Wednesday, June 19, 2013

a wedding on an island that isn't really an island { frost on flower }

Have you noticed my problem?  Sometimes I like too many photos.  Way too many.

In late May I photographed a wedding held at the pavilion at Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minnesota.  We had such a long winter this year in Minnesota and a really really wet Spring.  For each of the weddings I have so far photographed this season everyone has been a little on edge about the weather.  Thankfully things looked green outside and the clouds didn't drop any rain that day.

20130525-untitled-214

The pavilion has a large main room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms.  This meant the ladies got ready in the bathroom.  It was a little funny when guests would pop in to relieve themselves.  It was an interesting shaped space to work with, but we made it work!

20130525-untitled-254

20130525-untitled-280

20130525-untitled-287

20130525-untitled-301

The bride gifted the bridesmaids with little leather bracelets as they were getting ready.

20130525-untitled-337

We paused for some yoga.

20130525-untitled-345

I loved the bright bouquets against the black bridesmaid dresses.

20130525-untitled-873

I love the florist's touch - we were right on the Mississippi River so she used driftwood and river rocks. I think she was surprised that I caught on.  But I love the details.  :)

20130525-untitled-878

20130525-untitled-880

The groom got his ring ready on the little pillow.  Before I handed it off to the bride to add hers I suggested sending a note along with it.

20130525-untitled-889

The bride and groom were waiting for a special first look moment just before there ceremony - the note was a great touch.  :)

20130525-untitled-892

20130525-untitled-932

Moms and hairspray.  Do you remember your mom spraying you in the face as a kid?

20130525-untitled-938

First look!  It was tough to clear this room and keep guests from entering the many doors - especially with the bathrooms being inside.  But we managed!

20130525-untitled-1017

20130525-untitled-1027

I loved the glimpse of the ladies waiting inside before cueing up for the ceremony.

20130525-untitled-1095

Downtown St. Paul in the background...

20130525-untitled-378

20130525-untitled-1296

20130525-untitled-1312

It's tough to look handsome and stand up for so long.

20130525-untitled-1324

20130525-untitled-1358

I love getting great ring shots!

20130525-untitled-1359

20130525-untitled-1367

At one point during the ceremony a person who worked for many of the boats that dock in the area was wheeling a large, empty, metal cart along the sidewalk - it was loud!  The pastor had to stop talking and everyone watched him pass.  The boats also brought with them a lot of music as well as a little tent set up by a local radio show not too far away.  The day also became windy and the unity candles just wouldn't stay lit!  This wedding was full of quirks like that but sometimes those are the things that really get people to pay attention and enjoy themselves.  Every wedding is unique and I love the things that make them more memorable!

20130525-untitled-1387

The pastor created this great little moment of their prayer together.

20130525-untitled-1413

And the kiss!!

20130525-untitled-1435

20130525-untitled-1434

20130525-untitled-1450

20130525-untitled-1460

20130525-untitled-1467

Have I mentioned that was a really fun group?

20130525-untitled-569

20130525-untitled-575

I adore group shots like this.  Of course I do the typical posed everyone in a line stuff but I just love when a fun group gets together and enjoys themselves - no major posing, just good times and genuine smiles!

20130525-untitled-577

20130525-untitled-633

20130525-untitled-638

The ladies wanted to try a pin up style photo.  The progression of their expressions is really great.

20130525-untitled-651

20130525-untitled-662

20130525-untitled-672

20130525-untitled-681

20130525-untitled-695

20130525-untitled-1496

20130525-untitled-718

20130525-untitled-728

20130525-untitled-753

20130525-untitled-1504

I love great wedding party speeches.  They don't have to be long.. but they're great when they're heartfelt and joyful!

20130525-untitled-1513

20130525-untitled-1518

20130525-untitled-1526

20130525-untitled-1530

20130525-untitled-1555

The first dance was lovely.

20130525-untitled-1603

20130525-untitled-1605

20130525-untitled-1620

I think the groom had a great time dancing with his mama.

20130525-untitled-1626

20130525-untitled-1628

20130525-untitled-1650

20130525-untitled-1658

Again, I was really happy for a fun wedding party!

20130525-untitled-1676

20130525-untitled-1682

20130525-untitled-761

20130525-untitled-768

20130525-untitled-837

20130525-untitled-840

This couple picked out a really great deejay.  He was really interactive and did his best to really get the crowd going.

20130525-untitled-1732

20130525-untitled-46

20130525-untitled-63

20130525-untitled-67

20130525-untitled-91

20130525-untitled-118

The bride and group were expecting a limo, hired by family, to get them to their hotel... and a huge bus showed up!

20130525-untitled-213

Congratulations Christi & Steve!!