Nicole + Josh Wedding | Post by Jess Ekstrand

I’m not sure that I’ve photographed a more chill wedding day than this one. Rather than opting for a wedding party, 100+ guests, a DJ and large reception, Nicole and Josh planned a much more intimate event with their immediate families. The wedding day started with a beautiful brunch at Josh’s parents’ home. From there, the pair split to get ready for portraits and the ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Minnehaha Pergola Garden with one of Nicole’s sister’s officiating. The evening came to a close with dinner at Spoon and Stable, sans the paparazzi. 

I cannot write about this wedding and leave out the fact that I called Nicole “Lauren" not once, not twice, but perhaps 5-12 times. Maybe I didn’t sleep well, maybe I’m just getting older, but I do believe this all came about due to Nicole and Josh’s connection to previous clients of mine, Lauren and Josh. Lauren and Nicole are good friends, both are wildly kind and have dark hair. Both of the grooms, named Josh, are just as kind as their partners and both are insanely tall. Lauren was also present the morning of the wedding. And thus, Nicole became Lauren in my brain. Luckily, Nicole and Josh are lovely, understanding humans who mainly laughed at my cognitive glitching. 

Congrats again to this wonderful duo!

LGBTQ+ Wedding Photography

As an LGBTQ+ wedding photography studio, our mission is rooted in equality and love for all couples. By being inclusive, we empower our clients to celebrate their day, their way. As many couples begin their search for a wedding photographer, our goal is to guide couples to find the perfect photographer to honor their unique needs. Here are some of the ways LGBTQ+ couples and allies can expect us to give them an amazing experience.

The Rivets and Roses Experience

Our photographers provide equal access for people who might generally be marginalized. Quality is at the core of our work and offers a level of care that everyone deserves. It’s our highest standard to ensure every couple is cared for and acknowledged for who they are. We feel it is important that wedding photography is available to all who require it. 

It is important to know that your wedding photographer respects your wishes on your wedding day and truly honors your relationship. Gaining trust is a big part of getting to know a photographer, and ultimately booking them. After all, this person will be there for some of the most intimate moments of your day. There will always be a wedding consult to get to know a photographer before booking where you can ask as many questions as you need to make sure the vision of your day will be captured properly.

Our experience and knowledge can ensure a comfortable and supportive environment for couples throughout the wedding planning process. As not all weddings adhere to traditional gender roles or expectations, we avoid traditional definitions and outdated vocabulary throughout our process. It’s important that we share our pride and create a safe place for LGBTQ+ couples.

Why Choose an LGBTQ+ Wedding Studio?

We understand the needs, preferences, and concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals and want to make sure couples come to the right place. By choosing an LGBTQ+ wedding studio, couples contribute to the visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ relationships within the wedding industry. They support businesses that actively embrace diversity, and their choices can inspire others who may be seeking inclusive wedding options as well. 

An inclusive and affirming atmosphere where couples can express themselves freely can be identified when landing on a photographer’s page. It’s important that you have a photographer that can help navigate potential challenges or barriers that might arise on a wedding day so knowing their experience firsthand can allow you to be your true self and take away any stress you might have about being photographed.

The Future of LGBTQ+ Weddings

Weddings are ever changing and we recognize that. Creating something that is meaningful to you and embracing the ways you want to be celebrated can break down traditional themes of a wedding day. Our photographers help guide couples in choosing alternatives for some of the most conventional parts of the day. For example, setting up a mutual first look, choosing to get ready together, or walking down the aisle side by side. Having the support of an LGBTQ+ wedding team makes a big difference to honor your vision and story.

Our studio attracts LGBTQ+ allies that want to prioritize LGBTQ+ vendors based on their values and desires for their wedding day which is continuing to make a difference in the LGBTQ+ wedding industry. This is becoming a unique part of our business and we are excited for allies to find us in their search.

Already, weddings have changed so much in the past 10 years since MN legalized same-sex marriage. It has opened up a whole new market, yet is lacking to recognize other types of love and partnerships. There still are strides that we have to make as a community to ensure that everyone has a place to honor their love.

