Thoughtful, Connected Manhattan Beach Lodge Wedding \\ Britt & Logan

What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? Why?

There was a 20 minute period or so, between the formal photos and the start of the ceremony, when the entire wedding party gathered in our honeymoon suite to just relax for a bit. Having all of those close friends in one room just laughing and talking was priceless. It was a rejuvenating moment before the

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day? Why?

We made a “Relationship Soundtrack” on CD for everyone with amazing music that is important to us as a couple and featured heavily in the wedding. Little did we realize that very few people have CD players anymore! Either way, it is an awesome CD!

What wedding planning related advice would you offer to couples planning their wedding?

Decide on an overall plan and vision for the wedding, and use that plan to ground you if you start to feel overwhelmed. Once or twice during the planning process I let the vision snowball and was overwhelmed by feeling obligated to do more, add more, spend more. Logan helped by reminding me of our original vision and that it is ok to say, “enough is enough.”

What was the biggest surprise on your wedding day? Tell me about it.

A year ago, after Logan proposed, I secretly bought him a nice watch and kept it hidden until the wedding day. I had my Man of Honor deliver it in the morning before our first look as a surprise. Logan had no idea it was coming!

Other than me *wink*, who was your favorite wedding vendor to work with?

Crystal Glaser at Manhattan Beach Lodge was absolutely wonderful! So incredibly helpful and patient.

What was your experience working with me on your wedding day?

Working with Tim is an absolute dream. Not only because he is a phenomenal photographer whose work is featured in bridal magazines, but also because his ability to wrangle a rowdy group of people while maintaining a schedule as well as a sense of humor is seriously impressive. He is not shy about directing his subjects and moving things along, but also let us be our silly selves and improvise. My (bride’s) side was like herding tipsy, inappropriate cats, but Tim’s photos are absolutely indicative of how much fun we were having. Throughout the wedding planning process, he offered advice and made excellent suggestions. Photography was one of our highest priorities when planning this wedding and the results are stunning! Tim is a true artist who knows how to capture love and joy on film.

Styling, Shiny North Shore Winter Engagement \\ Lindsay & Ian

Tell me about your proposal!

Ian proposed at Chase on the Lake in Walker, MN! It was a total surprise as I thought we were just meeting my parents there for a weekend of fishing, but shortly after we arrived Friday evening I walked into our room at the resort to a dozen of roses and rose petals all over the bed before I spun around and he was down on one ! Both of our families were there! We had a great weekend celebrating!

What are you most excited about for your wedding?

To marry the man of my dreams, and celebrate with all of our family and friends!

Do you have any advice for other couple's to prepare for their engagement session?

Go relaxed and be yourself! We had so much fun! It didn’t even feel like a photo session!

Why did you pick your wedding location(s)?

We love the Brainerd Lakes area, and wanted to get married somewhere that we could “retreat” to for a few days! When we toured Maddens, we knew right away that was “it”!

What is the most useful resource you've used for planning your wedding so far?

The Minnesota Brides Facebook page has been a huge help with choosing vendors, reviews, and lots of new and fun ideas!

Golden, Adorable Fall Wedding at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake \\ Cassie & Brandon

What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? Why?

This is a toss up.

One is the Ceremony. I loved how personal Neal (one of our friends) made the ceremony. He quoted Dr. Seuss, and that reading fit our relationship so perfectly. It was so meaningful.

A close second is our first look. It was a great time to just spend with one another in the moment and take time to ground ourselves from all the chaos of the day.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day? Why?

One of my favorite details from the wedding day was Brandon's wedding band. I had it inscribed with "I love you" in German. He made me a card in high school after German class one day that said "I love you. Do you love me?" in German. Of course I was taking Spanish class so I had to go home and Google Search was the card said.

Another detail I loved was our wedding cake. It was a White Chocolate Raspberry cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. It looked so simple and beautiful, and tasted amazing!

What wedding planning related advice would you offer to couples planning their wedding?

Keep the focus on you and your marriage. A wedding is a day celebration and can easily shift your focus away from the true importance of the day, marrying your best friend. Other people will tell you their opinions, but stay true to yourselves.

Also, don't have a wedding you can't afford! It is better to plan within your means than have a big celebration you will be in debt to pay off.

What was the biggest surprise on your wedding day? Tell me about it.

Getting a matching bracelet from my mother. They both have infinity symbols and mine has the small heart. Usually I am the one getting us matching jewelry :)

What was your experience working with me on your wedding day?

Amazing! Seriously, everyone told me and Brandon that it was like you were an old friend just hanging out with us. Your personality and patience with a rowdy group was amazing. You seriously make us all feel so comfortable and are so genuine. I can't say enough about how awesome you made our day.

