Janna and Craig met by chance while attending a rained-delayed baseball game. They struck up a conversation, and after the game, they spent much of that night stargazing above the glow of city lights. They fell in love. Janna and Craig held their wedding at the Bell Museum - Minnesota's official natural history museum and planetarium. As they told me, they planned their day to be less of a wedding, and more of a party with the things they loved, surrounded by the people they loved, where they happened to get married at some point during the day. There couldn't have been a better way, or location, to celebrate everything that is Janna and Craig. 

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Bell Museum Planetarium Wedding CeremonyJanna and Craig stargazed on the day they met, and got married beneath the stars and North Lights of the Bell Museum planetarium.

Janna and Craig went stargazing the night they met, and got married beneath the stars and North Lights of the Bell Museum planetarium.
 

The Bell Museum - Touch & See LabEdgy and elegant vibes at the Bell Museum's Touch & See Lab. They nailed it.

Edgy and elegant vibes at the Bell Museum's Touch & See Lab. They nailed it.
 

The Bell Museum's Wooly MammothThe Bell Museum's Wooly Mammoth - a perfect backdrop for your wedding party!

The Bell Museum's Wooly Mammoth - a perfect backdrop for your wedding party!
 

Bell Museum - Wedding DanceJanna and Craig kicked off their reception with their first dance -- dinner came shortly after.

Janna and Craig kicked off their reception with their first dance -- dinner came shortly after.
 

They cake smashed so hard that Craig fell into the wall.

They cake smashed so hard that Craig fell into the wall.
 

Ending our evening with sparkler photos, under actual starlight.

Ending our evening with sparkler photos, under actual starlight.
 

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SOMETHING NEW: Hey readers! I’m trying something new – before reading any further, open this link in a separate window and set it to play in the background while you check out this blog post. The link is a violin rendition of “For the Dancing and Dreaming,” composed by John Powell for the film "How to Train Your Dragon 2". The couple chose this song for their wedding ceremony processional, and I think it will really set the tone.

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Wedding & Reception Venue: Woodland Hills Family Church - Branson, Missouri

Photography: Rachel Lahlum Photography

Second Photographer: The Snappy Redhead
 

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Bethany and Colby met while working as backstage technicians for a theatre in Branson. Before dating, they’d spent a lot of time talking, however, both being self-proclaimed introverts, months went by before either of them admitted to liking each other. Finally, Colby decided to “run the risk of rejection” (his words) and ask Bethany to coffee. The rest was history.

The couple chose Sunday, November 4 for their intimate church wedding. They wanted the day to be short and sweet – and it was – about 5 hours total, from getting ready to their departure. They got ready separately at their apartments, and met for their first look at the theatre where they met. For their first look, I helped Colby into place so he could turn around and see Bethany, who had literally made her wedding dress using the skirt of grandmother’s wedding dress, and another vintage dress.

Colby admitted to me that his “heart was pounding,” when I told him Bethany was approaching. When he turned around to face his bride, she was wearing an inflatable Indominus Rex costume. After slight shock and a ton of laughter, he helped her out of the costume and we proceeded into portraits. We took all photos before the wedding, using the picturesque Ozark Mountains in glorious burnt-orange fall as our backdrop. 

Afterwards, we went to the church for their ceremony and reception. The wedding party processed down the aisle to music from "How to Train Your Dragon" (a favorite of the couple). Their ceremony was intimate and scripture-filled. Colby gave Bethany his mother’s wedding ring, who she had left to be given to the first of her children to be married.

After the ceremony, we went to the reception. Guests enjoyed pizza and pie (Bethany made all the pies herself, from scratch). After a bite to eat and a couple short toasts, guests sent the couple off with a bubble exit. 

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Bethany repurposed her grandmother's wedding dress into her own, custom wedding dress!Left: Bethany + Colby - November 4, 2019 Right: Eileen + Simen - September 20, 1959

Bethany, a seamstress in her own right (she's so talented), repurposed the skirt from her grandmother's wedding dress! 
Left: Bethany & Colby - November 4, 2018 // Right: Eileen & Simen - September 20, 1959

Bethany's beautiful, yellow and navy bridal details!