Mille Lacs Lake Wedding | Brianna + Trevor Married! | Post by Jess Ekstrand

Brianna and Trevor got married on Mille Lacs Lake on a very chilly day in October. 

Being a part of this wedding was truly special. Not only did they have the most elite guest list, just their closest friends and family, but the ceremony was also potentially the sweetest I’ve ever seen. The vows Brianna and Trevor shared with each other were heartfelt and personal. They even made vows to each other’s kids that tugged at the heartstrings so hard, even their photographer (that’s me) was tearing up.

Congrats again to this duo!

Silverwood Park Wedding | Ashley + Clare Married! | Post by Melissa Hesse

Ashley and Clare’s wedding day started with both sides of their family and wedding party getting ready at the Delta Hotels by Marriott. I just love when a couple decides to blend their sides in that way! The entire day felt like one big family and their energy around these two was full of excitement. With Ashley being a public defender and Clare a teacher, you can feel the amount of care that goes into their relationships. They are the type of people that will always have your back and support you in any way.

They hosted their wedding celebration at Silverwood Park on a beautiful Fall day in October. The space allowed for nature trails and views by the water that tied together perfectly with the rich colors of Ashley’s suit by Kings Brothers Clothiers. Clare’s wedding dress was handmade by her mom (!!) and incorporated a veil that Ashley’s mother wore on her wedding day. Every detail they put into their day seemed to have meaning behind it, so it was no surprise when they opened the stage to their younger cousin’s who played a set of late 90’s rock to top it all off. The Dap Squad led the dance floor the rest of the night and was truly the best way to end the 2022 wedding season.

Congrats to Ashley and Clare on their marriage and incredible wedding day!

The Lexington Wedding | Jill + Andrew Married! | Post by Jess Ekstrand

Jill and Andrew’s wedding had some, dare I say, anti-wedding elements. There was no wedding party, no bouquet and no dance floor. The ceremony featured an excerpt from “Don’t Shoot, It’s Only Me” by Bob Hope. Jill even fully avoided walking down the “aisle” at both the beginning and the end of the ceremony. Regardless, this was still a wedding. A really lovely wedding. Two humans making a formal commitment to join forces forever and forever, till death do they part. Weddings are full of traditions. And none of them are required. Except for the commitment part.

Jill and Andrew did keep with some classic wedding features. Jill wore a white dress and Andrew wore a suit. There were drinks and there was food. And there were speeches. There were many speeches. Speeches that maybe resembled roasts at times. Let’s be honest, wedding speeches are not always great. These speeches were on another level. I left this wedding with a sore jaw from laughing and smiling throughout all of the amazing stories shared by guests. 

Congrats again to Jill and Andrew!

Best Moments of 2022 | Team Post

Ben and Justin newly married with the excitement of loved ones around them at Minneapolis Event Centers. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Melissa Hesse.

Natalie and Christian look out at their guests during the ceremony with pure happiness! Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Tara Sloane.

Jon and Mariah take their first steps as newlyweds at their family property on Cross Lake, MN. Image by Ben Lansky.

Ben and Mikey have their first dance at The Whim. Image by Ben Lansky.

Greta and Sarah are greeted by their guests and kick off their reception as newlyweds with a kiss! Image by Tara Sloane.

Angela and Noble take a moment together in the woods on the property of Hotel Washington. Image by Ben Lansky.

Carrie and Tommy stand under sun beams as they exchange vows on their family property. Image by Melissa Hesse.

Ali and Brendan exchange vows at Pier B Resort overlooking Lake Superior. Image by Melissa Hesse.

Erin and Nic being playful for photos after tying the knot Thomas Lowry Park. Image by Jess Ekstrand.

DeAndre and Whitney take a newlywed moment to cheer with champagne and look out on the St. Croix River on the Stillwater River Boat. Image by Melissa Hesse.

Ring shot in some gorgeous mood light reflecting in from the reception at The Annex. Wedding by Jess Ekstrand.

