Grand View Lodge Summer Wedding \\ Stephanie & Ben
North Shore Engagement Session \\ Amanda & Nolan
Posh Winter Fete at The Quartedeck Boathouse \\ Hasmin & Ge
What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? Why?
Celebrating with all of our friends and family because a lot of them came from all over the country.
What was the biggest surprise on your wedding day? Tell me about it.
The biggest surprise was how many people from afar that could attend as far as California, Georgia, and Lebanon.
Other than me *wink*, who was your favorite wedding vendor to work with?
Jacob Brothers Catering :), Celebrations Floral & Captivating Beauty
Did you see each other before your ceremony? If you could do it over would you change your decision? Why or why not?
Yes but we still captured our reactions seeing each other for the first time. I would do it again because it was the best time to take pictures with family and friends before the ceremony.
Vendor Partners
Floral: Celebrations Floral
Hair and Make-up: Captivating Beauty
Catering: Jacob Brothers Catering
Irish, Elegant Winter Wedding at the Saint Paul College Club \\ Katie & Taylor
What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? Why?
My favorite moment, although it's cliched, was turning to walk down the aisle and seeing Taylor for the first time. He looked so happy and I started to choke up a little bit!
What wedding planning related advice would you offer to couples planning their wedding?
Do not hesitate to ask for help and rely on your family! I was fortunate to have a very involved and helpful mother who helped me throughout the whole planning process. Without her I would have been totally screwed.
What was the biggest surprise on your wedding day? Tell me about it.
Thankfully we did not have very many! But I think the biggest surprise was how much time Taylor and I were able to have together just the two of us. We really needed that, and everyone had a good time even when we were missing for a few minutes.
What were your most excited about for your wedding day?
We were excited to just see everybody. I met a lot of friends people from Taylor's side of the family who I had heard a lot about, and we were excited to see every single guest who was there.
Tell me about your honeymoon?
We went to Chile! We spent four days hiking in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, on the very southern tip of the continent. It took us 3 full days of travel to get that far south but it was totally worth it! Gorgeous views and great hiking. Then we spent 3 days in a resort outside the park to relax.
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 at our apartment that morning, but after that we did not see each other before the ceremony! We would not change a thing. We loved waiting because it made the ceremony extra special.
What was your experience working with me on your wedding day?
AMAZING!! Thank you for being so direct and clear in your direction of the formal pictures. We had a lot of family photos to take, and you were a very good organizer. Everyone said you were very professional and friendly! And thank you for asking if we are doing ok throughout the night and making sure we get food and are having a good time.
Vendor Partners
Florist: Artemisia
Desserts: Buttercream
Hair and Make-up: Betsey McKenzie at Luminous Beauty
Suits: Men's Wearhouse
Ceremony Music: Ovation String Quartet
Reception Entertainment: Adagio DJ
Dress: BHLDN
Stationary: Alexa Nelson Prints on Etsy
Snowy, Winter Engagement Session in Duluth, MN \\ Hannah & Jesse
A Touching, Joyful Winter Wedding at Grand View Lodge \\ Noel & Aaron
What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? Why?
Aaron- watching Noel walk down the aisle.
Noel- the whole day was my favorite, I can't pick one. It was simply an amazing day.
What wedding planning related advice would you offer to couples planning their wedding?
It takes a village. People are more than willing to help you so don't be afraid to delegate.
Also, on the day of your wedding- give your phone to your maid of honor or best man, then you will be fully present in the best day of your life!
What were your most excited about for your wedding day?
Aaron- To see Noel in her dress (he waited a year and a half, haha)
Noel- In addition to just getting married, I was excited to be surrounded by all our loved ones and celebrate the happy occasion!
What was your favorite detail from your wedding day? Why?
Holding hands throughout the whole ceremony. It made us focus only on each other, rather than all the eyes staring at us. As introverts, this was something we really appreciated.
Did you see each other before your ceremony? If you could do it over would you change your decision? Why or why not?
Yes-we really enjoyed doing a first look because it calmed both our nerves and was a special, private moment together before the rest of the wedding began.
What would you have done differently during the planning process?
Spend less time on the small things. Although they seem big at the time, when it comes to the day of the wedding they are just minute details and therefore don't deserve a ton of your time.
What was the best unexpected thing that happened on your wedding day?
Aaron- jamming out to Backstreet Boys with the groomsmen to ease my nerves.
Noel- Finding out my grandparents who have passed honeymooned on Gull Lake in 1946 (possibly at GVL)
What was your experience working with me on your wedding day?
We loved having Tim as our photographer! He was simply phenomenal. He was extremely detailed, efficient, and fun to interact with. He knew the best lighting, locations, and kept us on schedule
Vendor Partners
Venue - Grand View Lodge, Becky
Florist - Celebrations Floral, Melissa
Desserts - Sweet Life Bakery, Dani
Decorator - Gwen Torfin
Ladies Hair and Make-up - Captivating Beauty
Suit - The Wedding Shoppe
Reception Entertainment - Ignite Entertainment, JD
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
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
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.
