Wedding Date: June 3rd 2023

I’ve had the privilege of seeing Jennifer and Lee through their wedding planning journey. They were the very first couple to book a 2023 wedding in our calendar nearly 1.5 years before the big date. But that just shows their passion and excitement for each other and everything that they do. I was thrilled to hear they were planning their day in Red Wing, MN at the always beautiful Skyroom. I love a trip south of the cities and knew this was going to be an amazing day.

My dear friend, Garrett, made the 3 hour drive each way from Brainerd so he could capture their wedding with me. It’s always fun to have a friend join me and he is incredibly talented so I knew I would be surrounded by the best. We started the day at the Manor House next to the Skyroom where the pair was putting on their finishing touches. Jennifer and her mother were all smiles as she transformed into a bride for the big day. Her father made his way upstairs for a dress reveal that ended up being one of the sweetest moments of the entire day. There wasn’t a dry eye in the bridal suite (myself included) but makeup was quickly touched up and Jennifer walked downstairs to show off her look to her bridesmaids. Everyone gasped and there were a few more happy tears shed before they whisked her out the front door so she could finally see Lee.

Lee sat just outside the house and I have no doubt that he could hear all the excitement and commotion going on inside as Jennifer revealed her look to everyone. But now it was finally his turn and his smile widened and he squeezed his eyes shut as she walked down the path to meet him, her footsteps becoming more hurried as the excitement grew. They embraced and laughed and cried as their crew inside the Manor House pressed their faces against the window to get a better view.

Clouds hung low in the sky as we explored the beautiful grounds with the couple and their friends. From the gardens, to the front porch of the Manor House, it felt like we were just out enjoying an afternoon with friends. Jennifer is a vet and Lee is a lawyer so between them and their friends, I feel like I came away from this day learning a little bit about law and a lot about animals. That’s certainly an unknown perk of the job! Then, just as everyone started to take their places for the ceremony, the sun came out and warmed the air making it a perfect day for an outdoor ceremony. Everyone cheered as the couple were pronounced husband and wife and they danced down the aisle back toward the Manor House where champagne was waiting.

We walked the course, champagne in hand, while the guests made their way to the Skyroom for a lovely reception. The sun was starting to set so we hopped on a golf cart and chased the light until we found the perfect spot. Once the golden light began to fade away, we also returned to the party where all of the guests were excited to welcome the couple. They shared sweet and hilarious toasts which had not only the couple, but everyone in attendance laughing so hard more tears were shed. After a few dances, everyone made their way outside to send off this happy couple in style. Sparklers were lit and they cheered as Jennifer and Lee happily ran through the crowd and off to their happily ever after.

Vendors: Skyroom (venue), Amy's Cherished Events (wedding planner), 651 Studio & Floral Design (florist), River Valley Catering (catering), Sweet Assurance (dessert), Wedding Tree (dress boutique), Knight's Menswear (suit), RiverBlu Salon (makeup and hair), Day One DJ (dj)