Holy Cross Catholic Church Photography | Jennifer & Dan | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Dan & Jennifer Get Married at Holy Cross Catholic Church!!

Dan and Jennifer’s wedding day summed up in one word was Lovely.

The whole day reflected Jennifer’s classic taste with the small details (like fall inspired flowers and bridesmaids dresses to the best detail (the man she was choosing to marry ;) ).

Both parties got ready at the church in the morning before heading over to Nicollet Island Park in Minneapolis for First look. We were blessed with a beautiful Minnesota Fall Day with plenty of sunshine. The leaves had just changed a week or two before, so their first look was blanketed in a sea of yellow leaves. (Basically a fall wedding dream!!!) I am pretty sure the first word out of Dan’s mouth when he saw Jennifer for the first time was “ WOW.” (Just scroll through the photos and you will understand why!!)

One of my favorite parts of their portraits was where they read their wedding letters to each other. Holy Cannoli, it was something truly beautiful, genuine, and heart felt. Even now, thinking through those moments warms my heart.

We were later joined for portrait time by the wedding party at the park! The ladies were gifted scarves for a bridesmaids gift which they were able to use as shawls. After partying it up all over and being in ever Saturday runner way (#NotSorry) we headed back to Holy Cross Church for the Ceremony!

The details of this church were the best of Catholic Church architecture. The church looks so unassuming from the outside but so rich in art on the inside it is breath taking. It was a beautiful spot for Jennifer and Dan to get married in the eye’s of the Lord, family, and friends. The Lord was definitely glorified by their union.

After the I do’s, the wedding party took a quick portrait stop before heading over to cocktail hour at Sinclair on Grand for the reception. The space is a hollowed out brick warehouse perfect for throwing a party! Reception theme was book centerpieces. With food, Glam Dolls Donuts, the shoe game, and Dancing the night was complete with joy and laughter.

I greatly enjoyed capturing such a beautiful time with Dan and Jennifer. They are two of the sweetest people out there. I am so thankful they trusted me to capture such a great adventure in their lives! From surprise proposal to the wedding day, it has been a wonderful thing to be a part of. (Links below on their proposal and engagement sessions)

Please enjoy some photos from their Minnesota Fall Wedding Day!


Do you LOVE what you see?! Here are all the Vendors that made this magic happen!!

Photography: MW PHOTOGRAPHY

Church: Holy Cross Catholic Church

Reception: Sinclair On Grand

Florist: Joy Unspeakable Flowers

Makeup: Sal Rodriguez
Hair: Tillverkare For Hair

Catering: Brasa

Cake: Queen Of Cakes

Donuts: Glam Dolls Donuts

Dress: Justin Alexander

Groom’s Suit: Calvin Klein

Rings: Arthurs Jewelers

Shoes: Lulu

DJ Services: Midwest Sound

Can’t get enough of Dan & Jennifer?! I DON’T BLAME YOU! You can check out their Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Engagement Session or Their Minneapolis Bookstore Proposal for more!!

How to Prepare For My Minnesota Winter Engagement | Minnesota Engagement Photographer

Tips to Keep Warm for Your Minnesota Winter Engagement Photography Session!

Minnesota in winter is Magical. I am not the first person to think so! I LOVE snow and the whole season is one of my all-time favorites. If you are from the Midwest/ Minnesota, you KNOW it can be SO COLD.

I have some tips for you to make your Minnesota Winter Engagement Session more enjoyable overall!

1) Bring Hand and Feet Warmers - This is the biggest blessing I try to remember ever winter engagement session or wedding. They are so cheap there is no reason not to have an extra one or two packed in your purse for your photos.

2) Dress in Layers - I feel like the biggest advantage Minnesotans have against the harsher winters is knowing how to dress so you are comfortable. This should not be left behind when you are planning your engagement session in the winter months. Many couples have two outfits for their engagement photos. Use a cute winter aesthetic to add in a nice winter hat and gloves to make the time together more enjoyable.

3) Bring on that Coffee - Any hot drinks will feel like a godsend when you are bracing for those cold days. Don’t be afraid to bring a thermos of your favorite hot beverage to warm your soul between photos.

4) Plan a small warming break if possible - Depending on if you are at a local park or in the city, try taking a small break in a local coffee shop or jump in your car to warm your fingers up. There is nothing wrong with taking a small warmup break so you can feel your face again.

5) Bring a cozy blanket to cuddle up in - I love this there is something to cute about cuddling up with your fiance for your photos! This could be just an extra prop to be able to add to the variety of your photos while still keeping you warm!

Bonus!: Really lean into your engagement session being in winter by choose a really fun winter activity like Ice Skating, Skiing, Snow Shoeing, or enjoying a small bonfire together! They photos will be SOOO worth it!

Dakota County Courthouse Wedding Photography | Ellis & Laura | Apple Valley Wedding Photographer

It started off as just two kids who meet in math class at the U of M.

Laura and Ellis got ready at their new home and jam packed it full of their family and friends. The fall day started off with cinnamon rolls, Caribou coffee, and football playing on the TV while people got ready.

Laura got ready in the bathroom overlooking her back yard while Ellis put on his finishing details outside.

They had a first look in their backyard with all their family and friends watching from the deck! They were excited to see each other. It was a contained giddy excitement. We did a couple of portraits before heading over to the courthouse!

The judge was short literally and sweet. She read the vows and made it official- Ellis & Laura were finally married!!

We all wanted to enjoy Minnesota Nature at its best so we went to Lebanon Hills Regional Park for portraits! Although early for fall, we did even get some of the yellow and red color in the leaves!
Although it started to sprinkle just a little bit, the rain held off and we were able to get all the portraits in without rain!

They finished off the night continuing the celebration at Mannys steak house in Minneapolis !

Please enjoy a preview of their wedding day!

Love what you see?! I don’t blame you!! Here are the vendors who made it happen:

Photography: MW PHOTOGRAPHY

Dress: Bliss Bridal

Grooms Suit: Daniel’s Custom Clothing

Ring: Lasker Jewleres & Arthur Jewlers

Florist: Floral Etcetera