Tony & Jess Courthouse Wedding

I took the trip to Florida again this year, given Minnesota is still in it’s winter phase—and I’m so glad I did. I had the privilege of capturing both Tony and Jessica’s family photos and courthouse marriage all in the past week. There is a separate blog for their family session, because this Fort Myers courthouse wedding needs it’s own space. I should clarify… the photos were taken around downtown Fort Myers after their intimate ceremony.

I showed up (and managed to get a parking ticket —$17 if anyone wants to Venmo me🤪) and was greeted by the couple, their sweet son Isaiah, and a few family members. We started with a quick photo outside the courthouse of their family, and then Tony, Jess, Isaiah, and I went on our way. We had no issues in the location scouting department—there were gorgeous natural backdrops everywhere we looked.

After a while of shooting outside, we headed to the Cigar Bar where we were given permission to shoot. This was easily one of my favorite locations to shoot at during my entire Florida trip. There was an intimate section of the bar tucked away from customers, so we had privacy. The space was dark, moody, dreamy, rustic, and had heavenly light. I used flash for most of them, but got away with taking it off towards the end, as there were a couple of windows on one wall.

After we were done with the photoshoot, baby Isaiah put his arms out for me to hold him, and while mom and dad put the stroller away, he put his little head on my shoulder (and I even got a hug goodbye 🥹🥹🥹).

We’re already planning our next shoot when Tony and Jess come back home to Minnesota for a visit. Can’t wait!!!!!

I hope you all enjoy these photos as much I do. ❤️

PS. If a courthouse wedding is in your future and you want to savor those memories, I would LOVE to connect. :)

Savannah

Kaego and Will Kauai Elopement

The sweetest couple, that we didn’t expect to bump into. There’s something about beaches and Hawaii that makes people just… want to get married :) Their plan was to elope, just the two of them. I happened to be on the beach, as Kaego and Will almost walked past me.

I stopped them, and (a little nervously) asked if I could take a couple photos for them. Kaego informed me her and Will were about to elope, and had no photographer, so they’d love for me to capture a few photos. Though I didn’t photograph their actual elopement, I captured just before, as the lovely couple made their way from the beach to the cliffs.

You guys… this took EIGHT minutes. I got them 50+ images right before they got married, and feel so, so blessed I was able to document their wedding day.

Just know, if you are thinking of a travel elopement style wedding, it is TOTALLY worth it. I may not be there on the beach, randomly asking to take your photos;) But, I would be more than happy to be a part of your process, helping you tie the final details together, and most importantly, capture it for lasting memories of your sweet commitment to one another.

The more I witness sweet moments like this, the more I see the beauty in marriage. I gotta be honest, marriage scares me a little bit. But when I see you all, so in love, It just gives me excitement and hope. And I am honored I get to capture these life phases for all of you. I love my job and I love love.

I also love sleep, and it’s 1 AM officially. Yikes. Goodnight, friends!!!

Joe & Summer

Another beautiful Minnesota Barn Wedding in the books! I met the bride, Summer, at SCSU when I was studying to be an Elementary Education Teacher (switched majors, but I have my sub license for fun! Anyways…) and had no idea that one day I’d be photographing her beautiful wedding! It’s crazy how life works.

Fast forward 4-5 years, and here we are. Her big day. To start, me and the wedding videographer headed to Maple Lake, Minnesota, where we walked in to a house of kids laughing and running around, babies everywhere, toys scattered and just looked at each other with big smiles and said “this is awesome” 😍 It was such a sweet family feel, and babies are my love language sooo…. It went AMAZING. After that, we headed to the barn in Annandale, MN where the had the ceremony and reception. After the ceremony, they had a hayride for the bridal party that went… well entertaining for sure 🤣 The rest of the night included all the wedding fun—awesome toasts from her big sister, dancing, cake, cupcakes, more cute babies and lots of family reuniting.

I used to think weddings weren’t going to be my thing, but they’re kind of growin’ on me :)