Other than me *wink*, who was your favorite wedding vendor to work with?

Of course it was you! But, the girls from Captivating Beauty were fantastic! Kaitlyn was so attentive and made sure she accomplished my vision. She was such a perfectionist, she even trimmed mine and my maid of honor's bangs so that they would be "exactly right."

Vendor Partners

Floral: Family friend
Officiant: Friend
Shoes: Kate Spade Keds and Bagly Mischka Heels
Music: Party Guy Entertainment
Hair and Make-Up: Captivating Beauty
Suits: Knights Chamber
Desserts: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Stationary: Zazzle
Venue: Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake

Colorful, Romantic Outdoor Fall Wedding \\ Ashley & Joe

Vendor Partners

• Floral - The Fabulous Flower Market

• Dress - Celebrations Bridal and Formalwear

• Hair - Katie Haus

• Make-up - Sonja Steenberg

• Suit - Men’s Wearhouse

• Videography - Moore Photography

• Desserts - Yee-lee Lee

• Transportation - Christie Cab

Pink, Prairie, Puppy Engagement Session at Battle Lake // Becca & Jordan

Elegant, Literary Saint Paul Wedding at the James Hill Library \\ Amanda & Dan

What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? Why?

Our entire ceremony was so beautiful. Dan’s cousin John was our officiant and he did a wonderful job expressing what Dan and I were feeling and including all of the guests.

Tell me about your dress, where did you find it, how did you choose it, what was your favorite part of your dress?

I love dress designer Hayley Paige and found her dresses are sold at a&bé bridal in Minneapolis. I made an appointment at a&bé for a Hayley Paige trunk show and my dress was the first one I tried on. I love the beautiful details on the top and unique back of the dress.

Did you see each other before your ceremony? If you could do it over would you change your decision? Why or why not?

We did a first look before the ceremony. I thought the first look was special because it was just the two of us (plus Tim and the videographer). We were able to take our time and talk to each other rather than be in front of everyone.

What were you most worried about on your wedding day?

I was most worried about our guests not having a good time during our wedding. You put so much time and effort into this one day, you want it to be perfect. To us, it seemed perfect and it seemed like our guests had a wonderful time!

What wedding planning related advice would you offer to couples planning their wedding?

I would suggest being as organized and prepared as possible to assist everyone that is helping you the day of, but also be okay when things inevitably go awry.

Vendor Partners

• Florist: Bellagala - Lacie Dehn

• Hair and Make-up - Spa Beauty Agency

• Suits - Milberns

• DJ - Bellagala - Karon Smith

• Dress - A&BÉ MINNEAPOLIS

• Dress Designer - Hayley Paige

Dreamy Lakeside Destination Wedding at Grand View Lodge \\ Rachael & Devin

What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? Why?

When Devin turned around for our first look. I didn’t expect him to be as surprised as he was and it was great. It made me so happy. Then later when he and I had some time to chat, he said that he knew I’d look great but he just had no idea that I’d be that beautiful.

What would you have done differently during the planning process?

Doing more of the planning prior to the last 30 days. For example picking first dance songs etc. There are so many decisions and moving parts in those last 30 days, taking care of anything you can prior to that will make it much less stressful!

What was the biggest surprise on your wedding day? Tell me about it.

Walking into the wedding venue and seeing all of the decor. I had an ideal of what it would look like in my head, and I even saw it part way done, because I had to go into the event center on Friday night and pluck a few things that were mixed in with wedding decor that shouldn’t have been. It was exactly what I wanted it to be. Gwen and Kate did such an amazing job bringing my vision to reality.

Tell me about your dress, where did you find it, how did you choose it, what was your favorite part of your dress?

I found it at Posh in Wayzata. I didn’t have any luck with what the sales person was pulling for me. She sent me on the floor and I pulled the dress I ended up with, off the rack. I didn’t know about it at first, it was also a blush color on the floor. I put it on for a second time and I had to hold back the tears, so I knew it was it. My mom wasn’t sure though, she thought maybe I was just ready to be done shopping. I typically go from shop to drop but I loved it. My favorite part about the dress were the buttons on the illusion back, leading all the way down to the end of the train.

What wedding planning related advice would you offer to couples planning their wedding?

Do what makes you and you’re spouse happy, and what makes sense for your personalities and relationship. So many people will have opinions and a lot of them will be great, just do you.

