Wedding Date: August 9th 2025

Some weddings just stay with you. Leah and Andrew’s wedding day at the Van Dusen Mansion was one of those, joyful, vibrant, and full of unforgettable moments. But for me, their story didn’t begin here. We first photographed their intimate “I Do Day” back in December of 2024 at the Minnesota State Capitol. To our total surprise and delight, Minnesota Bride magazine ended up picking up their story and featuring their Capitol ceremony. We now joke that Leah and Andrew are our local celebrities, and yes, I absolutely had them sign a copy of the magazine!

Fast forward to their summer celebration at Van Dusen, and let me tell you, it was a party. Andrew’s groomsmen set the tone early by rocking Hawaiian shirts in the getting ready suite. It was the perfect mix of chaos and camaraderie, with jokes flying and music playing. Meanwhile, Leah and her mom were pure sunshine. Their joy was infectious, and it set the tone for everything that followed.

Leah and Andrew saw each other for the first time that day in dramatic fashion on the grand staircase of the mansion. I’ve captured a lot of first looks in my career, but this one felt cinematic.

Their wedding party was full of characters (in the best possible way), and many familiar faces from their winter celebration. Being there felt like a reunion where everyone was ready to celebrate these two with their whole hearts.

The design for the day was striking, burnt orange tones, bright, joyful florals, and a mix of modern and classic touches. The ceremony took place outside in the garden under a bluebird sky and honestly, we couldn’t have asked for better weather. The flower-filled ceremony, the lush green trees, the sound of laughter and happy tears, and then… the couple practically dancing down the aisle with joy. That’s how you kick off a marriage.

Of course, no celebration is complete without a classic champagne spray moment, and this one did not disappoint. After a few joyful bursts of bubbly, we stole away to the Walker Sculpture Garden. We wandered through art installations, played with light and shadow, and let the energy of the day settle in for a moment before heading back to the reception.

The reception hall was warm and full of love, full of flowers, and full of people who adore these two. Toasts were heartfelt, funny, and brought the whole room together. But my absolute favorite moment of the day was when everyone headed outside for their first dance in the courtyard under the open sky. It felt like a movie scene lit by the soft glow of summer light.

From there, things got rowdy in the best way with glow sticks, light-up glasses, inflatable guitars, the whole works, and the dance floor was packed as the celebration hit full speed. We ended the night with a bubble send-off, and Leah and Andrew walked into the night absolutely beaming.

Leah and Andrew, thank you for letting me be a part of both your wedding days. Watching your love grow from winter to summer and seeing the joy you bring to everyone around you has been something truly special.

Vendors: Van Dusen Mansion (venue), Amy's Cupcake Shoppe (dessert), Mintahoe (catering), Ergo (florist), Indochino (suit designer)