Photographing this wedding day was extra special to me because I’ve known Adam since middle school! I used to hang out with him and his core group of guy friends, going from house to house in one day and getting to know all of their families and siblings over time. Through photographing Adam and Grace's wedding, not only did I get to reconnect with Adam and meet the bubbly-as-ever Grace, but I was able to see that core group of guys that I hadn’t seen in many years. What a blast from the past.
Most of the wedding day took place at Grace’s parents' homestead where she grew up in Plato, MN. Having the wedding at the homestead was special to her and the whole family, and after spending time on the property I could understand how meaningful the different spaces were and how much love went into taking care of it. For the ceremony and reception 75 people gathered to celebrate outdoors in a quaint garden space, along with an outdoor tent for the reception. It was a great time watching everyone celebrate and at the end of the night create their own dance party in the barn!
I’m so excited for you Adam and Grace, so thanks for letting me celebrate with you and capture your wedding day!
Camrose Hill Flower Studio & Farm Wedding | Laura + Dayna + Adam | Post by Melissa Hesse
Laura, Dayna, and Adam first reached out to me as they were planning to take photos for their 5-year anniversary. A year later they began planning their wedding after Adam proposed during a trip to Disney World where he took both of them by surprise! It was an honor to be asked for the second time to document their love and now witness their special day. There's something wonderfully defiant about standing up and not letting anyone dictate the validation of your love as it comes in many shapes and forms. The commitment and support of one another in their relationship is such an inspiration. It has been so sweet getting to know this power team and I couldn’t be happier to share these highlights from their wedding day!
Lake Elmo Park Engagement Session | Ryan + Natalie | Post by Tara Sloane
Natalie and her family have been some of the biggest supporters of my photography work over the years. It has been so meaningful to me to watch her and her siblings grow up in front of my camera, and I was absolutely ecstatic when she and her fiancee Ryan asked me to photograph their engagement and upcoming wedding at the Barns of Lost Creek. The two of them met while working at a summer camp: Natalie was playing professional paintball at the time, and Ryan happened to be in charge of camp paintball festivities. You know someone has to say it: their love definitely hit the mark!
For this session we explored Lake Elmo Park Reserve beneath a whimsical display of clouds, enjoying the wildflowers and laughing at (most of) Ryan’s dad jokes. I can’t wait to celebrate with the two of you in August, and may the force be with you until then!
Crosby Farm Park Engagement Session | Natalie + Alex | Post by Melissa Hesse
Natalie and Alex’s engagement session brought us to Crosby Farm Regional Park which is now officially one of my favorite spots! We explored the wooded areas and trails that brought us down to the Mississippi River. This park is full of special spots and it was such a joy being with these two from beginning to end. They bring out some of the BEST smiles in one another and I’m so excited to be back with them for their wedding day in September!
Como Zoo Conservatory Ceremony | Mr. + Mrs. Pyshora | Post by Melissa Hesse
Brandon and Maria didn’t need a big guest list to have such a large amount of excitement and love around them for their wedding ceremony. They invited immediate family and close friends to celebrate the day with them at the Como Zoo Conservatory. They stuck with a blue and green color theme to match their wedding rings and gave each guest a floral arrangement that added to the beauty of the conservatory. It made the day even more intimate to see guests participate in the ceremony as one officiated and another sang for them. It was all-around a group effort to make this day even more special for this amazing couple!
Minneapolis Engagement Session | Maria and Brandon | Post by Melissa Hesse
It’s sweet love like this that Maria and Brandon share that pulls on your heart and puts a big smile on your face. You might find these two cheering each other on during weight lifting and CrossFit competitions, or on adventure together with their dog. There is no slowing this couple down! As Maria finishes school, they have been planning their wedding for May, 2021. For their engagement session we strolled over the Stone Arch Bridge and explored near the Mississippi river. It was one of the first fine days of spring and it felt so good to be outside to capture their love. Congrats to this amazing, strong, and kind couple!
Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Session | Abby + Sharon | Post by Melissa Hesse
You immediately feel Abby and Sharon’s excitement of being together when you are around them. They have the kind of warmth and love that makes you know they have found the person they are supposed to be with. While the both of them were going through school and lived long distance until recently, they have supported each other the whole way making their love even stronger. Now they are making roots together in Minneapolis with their dog Wally. I couldn’t be more excited for these two and their wedding in August!
Small Wedding Guide
Image by Tara Sloane
Many people dream of their wedding day from the time they are young. As children, some envision a wedding fit for hundreds of guests. But as we navigate a new generation of weddings, we’re loving small weddings (50 guests or fewer) because of their intimacy and romance. While small weddings were already trending pre-pandemic, we think they’re likely to stick around. Let these ideas inspire you if you’re considering a small wedding for yourself.
Image by Jess Ekstrand
Small Wedding Locations
With a small guest list, your location opportunities are limitless. Here are some perfect venues for small weddings.
Backyard Wedding
Tying the knot in a friend or family member’s backyard is a great option because you have ultimate flexibility. When you know the host, there’s a lot you can prepare ahead of time, which can make the day of the celebration a lot easier and more relaxed. Some couples take a casual approach with homemade centerpieces and a potluck dinner and still others opt for catering and formal flower arrangements.
Garden Wedding
There are several great locations for small garden weddings in the Twin Cities area. There are multiple outdoor gardens at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum also has some beautiful spots for weddings with less than 50 guests. With a garden wedding, you also have the benefit of gorgeous natural decor already surrounding your celebration.
Restaurant Wedding
While restaurants are currently figuring out how to navigate during a pandemic, warmer weather will bring options for renting out patios and rooftops for small weddings. Bonus: delicious food and drink already on site!
Taproom Wedding
Are you and your partner beer geeks? A taproom wedding may be the perfect fit. Hire a food truck to take care of dinner for tasty fare and some fun photo ops!
Vacation Rental Wedding
You don’t have to board a plane to take advantage of a vacation rental because there are probably amazing rentals wherever you happen to live. Check out Vrbo and Airbnb for rentals near you, or within driving distance. You could rent a cabin, cottage, farm or home with a large property and make a weekend out of the festivities. Keep in mind that certain vacation rentals may require advance notice of an event happening on the property because of additional permissions and insurance that will need to be secured. So be sure to ask about any requirements before you book.
A Small Wedding in a Large Venue
If you’ve had your heart set on a specific venue there’s no reason why you can’t still have a small wedding there. Museums, libraries, and various historic buildings all offer stunning settings to wed. A larger venue with a smaller guest list means you can have your wedding indoors, in your dream location, and stay properly socially distanced.
Image by Melissa Hesse
How to Include More People on Your Big Day
There are many reasons to have a small wedding, but there will probably be people who still wish they could be part of it. Here are a few ways to make them feel like they aren’t missing out.
Livestream
When you have a small guest list there are likely more people you wish you could include in the celebration. Now it’s easier than ever to livestream your wedding for an unlimited guest list. Make virtual guests feel even more included by mailing them some wedding favors.
Videography
Another way to make sure many people can feel part of your big day is to hire a videographer to document the occasion. From rehearsal dinner to the ceremony through speeches and the first dance, the videographer can make so many more people feel like they were right there with you. Many videographers have also started offering the ability to stream live, so check with your team to see if this is a possibility!
Photography
Another great benefit of a small wedding is you’ll get lots of photography of everyone in attendance and more photos of the most intimate moments. Once you receive your photography after the big day you could send a wedding announcement with your favorite photos to those people who couldn’t attend and instructions for viewing the photo gallery.
Image by Nicole McCoy
Shifted Priorities
Every wedding has a budget, no matter how big or small. With a small wedding, there are certain areas you may find cost savings, which means you can invest in areas you may not have been able to before. With a small wedding, you can focus on high-quality food, photography, and decor for an elevated event that won’t soon be forgotten.
Another great investment, no matter how large your wedding, is a wedding planner. A planner can help design your space, navigate safety guidelines and make sure everything is running smoothly. They will also ensure that your loved ones can still relax, have fun and enjoy the big day!