Bethany's beautiful, yellow and navy bridal details!
 

Surprise! A dinosaur first look. What a beautiful bride!

Surprise! A dinosaur first look. What a beautiful bride!
 

Pizza & Pie - The Best Kind of Meal Pizza & Pie - The Best Kind of Meal

A Bubble Exit Send Off for the Bride and Groom A Bubble Exit Send Off for the Bride and Groom
 

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Planning a micro wedding?

I love photographing weddings (I hope you can tell!). I'd love to meet you -- let's chat!

When Trina and Jeff began planning their wedding, they both knew early on they wanted to keep it small and intimate. On a sunny, Sunday morning in July, they made it official at Aster Cafe's River Room in Minneapolis, surrounded by their thirty closest friends and family. 

Although they chose not to have a traditional wedding, they knew they wanted to keep one big wedding tradition for their day -- they chose to wait to see each other until the ceremony. We did about half their photos before the ceremony: bride and bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen, and their respective families. 

The ceremony was short, sweet, and love-filled. My favorite moment was at this point -- at the end of the ceremony, the kissed twice. The first time for the "traditional" kiss shot, and a second time, so I could stand behind them, with their guests looking on.

We finished photos after the ceremony, with a final set of family photos, wedding party photos, and couples photos. Their day finished with a brunch meal, toasts, a beautiful Scandinavian dessert spread, and a lot of hugging. It was a beautiful way to spend my Sunday morning, and I'm so thankful Trina and Jeff had me there!

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Photography: Rachel Lahlum Photography

Venue: Aster Cafe - The River Room

Bride's Dress: Bridal Aisle Boutique

Bridesmaids Attire: Etsy - thedaintyard

Hair & Makeup: The Beauty Bar by B

Dessert: Taste of Scandinavia

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This spot is the my favorite photo spot in all of Minneapolis, just across the street from Aster Cafe!

A first wedding kiss from a non-traditional angle - I love seeing how happy their friends and family are.

A gorgeous wedding party with fun florals!

Congratulations Trina and Jeff!

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Planning a wedding at Aster Cafe in Minneapolis?

I love photographing weddings (I hope you can tell!) I'd love to meet you -- let's chat!

Having a small courthouse wedding doesn't mean you can't throw a party two years later -- that's exactly what Caroline and Travis did! These two have been officially married since 2017, but have been working overseas. When they had a short stateside sabbatical for several months, they decided it was the perfect time to gather together their friends and family to have the wedding party they never had.

And they made it a wedding party.

Travis and one of his friends rode a tandem bicycle to the ceremony. They experienced their first look together (after we helped her walk backwards). We took photos on the U of M campus around the Weisman, and then took their family photos in front of neon art. Their friends officiated their ceremony, and one of their friends made a cardboard cutout appearance (he was in Germany, and a cardboard cutout was cheaper than flying). Dinner was from a local food truck and caterer (chips and guac for days!). Their family and friends shared stories and toasted the couple (I laughed so hard I cried), and DJ Shawn kicked off the dance. We ended our evening with a couple night photos in front of the Downtown Minneapolis Skyline.

Congratulations Caroline and Travis! 

Wedding Photography: Rachel Lahlum Photography

Hair & Makeup: Camp Bride

Venue: Weisman Art Museum

Wedding Coordinator: Ally // Style-Architects Weddings & Events

Floral: Munster Rose

DJ: Shawn // Generation Now

Rental: Ultimate Events

Catering: La Familia Tapatia

Introducing Caroline + Travis // Wedding Photography at the Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis

Fun with long exposures in front of the Coffman Memorial Union for a classy, photojournalistic shot.

A second wedding celebration for the party they never had!

The Weisman Art Museum is a beautiful backdrop, indoors and outdoors for a wedding.

A photo with the gorgeous Minneapolis night skyline to end the evening!

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Planning a wedding in Minneapolis?

I love photographing Minneapolis weddings (if you couldn't tell). Are you planning a wedding? Let's connect!

Sometimes it takes someone else's wedding, patience, and a dash of fun to find the love of your life. That's exactly what Landon and Alyssa did to find each other's hearts. 