DeAndre and his mom share an emotional moment as they listen to their favorite song. Image by Melissa Hesse.

Rachel and J.P. dance on the rooftop of Day Blok Event Center with a view of Minneapolis behind them. Wedding by Melissa Hesse.

Sarah and Micky strolling by The Walker for portraits on their wedding day. Sometimes the best moments captured are unplanned. Wedding by Tara Sloane.

Lauren and Josh hold hands. Image by Tara Sloane.

Erin and Nic walk off the altar as their guests shower them with love and bubbles. Image by Jess Ekstrand.

Such a great moment from Lauren and Josh’s wedding day with their crew at The Trailhead. Image by Jess Ekstrand.

We don’t often see a bride play with the band but we love that Sarah got up and played bass on her wedding day at Glass House. Something about a wedding dress and a guitar is just so badass! Wedding by Tara Sloane.

Andrew and Jill embrace a moment together on the rooftop of The Lexington.

Ashley and Clare cheer on their cousins who played a short set and had everyone rocking out to Nirvana. What a great wedding gift! Image by Melissa Hesse.

Day Block Event Center Wedding | Rachel + J.P. Married! | Post by Melissa Hesse

Rachel and J.P. planned such an incredible day to celebrate their love with friends and family and spent almost two years putting the details together. The day truly began with the first look at Gold Medal Park. A mix of friends and family stood by their side as they tied the knot at Day Block Event Center. Following the ceremony they did a victory lap on a party bus which was much deserved for how long they’d been together. As the sun set, we took advantage of the rooftop for some city views and a moment to let the day sink in. It was so fun to watch these two get showered with love and document their day after knowing them as a couple for the past 10 years. Nothing makes me happier than to see a bride hit the dance floor, and Rachel brought out the moves to some of her favorite songs. It was a day to remember!

Congrats Rachel + J.P.!!

Thomas Lowry Park Wedding | Erin + Nic Married! | Post by Jess Ekstrand

Erin and Nic’s wedding felt a little different from other weddings. Not just because they had a parade through the park or because Erin wore a cape or because the DJ didn’t play “I Got a Feeling” or “Sweet Caroline." It was still a wedding, with a ceremony and a marriage license and vows and rings and many of the things you might imagine when you think of a wedding.

This wedding felt especially intimate and warm and inclusive. We took less formal photos so the couple could focus on being in the moment and celebrating with their people. For the ceremony at Thomas Lowry Park and dinner at The Annex, they invited only their closest friends and family. After dinner, the second wave of guests arrived. Erin and Nic greeted each new arrival as they came through the door. The dance floor filled up, the night wore on and they all lived happily ever after.

Congrats again to Erin and Nic!

Stillwater Riverboat Wedding | Whitney + DeAndre Married! | Post by Melissa Hesse

Whitney and DeAndre’s wedding day started with a first look at the Historic Stillwater Courthouse. Whitney’s son, Miles, ushered her up to DeAndre and proudly stayed by their side as the best man. Friends and family gathered on the Stillwater Riverboat to celebrate their love and witnessed the three of them officially become a family. Their ceremony was officiated by Whitney’s brother and followed by DeAndre announcing in his speech that he was becoming a husband, a father, a son, and a brother all in one day. What a lucky guy! After knowing Whitney for many years, there is no doubt in my mind that she has found her match. The two of them light up when they are around each other and the room is always full of fun and laughter. I feel so honored to have been able to document their special day and send them off with sparklers with all of their loved ones surrounding them as the night ended. Congrats to this incredible couple!

Theodore Wirth Trailhead Wedding | Lauren + Josh | Post by Jess Ekstrand

Lauren and Josh got married at the Theodore Wirth Trailhead in the middle of August 2022. Possibly a perfect venue for this outdoorsy pair. It was not hot. It was not cold or rainy or windy. It was flat out perfect. You don’t always get that in Minnesota!