Vendor Partners

Florist: Bloom Designs - Kate Kuepers
Dress: Posh Bridal Couture
Reception Music: Butler Productions
Planning, Decor and Lighting: Gwen Torfin
Suits: The Black Tux
Hair and Make-up: Captivating Beauty
Desserts: Little Nuggets Bakery
Venue: Grand View Lodge - Becky and Jaci

Personal, Beautiful Wedding at Grand View Lodge with a Beach Bonfire \\ Jacey & Jordan

What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? Why?

Being introduced as Mr. and Mrs. White was my favorite moment from my wedding day. I felt relieved because I had been nervous about the ceremony and I was officially married to my best friend! I knew at that point we were able to relax and celebrate with everyone for the rest of the night.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day? Why?

I loved going out at sunset to take pictures on the pathway and by the lake. I also loved doing sparklers at the end of the night. It was so much fun and I can't wait to see all of the pictures!

What wedding planning related advice would you offer to couples planning their wedding?

I would tell people to plan a wedding that they would enjoy going to. We did not plan a dance (even though we ended up dancing anyways), and we planned a beach bonfire instead. It isn't what many people expect at a wedding but it was a blast and everyone enjoyed it and it made our wedding unique!

What was the best unexpected thing that happened on your wedding day?

We did not plan on having a dance at the wedding but people started dancing and it was a lot of fun! People were having a great time and it made me happy to see other people enjoying the wedding as much as I was!

What was your experience working with me on your wedding day?

Working with you was by far one of the best highlights on my wedding day! I can't imagine having anyone else take our pictures. Everyone loved you and I was blown away by the pictures we have seen! You are beyond talented and so fun to be around! I would recommend you to anyone and everyone!

Did you see each other before your ceremony? If you could do it over would you change your decision? Why or why not?

We saw each other a few hours before the ceremony. I wouldn't change my decision because we were able to take pictures before the ceremony so we had more time to relax and mingle after the ceremony.

I love how Jacey and Jordan really made their wedding day their own with a bonfire instead of a dance, one bridesmaid with three groomsmen, a sparkler exit and and evening stroll on the beach.

Vendors Partners

Venue / Coordinator - Grand View Lodge || Becky and Jaci
Dress - David’s Bridal
Music - Jim Olsen
Floral - Petal’s and Beans || Dyana

Romantic Patio Wedding at Olympic Hills Golf Course \\ Courtney & Danny

What wedding planning related advice would you offer to couples planning their wedding?

To remember the day is about your love for one another not the material things. Top thing is to remember to buy food for your wedding party. Especially for the girls this can be a long day, snacks and lunch are a necessity to get through the day.

What were your most excited about for your wedding day?

Danny “marrying the love of my life.”

Courtney “celebrating the love for my husband and being able to do it with our closest family and friends.”

Did you see each other before your ceremony? If you could do it over would you change your decision? Why or why not?

Yes!

No- it was get to see each other and chat before the ceremony. It was also great for our party to be able to do that same to get more comfortable with each other. Again, we would have never been able to get all the pics we wanted if we waited until after.

What would you have done differently during the planning process?

Nothing.

Advice to others is stay ahead of everything. You’d rather be smooth sailing than scrambling the month or week before your wedding.

Vendor Partners

Floral - Christine’s Floral Touch
Cakes / Desserts - Nothing Bundt Cakes
Venue / Coordinator - Olympic Hills Golf Course - Garcia
Dress - Raffine Bridal in Woodbury

Barefoot Lakeside Wedding at Cragun's Resort \\ Natalie & Adam

Adam left me this review on Google just a few days after his wedding. Thanks so much Adam!

Tim literally helped save our wedding. He is incredibly knowledgeable, takes fantastic pictures, and truly cares about making your day special. I wish I could give him more stars, but alas I cannot. I would hire Tim for anything you could possibly want photographed. 10/10, 5 stars, fantastic.

Natalie is one of the only brides I’ve ever worked with that WANTED it to rain during her wedding and although that didn’t happen it DID rain during her first look with Adam on the amazing docks at Cragun’s Resort on Gull.

Adam and Natalie made their wedding day their own with bare feet, karaoke, a Sunday wedding day, a vegan meal and rejoicing in the rain!

Karaoke/DJ - Dynamic Reflections Entertainment
Floral - Lily Grass Floral
Desserts - Sweet Life Bakery
Venue - Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake
Coordinator - MaryBeth at Cragun’s

Subtle, Elegant Lakeside Patio Wedding at Manhattan Beach Lodge \\ Christine and Mike

Did you see each other before your ceremony? If you could do it over would you change your decision? Why or why not?

We didn't do a first look and we are happy with that decision. It made for a really great moment when Christine walked down the aisle and Mike was able to see her for the first time. We also thought that taking pictures as a couple after the ceremony didn't cut into our enjoyment of the reception. Tim was very efficient at getting people together and arranging the photos. It all went fairly quickly, so looking back we don't feel that we sacrificed much for not doing a first look.

