Wedding Date: September 2nd 2023

There are some weddings where I honestly feel more like a guest attending a friend's wedding than a hired photographer and this was one such event in the best way possible. Upon arriving at the church in St. Cloud the morning of Taylor and Nick's wedding, I was immediately greeted with open arms by family and friends. Taylor looked incredible as her family helped her put on the finishing touches and then she gave me a huge hug as well. This kind of warmth is something to be cherished so I was already wearing a big smile on my face by the time we set up their first look.

I walked Nick out to the top of the stairs for a grand entrance and dramatic first look. Taylor soon followed and made her way up the staircase with a smile matching my own. Nick could barely contain his excitement and turned with a huge grin and threw his arms around her. They both have a laugh that can fill a room, so when they started laughing and showing off their looks I knew their families were inside smiling along with them. We took some time before the ceremony began to explore the grounds and have some fun with their wedding party. Their friends are just as sweet and welcoming, so this felt more like an afternoon with friends laughing and joking together.

Once everyone had taken their place, the music began and the ceremony started. Nick stood at the end of the aisle and waited patiently for Taylor to meet him. Of course their ceremony was filled with laughter and smiles that spread through the audience. Joy really is contagious and these two had the entire church filled to the brim with happiness. After walking down the aisle, Taylor decided to ditch her heels and Nick carried them like a true gentleman as they descended the grand staircase where we started the day. Luckily everything was within walking distance, so we took a few minutes to enjoy the cozy downtown area before joining everyone at The Regency.

The room erupted in cheers and applause when the pair walked through the doors and took to the dancefloor. Everyone watched as they glided across the floor, smiling and laughing with every move. Friends and family shared beautiful memories and heartfelt toasts during dinner and then the dance floor opened for everyone to enjoy. It filled almost immediately and Taylor and Nick dawned glow in the dark glasses and necklaces to add a little fun 80’s nod to the festivities. Everyone agreed that this was the perfect way to kick off the Labor Day weekend celebrations and wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else but right here and I couldn’t agree more.

Vendor: The Regency (venue), St. Mary's Cathedral (ceremony), Greenthumb (florist), Shortstop Custom Catering (catering), Cold Spring Bakery (cake), Essence of Australia (dress designer), Heidi Andrews (hair), Bryce Belseth (dj)