The most captivating (and my favorite) part of Alyssa and Landon’s story is how they met. Although Alyssa and Landon had met in passing at college, they didn’t officially connect until they were in Alyssa’s sister’s wedding (Aimie and Lucas, which I also photographed). At one point in the day, Landon gave Alyssa his phone number under the guise of asking her to send him photos she’d taken on her phone. She sent him some photos, but they didn’t interact again until posing for a sparkler photo during Lucas and Aimie’s sparkler exit. A month after the wedding, Aimie and Alyssa were looking at Aimie’s wedding photos together, and Alyssa realized Landon had never texted her back! She sent him the sparkler photo with a cute message, and they began dating after. The rest is history. After they’d gotten engaged, they reached out to me to be their photographer – I was so thrilled to be part of their “how we met” story, and even more thrilled to be their photographer.

The day of Alyssa and Landon’s wedding was hot and muggy, but if people were struggling, they sure didn’t show it (I was definitely feeling it). The couple married at King of Grace Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Despite the heat, everyone managed to look extremely classy for the photos, which we took at Theodore Wirth Park, after the ceremony. The bridal party sported a classic black and white look with the men rocking black suspenders and bow ties (yes, the ties were real). And, of course, the ladies were stunning in elegant black dresses.

The reception featured dinner and a show—Alyssa’s dad surprised the newlyweds with a flash mob dance to “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. While all the dancers were great, Alyssa’s nieces and nephews (who were all flowergirls and ring bearers) took home the honor of best dancers.

At the end of the night, we brought it back to where it all started, where love was sparked in photo. Congratulations Alyssa and Landon! 

Vendors:

Photography - Rachel Lahlum Photography

Bride's Dress - The Wedding Shoppe

Invitations - Basic Invite

Ceremony Venue - King of Grace Lutheran Church

Reception Venue - The Metropolitan Club & Ballroom

Catering - D'Amico Catering

DJ - Elegant Affairs

Videography - Elegant Affairs

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Sparklers started their journey - it only made sense that we continue the tradition on their wedding day.

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The most beautiful patch of woods in Minneapolis.

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This classy group of people keeping it cool on the muggiest day of 2019.

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• Date: October 19, 2019 / Backup dates are October 20 and October 27
• Cost: $135.00
• Session Length: 20-25 Minutes
• Photos: 20 edited images, delivered digitally with free downloads in three color options (true color, black and white, modern color). Proofs will be available within 48 hours, and final photos delivered with 3-5 days of proof selection.
• Location: Boom Island Park, Minneapolis

SESSION TIME SLOTS (these will be updated as time slots are booked):

• 1:00 - 1:20 PM -- BOOKED (Nikky C.)
• 1:30 - 1:50 PM -- BOOKED (Brooke R.)
• 2:00 - 2:20 PM -- 
• 2:30 - 2:50 PM -- BOOKED (Stacey L.)
• 3:00 - 3:20 PM -- BOOKED (Cara B.)
• 3:30 - 3:50 PM -- BOOKED (Ashlee S.)
• 4:00 - 4:20 PM -- BOOKED (Stephanie P.)
• 4:30 - 4:50 PM -- BOOKED (Emily B.)
• 5:00 - 5:20 PM -- BOOKED (Heidi B.)
• 5:30 - 5:50 PM -- BOOKED (Erin K.)
• 6:00 - 6:20 PM -- BOOKED (Rachel V.)

Irvine Park is one of Saint Paul's most popular parks for small, outdoor weddings. Nestled in a quiet, residential area with historic significance, it's one of my favorite urban parks in the entire Twin Cities area. It was a perfect setting for Chris and Candice's intimate family wedding on May 25, 2019. Chris and Candice booked me for a micro package of a single hour. Although it was the shortest time I've ever spent photographing a wedding, we filled that hour with pre-ceremony getting ready photos, their ceremony, a receiving line, family photos (their little girl was so funny), couples photos, and some wedding details! Even though our time together was short, we still had a ton of fun -- once the hour was up, we parted ways. I went on to photograph an engagement session, and they went to celebrate with dinner at WA Frost & Company.

Congratulations Candice and Chris!

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Planning a wedding in St. Paul?

I love photographing weddings (if you couldn't tell). Are you planning a wedding? Let's connect!

