Wahpeton Wedding | Anne and Evan | Kris Kandel Photographer

 

Several months ago Evan’s mom contacted me about photographing a small back yard wedding. She told me her son lived overseas in Germany and was marrying a lovely German woman. They were doing a civil ceremony in the Alps, but were going to come back to North Dakota for the church ceremony and a small family celebration. They didn’t need a large package with dance coverage – and would I be interested? I knew right away this was a couple I was going to really enjoy! Having a Dad from Europe I have a special place in my heart for the people and culture of Europe, so having a German bride sounded like a lot of fun! They kept saying “I hope we aren’t boring after you do all these big weddings!” And I can honestly say it was NOT boring, I enjoyed every moment working with you!

Since the wedding was in Wahpeton my assistant and I decide to drive down a bit early since you never know if you will hit road construction and detours. We didn’t hit any so we arrived about 30 minutes early! As we drove up Evan’s dad came out thinking we were the flower delivery gals and told us everyone was still getting dressed. No problem, since that gave me time to cover the details of the super cute tent they had set up in the yard!!

Since Anne and Evan had already done their legal marriage ceremony in Germany they had already seen each other in their wedding clothes, so instead of doing a first look with each other they wanted to do a first look with their families. How sweet is that?!

Because it was a very small wedding there were no bridesmaids or groomsmen, just the couple. Which actually gave me so much time to work with just the bride and groom!!

Anne was such an elegant bride!

Then we did family photos  under the large willow tree.

With 30 minutes left  before we needed to head to the church Anne said she would like to do some sitting photos – not may brides are willing to sit in their dresses so I was excited to do these!

They also told me about a German tradition where the couple saw through a log of wood together, symbolizing the first hardship or trial they go through together, so I thought it was fitting to do a few photos by the wood pile.

The light there was so gorgeous, I’m so glad we did these!

And finally we stepped out into a small field for a few photos of the wide open skies of North Dakota! Love the next shot that my assistant (thanks sis!) took!

We then headed over to St. John’s Catholic Church in Wahpeton! It’s a gorgeous church, very open and airy inside.

After a few formal family photos with extended family I did some detail photos and before you know it the ceremony was about to begin!

One neat thing the mothers did was to read out the prayers in English, and then in German. Love that!

Congratulations!!!

I was booked through the ceremony so after the receiving line I packed up and headed back to Fargo. It was a bit odd to be done with a wedding day at 2:00 in the afternoon, but it was also such a lovely day that I hope I can do more intimate weddings like this. Focused on the couple, family and a relaxed day. That’s what makes weddings of all sizes special!

Thank you so much for asking me to be your wedding photographer! God Bless!

Kris Kandel | Fargo Wedding Photographer