Recent Wedding Photos in Duluth MN by Bryan Jonathan Weddings

Mark and Michelle’s Winter Wedding Celebration

April 12, 2016City: Brooklyn Center, MN Venue: Earle Brown Heritage Center

Winter wedding at Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center near Minneapolis, MN.

When Mark and Michelle met three years ago, their connection couldn’t be denied. Instant attraction drew them together, and the bond between them has grown every day. It is so wonderful to see a couple who enjoys every moment together, even when they are competing, which is often the case! Whether it’s playing cards, a round of golf, or an intense video game session, these two know how to have fun.

Mark even made the proposal into a game of “find the ring”, which he hid among the branches of the Christmas tree for Michelle to find. When she couldn’t locate the new ‘ornament’, he helped her seek it out, and was thrilled when she said “Yes”!

That excitement was palpable, and completely contagious, on their winter wedding day. Michelle and Mark were so happy to be in love, and to finally be able to tie the knot. Their vibrant celebration was fun and relaxed, and that energy was shared with all of their friends and family.

I felt truly honored to be a part of this special event, and wish a lifetime of crazy love to Mark and Michelle. Cheers to the happy couple!

Borrowed, blue, and the special details.

Michelle had lots of help, and a ton of fun, getting ready with the gals.

Mark took a minute to relax before donning his suit for the big day.

The first look.

The beautiful bride and handsome groom are ready to celebrate their love!

The couple and their entourage look sophisticated and sharp in black and red.

They said “I DO” in the presence of family and friends.

Custom bobbleheads and amazing cupcakes were fun and fanciful touches enjoyed by the guests.

After dancing with her new hubby, the bride gets funky with the one-man band. More cowbell!

The groom tops off the big day with a stogie and a smile!

Ceremony – Earle Brown Heritage Center

Hotel – Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis

Menswear – Savvi Formalwear

Entertainment – Jeff Loven

Adam and Sara’s Engagement Pics

April 8, 2016City: Duluth, MN Venue: Clyde Iron Works, Lester Park

Engagement photos at Clyde in Duluth, MN.

Even if engagement photos aren’t at the top of your fun list they can still be a special experience. Adam was a great sport and with a little convincing let Sara drag him along. It’s a good thing ’cause it would have been a little awkward shooting engagement photos with just Sara. After warming up to the camera they let their personalities shine through a series of goofy photos. Your images should reflect your personality and that’s exactly what these two got.

Spring in Duluth is predictably unpredictable and the blustery wind forced us indoors at Clyde Iron Works in West Duluth. A huge shout-out to Clyde for accommodating photographers and local artists- go have a beer at their fine establishment. After Clyde we visited Amity Creek at Lester Park to catch the last remaining snow.

Thanks for the great time and I look forward to wedding day sarcasm and shenanigans.

Engagement photos at Clyde Iron Works in West Duluth.

Adam’s sarcastic attempt at serious engagement pics.

Amity Creek at Lester Park in Duluth.

Goofballs in love.

Love.

Brent and Sarah’s Snowy Easter Weekend

March 27, 2016City: Duluth, MN Venue: Hawk Ridge

Snowy Mini Family Session at Hawk Ridge in Duluth, MN.

Brent and Sarah spent Easter weekend in Duluth visiting family. Sarah and I have been friends since high-school; we drove to Sturgis, ND in my mother’s mini-van with a deer skull tied the the front and waited tables together through college. I even had the opportunity to photograph her sister’s wedding last summer. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of shooting their girls several times and it always amazes me how well they pose for the camera. Our mini-session was originally scheduled for Monday but at the last moment we switched to Saturday and captured the last remains of Old Man Winter. The girls were absolute troopers in the wet falling snow- now if I could just get my girls to “keep it together” for family photos.

Happy Easter!

Brent and Sarah and Audrey and Ivy on a snowy Saturday at Hawk Ridge in Duluth, MN.

Audrey and Ivy brave the wet snow.

Daddy’s girl.

Audrey and Ivy.

Twelve years (I think) married and counting.