THE PLANNING

Planning and consulting with couples is a large part of my process – it’s important to me that each couple has the right amount of time to cover their photography needs. Melissa and Parker went the micro-wedding route (a small group of their 45 closest family and friends), and as such, together, we created a micro wedding photography package of four hours.

THE WEDDING DAY

Our day started with getting ready photos and the wedding ceremony at Duluth’s historic Cotton Mansion. Cotton Mansion was built in 1908 by Joseph Cotton, who earned his money as a corporate attorney for US Steel, and an independent council for John D Rockefeller through the mid-1930s. The 16,000 square foot mansion is filled with original gorgeous hand-crafted details, including stone, exotic woods, Fifteenth Century Italian marble, hand-lain mosaics, and hand-crafted plaster frieze ceilings. It was a classy, stunning backdrop, and I would go back in a heartbeat (Fun Fact: This was the first wedding I’ve ever photographed in my socks. The mansion’s original hardwoods are untreated, and they ask that you change into clean shoes, or go in socks. With only four hours, I chose the barefoot route).

After an intimate ceremony with their parents in attendance, Melissa, Parker and I took a few photos inside and outside the mansion before departing to Old Main Park. Old Main Park is what remains of the University of Minnesota – Duluth’s original “Old Main” building, which was mostly destroyed by a fire. Parker surprised Melissa with a visit from their puppy (he had discreetly texted me the day before with the heads-up). After photos at Old Main Park, we went to Chester Park for more Couples Photos. Chester Creek is my favorite park in Duluth – it feels like going to a state park along the north shore without ever leaving the city.

After Couples Photos, we joined the rest of Melissa and Parker’s guests at Pickwick Pub & Restaurant. Melissa and Parker greeted their guests, we finished family photos, and shared a couple toasts. After dinner, I took Melissa and Parker down to the shoreline of Lake Superior for dusk photos along the water. When we returned, they cut the cake and I enjoyed their beautiful dessert spread (I’m a sucker for a great dessert table). We finished the evening with a sparkler send-off, a special add-on as the cherry atop their beautiful day.

Congratulations Melissa and Parker!

VENDORS:

Photography: Rachel Lahlum Photography

Bride’s Dress: The Wedding Shoppe – St. Paul

Getting Ready & Ceremony: The Historic Cotton Mansion - Duluth, MN

Photo Locations: Old Main Park; Chester Park; The Lakewalk

Reception & Dinner: Pickwick Restaurant & Pub

Sparklers: Wedding Day Sparklers

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Planning a Duluth wedding?

I love photographing weddings (if you couldn't tell). Are you planning a wedding in Duluth? Let's connect!

Wedding Reception games are trending -- we have the Shoe Game, Wedding Mad Libs, Demonstrate a Kiss, etc. They're fun, entertaining and make for great photographs. The 2-Song Dash is my take on wedding games with a photography twist. The result? The couple gets a photo with every guest who attended their wedding.

The Goal: Visit every table for a photo, in the duration of two average-length songs. (You could probably make it three, if you have a HUGE guest list).

The Keys to Success:

• Couples should work with their DJ in advance, so that announcements can be made and guests are prepped and ready to go.
• Timing is important -- I like recommending you do this after the Grand Entrance, because everyone is already seated, but you're not interrupting dinner.
• Your photographer should have a plan. When I do this game, I send my assistant/second shooter to prep the next table for our photo. This gives the couple and myself a direction to go, ensures that we hit every table, and the table is ready when we arrive. 
• Make it fun for your guests! Sure, smiling photos are great -- but, if you're the kind of people who love a fun photo, make it a contest. Who can have the best-posed group? Who has the best "themed" pose? How many times can your mom sneak into a table for a photo? 
• Don't forget the Head Table! But -- save it for last. That way, you'll be there when dinner starts! ;)

Below are photos from Holli and Shawn's 2-Song Dash. They had 33 tables, with about 260 guests, that we visited in 6:03 (six minutes and three seconds!!!).

I'm pretty certain Holli and Shawn were destined to be together. Set up by their parents (who are friends), Holli and Shawn's mutual love for the outdoors, fishing and adventuring, in addition to the importance of family, friends, and faith make these two a perfect match.