Nearly every detail seemed to be connected to a memory, tradition or close family member or friend. Josh spent time with family and friends decorating the trailhead the morning of the wedding. The beautiful florals were done by the couple’s friend Elle, of Mellifera Flowers. Josh’s sister designed the invitations. Lauren wore Josh’s grandma’s earrings and her own grandma’s bracelet. And instead of cake, these two broke bread because they love cardamom bread so why not!

These two are a couple genuine, generous and kind humans. I feel endlessly luck to work with the clients I do. Congrats again to Lauren and Josh!

Cross Lake Wedding | Mariah + Jon Married! | Post by Ben Lansky

I’ve known Mariah’s brother, Broc, for over ten years and he introduced me to my wife so I was very excited when Mariah asked me to photograph her wedding. Jon and Mariah gathered friends and family at Mariah’s parent’s cabin in Crosslake, MN on a beautiful day in August to witness their marriage. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and the rain, which had been threatening the forecast the previous week, held off all day.

The ceremony was held by the lake with some readings done by family members including one from Carl Sagan’s book Cosmos which felt very on point for this scientifically minded couple. After the ceremony, guests were invited back up towards the cabin to enjoy cocktails named after the couple’s pets and a selection of vegetarian appetizers including mac and cheese egg rolls (which were amazing). Once the DIY dance floor came together, nearly everyone got up to get down and Mariah and Jon’s love was cemented in a spirited celebration.

Mr. Paul's Supper Club Wedding | Carrie + Tommy | Post by Melissa Hesse

On Labor Day weekend, Carrie and Tommy married at a private property in Lake Minnetonka with close family and friends. After the ceremony, they formed a second line in true New Orleans fashion that led the way to their restaurant, Mr. Paul’s Supper Club which joined an extended group of guests. Carrie’s son and daughter cheered them on for the entire day and couldn’t be more excited to welcome Tommy into the family. Talk about a celebration! They filled the restaurant with amazing food, music, and drinks that kept the party going. Apricot Floral brought in decorations and Rocket Science Events coordinated this incredible day. Congratulations T+C!

The Whim Wedding | Ben + Mikey Married! | Post by Ben Lansky

On a very hot day in August, Ben and Mikey gathered their friends and family in the clean, cool space at The Whim in Northeast Minneapolis. The heartfelt ceremony included a soil ceremony, tear-jerking stories about the couple, and music provided by a professional violinist. The violinist continued playing into the cocktail hour where guests were invited to play skee ball, take photos at a photo booth, get their portrait drawn by a live sketch artist, or head downstairs to the lounge and play video games. After dinner, dancing was kicked off by a mother-son rendition of Fat Boy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” á la Christopher Walken. I was impressed. The evening was capped off with more highly energetic dancing and singing. If their wedding was any sign of what’s to come, Ben and Mikey have a very loving and fun life ahead of them.

Glass House Wedding | Sarah + Micky Married! | Post by Tara Sloane

Sarah, Micky, and their loved ones filled Glass House to the brim to celebrate their wedding. Loved ones were involved in every aspect of the day - the flowers and plants were grown at Sarah’s family’s nursery, her mom arranged the bouquets, and her high school friends set up the reception tables and ceremony space. Sarah’s dear friend and neighbor did her makeup, and both Micky and Sarah wore jewelry gifted down to them from family members.

Micky’s bandmates serenaded guests into the ceremony site before walking down the aisle to stand by Micky’s side during a deeply heartfelt & happy tearful exchange of vows and rings, which was officiated by the couple’s close friend and housemate. Their reception also featured each Micky and Sarah playing on stage during the reunions of not one, but two beloved mid-Teens Minneapolis bands - Wangs & Hot Freak - to the utter delight of everyone present. Sarah opted for a Barbie glam wedding look and completely nailed it (especially with a guitar strapped over her shoulder). We chose the Walker Art Center for portraits, where we made some of my favorite ones to date.

These two exude the perfect blend of caring sincerity and joyful silliness, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to document and jam with them. Cheers, Micky and Sarah - you two throw one heck of a party and I hope your lifetime together rocks just as hard!