Image by Ben Lansky
Stay Updated on Health Guidelines
Guidelines have changed several times since the start of the COVID pandemic, so it’s important to stay informed as the rules change in your area. No matter how you decide to celebrate, a small wedding is just as wonderful as a great big one.
Como Zoo Conservatory Wedding | Ghazel and Natalie | Post by Melissa Hesse
Ghazel and Natalie’s intimate wedding day started at the Celeste of St.Paul Hotel. Surrounded by this landmark building with a historic background, they each separately got ready before their first look at the Como Zoo Conservatory. These two completely went with the flow and found value in the small guest count by really being able to spend time with each individual person who attended.
The ceremony inside the Sunken Garden lined with their guests who each lit a candle in honor of the couple’s love. It was special to see them also take a moment after the ceremony to connect with those who watched it all over Zoom. Dinner and drinks were served by Lancer Catering in the Bonsai room which perfectly and safely fit their guest list. This day was such an honor to witness and to be one of the few people there to celebrate this amazing couple!
Will 2021 Be the Year of Elopement?
Image by Jess Ekstrand
Among all the happy chaos of planning and hosting a large wedding, it can be easy to forget that weddings are supposed to be about the couple. Big weddings are big parties with lots to plan and keep track of. Elopements, on the other hand, give couples a chance to focus more on one another and a few guests who may be invited to be part of the big day.
One of the things we learned in 2020, is those small weddings can be just as fun, memorable, and special as big ones. The intimate moments you cherish can be even more significant when you share them with just your partner or a very small group of your closest friends and family.
Elopement photography has shown us that some of the biggest joy can be found at the smallest weddings. Here are some things to consider when deciding if elopement is right for you.
Image by Ben Lansky
Elopements Don’t Have to Be A Secret
The old days of elopement—meaning a trip to the courthouse (or Vegas) for a quickie wedding—are long gone. Eloping, even before COVID, is more popular than ever, and couples are giving it a new meaning. Plus, the benefits, from the intimacy of the small gathering to the freedom and flexibility elopement allows, are hard for some couples to ignore.
For other couples, elopement might be preferred in the short term, with a larger party planned for later—whether due to COVID or simply because the more custom style fits your life better.
Whatever you decide, it doesn’t have to be a secret. If it makes sense for you and your partner, let certain friends and family in on the idea so they can offer support and be elated for you. Allow loved ones to be connected about the big day by creating a wedding website. It’s the perfect place to offer a live stream of the ceremony and share your photo gallery after the event if you so choose.
Image by Tara Sloane
Elopement Locations
One of the best parts about eloping is that you can have your wedding almost anywhere. If you’re going for the smallest wedding possible, you can get as small as you, your partner and the officiant. We, of course, recommend a photographer to capture the moment, too, but that still means you only need to coordinate with a handful of people.
The intimacy and personal touch of elopement photographs at your favorite spot in the world with your favorite person can’t be beat. Whether you want to get married in a garden, by the lake, or in your parents’ backyard, a small gathering allows you to dream up the most creative locations.
Image by Melissa Hesse
Eloping Saves Money
The benefit of saving money with elopement can be hard to ignore. The average wedding costs around $30,000 but when you’re keeping the festivities extra small, there are inevitably going to be savings. The flexibility of an elopement allows you to spend money on exactly what you want and skip things that don’t matter to you. The money you save can be put toward a down payment, an amazing honeymoon, or that big party down the road to celebrate with those you love in person. The possibilities are endless.
Image by Nicole McCoy
Elopement Photography
Elopement photography has the benefit of feeling very normal and relaxed because it’s such a small group. We’ll capture all of the intimate moments so you can have them documented to share with friends and family whenever you’re ready to. Plus, your photographs will make for a beautiful wedding announcement, if you want to announce the good news in a more official way.
Norenberg Memorial Gardens Wedding | Mr. + Mrs. Miller | Post by Jess Ekstrand
Jenna and Ernest’s wedding was perhaps the chilliest outdoor wedding I’ve ever photographed but also one of the coziest! These two got married on October 18 2020 at Norenberg Memorial Gardens in Wayzata. Guests bundled up and made use of hand warmers. The cocktail hour and dinner in Jenna’s parents’ backyard had a fire going along with plenty of patio heaters. There was hot cider, squash soup as a passed app and some delicious smoked meats for dinner. The couple even changed into warmer, more comfortable, clothing after we finished formal photos. Aside from the cozy vibes, my favorite detail from this wedding was the rings. Ernest, a ceramicist, made ceramic bands for them to use for the ceremony! Jenna and Ernest, congrats again!
What We're Looking Forward to in 2021
Weddings are all about the love story. Despite the difficulties presented to all of us in 2020, our incredible clients found new ways to tell their stories in safe ways. As wedding photographers, we navigated the difficulties of COVID-19 weddings along with our wonderful clients. It was amazing to still be part of so many beautiful weddings and experience so much joy, even during difficult times. For us, the challenges of 2020 included everything from navigating virtual planning sessions to using longer lenses for more distance to photographing subjects wearing masks. These issues proved to be minor given the circumstances, and our photographers were universal in saying their memories of 2020 will be of the intimacy of smaller gatherings, many of which took place in stunning outdoor settings.
Here’s what else our photographers had to say about shooting weddings in 2020, and more importantly what they’re looking forward to in 2021.
Tara Sloane
“I think 2020 asked everyone to slow down and really get clear on our values and priorities, both personally and collectively. I'm looking forward to seeing how that shift impacts weddings moving forward—to seeing if all the quirky, thoughtful, and intimate gatherings that came to define weddings in 2020 will become more of a norm. With every season, I look forward to the people—to connecting with clients and their loved ones, to collaborating with the endless creative talents of other vendors, to just being in the electric, unbridled joy of a wedding celebration. I hope it's not just wishful thinking, but I'm also looking forward to the first self-serve dessert spread of 2021 more than I can say!"
Nicole McCoy
“The thing that felt the oddest was seeing so many people in masks, and not being able to photograph their facial expressions. This made it especially different for me when shooting candids. But, this is definitely a sign of the times! And, I feel good about the many moments where people were outside and allowed to not wear a mask, so the couple was still able to get some nice images of their guests.”
“It's been a hard wedding year for so many people, having to give up their wedding plans or change things last minute. I know it's been really hard wanting to celebrate with so many guests and it's been really difficult to do that in a safe way in 2020. Depending on what 2021 looks like, I think it's a great idea if couples can have an outdoor wedding, that way they can see more people and have their wedding day feel mostly normal! I look forward to 2021!”
Melissa Hesse
“Smaller weddings are easier on the budget and offer a more intimate guest list that I think couples are enjoying (no more guilt around who to invite!). There isn't a big to-do for the day and it is much more laidback, so this might be opening doors for future themes around weddings.”
”I am looking forward to smaller weddings and perhaps brunch weddings because who doesn't love brunch?! I'm also looking forward to seeing the ways couples adapt their wedding day plans and themes now that there is more inspiration out there and guidance on how to properly social distance at a wedding.”
Jess Ekstrand
“I love a big wedding, but these smaller, backyard weddings have been so lovely! It was quieter than previous years and COVID presented us with some challenges, but I still got to photograph some beautiful weddings and couples.”
“I hope that in 2021 COVID is under control, and we can safely have packed dance floors again.”
Ben Lansky
“The weddings I shot this year were obviously much smaller and more intimate than years before. It was nice to be one of the few guests honored with the chance to be at such an important event in the lives of the couple, but it came with the understanding that my role was even more important. The images I captured would be the only way that many of the couple's loved ones would experience this important event.”
“I think including photographs of people through windows, wearing masks, socially distanced, using hand sanitizer or any other ‘new normal’ action associated with COVID-19 is a way to commemorate the time and more vividly remember what was going on in the world when the couple got married.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know my clients in person again in 2021!”