Holli and Shawn tied the knot on April 27, 2019 at the historic and beautiful Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Chaska, MN. Before they met at the aisle, the couple exchanged notes with their first look (Holli gave Shawn over a dozen notes, which she'd been writing for several years). 

What would a Minnesota fisherman's wedding be without a homage or two to the sport? The groomsmen sported bass socks, the cake topper included a fisherman couple, and even the wedding hashtag (#reelinginareisgraf) pointed toward Holli and Shawn's love of fishing. True to Minnesota party fashion, instead of cake, dessert was a smorgasbord of donuts, cupcakes, cookies and bars (YUM).

My favorite moment of their evening was when Shawn and his friends serenaded Holli at the reception. Together, they sang-shouted "Colder Weather" by the Zac Brown Band. This is a tradition shared in their friend group. It was so fun to witness and photograph.

At the end of the night, we wished the couple luck and saw them off through a tunnel of sparklers. Congratulations, Holli and Shawn!

Vendors:

Photography - Rachel Lahlum Photography

Ceremony - Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Chaska

Reception - Ridges at Sand Creek, Jordan

Bride's Dress - Mori Lee from the Wedding Shoppe

Bridesmaids Attire - Kennedy Blue from the Wedding Shoppe

Groom & Groomsmen Attire - Milbern Clothing Co.

Wedding Party Transportation - Mobile Shenanigans

Floral - DIY

DJ - WeDance, LLC 

Our day started with rain and ended with clear blue skies. Wedding Reception SerenadeOkay, but seriously. Can every wedding have a "serenade the bride" moment built into the day?

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Planning a wedding in the Twin Cities?

I love photographing weddings (if you couldn't tell). Are you planning a Twin Cities wedding? Let's connect!

We visited the falls on a busy Saturday afternoon in May, but despite the crowds of people, were got some great shots without people in the background. It was partly cloudy that day, with alternating shots bathed in sunlight and softened by clouds, giving us the best of both worlds. 

I'm so grateful they chose me as their photographer. I'm looking forward to their December 2019 wedding, also in Minneapolis!

Looking for a photo session at Minnehaha Falls? Let's chat! 

Jamie and Gloria were married at A’BULAE in St. Paul on April 13, 2019. Gloria and her bridesmaids prepared in ABULAE’s Bridal Room, a luxurious suite filled with a vanity counter, mirrors, and a three-way mirror. Jamie and his groomsmen relaxed and prepped in style in the venue’s Wall Street Room, a room with leather sofas, a club table, and direct access to the Games Room (with a Wii and Xbox, of course).

We took care of all of our photos before the ceremony. Jamie and Gloria had their first look along the stairs leading to the outdoor balcony foyer (unfortunately, the balcony was full of snow from a late-season blizzard). After couples photos around the gorgeous naturally-lit venue, we had a ton of fun taking our wedding party pics, including both traditional posed photos and candids (Gloria's favorite). Then, we moved to family photos -- a more traditional style for Gloria's family, and more contemporary for Jamie's family.

Once we finished photos, we had a Reset Hour for the couple before the ceremony. A reset hour is something I build in to every photography schedule -- I think it's so important for couples to have time to themselves and with their families -- and, it gives me time to get detail photos and shots of your guests arriving! Jamie’s mother gave the couple a series of gifts in the “Old, New, Borrowed, Blue,” tradition.

Gloria is from Korea, and many of her relatives and guests traveled from her home country to celebrate the couple’s marriage. For the social hour and dinner, Jamie and Gloria changed into hanboks, a traditional Korean dress that dates to the third century BCE. After dinner, Gloria and Jamie changed back into their wedding clothing, and we sneaked outside hoping for a couple urban-feel photos around A'BULAE.

After we returned, we jumped right into the dance. After Jamie and Gloria warmed up the dance floor, Gloria’s father surprised her during the first dance with music he recoded himself in both Korean and English.

One of the coolest decorations at the wedding was the cake topper. The piece, made entirely of perler beads, was a likeness of Jamie, Gloria, and their two cats and the caricatures looked like they had just stepped out from a video game.

Congrats, Jamie and Gloria! I’m so excited for you both!