This response exemplifies Christine and Mike’s wedding day. They held on to the traditions they loved and that were meaningful to them and didn’t hold on to the ones they didn’t find meaningful.

Couples often ask about a first look versus waiting and I’m happy to spell out the compromises that are made with either decision, but I never decide for them or require either. I love how Mike and Christine made room for photography in their wedding day, but didn’t make their wedding day about photography and I encourage all of my couples to do the same.

Manhattan Beach Lodge provided an intimate luxury location for their quests and their celebration. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that you really take possession of (they close the entire resort for your wedding) for your lakeside or beach wedding do not look past Manhattan Beach Lodge. Plus, Crystal, their wedding coordinator, is tops!

Nautical Lakeside Wedding at Quarterdeck Resort \\ Hannah & Ethan

If you’re interested in a wedding celebration on Gull Lake and you’d like the lake to play a prominent role in your wedding celebration you should definitely consider The Quarterdeck Resort. With a massive dock system complete with dock hands, a front desk made from the stern of a Chris Craft, a bar in the Boathouse Event Center made from a complete wooden boat, The Quarterdeck Resort is an amazing nautical themed wedding venue.

Ethan and Hannah were married on Quartedeck Resort Lawn overlooking magnificent Gull Lake. Guests were encouraged to enjoy the lake, the beach, the beautiful Boathouse Event Center and the brand new luxury cabins.

Playful, Genuine Mill City and Guthrie Engagement \\ Britt & Logan

Logan and Britt just moved to the great state of Minnesota and they are busy taking it all in! Our time together was fun, boisterous and genuine. They are joyful, adventurous couple who grab life by the horns but also don’t take things too seriously.

What are you most excited about for your wedding?

Gathering old friends and family from around the country to celebrate... and cake.

Do you have any advice for other couple's to prepare for their engagement session?

Relax and have fun... the best photographs are those with genuine laughter and emotion.

YES! YES! YES! A thousand times., YES!

Why did you pick your engagement session location(s)?

We were new to the Twin Cities and wanted to represent our new urban home.

I love when couple’s use their engagement session to tell the story or part of the story of their relationship.

So looking forward to Britt and Logan’s wedding in Crosslake in November!

Intimate, Cozy, Rainy Northern MN Cabin Wedding \\ Maura & Mark

The rain didn't take anything away from Mark and Maura's wedding day. It just changed their plans a little.  Instead of getting married on the beach, they were married in Maura's family's historic cabin with guests sitting in chairs, on beds, bookshelves and windowsills. They exchanged their promises on the family hearth like families have done for hundreds of years.

Maura, her friends and sisters prepared for the day in the cabin Maura has slept in many nights as a girl; quilts and comforters on the beds, water-skies leaning against walls, reading lights hanging on the wall by every bed.  The room was full of songs, laughs and stories mixed with hugs and embracing. Her childhood cabin transformed into her bridal suite.

Meanwhile, Mark and his gentlemen spent the morning getting ready in the former witches cabin, transformed into the "love shack"!  A little scotch, a few slaps on the back, lot of man hugs and bow-tie fixing.

The ceremony was moved into the living room of Grandmother's Cabin with guests jostling for places to sit before Maura entered through the hall from the kitchen, escorted by her father.

Through a heartfelt ceremony presided by Mark's best friend, full of tears and laughs, the closeness was immense and beautiful.

The day wrapped up with dinner by Prairie Bay in Maura's Aunt's modern cabin on the same property with drinking games and a bumpin' dance in the sunroom. 

A wonderful rainy wedding day.

Some of my favorite details were:

1. The watercolor painted stationary by Maura.

2. The ladies gift bags that included custom printed pencils by Maura's mother.

3. The floral work of Bloom Designs by Kate Kuepers.

4. The amazing food and service by Prairie Bay (who made a last minute run to town for more gin).

5. Maura's dad, Tim's dance moves and the Thriller flash mob by pretty much all of the guests.

Colorful Cuyuna Lakes Summer Engagement Session \\ Jennifer & Andrew

"After a weekend away, Andrew and I got home, he suggested we go on a bike ride. I was not especially excited but decided it would be good for us to relax and get outside. We went on one of our normal routes and stopped at a river, one that we have many times before. I was drinking water and turned around to see Andrew on one knee, asking me to marry him. I was shocked!"

