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Category Archives: Fall

Belle Âme Vineyard Wedding :: River Falls, WI

October 3rd was one of those unforgettable fall days — the kind that surprises you with summer warmth and sunshine instead of the usual crisp chill. Alissa and Clayton’s wedding at Belle Âme Vineyard in River Falls, Wisconsin, was nothing short of magical. The unseasonably warm weather made for the most stunning light all day long, and guests soaked up every moment of the sunshine.

The morning began in the most beautiful bridal suite, where Alissa and her bridesmaids spent the early hours getting ready. The space was filled with laughter, music, and anticipation. Her mom helped her into her gorgeous gown from Vow’d Weddings, while her bridesmaids looked on with joy and happy tears. Hair and makeup by @smokeshowstudiomn completed her timeless look — effortlessly elegant and radiant.

Before the ceremony, Alissa and Clayton shared an emotional first look inside and then headed outdoors to read private vows to one another, a heartfelt and intimate moment that truly captured their love. Afterward, we explored the property for their portraits from the charming vineyard paths to the airy patio and indoors with all the eclectic backdrops. Every corner of Belle Ame provided a gorgeous backdrop, and the two of them simply glowed.

Once we added in their families and wedding party, the energy only grew; joyful, full of laughter, and brimming with excitement for the celebration ahead. The ceremony took place beneath a clear blue sky, officiated by a dear family friend. It was a beautiful reminder that love, no matter the season, always shines brightest when shared with those who matter most.

After the “I do’s,” guests enjoyed an unforgettable reception planned and coordinated by Tara of Blue Stone Events. The patio and winery spaces came alive with conversation, dancing, and golden light. Dinner by Fork and Flair was delicious, followed by a stunning cake from Three Schweet Sisters that was almost too pretty to cut. The florals by Florology added the perfect romantic touch, complementing the vineyard’s natural charm.

As the sun began to set, we were treated to the most incredible golden hour that perfect glow that photographers dream of. The sun dipped just low enough to bathe Alissa and Clayton in warm light as they celebrated with their favorite people. Guests danced the night away thanks to Kenny of Harmony DJ, snapped fun memories in the Twin CIties Photo Booth photo booth, and ended the night joyfully celebrating Alissa and Clayton.

From start to finish, Alissa and Clayton’s day was joyful, heartfelt, and filled with love — the kind of day that reminds you what weddings are truly about.

Vendor Team:
Planner:: Tara @blue_stone_events_mn // Venue:: @weddingsatbelleame // Caterer:: @forkandflairmn // Photographer:: Karen @federphotography // Florist:: @florology // DJ:: Kenny @harmonydjentertainment // Hair & Makeup:: Sarah @smokeshowstudiomn // Cake:: @3schweetsisters // Photo Booth:: @ttpb_msp // Dress:: @vowdweddings // Suits:: @menswearhouse // Seamstress:: @amazingalterationsmn // Officiant :: Family Friend // Hotels:: Radisson River Falls, Country Inn River Falls // Transportation:: Broz Bus // Rehearsal Dinner:: West Wind Supper Club //

It was a joy to document every moment of this incredible day. Congratulations, Alissa and Clayton, your Belle Âme Vineyard wedding was truly an amazing day, thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.

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    St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel & Glass House Wedding :: Minneapolis, MN

    Emily and Jackson’s love story began back in 2017 when mutual friends introduced them. For four years, they built a solid foundation as friends before they started dating — and it didn’t take long for everyone around them to see how natural their connection was. The two share so much joy in life together — whether that’s baking in the kitchen, hopping in the car for a good road trip, or relaxing at home with their three cats.

    In 2022, Jackson surprised Emily with the sweetest proposal at Madden’s on Gull Lake, a place his family had cherished for generations thanks to a tradition started by his grandparents. On a quiet evening by the lake, Jackson asked Emily to marry him, and she said yes!

    Fast forward to September 20, 2025: their beautiful wedding day.

    Getting Ready

    The morning began at the Courtyard by Marriott in Saint Paul, where Emily and her bridesmaids prepared for the day. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, laughter, happy tears, and anticipation while Blush Beauty Room worked their artistry on hair and makeup. Emily looked effortlessly elegant and calm in her gown from Ivory Bridal Co., a dress that perfectly reflected her timeless style.

    From there, the girls headed to the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, where sunlight streamed through the windows, providing the perfect glow as they slipped into their periwinkle bridesmaid dresses. Meanwhile, Jackson and his groomsmen were also getting ready nearby in the grooms suite.

    A Private First Look

    Before the whirlwind of the day truly began, Emily and Jackson chose to share a private first look in a quiet cove on the St. Thomas campus. It was there that they read their handwritten vows to one another a moment filled with emotion, tenderness, and the deep love they’ve built together.