Vendors:

Photography - Rachel Lahlum Photography

Bride’s Dress, Groom's Attire, Groomsmen Attire – The Wedding Shoppe

Traditional Korean Wedding Attire (Hanbok) – Korea

Bridal Hair & Makeup – Blushing Room

Bridesmaids Attire – Azazie

Floral – Ever After Floral

Ceremony & Reception Venue – A’BULAE

Catering – Mintahoe

Wedding Invitations – Rebekah Wold

Wedding Cake/Desserts – Buttercream

Wedding rings reflecting on a grand piano cover always gets me. I love a group of groomsmen who don't take themselves too seriously, even when posing for a serious photo. Gloria and Jamie's first look at A'BULAE. Gloria's bridesmaids sneak a peek at the first look -- and barely keep it together! I'm a sucker for crying first looks. I'm pretty sure I cried too when I saw them tearing up. Dusty rose dresses have me all a-flutter! Perfect colors for this venue. We took a more serious photo, but I think the candid moments are more fun. Anime met Glamorous and together they made this cake! Buttercream bakery does such a wonderful job. I don't exactly remember what he said, but it was hilarious.

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Planning a wedding at A'BULAE?

I love photographing weddings (if you couldn't tell). Are you planning a wedding in St. Paul? Let's connect!

When planning their wedding, Blake and Greg poured their hearts into the ceremony and reception -- it clearly showed! Blake and Greg were married on May 18, 2018, at Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. It was a cloudy day, but yellow floral ties and smiles from the grooms and onlookers brightened the entire day.

Blake and Greg opted out of a "first look" moment, choosing instead to get ready together. After they were finished getting ready, we took grooms portraits, wedding party portraits, and family portraits at the church and at the closeby MacNamara center. Throughout their planning, they never could decide on who would walk up the aisle first, so they ultimately left the decision to fate and tossed a coin. As luck had it, Greg walked down the aisle first and Blake would walk to meet him.

During the ceremony, they integrated much of Blake's Scottish heritage -- the violinist played "Skye Boat Song" as Blake and Greg drank from a Quaich, a small, two-handed cup hailing from Scottish wedding tradition, symbolizing a shared life together. (Also, it totally had scotch in it).

After the ceremony and greeting guests, we traveled to the reception and took photos at the Theodore Wirth Chalet grounds. It was such a beautiful area -- and Blake and Greg rocked their portraits session. The reception at Theodore Wirth Chalet's Fireplace Room was adorned with DIY decor made by Greg and Blake. Greg used his love of Legos to build all the table centerpieces and the ring box. The couple also made life-size polaroid cut-outs, and the majority of the decor throughout the day was made by either the couple, or their friends and family.

The reception was also filled with laughs and tradition. First, Greg's sisters unfurled blueprints for a custom-designed home they developed for Blake and Greg -- the most important aspect of the house was love (and a throne room for their cat, Kevin). After, Blake's family honored their Scottish heritage by presenting Greg with the MacKenzie tartan, or family colors, as a symbolic gesture of welcoming to clan MacKenzie.

And, of course, Blake and Greg had an honored guest (who didn't actually attend) -- Kevin, their cat! Kevin was honored through several centerpieces, the wedding hashtag (#KevinsBigDay), and through a post-wedding photoshop job, in which I dropped an oversized Kevin into the backdrop of their photo.

After plenty of toasts and dancing, we ended the night with a tunnel of sparklers and fun umbrella shots at the crest of a bridge. Congratulations, Blake and Greg!

Vendors:

Photography - Rachel Lahlum Photography

Invitiations & Programs - DIY, by Greg MacKenzie

Suits - Atmosfere - Minneapolis North Loop

Ties - Neck & Tie Company

Women's Dresses - Azazie

Women's Hair - DIY by Rachel Beenken (friend of couple)

Boutonnieres & Corsages - DIY by Lynn MacKenzie (Blakes' Mom)

Ceremony - Grace University Lutheran Church - Minneapolis

Ceremony & Reception Cocktail Music - DIY by Hans Young Binter (friend of couple)

