Hartley Nature Center Archives - Duluth, MN Wedding Photography

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

Kent and Sarah’s Fall Colors Engagement

October 21, 2016City: Duluth, MN Venue: Hartley Nature Center

Duluth engagement photos at the Hartley Nature Center.

Kent proposed at Manny’s Steakhouse, one of the couple’s favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. He was pretty nervous for most of the meal, which gave Sarah a good idea of what was going on. Kent excused himself before dessert to “use the restroom,” and gave the engagement ring to their waiter. When the waiter came back, he lifted the silver dome, which was supposed to be covering their delectable dessert of banana cream pie, but instead, there was a ring on the plate! Kent then got down on one knee, said he loved Sarah and asked her to marry him. Sarah, of course, said yes. They are getting married on the same day that Sarah’s parents and grandparents also got married. On their wedding day, Sarah’s parents will be married 33 years, and her grandparents will be married 61 years.

The engagement shoot took place at the Hartley Nature Center in Duluth, MN. It was a beautiful time of year to be outside immersed in the fall colors, and it was the perfect day to celebrate the love that Kent and Sarah have for each other.

Fall colors engagement shoot in Duluth, MN.

Kent and Sarah surrounded by Duluth’s natural beauty.

Taking a romantic stroll through the woods.

The happy couple perched in the Hartley Nature Center.

Duluth engagement shoot at the Hartley Nature Center.

A shot of the gorgeous engagement ring.

Enjoying one of the many trails the Hartley Nature Center has to offer.

Details of Kent and Sarah’s beautiful engagement shoot.

Asa and Allison are Engaged!

July 13, 2015City: Duluth, MN Venue: Canal Park, Hartley Nature Center

Canal Park and Hartley Park Duluth Engagement Pics - Bryan Jonathan Weddings

Asa and Allison met by chance nearly seven years ago while Allison was on tour with a children’s theatre and Asa was a counselor at a performing arts camp. The two started dating shortly after that fateful week and they will walk down the aisle. Allison and Asa would have spent their entire catering budget on a five course wedding cake sampling if it wasn’t for their parents’ objections. Inlaws occasionally have good ideas but they always seem to get in the way of wedding planning. You had better get used to it because you’re going to be stuck with them for the next 50 years. 😉