Recent Wedding Photos in Duluth MN by Bryan Jonathan Weddings

Ted and Chelsea’s Larsmont Cottages Wedding

October 3, 2018City: Two Harbors, MN Venue: Larsmont Cottages

Does love at first sight exist or is it merely the stuff of little girl’s dreams and fairytales? The moment Ted and Chelsea first locked eyes during intermission at a MN Wild game it was clearly meant to be. The details vary depending on who you ask, but both will agree that Ted motioned for her to come over and she came running. Fast forward a few years, and it’s still easy to find the light and smile in each other’s eyes when they are together.

Chelsea’s brother officiated the ceremony at Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior. It was a short and sweet followed by yard games and smores by the fire, everything anyone needs for a destination wedding in the North Woods on Minnesota.

Canadian donuts are better than anything you can find locally.

Tieing the wedding dress and bow ties.

First look expressions are the best!

Ted and the groomsmen wore fly fishing boutonnieres in honor of Chelsea’s brother.

The bridal party and photos of the bride and groom.

The bridal party may look happy, but the ladies were reluctant to remove their coats- it was cold!

One of Chelsea’s brother had the honor of officiating.

Per Larsmont’s Camp Rules: “Couples of all ages must sit in a pair of Adirondack chairs holding hands for at least 20 minutes a day.”

Hockey pucks and smores at a wedding. Only in Minnesota.

Venue – Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior
Catering – Ledge Rock Grille
Boutonnieres – Dragonfly Anglers
Flowers – Flora North
Dress – David’s Bridal

Ian and Kayla’s Madeline Island Destination Wedding

September 27, 2018City: Madeline Island Venue: Big Bay Town Park, Billy's Bunkhouse

An “Australian” ski instructor named “Bongo” on a dance floor in Colorado could be the perfect intro to a politically incorrect joke. Instead, it’s one of the first times Ian caught Kayla’s eye. That moment was the start of something that would last forever. Their love story started in the mountains, and their adventurous spirit, love of craft beer and cheese curds landed them “in the middle of nowhere” Duluth, MN.

Madeline Island, surrounded by the Great Gitche Gumee, is a spiritual center for the Anishinaabe and Ojibwe people. Ian and Kayla’s ceremony included traditional Native American readings alongside a Blessing Stones Ceremony. Each guest held a small stone while thinking of good intentions and blessings for the couple. The rocks were then collected and submerged in water from Lake Superior, forever binding goodwill to the stones and the couple. Afterward, vows were exchanged.

An excerpt from Ian’s vows.
I will always bring you flowers whenever the others die.
I promise to never overcook your food but to make it just right.
I promise to make you laugh at the best least twice a day.
I will travel with you til the day I die, from the oceans to the mountains and then back.

An excerpt from Kaylas vows.
I promise to always enjoy the little things with you and dream about the big.
I promise to forever find you the funniest person in the world.
I also promise to be there for you, to support you and hold onto you no matter what life might bring us.

The evening at Billy’s Bunkhouse was complete with live reggae music and plenty of alcohol “Because NO Great Party Every Started with a Salad!” And it was a great party, laughing and dancing under the Northern Wisconsin, stars well into the evenings.

Kayla’s mom arranged all of the flowers!

The ladies getting ready at Billy’s Bunk House.

Ian and Kayla’s wedding ceremony at Big Bay Town Park.

That’s a fine looking wedding party.

A walk in the park.

#stunning

Don’t tip over.

Ian and Kayla in a hammock at Billy's Bunkhouse.

Taking a moment on your wedding day is essential.

Photos of Ian and Kayla wedding reception.

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

First dances under the fading light.

Venue – Big Bay Town Park
Reception – Billy’s Bunkhouse
Catering – Island Eats & Catering

John and Sheila’s Lake Superior Wedding

September 21, 2018City: All Photography Venue: Lutsen Resort, Tofte MN

John and Sheila love the active outdoor lifestyle, so it’s only fitting they shared a destination wedding within earshot of Lake Superior’s crashing waves. It was an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony at Lutsen Resort in Tofte with their closest friends and family. And later in the week, they will be hosting a larger reception closer to home for everyone to share in their love.