Reception - Theodore Wirth Chalet Fireplace Room

Greenery - Sam's Club

Centerpieces - Lego, by Greg MacKenzie

Other Decor - DIY, by the Couple

Catering - Green Mill Catering

Cake - DIY by Allison Sancken (friend of the couple)

Cake Stand - Mesquite Forge (Etsy)

Dessert Shooters - Green Mill Catering

Gourmet S'mores Bar - DIY by Heather Polivka (friend of couple)

DJ - Mark Haugen DJ

When Henry contacted me about photographing his proposal to Anna, I couldn't have been more thrilled! Proposal photography is always a little tricky -- from choosing the right location, to scheduling, and figuring out where everyone would stand. Thankfully, Henry thought everything through. After several emails and phone calls, we worked out the details! 

The Location: Minneapolis - Hennepin Island, Lower Trail

The Proposal: I arrived onsite about 30 minutes before Henry and Anna. Although they hit some traffic, the timing worked out well -- it gave me the opportunity to get everything just right (including explaining other people in the spot what was about to happen -- they kindly gave us the space). Henry and I agreed in advance that he would text me a 5-minute warning. When he did, I was ready. I hid a little ways further down the trail; far enough away that Anna wouldn't notice me. Henry also made sure Anna's back was turned so she didn't see me waiting with my cameras. I gave him the thumbs up to signal I was ready, and then it unfolded! After she said yes -- and saw I was there -- we had a quick tiny mini engagement session. Congratulations Henry and Anna!

 

She said yes! Surprise photographer! I wasn't far away, but I used my camera's silent shutter mode so as to not give myself away.Surprise photographer! I wasn't far away, but I used my camera's silent shutter mode so as to not give myself away.

A Wintery Travel & Geek-Themed Wedding

It's not every day you get to battle Darth Vader and the Empire alongside Jedi knights and Rebel soldiers. But for Carrie and TJ, their wedding was reason enough to join the rebel cause.

The couple planned their wedding while Carrie was in Columbia, serving in the Peace Corps, and TJ was living in Georgia -- naturally, Minnesota in winter was the perfect place to have a garden wedding. Despite the snow and frigid temperatures, the couple married in the warmth of the greenhouse at Como Zoo and Conservatory under blue skies and a bright afternoon sun.

Carrie and TJ are both very close to her family. After TJ accompanied his parents to the heart of the Sunken Garden ceremony, Carrie was walked down the aisle by both her father and stepfather. She incorporated mementos into her  day, including a part of her paternal grandmother’s wedding dress in the bouquet as well as brooches from her maternal grandmother. Carrie’s mother, Cat, served as the officiant. The moments shared with family were tender and heartfelt, and everyone shed at least a tear or two (myself included).

Family wasn't the only theme at Carrie and TJ's wedding. Carrie's sister, who decorated the wedding, wove the couple's love for travel and "nerdy" movies and TV into every decoration and plan, from a Star Wars ice sculpture to Doctor Who-themed wine glasses, to boarding pass table cards. The literary-themed cupcakes were set atop miniature suitcases -- they came in themed flavors like, "You'll Climb the Andes" (mint), "Coffee Addicts, Beware" (chocolate mocha), "Love on Lemon" (lemon-lemon goodness), "Very Berry" (vanilla with berry buttercream), and "Accio Cupcake!" (butterbeer with butterscotch buttercream).

During their first look, TJ surprised Carrie with a Harry Potter-themed gift -- a pensieve containing his favorite memories with Carrie (in the Harry Potter universe, a pensieve is a magical device wherein people can share their real memories with others). During the reception, Carrie surprised TJ twice -- first, with a Darth Vader ice sculpture; second, with a Star Wars empire invasion. Once the dance started, Carrie had secretly arranged for the DJ to cut the music. When that happened, Darth Vader, General Hux, Kylo Ren and a few other Sith lords and stormtroopers stormed the dance floor to question TJ and Carrie. TJ quickly defended Carrie, and the pair were aided by the Jedi and Rebels, thankfully. Luckily, I was able to stay neutral and capture some nighttime dancing, along with battle scenes using fog, sparklers and lightsabers.

Carrie and TJ, thank you so much for bringing me into your day. It was an absolute blast, and took everything I had not to geek out with you!  