Jeff and Caitie’s Lutsen Engagement

February 19, 2016City: Lutsen, MN Venue: Lutsen Mountains

Winter engagement photography on the North Shore of Lake Superior at Lutsen Mountain, MN.

The bitter north winds whipped off Lake Superior and straight to the top of Lutsen Mountain leaving only Caitie and Jeff to keep each other warm. The views and snow covered trees made engagement photos all the more spectacular and made us especially grateful for the blazing fire at Lutsen Resort. Congrats to Caitie and Jeff and WARM wishes for your wedding.

Jeff and Caitie ride the gondola to the top of Lutsen Mountain.

The snow was a little deeper at the top of Lutsen Mountain than we expected!

Jeff hit a home run with Caitie’s yellow canary diamond engagement ring.

The covered bridge at Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior.

Jeff and Caitie play a fireside game of cribbage to warm up after an afternoon on the mountain.

Your Engagement Session – The First Step Toward Your Big Day

January 28, 2016City: Feature Article

Many couples who are planning their wedding quickly find the process a bit overwhelming. The To Do List gets longer and more complicated, and stress levels can start rising long before the big event. As time ticks closer you will likely start to find yourself getting busier and busier. Early in the engagement is the perfect time for an e-shoot. The excitement of the proposal is still fresh and that emotion will be evident in your photos.

Destination engagement photos in Vail, Colorado by Bryan Jonathan Weddings.

Scott and Tori’s destination engagement session in Vail, CO.

Unless you are a model or a public figure, you probably aren’t accustom to having a professional photographer taking your photo. The e-session is a great opportunity to build confidence and get comfortable in front of the camera. Being followed around by a camera can be scary, and getting that anxiety out of the way in advance helps tremendously. As a couple, you will stop focusing on the camera and more on each other. Frazzled nerves will be calmed and your interactions will become more natural.
Your photographer will be spending many hours with you on your wedding day, and the engagement shoot is the best way for them to get to know you. They are involved in the most intimate moments of your day and the time spent with you during the shoot is an invaluable opportunity to give you direction and get familiar with your personalities. Investing this quality time together before the wedding day will ensure that your photographer is able to capture you at your best.

Engagement photos near the Aerial Lift Bride and Lake Superior in Canal Park, Duluth MN.

Jake and Beth in Canal Park with the Aerial Lift Bride in the background. Duluth, MN

Plan on having your hair and makeup done for the shoot as well. Getting comfortable with your stylist is very important. It will make you feel even more confident and that will show through in the final images. The photographer and stylist will work together to establish the perfect look for the big day and this will help you feel at ease with both individuals. Plus, your engagement photos will be all the more fantastic!

Northeast Minneapolis engagement photos by Bryan Jonathan Weddings.

Nathan and Priya at the “I Like You” wall in Minneapolis.

The engagement session is a trial run. Not only is it great practice for you, it also allows your photographer to see how the two of you interact as a couple. They will learn more about your love story, your wedding plans, and how much direction you may need. An excellent wedding photographer will shoot a variety of photos during your engagement session; from serious and romantic to playful and artistic. Your honest feedback helps ensure that your wedding day photos accurately reflect your love story. On your wedding day you will probably be seeing your photographer more than any one else, and the e-shoot is a perfect ice breaker to help transform them from a stranger to a friend.

North woods cabin country engagement photos by Bryan Jonathan Weddings.

Scott and Christie at the family cabin in central WI.

Chat with them about your wedding plans and get tips about planning out the schedule. Your photographer has seen it all, and will have invaluable advice on how to organize the day and minimize stress. They should also be the first one you ask for vendor referrals. Having a cohesive group of vendors will make the big day so much easier and carefree. Your photographer will have suggestions for hair and makeup, floral, catering, DJ’s and even venues. Think of it as building a wedding team, and your photographer is the captain. Being able to sit back and trust your team will make the big day more relaxed and all the more special.

Click Here to connect with Bryan and schedule your engagement session.

Happy Planning!

-Bryan