Pier B Resort Wedding | Ali + Brendan Married! | Post by Melissa Hesse

Ali and Brendan married at Pier B Resort in Duluth, MN. With such strong ties to the North shore, Ali and Brendan knew it was destined to be their wedding spot. Lake Superior is as stunning as an ocean and is such a serene location. You get the freshwater air drifting in and the woods nearby as a bonus.

Ali and Brendan started out as friends in grade school and their love grew stronger as the years went on. Even though their family and friends have intertwined, it was a highly anticipated moment when they finally tied the knot! They incorporated their love for music by having local musicians play their ceremony and reception. Some of them have even known Ali since she was little when the would play music with her dad which has been a big part of her life. Northland Special Events planned their day perfectly and it couldn't have been a better celebration of their love and life together. Congratulations Ali + Brendan!

Hotel Washington Studio | Angela + Noble Married! | Post by Ben Lansky

Summer. Camp. Vibes. These were the words Angela and Noble used to describe their Washington Island wedding the first time I met with them. Angela used to spend summers working at the Hotel Washington (the venue) and I think it was a little bit like coming home for her. The wedding day was rainy but offered a cozy and intimate feeling to the day. Beautiful, heart-wrenching music was provided by one guitar, two close friends, and two kazoos. A number of moving readings provided by close friends made for a tearful and joyous ceremony.

Lake Minnetonka Wedding | Greta + Sara Married! | Post by Tara Sloane

For their wedding, Greta & Sara booked a boat cruise with Al & Alma’s on Lake Minnetonka, & I could not think of a more fun or quintessential way to spend a Minnesota summer evening. The two of them met through their work as critical care nurses. Friends started noticing that each of them seemed to be spending a lot of time hanging out with a certain coworker, but it all made sense when the two of them finally announced their relationship. The wedding ceremony was held outdoors at Sara’s childhood church, which happens to be right around the corner from both the boat launch & the home the couple share, which made the whole day feel so personal & meaningful. These two completely light up around one another & emanate a deep sense of joy & ease. I found it nearly impossible to put down my camera! My favorite moment of the day was just after guests had been called inside from the boat deck for dinner, leaving the perfect window of opportunity to sneak in some quick portraits of Greta & Sara overlooking the lake. Robyn started playing on the speakers, & portraits were quickly forgotten as the two of them burst into a spontaneous dance party. May moments like those become a staple in your marriage, Greta & Sara - cheers!

Lauren + Josh | Engaged! | Post by Jess Ekstrand

For Lauren and Josh’s engagement session, we explored Crosby Farm Park. It’s funny how many times portrait sessions can turn into braving the elements. These two endured muggy dew points, tall grass, flooded trails and so many mosquitoes. Total troopers! 

And if you’ve ever wondered, should we bring our dog to our engagement session? The answer is yes. Every time. This duo is getting married in one of my favorite places, Theo Wirth, in August. I cannot wait!

Erin and Nic | Engaged! | Post by Jess Ekstrand

I LOVE when clients opt for engagement sessions. The opportunity to get to know how a couple interacts and how they photograph all before the wedding day is magical. Plus, the client gets some beautiful, more casual, portraits to contrast those from their wedding day. For Erin & Nic’s engagement session, we wandered Lyndale Park Rose Garden and Peace Garden. We got lucky and still had some beautiful spring blooms to work with!

When Erin first reached out, they had plans to get married in Jame’s Turell’s Sky Pesher at the Walker Art Center. I love the Sky Pesher and was so excited when these two decided to book me! While they’ve had to move the ceremony to another location, Seven Pools, I’m just so looking forward to working more with this duo and cannot wait to see how the wedding comes together!

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Engagement | Beckett + Grey | Post by Melissa Hesse

Beckett and Grey radiate love. It is so sweet to see your friends find someone that makes them beam with happiness and to be loved for who they truly are. When Beckett and Grey reached out, they were just a month away from their elopement in Hawaii. We snuck in an afternoon at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and a few of their favorite places in Uptown for their engagement session. These two are so playful and madly adore each other which made it a joy to photograph their engagement. Congrats to this incredible couple!