The fall has become the most popular time of year for couples to get married in Minnesota over the last few years. Our Saturdays in September and October book solid and fast each year. When we ask couples what draw them to choosing a fall date most say that they prefer the cooler weather of a fall wedding over a spring or summer wedding. Very few couples even consider selecting a wedding date during the winter months of January, February or March. Stepping out of the box, Lauren and Garrick pictured above, choose January 21st to celebrate their wedding day.
When we asked Lauren and Garrick why they choose this time of year to get married they stated the following reasons: following the holidays friends and family have more free time to attend your wedding, venues and vendors have more availability and time to spend on you, Minnesota covered in snow provides a beautiful neutral backdrop for your photos, lastly a honeymoon in winter to a tropical destination is more enjoyable in the heart of winter.
Wedding colors included soft peach tones. The color looked beautiful inside the church and outside in the snow. The wedding ceremony took place at the Holy Family Catholic Church in St. Louis Park Minnesota. The warm lighting and traditional decor keep guests feeling warm inside during the ceremony. Lauren and Garrick choose to wait to see one another for the first time at the altar during the ceremony.
When couples choose to get married during the winter the setting for the ceremony and reception is important. Couples should look for venues that will have ample space for their group photos indoors. They should also be mindful of the decor and colors of their venue as most likely more photos may take place inside than out. For outdoor photos look for locations that have architecture that coincide with the style of the wedding. Pine and fur trees also lend some nice color and texture to outdoor photos. For Lauren and Garrick's wedding we moved quickly to photograph all of the traditional wedding party and family photos they wanted after the ceremony so that they could get to their reception at the Minneapolis Golf Club. We had thirty minutes in the church. To make it quick we set-up and dialed in all of our studio lights before the ceremony. Then we hid the equipment for the ceremony so when it was time for formals we just had to place the lights and plug them in.
At the Minneapolis Golf Club we photographed some fun wedding party photos and we captured the outdoor photos that Lauren and Garrick wanted. For January it was a nice warm day so everyone enjoyed being outside. We wrapped up photos in time so that the wedding party and Lauren and Garrick could enjoy cocktail hour with their wedding guests.
Every wonder what a golf course looks like mid-winter? It's perfect for photos filled with snow and empty of golfers and flying golf balls. Due to the heat of the day a soft fog rolled in softening the scene. Below candle light and the soft peach tones warmed the reception hall and the main table.
The meal began with a warm delightful shrimp starter pictured above. Guests looked forward to the hot and hearty meal. Following dinner guests enjoyed wedding cake. Lauren choose to top her cake with her Grandparent's wedding cake topper to reflect her love for family.
After eating, drinking, toasts and dancing Lauren and Garrick took a few end of the night photos with us before we departed and they returned to the party.