Yes, a thousand times yes!  These stories are what keep me connected to my work. Two people, meeting, getting to know each other and committing their lives to each other.  It happens hundreds of times a day, all around the world, but these two, Andrew and Jennifer, were brought into my life, for me to share in their joy!  The amazing thing about falling in love is that the fact that it happens to thousands of other people every day too doesn't diminish is significance to you!  Andrew got down on one knee and asked JEN! Amazing!

"Andrew likes to tell people we met in the pet store. I was looking for cat food and he was looking for cat litter to put underneath tires in the snow. It was really online :)"

I love this SO much! In 2018 about 1/3 of my clients met online and it is a beautiful thing when technology can help us make real connections in real life like it did for Jennifer and Andrew! Hurrah online matchmaking!

"We fell in love with the Pine Peaks property and everything it offers. Because all of our family is coming from out of state, we wanted to have space that we could host, outside of the wedding itself."

If there are two things in common with all of Pine Peak's couple's they are:

• One, every Pine Peaks couple LOVES their experience with the property and the owners, Dave and Julie.

• Two, they love the fact that they get the entire property for multiple days to host and turn their wedding day into a multiple day wedding event.

• Bonus, they love all of the decor options that Pine Peaks offers them to use on their wedding day. Honestly there are a ton of reasons couples love Pine Peaks.

"Do you have any advice for other couple's to prepare for their engagement session? Don’t stress out! It was way easier than we imagined. Enjoy the moment with your fiancé."

Plus, guys especially pay attention here, there will be a lot of kissing and shmushy hugs and that's always enjoyable.  ;)

Duluth Wedding at Greysolon Ballroom // Kelsey & Jake

Hotel Duluth, now Greysolon Ballroom, has an illustrious history with deep roots to my home town, Crosby, Minnesota!  George Crosby, a titan of Minnesota industry, was the catalyst for the development and construction of Greysolon Plaza addressing a need of the Zenith City's business class and Northern Minnesota burgeoning mining and shipping industry. Hotel Duluth was built at the pinnacle of Duluth's industrial era and the building is a true gem of the opulence and wealth of the era as seen in is marble floors, gilded ceilings, ornate facade and decedent Moorish Room.  This history makes Greysolon Ballroom a perfect venue for any couple who have hearts for the city of Duluth.

Authentic Summer Wedding at Breezy Point Resort \\ Ellen & Gabe

What would you have done differently during the planning process?

Delegated more to Gabe! :)

Ellen's response to my wedding follow-up had me almost spit out my coffee!  I think she speaks for many brides as well! Ellen and Gabe's wedding was marked by connection and sincerity, maybe because they are both in the field of psychology or because they are both very sincere people, but probably because of both reasons!  Their presence with each other was marked with acceptance of each other and comfort and esteem for each other.

Here are my favorite answers from Ellen about her wedding day.

What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? Why?

The photos sessions with just Gabe and I. It was great alone time!

I always encourage my couples to take an evening stroll for portraits because it accomplishes many things.

1. It captures an entirely different type of light on your wedding day creating romantic warm images.
2. It captures a different mood on your wedding day because at this point in your wedding day you ARE married and all of the nerve racking parts of your day are behind you.  You've also had a cocktail, eaten, loosened your tie and relaxed.  Most of my couple's favorite images are created during this time of the day.
3. It is a great reason for you and your new spouse to take a moment to get away from it all, become aware of your new commitment and let all that has happened soak in.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day? Why?

Maybe the bubbles while I walked down the aisle? I didn't like the idea of the dramatic walk down the aisle, with everyone staring at you, so the bubbles were supposed to lighten the feel and give the kids something fun to do.  It was an idea that we weren't really sure would work out, but it turned out great!

I love this idea to ease the nervousness, add a dash of playfulness and invite your guests to be more involved in your ceremony! 

Other than me *wink*, who was your favorite wedding vendor to work with?

Brandi at Breezy Point. She was awesome!

What was your experience working with me on your wedding day?

Awesome! I liked the direct, yet playful manner in which you guided everyone throughout the photography process. Everything really flowed nicely, and I didn't have to worry about anything.

Ellen highlights an aspect of choosing a wedding photographer that is often overlooked or not taken into consideration.  It is important that you can imagine yourself spending your wedding day with your photographer, but also that your photographer is a big part in managing your day, your family and friends and moving everything along in a firm but fun manner.

Ellen and Gabe,

Thank you.

Vendor Partners

Hair and Make-up - Bliss Salon
Dress - Raffine
Floral - Petals and Beans, Dyana
Entertainment - High NRG Entertainment
Men's Attire - TheBlackTux.com
Venue and Coordinator - Breezy Point Resort, Brandi
Cake and Desserts - Sweet Life Bakery - Dani