Aaron and Kara’s Depot Renaissance Hotel Destination Wedding

City: Minneapolis, MN Venue:

This destination wedding at The Depot Renaissance Hotel in Minneapolis was an elegant, romantic, and wonderfully fun event. Aaron and Kara met through mutual friends while going to college in Wisconsin, but it wasn’t until months later, and many invitations from Aaron, that the first date finally happened. The wait was worth it, and this couple of nearly a decade finally tied the knot in an epic summer celebration of love.

The couple, who reside in Florida, are the epitome of class and style, and their extraordinary ceremony truly reflected their personalities in every way. Kara was a vision of beauty and grace, her white wedding gown shining with silver beading and delicate lace. The bridesmaids were simply stunning, and the handsome men looked fantastic in their blue ensembles. The bride and groom’s English Bulldog Coco also joined in the nuptials and walked down the aisle bearing the wedding rings.

The newlyweds then enjoyed a few moments to themselves, and toasted their happiness on this special day before joining their friends and family for the amazing reception. Love was in the air, and there were many sweet and touching moments. The best man gave one of the greatest speeches I have ever heard, and as the champagne flowed I found myself swept away with the spirit of this extraordinary celebration.

The first dance was enchanting, and I loved watching the bride and groom float across the floor with mom and dad. Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos then set the room alight with their high-energy musical talent and over the top entertainment, and every guest moved along to the beat. Even Grandma had a blast and shared her lap with the saxophone player for a song. What an epic party and fantastic folks!

I am truly honored to have been a part of Aaron and Kara’s special day. Cheers to the happy couple! Here’s to many years of amazing memories to come.






Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

Coco kept an eye on the gorgeous details.


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

Wonderful gifts for the bride and groom.


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

The finishing touches included a little help from Kara’s mother and father.


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

Aaron and his gentlemen helped each other with the final details.


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

The stylish wedding party included the ring bearer Coco.


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

The ceremony was absolutely perfect.


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

The lovely couple enjoy their first moments as husband and wife.


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

The sun was shining for these two lovebirds on this wonderful day.


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

Love was in the air as the newlyweds took to the dance floor.


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

Cheers to the happy couple!


Minneapolis Renaissance Hotel Wedding

Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos put on a spectacular show, which included a saxophone solo on Grandma’s lap!


Hotel – The Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel

Venue – The Depot Minneapolis

Entertainment – Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos

Florist and Event Styling – Sadies Couture Floral
Decor – Linen Effects
Cake – Cocoa & Fig

Erica and Jesse’s Lebanon Hills Engagement

City: Lebanon Hills, MN

Lebanon Hills Engagement Photos

Jesse proposal to Erica was a complete surprise for her on a beautiful Labor Day weekend in New Ulm, MN. Unbeknownst to her, Jesse had partnered with Erica’s mom on a plan for the engagement ring. It had belonged to Erica’s grandmother, and her mom. They separated two rings so Jesse could propose with a symbol that meant something special to his bride and her mother could continue wearing the band.

While waiting to tour a local brewery, they strolled around the gardens and grounds. Polka music in the air led to a slow-dance in the gazebo, and that’s when Jesse got down on one knee and popped the question. Erica was stunned and loved the ring too!

The engagement shoot was at the magnificent Lebanon Hills near Saint Paul, MN. The fun couple, who often go hiking and camping together, enjoyed talking through the forest pathways and grassy meadows around the park. They spent the time relaxing and loving their time with each other on this perfect sunny morning.

Many thanks to the happy couple for the fun engagement session. I am looking forward to the Sunday wedding celebration at Spirit Mountain in Duluth!





Lebanon Hills Engagement Photos

The sun was shining for the couple on this beautiful day.


Lebanon Hills Engagement Photos

Jesse steals a kiss and holds Erica close.


Lebanon Hills Engagement Photos

Grandmother’s ring is the perfect fit.


Lebanon Hills Engagement Photos

Gorgeous morning skies made this session amazing!




Ashley and Jordan’s Canal Park Engagement

City: Duluth, MN Venue:

This summer engagement session in Canal Park was a lot of fun and full of sweet moments and memories. We captured some great pics of the awesome couple being tourists near the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge and Lake Superior. The weather was perfect on this sunny day in Duluth, MN, and a quick stop for ice cream cones was just what Ashley and Jordan needed. While they enjoyed the wonderful day and ate their ice cream, I was thinking about what a fantastic story they shared with me about how they came together.

Every once in a while, a couple has a proposal story that seems to be straight out of a romantic movie. The first date was supposed to be at a local bistro, but when Ashley and Jordan arrived it was closed. They headed somewhere else instead, and had an amazing time despite the change in plans. Six happy years later, Jordan planned his holiday engagement proposal. The evening was supposed to begin with dinner at another bistro. As fortune would have it, it was closed for the holidays! They decided to get some ice cream before finding a place for dinner, and then had an amazing meal surrounded by candlelight and holiday decorations.

With their bellies full and hearts merry, they headed out to look at the lights and enjoy the falling snow. In the heart of the local park, amidst the beautifully lit trees and frozen pond, stood a gorgeous gazebo. Jordan pulled Ashley to the center of the structure and said, “The last six years have been the most amazing years of my life, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, too.” She accepted his ring, and couldn’t have asked for a more amazing proposal.