May you two always walk hand in had whenever your journey leads and continue living, learning, laughing and loving together forever.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior.

Getting ready.

John and Sheila’s first look on the covered bridge.

Waiting out the drizzle!

All smiles.

John and Sheila walking along the great Gitche Gumee.

The wedding party.

John and Shelia’s ceremony overlooking Lake Superior.

Venue – Lutsen Resort
Officiant – Rev. Timothy Young

Eric and Sara’s Woodsy and Whimsical Hartley Wedding

September 18, 2018City: Duluth, MN Venue: Hartley Nature Center, St. Scholastica

Sara knows the exact moment she and Eric met in person for the first time. It was on June 22, 2017, at 6 PM, their first date at 7 West Taphouse. After that first beer, the pair strolled around Canal Park near where Eric would eventually propose. Fast forward to that fateful Saturday when Eric popped the question. As Sara explains it he “lured” her back to Canal Park near the Aerial Lift Bride right in front of the Maritime Museum’s live webcam. He had a prepared speech but got nervous and had to “cut to the chase” as Sara puts it. He got down on one knee as loved ones watched online. Now that’s a man with a plan!

Eric and Sara wed in the amphitheater at Hartley Nature Center near where the two would hike while dating. The ceremony was intimate and led their dear friend Matt. It was a genuine wedding worship service surrounded by tall pines and nature.

During one of their many walks, the lovebirds happened upon an older couple that shared the following advice. It is so simple yet can take a lifetime to master. I hope one day you two have the opportunity to share it with another young couple.

Their advice was as follows:

1) Be aware of your baggage. Everyone brings some into the relationship. Be open and honest about it.

2) Be prepared for landmines. Neither of you will see them coming before they blow up, but they’re there and you’re going to have to deal with them.

3) Always keep date night, even if it’s just a Saturday evening on the back porch.

4) And if you’re angry and not talking during that Saturday night on the porch, bring a bottle of wine. It can sometimes be the best marriage counselor.

We were barely a couple yet, and these two saw something in us we had yet to see. We feel honored by their wisdom and wanted to share their words with you today. We certainly won’t forget them. Remember to listen to wisdom wherever it finds you. Thanks for sharing today with us!

Sara’s gorgeous details! She’s going to look stunning in that dress.

Sara’s almost ready.

Sara putting on the final touches in the Yurt at Hartley Nature Center.

Sara and Eric’s first look.

Hartley is the perfect backdrop for a woodsy and whimsical wedding.

Eric and Sara on the boardwalk and Hartley Nature Center in Duluth, MN.

Hand in hand, forever and always.

Gorgeous flowers!

Woodsy, Whimsical, Intimate

#ToHaveAndToShivold

THE PIES, oh the homemade pies were fantastic.

Sara’s first dances with Eric and her father.

Sara and Eric and night in front of Tower Hall.

Sara showing off for her man!

Venue – Hartley Nature Center
Reception – St. Scholastica

Jon and Kelli’s Glensheen Tent Wedding

September 6, 2018City: Duluth, MN Venue: Glensheen Mansion

What began as a fateful first date at Eat Street Cafe in Minneapolis continued at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth and will endure for many years to come. Jon and Kelli exchanged vows one day short of Jon’s parents’ wedding anniversary. I’m confident they could share a few marriage pointers.

The day was hot and smokey. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, but Canadian wildfire haze obscured the horizon over Lake Superior. That is until moments before the ceremony when the wind shifted, and the fresh air revealed blue sky. The nuptials overlooking Lake Superior and Tischer Creek was short and sweet, and everyone was relieved for the breeze.

A family-style dinner catered by Duluth Grill was served. And then for some inexplicable reason an inflatable shark appeared, apparently it’s a bridal party tradition with Jon’s family for sharks to join the festivities. Either way I’m all for the traditional traditions and the not so traditional tradition.

Jon and Kelli, thank you so much for having us at your wedding and may you two bring each other much joy and happiness.