Wedding Date: September 16th 2023

If there was a fun barometer, this wedding day would have been off the charts! I had this date circled in my calendar for a long time and was really looking forward to spending the day with these amazing people. I was introduced to them by their aunt, Mary Jo, who was a friend of mine from the Saint Paul Hotel. She recently passed the baton to her talented predecessor, Tyler, but she and I still keep in touch. She recommended that the couple contact me after hearing of their engagement and I couldn’t be more grateful. We hit it off right from the first meeting and became fast friends. I can see them in my life for a long time so when their wedding day finally arrived, it felt like I was attending a friend's wedding instead of working.

Upon arriving at the Minneapolis Event Centers beautiful Grand 1858 location, I could feel the good vibes radiating from every space. I simply followed the laughter and quickly met up with Jessica and her family in the bridal suite where she was putting on the finishing touches. Her bridesmaids were patiently waiting with champagne in hand and couldn’t wait to toast to their friend. She looked effortlessly stunning and wore a smile that lit up the room. Down in the groom's dressing room, Matt was also finishing getting ready while he flexed his humor muscles and had everyone rolling with laughter as they all raised a glass of champagne.

Matt waited outside in their empty ceremony location that would soon be filled with their loved ones. He had his back turned at the end of the aisle as Jessica walked toward him with the biggest smile yet. He threw his arms around her the second he saw her and instead of tears, they shared jokes and banter. He has a very Robin Williams-like delivery with big expressions and impeccable timing. She is his perfect match with her sharp wit and joyous laugher. She’s his favorite audience and her laughter will make anyone smile. They couldn’t be a more perfectly matched pair.

We joined up with their wedding party and explored the beautiful Saint Anthony Main area with a laid back vibe and chorus of laughter. The views of the city were spectacular but honestly no one was even paying attention because Jessica and Matt were stealing the show in the best possible way. By the time the ceremony began, everyone was wearing a permanent smile, but none bigger than Matt’s as he walked down the aisle. They’re very close with their friends and family so the beautiful and intimate ceremony space made for the perfect location and felt like their very own secret garden. They exchanged sweet vows but also had the entire crowd laughing throughout. They walked down the aisle and were met with the slowly setting sun which cast a perfect spotlight on the happy newlyweds.

We walked the historic cobblestone streets of Saint Anthony Main as busy cafes filled with people cheered and waved. Matt ate up every minute and Jessica seemed as if she was floating through a dream. It felt like I was accompanying two movie stars as they walked the bustling streets of LA. We took a few minutes to enjoy the river views and take in the memories from the day. They were in their own world and we were simply spectators.

Back at The Grand 1858, they cut their cake to a round of applause and a lot of playful cake smearing. Then after a bit of cleanup, they gave a heartfelt thanks to their guests from near and far. But then the mic opened up to their wedding party and let me tell you, these are some of the most memorable toasts I’ve ever heard (and I’ve heard a lot)! When you have brothers like these, a toast turns into a roast, and they had the entire crowd in tears and even I found myself wiping my eyes from laughter. This felt like a stand up comedy performance at the best club in town and I was half expecting them to start charging a cover at the door. Love comes in many forms, and you could say they are both very very loved. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart, I can’t wait to see where life takes you and be there laughing along with every step.