Redeemed Farm Wedding MN | Mr. + Mrs. Bost | Post by Nicole McCoy
As a Minnesotan it can feel risky to plan an outdoor wedding in the fall because, well, we can never really anticipate what the weather will be like, but some things are just worth the risk. Andy and Annie definitely agreed that the risk was worth it, with their wedding day landing on such a beautiful fall day at Redeemed Farm in Scandia, MN.
Annie and Andy were not only happy to have a sunny fall day, but being surrounded by their crew is what made them truly shine. Due to COVID-19 precautions, they couldn’t have everyone there that they hoped, like all the global connections they’ve made through their jobs. At the end of the day, their faces lit up in the company of many friends and family. With video, FaceTime, and photographs they were even able to share this special day with their larger extended community, which from knowing these two sweethearts, is a lot of humans.
I’ve actually known Annie for several years now, so when she asked me to photograph her outdoor fall wedding I was of course extra happy. I am always happy when I connect with couples who love fall as much and I do and want to have an outdoor fall wedding! There’s also something special about giving your own friends photos from one of the most special days of their lives, which is always an honor to me. And, I can’t fail to mention that fall looked real good on them both. Congrats to Andy and Annie! I am so excited to see where this journey takes you both.
Lakeside Wedding | Mr. + Mrs. Bentley | Post by Jess Ekstrand
If I remember correctly, I met Katie and Ryan in November of 2019. They had plans to get married at the Souther Theater 10/10/2020. Even without a pandemic, wedding plans often have to shift and change as the planning phase moves along. COVID-19 presented additional challenges for many attempting to get married in 2020, including these two. Katie and Ryan had to shrink their guest list and moved their wedding plans to Katie’s parents’ backyard in Big Lake. The ceremony took place as the sun was beginning to set across the lake. It was also quite literally the most perfect fall day. Virus or not, this wedding was perfect and beautiful and I was so happy to be a part of it. Katie and Ryan, congratulations again!
Wedding Season Highlights 2020
What a year!
It has been one of the most unpredictable wedding seasons to date. Maybe you had to postpone or reschedule your wedding a thousand times, or maybe you eloped and did away with the big celebration. There were many ways couples shifted the theme of their wedding this year and we are so proud of the couples who managed to still plan their day through it all and celebrated safely. Here are some highlights from our 2020 season.
Gina and Danny - Photographer Jess Ekstrand
Gina and Danny kicked off our very unpredictable wedding season in an ironic way. They planned their wedding at Grand Cafe in a matter of weeks and it goes to show how great small weddings truly are!
Maren and Jon - Photographer Melissa Hesse
Before we were ever aware of COVID-19, Maren and Jon celebrated their love at The American Swedish Institute. We look back now and cherish these moments shortly before everything changed.
Rodrick and Don - Photographer Nicole McCoy
Instead of having a photographer at their wedding, Rodrick and Don wanted portraits at their home in Golden Valley, where they have landscaped beautiful plants, trees, and gardens surrounding their home.
Megan and Merritt - Photographed by Jess Ekstrand
Megan and Merritt were initially planning to get married in May 2021, but with the unknowns of the pandemic, they pushed their date and got married in their parents’ backyard with 25 of their closest friends and family.
Abe and Shelby - Photographed by Ben Lanksy
No one plans to get married during a pandemic, but Abe and Shelby made it look natural. They distilled who they are and what their love means into a beautiful ceremony at the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden.
Katie and Ryan - Photographer Jess Ekstrand
These two got married at Katie’s parents’ home in Big Lake, MN with a small, socially distanced, backyard wedding. The lake and their intimate ceremony were some serious inspiration for small, intimate weddings!
Jenna and Ernest - Photographer Jess Ekstrand
Jenna and Ernest got married at Noerenberg Memorial Gardens with a dinner in Jenna’s parents’ backyard. While they plan to get custom wedding bands made, Ernest, who is a ceramicist, made ceramic bands for the ceremony.
Annie and Andy - Photographer Nicole McCoy
Annie and Andy married at Redeemed Farm on the most gorgeous fall day here in Minnesota. Their outdoor wedding brought a glow to the day as they celebrated with their family and friends for a socially distanced wedding.
Ghazel and Natalie - Photographer Melissa Hesse
Natalie and Ghazel showed some serious small wedding goals at the Como Zoo Conservatory. They stuck with their original date and kept the fun for an intimate group. These two wrapped up our 2020 season on a high note!
Twin Cities Engagement Session | Nick + Chris | Post by Melissa Hesse
Nick and Chris’s engagement session landed on a very special date, it was their 5 year anniversary, and original wedding day, that has now been postponed until next year due to the pandemic. They chose The Orpheum in Minneapolis as their first location since it is where they shared their first date. With all the stars aligned, Chris proposed back to Nick in front of The Orpheum. It was truly a special moment as it took Nick by surprise since he had no idea Chris was holding a ring to place on his hand. After taking in the sights of Minneapolis we continued to celebrate the day by going to The Landmark Center where their wedding is to be held. It was the perfect way to tie together the day and honor their love!
Theodore Wirth Engagement Session | Ghazel + Natalie | Post by Melissa Hesse
Ghazel and Natalie began their journey with many months of long distance and many visits to be together. During that time they both have been in school and now Ghazel has moved to be with Natalie in Wisconsin while she finishes her degree. There is still a bigger journey ahead for these two and it is such a breath of fresh air in these times to see them work their way around a pandemic and continue their plans to get married next month. These two have kept their date and shifted some major details to now have a much smaller wedding for a love so big. There couldn’t have been a more perfect Fall day for their engagement session in Theodore Wirth Park!
Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden Wedding | Abe + Shelby | Post by Ben Lanksy
No one plans to get married during a pandemic, but Abe and Shelby made it look natural. They distilled who they are and what their love means into a beautiful ceremony at the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden on October 2, 2020. I have known Abe for a decade, and it was an honor to witness and capture the marriage of these two thoughtful, graceful, easy-going humans. The serene location reflected their love of plants, gardening and bonsai trees. A few close family and friends were physically there, with Zoom bringing the vows to households from a safer distance. Abe read Shelby a Pablo Neruda poem and Shelby recited Barry White lyrics to Abe. It was an intimate and powerful moment.
Backyard Wedding | Megan + Merritt | Post by Jess Ekstrand
A wedding can happen anywhere, at anytime, and look however you want it to look. And you know what, you can even get married in the middle of a pandemic. Megan and Merritt were initially planning to get married in May 2021, but with the unknowns of the pandemic, they pushed their date up to 8.8.2020. Why wait anyway? These two got married in Megan’s parents’ beautiful backyard with 25ish of their closest friends and family. I’m not going to lie, I love a backyard wedding, and this one was topnotch. Congrats again to Megan and Merritt!
Rodrick and Don | Wedding Portraits | Post by Nicole McCoy
Rodrick and Don tied the knot in August at their favorite campsite near Lake Pepin, bringing along only a few close family members and friends. Instead of having a photographer at their wedding, they wanted portraits at their home in Golden Valley, where they have landscaped beautiful plants, trees, and gardens surrounding their home. These two were very open about their life and work, and I really enjoyed getting to know them throughout the shoot.
What I learned about Don is that he's a retired executive who previously owned his own business recruiting CFOs, CEOs, and executives for non-profits. Now, he coaches other executives while also working at Bachman's, hence their amazing outdoor space! It was clear to see Don's love for landscaping during the shoot, and it was fun to learn what they enjoyed most about each particular garden spot. My favorite area was a mini water pool with their pet turtle, Algae. Rodrick currently works for the American Civil Liberty Union as their volunteer manager. He is staying busy during this tumultuous time, working hard with volunteers to create real change in our state and country. I also learned that Rodrick used to model for CK in New York back in the day! As a photographer, I loved this little fact about Rodrick, so if you look closely at some of the photos maybe you can see his modeling face come out a few times.
This two-hour shoot with Rodrick and Don was definitely refreshing. As I learned about their life passions for non-profit work and social justice, and after just spending some time with the two of them, it was so evident they are truly good humans. It's also not every day that couples offer to carry my camera bag for me! Just another example of how sweet these two were, and how honored I was to take these special portraits for them honoring their marriage in their beautiful home.
