This wedding was such a pleasure to photograph. The bride and I found each other via Craigslist. We're doing a trade for photos/design work. They currently live in Colorado but previously lived in the Twin Cities - so we did all of our communication by email and phone and met the day of the wedding.
Things started off slightly behind schedule (which is the most common wedding thing... ever), so I spent some time photographing the groom, Travis, while his friend, the officiant, entertained him.
He found his suit at H&M, which is where Tyler's wedding suit was from as well. I don't think you can really do better than their slim cut suits - they're perfect.
The bride, Anna, made all of these lovely things for the guys to wear.
We waited outside of the St. Paul Hotel. The bride was preparing herself inside and we were set to start with a first look. Which was my first look as well... since this was our first time meeting!
The officiant helped us coordinate everything so we were ready when she rounded the corner. This is Anna sneaking up with Travis had his back turned.
She told him to turn around and he certainly had a wonderful first look reaction. :)
We then took our time walking to Raspberry Island, where the couple wanted more photos. Since it was a few minutes of a walk I took some photographs the entire time. It must have been entertaining.. pregnant me, carrying a stool, and shooting photos while walking.
If you're unaware, the little walk signal guys in downtown St. Paul have a little more spring in their step than other cities.
I loved the groom's shoes.
The way to Raspberry Island on foot is a winding fire escape-eque staircase. It reminded me of the stairs leading up to our first apartment.. in a way much less scary though - they were more solid and less see through. But they were high and above water so I can see why some may drive to the parking lot beneath the bridge. It's helpful to not be afraid of heights.
A rusty train conveniently pulled up as we were ready to begin.
Anna and Travis used to live in Lowertown and frequented Raspberry Island. They used to take their dog to this point to swim.
We could see the ceremony site being set up on the bluff from where we were.
And then their pup, Gia, joined us.
We headed up to the ceremony site and took a few more photos before everything began.
They were naturals. :)
I loved this sign.
The groom and his parents entered followed by the bride's brother and their mom.
The groomsmen were already waiting at the front and all four ladies walked up.
The bride and her dad walked along the path just as a large Metro Transit bus was rounding the corner.
I love that the guys don't match but still go together. That's one of my favorite ways for the groomsmen to dress.
Music was certainly a theme at this wedding.
The bride's godparents gave a very emotional speech.
Overall this ceremony was full of so much emotion. It was obvious how joyful and excited Anna and Travis were to be getting married and everyone present shared in their joy.
I'm pretty sure their wedding kiss puts all other wedding kisses to shame - so emotional and perfect.
It ended with some unexpected surprises. :)
This was such a great backdrop for the guys.
The little enclosures that these hanging vines created were so neat.
Really fast and casual family portraits - just how I like them! And with such a comfortable and joyful occasion everyone had genuine smiles.
A big thanks to downtown St. Paul for being nearly dead on weekends. Making this type of shot oh so simple. :)
The reception was at the Amsterdam Bar and Grille also in downtown St. Paul, just a short walk from the ceremony site.
Fitting with the theme of the day, the speeches at the reception were full of emotion and very genuine.
Travis' father sang a few songs.
After Anna and Travis thanked everyone for coming Travis' old band took the stage.
Anna feeds Travis a "Pot Brownie" in lue of cake cutting. You would expect a Pot Brownie at the Amsterdam Bar... but don't worry.. they're hemp.
Lovely first dance dancers.
As a surprise to their parents, Anna and Travis took the stage to play two songs for their parents. They played the songs that each couple first danced to at their own weddings. So sweet and such a great surprise.
And then the dance floor opened up to everyone while the band played again.
Another friend took the stage for a few songs.
And then the DJ/bass player/former band manager got things started.
I snapped a few more dancing photos and headed home for the night.
Anna and Travis were so gracious to invite Tyler to join but we weren't able to find anyone to watch Olive for the night.
I had such a wonderful time photographing this wedding - my favorites are the truly unique and joyful weddings.. just spilling over with love. And this was certainly one of them! I felt like I had known Anna and Travis for years.. I'm disappointed they live so far away! But maybe sometime we'll connect in the future. :)
Huge congratulations Anna and Travis!!!!
