Wedding Date: February 3rd 2024

Whenever I’m asked to photograph a fellow industry friend's wedding the invitation is extra special because they’ve seen and worked with everyone. So for them to invite me to capture the day they’ve been dreaming of is the biggest honor and compliment I could ever receive. Lindsay has been in the Minnesota wedding industry for years and we’ve worked alongside each other many times. She loves celebrating others and making their vision come to life. We’re all fans of love in this industry and we share the same passion for telling love stories. It’s one thing to create it for others and an entirely different thing to actually live it.

I met Lindsay and her crew of bridesmaids and family at the Radisson Blu in the bridal suite. The girls wore matching pink strawberry robes and Lindsay wore a smile that only a fellow industry friend could recognise. She has planned everyone else’s wedding and now it was her turn to put on the white dress. I lived this same moment at my own wedding. When the time came to put on a suit, I became a groom, stepping out of the wedding photographer role and into a role I had only dreamed of. All eyes were on me and it was hard to shut off the planner part of my brain who’s used to running events and making sure everyone else is cared for. I had some incredible people with me that day who made sure I took it all in and fully embraced my new role. I vowed to do the same for Lindsay and as the second I met with the other vendors I knew they had made the same silent promise. Today she was the bride.

The Radisson pulled out all the stops and opened up a private room for them to have their first look. Colby toasted with his friends before taking his place in front of the windows and waited for his bride while he gazed out at the cool wintery view. As soon as their eyes met, instantly everything felt like all was right in the world. They exchanged their vows in private, shedding happy tears while wearing big excited smiles. They took a quick tequila shot and just like that the day was underway! We decided to brave the cool weather and I took them to the nearby Fort Snelling park along the river. We were treated to gorgeous views and a calm place to take in the moment. Soon the quiet air was filled with laughter as we could only stay serious so long before we all started laughing and joking. It’s moments like these that remind me I have the best job in the world where I get to hang out with my friends and share in these unforgettable days.

We met with their wedding party back at the hotel and their energy was instantly matched and the laughter continued. As they joked with their friends, I poked my head inside the ceremony space and saw the owner of Event Lab putting the finishing touches on the room and the amazing team of talented professionals standing back to admire their work and making sure every detail was perfectly in place. Every single person there cared a LOT and seeing that gave me goosebumps knowing how loved they were. As the guests started to arrive I kept running into fellow friends. Looking out at this sea of wedding professionals, I knew I was in great company and Lindsay and Colby were too.

They exchanged their vows as the sunbeams filled the room (perfectly timed, of course!) and laughter once again filled the room. Immediately following, we all went to their reception room where a champagne tower was waiting for them. This was a moment she dreamed of and they both beamed as they saw the vision board come to life. After a quick toast with their friends, the lights dimmed and the room turned into a dreamy and ethereal space right out of the pages of the most well respected wedding magazine. It was perfection. Candles cast a warm glow that was offset by the blue uplighting and gorgeous flowers. Lindsay and Colby took a few moments to take in the sight and then their loved ones filled the space, oohing and aahing at the gorgeous decor.

The toasts were meaningful and genuine as their friends and family honored the newlyweds as the guests dined. The food was incredible (it always is!) and their personal taste and style could be felt in each detail. After dinner, the band began and they twirled on the dance floor as music filled the room. Colby had found the band when they were dating so this was yet another special detail from their lives. The dance floor filled with their friends and families and after a few songs, I stole the pair away for a few minutes to have a little evening stroll. The second we stepped out of the room we were met with quiet and stillness. This was the perfect moment to step back and take in the day. Someone told me on my wedding day to close my eyes and imprint this moment onto my memory forever and it’s something I’ll never forget. Now I take this into each wedding day but consider it as an especially important note when you’re working with a fellow wedding pro. Stop. Take a breath. Close your eyes. Now replay this day in your mind and never let it go.

Vendors: Radisson Blu MOA (venue), Melya Owens (wedding planner), Event Lab (florist and decor), Buttercream (cake), Summit Amusement (photo booth), Made with Love (dress designer), a&be (dress boutique), Milbern Clothing (suit), Violetta (makeup), Hair by Molly (hair), Truly Engaging (stationery), Jake Nelson Band (music), Flutterby Celebrations (ceremony)