practically danced their way through it, cheers echoing all around them. Right after, we caught the most unbelievable golden hour light, the kind that looks staged even though it's completely real.

Back at the reception, things took a hilarious turn when giant cardboard cutouts of their cats' faces made an appearance, easily one most unexpected details I've photographed all year. Toasts from friends and family followed, sweet and heartfelt, leading into a lovely first dance. The reception space itself glowed in shades of purple and pink, giving the whole night this dreamy, almost otherworldly atmosphere that matched the fairytale feeling of the entire day.

Vendors: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (venue), Crave Catering (catering), Maison des Tartelettes (cake/desserts), Complete Weddings + Events (Todd Reynolds) (DJ/emcee), The Cutting Garden (florist), Illumination Rentals (lighting), Arthur's Jewelers (ring designer), Cactus Mane Bridal (Natalie Heffern) (hair), Generation Tux (tux/suit designer), Studio Veil (Ben Martin) (videographer)