Rustic Elegance: Katie & Jon's Rum River Vineyard Wedding!

    The picturesque scene as I arrived was breathtaking. The vast rolling hills of vineyards, forests and dirt roads set the perfect atmosphere for a perfect country wedding.  I loved how Katie and Jon elevated the look and feel of this day with their carefully planned details.  From my favorite flower bouquet of ALL time, to the lace touches on the bridesmaid dresses; from the sun illuminating the wildflowers and vines to the lights that hugged the walls within the rustic barn.  It all created the perfect day, to begin the most wonderful marriage of two beautiful people.  

    Katie is full of life, bold and strong.  She laughs hard and is a girl who joyfully knows what she wants.  Jon is quieter, kind and steady.  Together, they create a balance in their relationship that is so incredible to witness and capture through the lens.  Besides rustic, elegant and beautiful- the word that continues to come to mind when reflecting on their day is this: FUN. Their wedding party was boisterously excited to be a part of this event in every way, and their dance was equally full of life- with a few all-start dancers, including Katie's grandma!  Throughout the day, it was hard to hold back ear-to-ear smiles behind my camera as I sought to document all this fun.  Below is a look into this elegance and fun, this beautiful rustic wedding between Katie and Jon:

Special thanks to these vendors who partnered with Katie and Jon for their wedding day:

Wedding and Reception Venue: Rum River Vineyard, Milaca

Katie's Dress: David's Bridal

Cupcakes: Becky from Baking You Happy

Bridesmaids Dresses: Wedding Shoppe, Saint Paul

Flowers: Toni's Flowers, Anoka

DJ: Elegant Affairs, Mankato

Catering: Janice Ott from Princeton, MN

A Sun-filled, High School Sweethearts & Sophisticated Wedding: Rachel & Oleg

    The blazing sun and the ushering in of summer permeated my thoughts and my view as I arrived to begin photographing this couple.  Rachel's excitement was evident in her ear-to-ear radiant smile and Oleg's joy could be found in his boisterous, full-of-life laugh.  Their day was full of incredible moments, from their heartfelt letters read with tears before their first look, to their hilarious wedding party that showcased no shortage of personality at any point.  The sweet sister moment while getting ready and the adoring kisses between Rachel and Oleg offered continued significant memories.  Oleg's Eastern European roots made for a fun reception and their elegant decor that shown beautifully within the Crown Room all enhanced their day.  But most amazing was their love.  Together for many years, beginning in High School and growing as they each grew through life, there was no question that these two do life wonderfully together.  Their thoughtfulness and down-to-earth kindness and love was remarkable to witness and breathtaking to photograph.  

    With the brilliant sun, shining strongly like their care for one another, many incredible vendors came together to make this day exceptional.  The Crown Room in Rogers, once again provided such a great atmosphere with stunning architecture, and unmatched attention to detail. Flowers by Bloom by Design, Videography by Sunset Blue Productions and Music by Matt of Belagala created an all-star team for an all-star couple.  Here is peek into these high-school sweethearts wedding day: