Indeed Brewery Engagement Session | Ashley + Clare | Post by Melissa Hesse

Ashley and Clare shared their first date at Indeed Brewery and their love has been brewing ever since! It was only fitting to go back to where it all began for their engagement session. The whole time it felt like the taproom was meant for this moment and we even got to go behind the scenes of the brewery to make it an even more memorable time. They topped off their session with a stop at the Stone Arch Bridge and a “see you soon” fitting to send out to those who will be celebrating their special day in October. It was so fun hanging out on a Saturday afternoon with these two and getting to witness their incredible love for one another.

Congratulations Ashley + Clare!

Lake of the Isles Engagement Session | Moira and Ben | Post by Jess Ekstrand

I love engagement sessions. I cannot say it enough. 

Moira and Ben spent about an hour and half with me running, and sometimes literally running, around Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles on a cold winter Minnesota afternoon. I learned that these two love to laugh and are basically down for whatever. Moira and Ben had a snowball fight, sat/walked/stood/ran on ice, hike through cattails and put up some pretty cold temps. 

Photographing this pair was a total blast and I cannot wait for their wedding day!

Minnehaha Falls Engagement Session | Benjamin and Justin | Post by Melissa Hesse

Ben and Justin kicked off the 2022 season with a wintery engagement session at Minnehaha Falls. This time of year is so magical around the falls and the unique icicles that form were the perfect backdrop to their session! We walked through the snow-packed trails and found quiet nooks along the way to embrace the beauty of the park. I loved that they wanted to highlight Minnesota’s winter and to have this exciting moment captured to share with family and friends before gathering in April for their big day!

Landmark Center Wedding | Mr. + Mr. Bierstein | Post by Melissa Hesse

On Thanksgiving weekend Nick and Chris tied the knot with their immediate family and close friends in attendance at the historic Landmark Center. Everyone including the grooms got ready together making the day feel that much more special. St. Paul is where Chris grew up so the scenes of the city and Landmark Center were important to their wedding day and it sure did not disappoint! We even got the chance to explore the top of the clock tower at sunset. Talk about romantic! They held a short ceremony in one of the courtrooms followed by an intimate first dance in the middle of the main entrance. What an incredible day this was. Congratulations to the new Mr. + Mr. Bierwerth!

Best Moments of 2021 | Team Post

Maria and Brandon getting ready to have a photo with all the attendees at their intimate wedding.

Image by Melissa Hesse

We definitely didn’t know what to expect this season while we all still navigate through a pandemic. We had many couples change their plans multiple times before their big day and each couple did what they felt was best to still celebrate their love. It was one incredible season and we are so happy for all of the 2021 couples who made it happen!

After each wedding season, we like to look back at the work our team created and select the best moments that they captured. From candids to posed and intentional shots, we want to take a moment to highlight the best of 2021 from the Rivets and Roses team.

Adam and Grace taking a moment together on their wedding day.

Image by Nicole McCoy

Dayna, Adam, and Laura threw their arms up in excitement after tying the knot.

Image by Melissa Hesse

The newly pronounced Mr. + Mrs. Rao go in for a kiss.

Image by Jess Ekstrand

Dylan and Tegen saber a bottle of champagne on their wedding day.

Image by Melissa Hesse

Mr. and Mrs. Meddock have a first dance as the newlyweds.

Image by Jess Ekstrand

Danny and Breanna celebrate their marriage in MN after tying the knot in Montana.

Image by Nicole McCoy.

Nick and Elliott take the dance floor at Mystic Lake Casino.

Image by Tara Sloane

A few helpers fluff the bride’s dress during the ceremony before becoming Mr. + Mrs. Bostrom.

Image by Tara Slaone

All smiles after Abby and Sharon’s backyard ceremony.

Image by Melissa Hesse

Abby and Reid caught in a blissful moment with their wedding party.

Image by Nicole McCoy

Cheryl helping her soon-to-be wife, Autumn, get ready for their celebration.

