Once again, the autumn sun was shining for a wedding. Stephanie & Geoff returned to their hometown of Caledonia, Minnesota to be married in front of their family & friends. The first time I met them was for their engagement portraits in which we took at Beaver Creek Valley State Park on another beautiful day in southeast Minnesota.

They have that ol’ high school sweetheart relationship and for some guests it was one of those “finally… it’s about time” moments. There was even a photo of the two of them, as a young couple, from the early school days displayed near their wedding cake at the reception. After high school, they proceeded to Iowa to attend the same college. Throughout all the years, their love grew for each other. It was at college where Geoff proposed. Which brings us to their wedding day.

Upon arriving, I started with Stephanie about to get her wedding dress on with her mother and bridesmaids there to help. Meanwhile, Geoff and the groomsmen & ushers were outside playing football. There’s usually two different approaches to a wedding day between both sides. Down the hall, the dress seemed to be patiently awaiting…

It can definitely be somewhat of a process for a woman to become a bride. The end results are worth it…

Once Stephanie was ready, we planned for them to see each other for the first time as a bride & groom. Since the weather was beautiful outside, we took advantage of it…

There’s always a calming feeling that I sense before two people, minutes before their wedding ceremony, see each other for the first time. I feel this photo shows that feeling…

Calm.

Ready.

And when they do see each other…

happiness.

After some photos outside with the two of them, we then headed back inside for some formal portraits. Even though its a more traditional part of the wedding day photos, they can make for great moments as well. Especially when you’re surrounded by the best guys you know…

And its not only the guys who can have a good time during formals, the ladies have fun too. Of course, when you stick a camera in the face of an unsuspecting bridesmaid, it usually results in some smiles…

Once we finished with family portraits, it was time to wait for the start of the ceremony. Perhaps playing catch is meant for outdoors only, but hey – it can make the time go by faster…

All eyes (and cameras) were on Stephanie as her father walked her down the aisle…

You’d be surprised of where you can “see” the wedding during the ceremony. No, not your traditional portrait, but the love is there. To me, it reminds me of a watercolor painting…

Making their promises… before everyone.

After the ceremony, the bridal party & I headed over to a local park for some outdoor photos. Plus, it allowed for some fun & creative shots…

 

The newlyweds met up with the rest of the bridal party at a local pub for a celebratory drink. Or two. I’m sure one of the guys managed to get in a number three…

We then proceeded to the reception where all the wedding guests awaited the bridal party’s arrival. After an entrance filled with noise-makers, the bridal party made their way to their seats and celebrated with a number of toasts. Some had a little more to toast than others…

The day was not only filled with happiness of a marriage, but also filled with the gratitude of having Stephanie’s brother on hand. When I arrived at the church earlier in the day, Stephanie had told me that her brother was involved in a pretty bad car accident just the night before. Not the way one would want to start their wedding day by learning that your sibling is in the hospital, but everyone was so thankful he was there. He was a little banged up and in some pain, but he also wanted to be there for his sister. Stephanie was obviously very thankful he was there…

After dinner and prior to the dance, the newlyweds were serenaded by a barbershop quartet…

As the dance started with the grand march, the party made sure that the two of them showed their love for each other…

During their first dance, the children sat around the edge of the dance floor. It makes you wonder if those little girls are envisioning themselves as a beautiful bride on their future wedding day…

So grateful for each other and so much in love…

It was truly a wonderful wedding day and I’m so glad I was able to be there to document it for you, Stephanie & Geoff. Congrats again! I hope everyday will be filled with the love you have for each other. May tomorrow be filled with a little more love than today…

 

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