Minneapolis Wedding Photography | Jake and Leah | Stillwater, Roseville and Afton Alps

Ok, this is going to be L-O-N-G, so make some popcorn, grab a root beer float, and get ready for some fun!

Jake and Leah first contacted me last October when I was on vacation with my family in Texas.  We were renting a cabin by the ocean that didn’t have any Internet connection, so I would drive 15 miles into town every day to check my email. Sure enough one day I got a request off of my website for a wedding on June 2, 2012  in Minneapolis. I’m SOOOO thankful that I took the time to drive into town that day, because let me tell you, Jake and Leah have been awesome!! And THANK YOU Jake and Leah for your patience with me while I was on vacation and not able to skype with you right away. ; )

In February we met up in Minneapolis for their engagement session. It worked out so perfectly, but I’ll let you read that story elsewhere (just click the link).

FINALLY after all the planning and excitement the wedding day arrived. We decided to met in Stillwater for the wedding photography time.  The groomsmen were the first to arrive, so we jumped right into the photos while waiting for the Bride and bridesmaids.  I knew from the first minute these guys were characters!

Later we found a cute alley for the first look. I just love these moments, the joy, emotions and thrill that come when a groom sees his bride for the first time. It’s beautiful!

Seriously look at their grins! I’m sure their cheeks hurt the next day because they smiled like this all day long! Isn’t it great!

There were a few tears of joy mixed in as well, I always think it’s very special when a groom tears up over his bride. And watching her wipe away those tears almost makes you want to tear up yourself.

Leah was one SMART bride – she chose comfortable shoes for her wedding day.  Sparkly silver Toms. How cute are they?!

I think the following image is my very favorite photo from the day.

Perfect Happiness.

The bride’s brother made the necklace, and it was gorgeous on her! Plus I enjoyed using my new 105mm macro lens to feature it. ; )

Leah is a cosmetologist, AKA hair fashonista. Isn’t her hair fantastic with the red and purple streaks. I also loved the ties that the guys wore, each groomsmen wore a different pattern,  the groom opting  for a fun check pattern. Love details like that!

Yeah, this is what I had to put up with all day. Such a stressful job right? lol!!  – seriously I was cracking up all day!

Couldn’t turn my back and the groomsmen were up to something. ; )

Which wedding party photo is your favorite? I can’t decide!!

The spirit of fun and happiness carried over to family photos as well – which was so refreshing instead of super formal family photos!  I’m going to try to encourage more couple to take a few minutes and hug their parents and giggle with their siblings for a few images! Genuine and real! I think Jake’s family has a thing for high fives – they were flying all over the place on this gorgeous wedding day!

After family photos we drove to the wedding ceremony location at Calvary Baptist Church in Roseville, where I did detail images while the wedding party hid from guests arriving at the church.

Again playing with my new lens. I’m lovin’ it!!

One of the things that was so special about Jake and Leah was their faith. It just flowed from them in a joyful presence.  I felt a bit awkward snapping  photos during the prayers, but I know these images will mean a lot to them in the future. To be surrounded by praying friends is a beautiful thing.

Yeah, Jake didn’t have much of a chance with the tears, but that’s ok. I’d much rather see a person show some emotion than treat their wedding day like it didn’t matter. Way to go Jake!

During the service the guests all sang “Come thou Fount of Every Blessing”  – one of my very favorite hymns. We sing it a lot at River City Church (If you are looking for a fabulous church in Fargo check out River City!) ; ) Anyway I was totally singing along as I snapped these images, lol! Some of the guests probably thought I was kind of weird.

 The reception was held at the Afton Alps Ski Lodge.  Jake and Leah are both into snowboarding so it was perfect for them!

The table decorations and details were amazing! So many pretty things to take photos of!!

Leah even managed to get her horse ribbons into the decor! I just love it when couples put thought into including their passion and interests into details like this!

Self portraits in the cobalt glass?  Just having fun with my camera!!

As guests waited for the couple to arrive there were games on the lawn and ski slopes. The ring bearer enjoying running around after his hard work in the ceremony!

One of my favorite parts of a wedding day is listening to the toasts and catching all the great expressions of glee, embarrassment, and tears that come along with them.

And of course the first dance is pretty special too.

At 9:00 I left the party rocking the house!! Thank you Jake and Leah for being so genuine with me. I enjoyed every minute of your wedding day, and I hope that the images will bring back many happy memories for you too!!

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Vendors:

Reception Decorator: Scott Tschanz- Rosenthal Furniture

Wedding Dress: Bella Bridal Boutique –  10150 City Walk Dr # E  Saint Paul, MN … (651) 730-1111

Wedding Hairstylist: Amber Lee @ Moxi Salon  2649 Lyndale Avenue South  Minneapolis, MN  … (612) 813-0330

Wedding Flowers: Suzies Floral Creations– 20465 Everton Trail North Forest Lake, MN … (612)-219-9615

Venue and Catering: Afton Alps – 6600 Pellar Ave S. Hastings, MN  … (651) 436-5245

DJ: Sonic Sound Entertainment  – (952) 221- 8848

Cake: Joseph’s Family Restaurant – 14608 60th St N Stillwater, MN … (651) 439-3336

Wedding Photography: Me! Kandel Photography – Fargo + Minneapolis Wedding Photographer … (218) 206- 4415