Image by Melissa Hesse

Natalie and Alex didn’t plan a first dance so they improvised while taking photos.

Image by Melissa Hesse

Aileen and Peter cross the street on their way to Day Block Brewery.

Image by Tara Sloane

Liz and Alex enjoy a walk through the conservatory at the Como Zoo.

Image by Tara Sloane

Nick and Chris take in a moment they’ve been waiting for at the Landmark Center.

Image by Melissa Hesse

The Hutton House Wedding | Mr. + Mrs. Matthias | Post by Nicole McCoy

It was a beautiful day photographing Libby and Reid on one of the last nicest days of fall! Their fall aesthetic and details were gorgeous at The Hutton House, and perfect for portraits at the Lyndale Park Peace Gardens. We had the whole gardens to ourselves, so I was able to have quality time with the wedding party and intimate quiet moments with Libby and Reid before we headed to the Hutton House to get the party started! It was great capturing your lovely fall wedding, so cheers to you, Libby and Reid!

Catering: Damico Catering

Video: Nic Stevens

Floral + planning: Ashley Skeie

DJ: Instant Request

Location: Reception: The Hutton House

North Loop Engagement Session | Jay + Kate Engaged! | Post by Melissa Hesse

With the seasons quickly changing, Jay and Kate planned their engagement session right at the tail end of Fall. These two drove up from Rochester, MN where they currently live while Kate finishes school to be a Chaplain. We explored the North Loop and found little nooks by the Mississippi River to take in all the Fall colors. We ended at The Basilica of Saint Mary to tie in Kate’s degree and took in the most gorgeous evening glow. These two instantly fell comfortable in front of the camera and I felt so lucky to be able to capture their true love.

Como Zoo Conservatory Wedding | Liz + Alex Married! | Post by Tara Sloane

For their nuptials, Liz and Alex chose to exchange rings and sign their marriage license at the Como Conservatory, with each of their sisters and a dear friend as witnesses, and followed up by brunch. Heck yes. We had the North Garden to ourselves, Liz and Alex were so dapper in a velvet dress and suit, respectively, and their small party kept the laughter going throughout both the ceremony and our portrait session. I can not think of a more delightful way to spend a Wednesday morning, or a more fantastic couple to spend it with. Cheers, Liz and Alex!

St. Paul Wedding | Mrs. + Mrs. Stevens | Post by Melissa Hesse

Natalie and Alex’s wedding day took place at their new home in St. Paul, MN. Well, it’s not just any new home, it’s the home where Natalie’s mother grew up and the one their grandparents built that has stayed in the family for multiple generations. The home is filled with many memories and gave even more significance to the wedding day. They kept their ceremony small with immediate family in the backyard and had an open house with a taco bar for the reception. These two snuck away for a newlywed session at a nearby park that had a stellar view of the Mississippi River which also tied in with the theme of their engagement session. One of my favorite things about small backyard weddings is getting the opportunity to truly spend time with the couple and their families. It was so much fun being part of their day and being a witness to the love that surrounds them. Congratulations to Natalie and Alex!

Mystic Lake Casino Wedding | Mr. + Mr. O'Donnell | Post by Tara Sloane

Nick and Elliott’s Mystic Lake Casino wedding was an absolute blast! Both of them have careers in IT, and their love of technology was infused into so many aspects of their celebration - from tech summit-level sound, lighting, and graphics to a very apropos hashtag (#securetheone) to my personal favorite: a giant projection of a full moon over the dance floor. Their first dance was to an ultimate 90s throwback - Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” - and the combination of heartfelt speeches plus a touching slideshow of images from Nick and Elliott’s childhoods and their many travels together left very few dry eyes in the house. It was an honor to document their day and all the love, humor, and support that surrounds them. Cheers, Nick and Elliott!