-- Rachel --

VENDORS:

First Look: The LivInn - Fridley

Ceremony: Como Zoo & Conservatory Sunken Garden

Reception: Banquets of Minnesota - Fridley

DJ: Music Mix Entertainment

Cupcakes: Om Nom Cupcakery

Video: KAS Films

Bridal Dress: VickyMermaidBridal (Etsy)

Florist: DIY

Officiant: Cat Couper

Hair & Makeup: Friends and Family

Star Wars Cosplayers: The 501st Legion Star Wars Cosplayers - Central Garrison (the Twin Cities chapter)

VENDORS:

Photography - Rachel Lahlum Photography

Bridal Hair - Laura Germain

Bridal Makeup - Amanda Lanzel

Floral - Christina Marie Floral

Ceremony & Reception Venue - Olympic Hills Golf Club

Cheesecake - Muddy Paws

An Elegant Garden Party Wedding

When Bonnie and Justin asked me to be their wedding photographer, I knew their day would be a beautiful day filled with joy, love, and houseplants!  I've known Bonnie for many years, growing up as neighbors (she and my sister are BFFs for life) and then I was fortunate to work for her parents at their family-owned and operated greenhouse.

Bonnie and Justin chose to see each other that day when they met walking down the aisle. They got ready first at the hotel, and then at the separate rooms at Panola Valley Gardens. They shared their vows beneath the pavilion, surrounded by friends and family, and exited in a sea of bubbles. After the ceremony, we took photos at Panola and visited Gammelgarden (one of my favorite locations ever) for wedding party and couples portraits. Their reception and dance were held at Rudy's Redeye Grill in White Bear Lake. Guests received a succulent plant as a party favor as they entered (I totally geeked out when I received a variegated string-of-pearls plant) -- and Bonnie made all the centerpieces herself using plants she had grown! After an excellent meal, Bonnie and Justin warmed up the dance floor with their first dance, dances with their parents, and Justin shared a special dance with his daughter, Olivia. The night ended with a bouquet toss, the shoe game, the song "Love Shack" by the B-52's (Bonnie's father's favorite song), and some outdoor night portraits.
 

VENDORS:

Photography - Rachel Lahlum Photography

Bridal Gown - The Wedding Shoppe

Groom's Attire - Men's Warehouse

Bridesmaids Dresses - David's Bridal

Floral - Sweet Peas

Ceremony Venue - Panola Valley Gardens

Reception & Catering - Rudy's Redeye Grill

Cake - Grandma's Bakery

Centerpieces & Party Favors - DIY (Succulents by Wayne's Greenhouses and Garden Center)

DJ - Midwest Sound

For their wedding day, Courtney and Sam chose to get married at Sam's parent's private residence, named Stoney Ridge, in Burtrum, MN. The men got ready in the main house, and the women got ready in the four season tree fort (which you can rent, by the way). The location was so stunning -- it's by far one of my favorite places I've ever photographed. After photos and the ceremony, we traveled to their reception in Freeport, MN, which had been transformed into a beautifully decorated space with family-style seating. Soon after dinner, we snuck outside for sunset photos, and then went back in where everyone danced the night away. 

Congratulations Courtney and Sam! 

Vendors:

• Photography | Rachel Lahlum Photography
• Dress | Bride To Be Consignment
• Groomsmen | The Special Event Boutique and Bridal
• Bridesmaids | Lulu's Online
• Floral | Kay's Bouquets

Katy and Kyle originally planned on tying the knot surrounded by a small gathering of their closest family members and friends. But that all changed when they found out about First Avenue's "Wedding Anyone Could Crash" party. The venue was offering a wedding ceremony on stage (the third ever in its history) followed by one of the best local cover bands in town. Katy and Kyle submitted their love story to the historic venue's marketing team, and ultimately were chosen! We had a blast taking photos in front of the well-known star walls, the Owner's Box (we got to stand where Prince stood!), back stage, in the green room, and even in the private parking garage. After photos, they got married on stage (still surrounded by closest family members and friends), and then danced the night away!

Venue: First Avenue

Donut Cake: Glam Doll Donuts

Photography: Rachel Lahlum Photography

Band: Al Church's Electric Party

Officiant: Perfect Day Ceremonies

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