    Ceremony at St. Thomas Aquinas

    The ceremony was a beautiful full mass, held inside the stunning chapel. Guests marveled at Emily’s gown and the elegant jacket she paired with it. Family and wedding party portraits took place on the picturesque campus, with the grand architecture of the chapel serving as the perfect backdrop. A few portraits inside the sanctuary on the altar added a sacred touch before Emily and Jackson exchanged vows in front of their loved ones.

    Reception at Glass House Minneapolis

    Following the ceremony, Minnesota Black Car Service transported the wedding party in a sprinter van to the reception at Glass House Minneapolis. Located near the Minneapolis farmers market, the industrial-style venue was the perfect canvas for Emily and Jackson’s romantic vision.

    Inside, Haute House Studio (Maddie, Marsha, and Bridget) transformed the space into a dream. Blue, white, and green florals filled the room, creating a lush and romantic atmosphere. The tables were designed in an S-curve layout that wrapped around the couple and their wedding party, making everyone feel connected. Not a detail was overlooked.

    Guests were greeted by a spritz cart with bright, refreshing cocktails and a floral installation that welcomed them into the bar area. A photo guest book encouraged friends and family to capture fun memories together. The industrial glass designs inside Glass House paired beautifully with the soft blue candles, custom napkins, and textured linens, all provided by Linen Effects.

    Dinner had a fun and relaxed twist: guests stepped outside to the Butcher Salt Food Truck, where they could choose from a variety of delicious meals before returning inside to mingle. Dessert was equally memorable a petite cake from Queen of Cakes for Emily and Jackson to cut, paired with donuts from Funner Brothers for guests to enjoy.

    As the night unfolded, Jimmy of Instant Request kept the dance floor full with the perfect playlist. Emily surprised everyone by changing into a second dress and comfy shoes, ready to dance the night away. The evening ended with a quick photo outside, the Minneapolis skyline sparkling in the background — the perfect close to their perfect day. Thank you Jackson and Emily for an incredible day, congratulations to you both!!

    Vendors Who Made It Happen :: Ceremony Venue: Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, Saint Paul// Reception Venue: Glass House Minneapolis // Florals & Design: Haute House Studio (Maddie, Marsha, Mia, and Bridget) // Hair & Makeup: Blush Beauty Room // Bride’s Dress: Ivory Bridal Co. // Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott, Saint Paul // Transportation: Minnesota Black Car Service // DJ: Jimmy of Instant Request // Catering: Butcher Salt Food Truck // Cake: Queen of Cakes // Donuts: Funner Brothers // Linens & Decor Rentals: Linen Effects

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      Bell Museum Wedding :: Saint Paul, MN

      On a crisp October day, Elizabeth and James celebrated their love with an enchanting geode and stargazing-themed wedding at the Bell Museum in Saint Paul. This venue held a personal significance for the couple—it was where they shared their first date. During that special day, they broke open a geode, which James later had transformed into a stunning necklace for Elizabeth. She wore this heartfelt piece as a reminder of their journey, making it a beautiful and meaningful accessory on their wedding day.

      The day began with getting ready at the DoubleTree Roseville Minneapolis, where Elizabeth and her bridal party prepared with the help of Luminous Beauty for makeup and hair. Elizabeth looked stunning in a vintage, heirloom gown originally hand-sewn by James’s grandmother for his mother. After receiving significant alterations by Before The Ball Vintage Bridal, it fit Elizabeth beautifully, carrying forward a legacy of love. Her galaxy-themed shoes from Offbeat Sweetie added a fun, celestial touch.

      Meanwhile, James prepared with his custom suit from Daniels Custom Clothing, designed by a talented neighbor and styled with cuff links from his father and a watch given to him at his graduation. The suit featured stargazing-themed interior, and buttons that were brightly colored to match, which paired perfectly with Elizabeth’s look and the event’s celestial theme.

      Liz and her team at Jenna Culley Events orchestrated every aspect, from vendor coordination to last-minute touches, allowing Elizabeth and James to enjoy a relaxed, unforgettable day. The couple met for their emotional first look in one of the Bell Museum’s stunning galleries, surrounded by awe-inspiring exhibits that mirrored their shared love for natural history. The brides people, dressed in jewel-toned emerald green dresses from Vow’d, and grooms people in navy suits from Daniels Custom Clothing, joined for photos, capturing both the joy and vibrant color palette of the day.