Their relationship had come full-circle through these events, and as I snapped photos of the happy couple with their cones on that gorgeous summer day in Canal Park, I realized that I felt nostalgic too. I have a feeling that they will have a life full of movie moments. I am looking forward to more of them at their Brule River Barn wedding with Northland Special Events.





Canal Park Engagement in Duluth

They were all smiles on this gorgeous day in Duluth.


Canal Park Engagement in Duluth

Special moments near the canal and Lake Superior.


Canal Park Engagement in Duluth

The iconic Aerial Lift Bridge is the perfect background for engagement pics!


Canal Park Engagement in Duluth

Love, on Park Point Beach.


Canal Park Engagement in Duluth

Remembering the proposal with ice cream and laughter.


Canal Park Engagement in Duluth

Enjoying the stroll around Canal Park.


Canal Park Engagement in Duluth

We’re engaged!




Scott and Rita’s Enger Tower Destination Wedding

City: Duluth, MN Venue:

Scott and Rita’s summer wedding celebration at Enger Tower in Duluth was a day that was just about them. This wonderful couple, who happened to meet through an on-line dating site, are a perfect match for each other. They met in person two years ago, and quickly discovered a shared love for many of the same interests and activities. Right from the start, these two knew that they were meant to be together.

Scott proposed to the love of his life on a cold day in Minneapolis. They were supposed to be meeting friends at a favorite brewery, and Rita was a bit confused when they parked so far away from their destination. With the ‘Big Spoon’ and the Walker Art Museum in the background, he got down on one knee and received an excited “Yes!” from Rita. They celebrated for the whole weekend with a downtown adventure, just the two of them.

Their next big adventure began on a beautiful summer day in Duluth, Minnesota. The quiet family ceremony at Enger Tower was simple and romantic. Only the couple’s closest family were in attendance, and it was such a wonderful and special event. The bride was lovely in her unique blue dress, and the groom never took his eyes off his beloved. The day was truly only about them and their love and commitment to each other.

There is always a little extra magic in a Duluth destination wedding, and this bride and groom enjoyed every moment of it. The gorgeous weather couldn’t have been better. The fantastic gardens and foliage added a special feel to the outdoor nuptials, making Enger Tower the perfect spot for their intimate celebration. The amazing views of Lake Superior are truly breathtaking from this location, and there is no better place for a quiet wedding in Duluth.

I am so proud to call this beautiful city home. I was very happy to share it with yet another great couple. Cheers to Scott and Rita! Here’s to many adventures and amazing destinations!



Duluth Destination Wedding at Enger Tower

Something old, something new, a beautiful bouquet, and shoes in blue.


Duluth Destination Wedding at Enger Tower

Happiness and love on this special day in Duluth.


Duluth Destination Wedding at Enger Tower

We do!


Duluth Destination Wedding at Enger Tower

The magic of Enger Tower and summer in Duluth made for the perfect destination wedding.




Kelly and Brandon’s Rose Garden Destination Wedding

City: Duluth, MN Venue:

Duluth is a great location for small destination weddings, and this intimate ceremony at the iconic Duluth Rose Garden is a perfect example of what this beautiful city has to offer. Wonderful views of the Aerial Lift Bridge, Park Point Beach, and Canal Park make the garden a truly unique venue. For Brandon and Kelly, being close to Lake Superior, with just their parents and children, made their day all the more special and unforgettable.

This sweet couple of over two years enjoyed a gorgeous Duluth day. The weather was warm, sunny, and perfect for their private celebration of love. The only guests were their parents and Kelly’s two children, and that was just how they wanted to share their special event. This fun couple made their family official in the beautiful gazebo at the Rose Garden with a simple and elegant ceremony. The mood was light-hearted and romantic, and they even had a laugh at some Pokemon players who patiently waited while they tied the knot!

Then it was time to explore, and our first stop was nearby Leif Erickson Park and its wonderful rocky beach. The impressive Aerial Lift Bridge in Canal Park was next, followed by a sunset walk on Park Point Beach. Brandon and Kelly never took their eyes off each other, and they reveled in every moment of their stress-free wedding day. Their honeymoon started right away, and I hope every minute of their brewery tour on the North Shore was just as memorable and amazing.

Congratulations to the happy couple! It was a joy to be a part of this special day with their family.





Duluth Rose Garden Destination Wedding

Kelly’s beautiful details and the groom’s survival gift from his bride.


Duluth Rose Garden Destination Wedding

Getting ready at Canal Park Lodge.


Duluth Rose Garden Destination Wedding

The boys have some fun before the big event.


Duluth Rose Garden Destination Wedding

The first look was wonderful.


Duluth Rose Garden Destination Wedding

The intimate ceremony at the Rose Garden gazebo.


Duluth Rose Garden Destination Wedding

Sweet moments at the Rose Garden and Leif Erickson Park.


Duluth Rose Garden Destination Wedding

The iconic Aerial Lift Bridge and sunset on Park Point Beach.


Duluth Rose Garden Destination Wedding

Just married!


Ceremony – Rose Garden
Make-Up – Derick Cich

Hair – On the Canal

Flowers – Meadowlark Floral Art Studio

Hotel – Canal Park Lodge

Dinner – JJ Astors