a garden retreat wedding. { frost on flower }

This was my second visit to Panola Valley Gardens in Lindstrom, MN.  I high recommend it if you're looking for an outdoor location and don't mind a little drive.  It's neat to be driving through the country, mostly farm fields, and find yourself in this little flower filled oasis.  The ceremony spot is covered so there is protection from rain, as well.

Speaking of rain - it POURED just before this wedding.  Thankfully I left home early and I ended up beating the entire wedding party to the venue and had to wait a while.  The wedding just before this one was unable to take a single portrait due to the intense downpour.  During my drive traffic actually came to a standstill on the highway.  The pastor ended up being 30 minutes late to the ceremony due to major flooding on a major highway.  Yikes!







The bridal party prep room is tiny and was filled to the brim!







Bride's get such special treatment.  :)





The groom sent a personalized gift over to the bride and then she opened a very emotional note from her grandmother.  After lots of fun getting ready the mood started getting serious.



But then goofy again.  :)










I really love this spot.






The owner of the property coordinates the weddings and gets everyone where they need to be and keeps everyone on a strict schedule.





The after the storm clouds kept bugging me - the skies went from overcast to bright light to puffy clouds constantly.







Besides a little water on the ground in a few spots the area fared quite well during the downpour.



The flower girls dropped nearly all of the flowers right at the front.