If you're in the mood for something romantic, beautiful, soft and super fun check out this couple's wedding! Ashley and Kyle are a pair of high school sweethearts who got married in Redwood Falls, Minnesota.
The wedding party got ready at the bride's home church, First United Methodist Church. The girls were all smiles and laughs as they donned their chiffon dusty rose long flowy gowns. The guys were exchanging jokes and high fives while they tied the bow ties to put the finishing touches on their grey suits. The bride and groom each had seven attendants, there were four ushers and and usherette, two personal attendants and a flower girl and ring bearer. Everyone was so excited to celebrate Kyle and Ashley - their day was a long time coming!
Kyle and Ashley decided to do a first look. We found a spot in the front of the church - which was meaningful to them. When Kyle saw his bride the tears of happiness were so sweet. I asked him before Ashley came out what he thought her gown would look like - he said he was guessing it would be sleek and simple and elegant. Seems the groom knows his bride's style! She came to greet him in a lacey beautiful sheath-cut gown with a shear, lace bateau neckline and buttons down the back. With her raven hair in a low updo and a sparkly-edged veil she greeted him with a long hug and kiss. Ashley was twirled by her groom so he could see the back of the gown as well and we started snapping away. We did a few portraits with the two of them before calling out their wedding party. After a few photos in front of the church, we all got in our cars and headed to Alexander Ramsey Park for some bridal party portraits. I am so glad we took the shorty drive there and were rewarded with lush paths and scenes to showcase this bridal party. There was not ONE complaint throughout the entire 40 minutes we were taking photos. Even when the mosquitos came and bit everyone. I was so proud of the group and happy for Kyle and Ashley to know they had such a great group of people supporting them on their day.
The wedding ceremony was a beautiful celebration of the union the two have because of God's intervention. Ashley's pastor as well as Kyle's priest officiated the ceremony together. One of the coolest things I've seen done at a church wedding before was before the vows the pastor invited the wedding party to surround the bride and groom at the altar. As a photographer I LOVED being able to see the faces and reactions of the party as the rings and vows were exchanged. It was a welcome variant!
In line with their sentimental day the reception was in Bird Island, where Kyle's family owns and operates a ballroom for wedding receptions! The space was very big and decorated elegantly with a focal piece made of light bulbs saying A <3 K. I LOVED it!! Their cake topper was a sparkly feature spelling "love" and the cake was surrounded by delicious cupcakes! The head table had lavish greens lining the table and their initials in gold in front of their seats. Coloring book pages were created from their engagement photos for kids to color and jelly beans in a tiny jars were at each table place. One of the cutest parts was at the restrooms there were framed snapshots of the bride and groom as toddlers sitting on the toilet - it was a sweet touch!
After dinner and speeches the bride and groom took to the dance floor where the DJ got the party started. The crowd was loving it and really got into dancing!
I snuck the newlyweds outside for a few sunset portraits and I am so glad we saved that time for those. At the close of the day it was nice for them to have a few moments to themselves, take a few deep breaths and bask in their love. In their consult they said the most important thing they wanted captured was their love for each other. Knowing their priority was each other helped guide me on their wedding day to get them exactly what they wanted. I adored their friends and family and could feel how special these two are to everyone around them.
