I showed up to this wedding shortly before the ceremony began. I personally like to do some photographing before the ceremony starts but when I'm requested at the ceremony start time it certainly helps when I already know at least half of the couple fairly well.
This wedding took place at Hope Glen Farm in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. I visited the farm once last year for an engagement session and so much has changed since then. The pavilion you see in the following photo is brand new. The groom actually did the concrete work for it. There have also been updates to the barn and there are bathrooms now... there was only a portapotty before. I was impressed to see all of the work that has been put into the place. It's a great little spot not too far from the Twin Cities - I high recommend it.
Ceremonies typically take place by the "big old tree" with the wedding party entering over the bridge you see in the background.
This wedding happened to take place on one of the first days of the intense heat wave that we have finally seen the end of. It was hot and quite windy. Both of which were a little more intense for me with my being significantly pregnant. But at least I wasn't wearing a full suit like the guys!
It was a very bright and sunny day. The clouds appeared to hide the sun only briefly throughout the day.
One of the couple's sons delivered the rings - he seemed quite determined. :)
The ceremony was short and sweet. It was to the point and this longterm couple, much to the pleasure of their friends and family in attendance, finally tied the knot! :)
A little bride "woo-hoo" action as soon as they were announced.
A very long and warm receiving line began forming along the path to the pavilion.
Thankfully the bride, groom, and myself, were in the shade of the pavilion the entire time.
But it was still hot.
The wedding party tried hard to stay refreshed and hydrated. ;)
About 50% of those in attendance fit the bill by wearing cowboy boots.
Their oldest son seems to be a budding photographer. I bet his shots turned out great. :)
While the little guy dibbled watermelon juice all over his shirt just before portrait time.
We had an extremely speedy portrait session but the group was in a great mood and did a great job listening to what we needed to do.
By this point the groom's jacket was long gone.
Dress bustling photos are some of my most favorite. :) I should put them together in a little series. Just a note.. it always takes 4x longer than you would anticipate - even if you practiced.
One of my favorite photos from the day. Seriously - it was hot. This little guy was lucky he could get away with being shirtless.
As cocktail hour concluded the grand entrance into the pavilion began.
One of my favorite aspects of this wedding was the food truck. If you're having an outdoor wedding or reception I high recommend a food truck. The opportunity for photos was so much more interesting and fun than a buffet line or a plated meal. It really fit the casual and fun atmosphere quite well. And the pulled pork sandwiches were quite yummy. :)
This is one half of a tiny pair of twins I photographed recently. It was nice to see them again.. bigger this time!
Just some proof that it was windy... Every once in a while the wind would pick up a bunch of dust from the parking lot and fill the pavilion as everyone ate. Usually someone would yell out just before it reached the pavilion - so mouths would be closed and heads would be turned.
Speeches were quick and very heartfelt.
This bridesmaid's dress was a little loose.. so someone remedied the situation for her.
Floating bride...
Thankfully the barn at Hope Glen Farm has air conditioning so dancing could be done comfortably.
The lighting in the barn is quite elegant - I like the chandeliers.
The groom and his mom really got into it for the mother/son dance.
When the formal dances were finished some of the kids decided to warm up the dance floor.
And the temperature didn't seem to change as the sun went down... so clothing removal continued.
Congratulations April and Donald! Thank you so much for including me in your special day. :)
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