      The wedding ceremony was held in the Bell Museum’s planetarium, offering an intimate, celestial backdrop as the couple exchanged heartfelt vows. Guests cheered as Elizabeth and James were officially pronounced husband and wife. For the reception, Elizabeth changed into a chic, knee-length gown by Vow’d that was tailored for her personality and added ease for dancing. Elizabeth and James exchanged custom rings from CustomMade.com, with Elizabeth’s ring featuring a geode element and James’s ring including a dinosaur imprint—a nod to their shared love for history and natural elements.

      At the reception, the museum’s gallery spaces transformed into an experiential celebration. Guests enjoyed a geode-breaking station and explored the interactive Touch and See Lab where they encountered reptiles and other live exhibits. The Harmony DJ Entertainment team, led by Keny Grey, set the mood with an incredible playlist, keeping the dance floor lively all night long.

      Adding to the day’s unique atmosphere were breathtaking dinosaur-themed centerpieces created by Carra at La Petite Fleur in collaboration with Tonkadale Greenhouse. The florists designed displays that featured ferns, pinecones, paper wasp nests, mushrooms, sticks, and other foraged elements, all carefully arranged around the ever-growing dinosaurs. Lanterns added a warm glow, and customized lighting displayed fern patterns along the museum walls, enhancing the wedding’s forest-meets-museum aesthetic that beautifully replicated the couple. The couple’s unique style and celestial theme shone through in every aspect, especially in the reception decor. Linen Effects brought in beautiful off-white linens and rustic wood chairs that lent an elegant, earthy contrast to the museum’s modern aesthetic

      Guests were greeted by a creative dinosaur seating chart that tied the event’s theme together with a playful nod to the couple’s love of natural history. Each table was named after a different dinosaur, guiding guests to their seats amidst the museum’s exhibits. The geode-inspired place cards created by Epitome Papers at each setting were a striking touch, designed to match the day’s theme and tie in Elizabeth’s original geode necklace

      A celestial stargazing experience on the Bell Museum’s rooftop rounded out the night, allowing guests to view Saturn and distant galaxies, making the evening all the more magical. From the personalized geode jewelry created by a beloved friend to the intricate décor, each detail celebrated the couple’s story, their loved ones, and their love of the cosmos.

      Elizabeth and James’s Bell Museum wedding was a perfect blend of history, love, and personal touches, making for an unforgettable day for all who attended. Congratulations to one incredible couple!

      Vendor Team:

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        Stonebrooke Golf Course Wedding :: Shakopee, MN

        Chelsea and Carson’s fall wedding at the beautiful Stonebrooke Golf Course in Shakopee, MN was nothing short of magical. The fall weather was perfect—sunny with just the right amount of warmth, a dream for any outdoor ceremony. Their day was filled with emotional moments, stunning golden light, and personal touches that made it uniquely theirs.

        Their love story began years before their wedding, but the proposal was straight out of a movie. Chelsea and Carson made a trip to their al’ma mater (University of North Dakota) for a weekend with plans to have Christmas photos taken in front of their favorite hockey arena in matching jerseys—a nod to one of their shared passions. But Carson had a surprise up his sleeve. With the help of his friend (and photographer), Carson got down on one knee, turning a simple photo session into the most memorable day of their lives.

        The morning of Chelsea and Carson’s wedding began in the elegant bridal suite at Stonebrooke Golf Course. The girls gathered in the spacious and light-filled room, sipping champagne and sharing laughs as Cailin Conrad from Beauty and Beyond Bridal worked her magic on hair and makeup. The excitement continued as Chelsea’s mother and mother in law helped her into her stunning gown from the Wedding Shoppe. Meanwhile, the guys relaxed in their own suite, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere as they suited up in their sharp attire from Men’s Warehouse, ready for the big day ahead. The suites provided the perfect setting for these intimate, joyful moments.

        One of the most heartfelt moments of Chelsea and Carson’s day was their emotional first look. Carson stood waiting in anticipation, and as Chelsea gently tapped his shoulder, he turned to see his beautiful bride for the first time. The raw emotion on both their faces said it all—tears of joy and love filled the air as they embraced in that quiet moment before the ceremony. Afterward, the couple was joined by their fun-loving wedding party for photos around the stunning Stonebrooke Golf Course. The ladies were stunning in their periwinkle Birdy Grey dresses. The laughter and energy were contagious, and their closest friends made sure to keep the mood light and joyful. Family portraits followed with both families before taking a break before the ceremony.

        The outdoor ceremony took place on the gorgeous grounds of Water’s Edge Golf Course, where the lush greens and beautiful fall colors framed their vows perfectly. Chelsea carried a gorgeous bouquet designed by Nyrea Thielges, complementing the natural beauty of the venue and the two exchanged rings from Helzberg Diamonds. Guests cheered as the two kissed and made their way down the asile as husband and wife!

