A Storybook Wedding

Most fairy tales start with "Once upon a time..." and continue on to tell a tale of love at first site that was able to conquer all obstacles and as the reader, we are lead to believe that after only a little help from a pumpkin, dwarfs and/or a magic genie all our romantic wishes will come true and we will, of course, live happily ever after, as promised. The majority of true love stories tend to go much differently and (unfortunately) with a lot less spur of the moment singing. 

As a wedding photographer, I am blessed throughout the year to be able to learn dozens of love stories and watch as each, individual love story comes together in the life changing moment when they become husband and wife. I'm not going to lie to you, I tear up almost every time. While every couple I have ever had the chance of working with has been head over heels for one another on their big day, every once and a while there will be a set of love birds that stun me with their overwhelming love for one another as well as their flawless taste in decor.

When I met these two for the first time, I was very intimated and slightly nervous about my expectations as their photographer. This bride new exactly what she wanted which included a trip to photograph INSIDE the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, where she was interning at the time. I became cloaked in anticipation to see what the day would bring about, but I could have never imagined what a wonderful journey awaited me.

Every single detail was flawlessly put together, beginning with the careful selection of hand-crafted jewelry done by the bride's aunt to match the bride's elegant, classic, lace gown and romantic up-do. 

After a car ride with the bride and bridesmaids, I started off ahead of the ladies to meet up with the groom and groomsmen, who were of course, almost perfectly positioned on the stairs leading to the grand entrance of the museum. After a couple quick shots, the groom and I made our way inside the museum for the (new) traditional "first look."

When couples choose to see one another before the wedding, the "old fashioned," hopeless romantic part of me is a little bummed. I love the suspense and emotions that go behind seeing one another for the first time only moments before being joined in matrimony. 

First glance's often have a tendency to become awkward and a little difficult to keep on the creative side, however, that day I didn't have to do any creativity at all, because the bride had already decided for me. 

I was told that our handsome groom would wait outside the over 100 year old elevator for his bride to ride up and reveal herself to him as the doors slowly opened. It was perfect. There was a great suspense building as I heard the wheels begin turning to bring the elevator to the level we waited on. I even became slightly nervous myself as it finally stopped before us and the hazy glass left only an outline of the bride waiting behind the doors. Finally, while the groom stood clenching his hands in front of him, the doors opened to a timelessly beautiful, beaming bride. After a stunned "WOW!", passionate kissing was almost the immediate reaction for both of them. 

We continued on through the museum with the rest of the wedding party for an abundance of fabulous shots while everyone gazed on at the amazing artwork displayed before us. 

As we made our way back to a private family residence for the ceremony and reception, I was met with even more of the bride’s imagination and creativity. In the backyard, a large, sturdy tree was decorated with hanging lanterns and elegant flowers. The programs that were set out for guest's were designed to look worn, but with a book-like, romantic feel to them. They just added even more rustic elegance to the perfectly set ceremony backdrop. 

I made my way past the barn and through a field prepared for an abundance of parking, into the large white tent that awaited the arrival of guests for the reception. Each table was decorated with books and authentic, century old props including picture frames, camera's, bottles, candle holders and more. Each place setting was equipped with a card designed to look like an old library card which contained the dates and location of the couple throughout the years as well as a spot for each guest to write down their love advice. It was using these decorations that I chose to take some classic ring shots. 

The guests quickly began arriving accompanied by music such as Billie Holiday's "I'll Be Seeing You." echoing through the trees and I quickly tucked myself away with the bridal party until the ceremony was about to begin.

The weather was nearly perfect, although the wind could have toned itself down a notch. As the overture music slowly faded, and the procession down the isle began, I did my best to stay well hidden, as if anyone would have noticed me when surrounded by such a perfect setting. 

The ceremony of course, was beautiful and after the couple graciously hugged, thanked and chatted with every guest it was time to mosey on down to the reception tent. 

There waiting was a country feast catered by This Little Piggie, a full open bar and a beautiful antique frame hanging in the corner where my second photographer would be taking photos of the guests all night for a fun, photo booth type shoot. I did my best to keep from salivating all over the place while attempting to capture the guests doing everything but stuff their faces.

As the dances began, the beautiful, white tent set such a perfect mood (and didn't hurt for capturing some great shots either!) ; ) Before I made my way home, the couple and I managed to sneak down toward the end of the driveway and get some amazing shots under the big weeping willow trees. These will most likely live on to be some of my most favorite photos I have ever taken.

We did a few photos of romantic kisses under the shade of the tree as well as walking while holding hands in the sunlight. In my mind, these photos were the perfect finishing touches to a better than fairy tale wedding. While every ounce of me believes they will truly live their happy ever after, I have no doubt that along the way they will write a story far better than Disney movie could ever dare dream up.