Watson Block Wedding | Autumn + Cheryl | Post by Melissa Hesse

Autumn and Cheryl’s wedding day started at the Hewing hotel where they each helped one another get ready for their big day. They were surrounded by the Minneapolis skyline for their ceremony at Watson Block and included their adult children to stand with them as they tied the knot. The night kicked off with a piano singalong that led to everyone dancing and celebrating this amazing couple. These two complement each other so well and have already intertwined their lives together in a big way. This was the cherry on top of it all. Congratulations to Autumn and Cheryl!

Wedding planning by Bre Is Fun.

Barns of Lost Creek Wedding | Mr. + Mrs. Bostom | Post by Tara Sloane

Natalie & Ryan’s love story has a serendipitous beginning: the two of them met while working at Trout Lake Camp, which is the exact same place where Ryan’s parents met years ago! It felt fitting that their wedding day at The Barns of Lost Creek also began providentially. Ryan’s brother serves in the military & was not going to be able to attend the wedding due to deployment to Afghanistan. Two days before the wedding, completely unexpectedly, he was given permission to fly home, landing at the airport only hours before the ceremony! The whole day exuded joy. From the entire wedding party wearing matching Converse sneakers to the rings being transported to the altar via fanny pack to a series of quirky get-to-know-you questions at all the guest tables to cupcakes adorned with edible butterflies, Natalie & Ryan’s playful personalities shined through every detail of their wedding. Documenting everything was an absolute blast! Cheers you two!

Intimate Backyard Wedding | Abby + Sharon | Post by Melissa Hesse

After taking a pause on the big wedding, Abby and Sharon bought the cutest house and planned their wedding celebration around it. They took the opportunity to have a small intimate backyard wedding with close family and friends to gather at the place where they have begun a new chapter in life together. Abby’s aunt officiated the ceremony and each guest who attended warmed their rings as they tied the knot. Chowgirls Catering created a vegetarian menu for their reception and the evening was filled with stories and memories that got them to where they are today. There are so many amazing things I could say about this couple but I’ll let these photos speak for themselves. Congratulations Abby + Sharon!

Holden Room Wedding | Mr. + Mrs. Rao | Post by Jess Ekstrand

Photographing Elizabeth and Adam’s wedding was a little unreal. This duo is incredibly kind, generous, and thoughtful. I’ve felt this way about many of my clients and should not have been surprised to learn that Elizabeth and Adam are friends with THREE previous Rivets and Roses couples: Ari & Zuza, Megan & Merritt, and Paige & Ashley. There were so many familiar faces as there were guests present from these previous weddings as well.

It’s truly incredible to see our couples years down the road. Many have had children, made career changes, bought houses and who knows what else.

I hope to see Adam and Elizabeth as guests at future weddings or at least around the neighborhood! Congrats you two!

Mr. + Mrs. Meddock | Backyard Wedding | Post by Jess Ekstrand

Backyards are often on the top of my list for a wedding venue. They tend to be very intimate, personal and well, outdoors!

With plenty of family and friends, these two got married in Anne’s backyard in Champlin. They had a live band, all friends and bandmates of Ed’s, and the beautiful floral arrangement were done by Anne’s friend Shauna Kober. There were so many wonderful elements and moments but my favorite was Anne and Ed’s first dance. It was so fun to watch and photograph and they were clearly having such a great time!

Congrats again to this lovely duo!

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding | Bridgett + Dylan | Post by Melissa Hesse

Bridgett and Dylan planned a small ceremony at The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum followed by a larger backyard reception at Bridgett’s parents’ house. Their intimate ceremony had a warming of the rings before they exchanged vows and were announced husband and wife by Bridgett’s aunt who officiated. They kicked off the celebration by having Dylan saber a bottle of champagne. They even had enough for everyone to pop a bottle of their own and fill glasses for a group toast to the newlyweds. It was such an honor to document their love and photograph all these memories for them to look back on for all the years to come. Congratulations to this incredible couple!

Homestead Wedding | Mr+ Mrs. Holt | Post by Nicole McCoy

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!