        After the ceremony, the guests were treated to a delicious meal catered by Tavern 19 where everyone savored incredible dishes. The reception atmosphere was full of joy, with DJ Hunter Quinn created an unforgettable dance party, playing music that had every guest on their feet.

        As the evening progressed, the sun began to dip below the horizon, creating the most breathtaking golden hour. This time of day was truly the cherry on top of an already perfect wedding. The way the light bathed the golf course in warm tones was nothing short of magical, and it gave us some of the most stunning portraits of the newlyweds. The glow of the setting sun mirrored the warmth and love shared between Chelsea and Carson.

        For dessert, Chelsea and Carson went with a unique and personal choice—an assortment of bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes in Maple Grove. The sweet treats were a hit with their guests and added a fun twist to the traditional wedding cake.

        Chelsea and Carson’s wedding was a beautiful reflection of their love story, filled with special touches that made it uniquely theirs. From their emotional first look to the golden hour portraits, every moment was perfect. Their wedding at Stonebrooke Golf Course was truly unforgettable, and it was an honor to capture their love on such a beautiful day.

        The Dream Team of Vendors

        Their day was flawless, thanks to a dream team of vendors who made every detail shine:

        Ceremony: Stonebrooke Golf Club // Reception: Waters Edge Golf Course // Hair & Makeup: Cailin Conrad from Beauty and Beyond Bridal // Catering: Tavern 19 // Florist: Nyrea Thielges //Desserts: Nothing Bundt Cake // DJ: Hunter Quinn // Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe // Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey // Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse. // Rings: Helzberg Diamonds. // Shoes: Target‘s A New Day collection.

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          Landmark Center Wedding :: St. Paul, MN

          Being the new kid is not always easy, but when Grant moved from the East Coast to a small town in South Dakota as a freshman in high school, he was noticed right away by all. More specifically by one soccer player, Rachel. The two hit it off right away as as good friends and then as sophomores decided to go to prom together. By their junior year, they had gone on a few dates and became inseparable. They dated throughout the rest of high school and into college. After one incredible proposal on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, the two decided that October would be the perfect time for a wedding.

          The Landmark Center in St. Paul, Minnesota was the perfect location for Rachel and Grant to host their beautiful October wedding. The day was filled with laughter and tears and it was an incredible joy to photograph so many emotional moments. Rachel and her bridesmaids began the morning by getting ready at the Saint Paul Hotel where Primped did hair and make-up for all the women in their suite. Rachel‘s mom then helped her get into her beautiful dress from Brides ‘n’ Bells and shoes from Nina Bridal. She then headed outside to the beautiful hotel garden to meet Grant. It was an emotional first look for both of them, but when they saw their sweet Frenchie, Haven, they were both back to smiles and laughter! 

          The wedding party then joined us for photos in Rice Park, the James J Hill Library, and in front of the Saint Paul Hotel. The women looked beautiful in their olive green dresses from David’s Bridal, while the men supported dapper grey suits from The Suit Shop. Family then joined us for more photos, and then we headed inside to get ready for their ceremony. 

          Heidi from Jenna Culley Events made sure the day ran smoothly, and Jamie of Wilderland Floral created the most stunning florals for the day. Linen Effects provided the gold chairs and decor that matched Rachel’s vision for the day. Laurie Leigh Harpist provided beautiful music as Rachel walk down the aisle, and Matt Deboer, a friend of the couple, married Grant and Rachel. The two exchanged rings; Grants from Buchkosky Jewelers and Rachel’s gold band from her grandmother. As the two were pronounced husband and wife, guests cheered and the couple took a few moments to themselves. D’Amico Catering provided an incredible meal and dessert table for guests, while Mitch from Instant Request brought the party to life.

          Congratulations Rachel and Grant, your day was amazing! I had so much fun getting to know the both of you and I wish you too many years of love and joy! Hope your honeymoon was incredible!

          Venue:: Landmark Center // Planner:: Heidi of Jenna Culley Events // Florist:: Wliderland Floral // Wedding dress:: Brides ‘n’ Belles // Hair and Make-up:: Primped // Men’s Ware:: // Caterer:: D’Amico Catering // Baker:: D’Amico Catering // DJ:: Mitch of Instant Request // Rentals and Decor:: Linnen Effects // Travel and Accommodations:: Saint Paul Hotel // Harpist:: Laurie Leigh Harpist // Rings:: // Stationary:: // Bridesmaid Dresses:: // Mensware:: //

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            Happy Easter!! He has risen indeed!!
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            Minneapolis Wedding and portrait photographer for the Modern & timeless

             

            Based in the Twin Cities area and available for travel worldwide.

            Get in touch with Karen for any questions.

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