A year ago Bob and Joan's family gathered to watch the couple renew their wedding vows at Minnesota's luxury wedding venue, Bavaria Downs in Chaska, Minnesota. The renewal of vows was a celebration of love and laughter, joy and tears. It was a testament to the deep connection that had been forged 60 years ago, when they first snuck to Las Vegas as teenagers and said 'I do' in a courthouse on the strip.

The pre-wedding festivities

In preparation for the vow renewal Bob and Joan made some fun plans!

She chose a dress from JJ's House and ordered it and it was altered to PERFECTION by Sewing for You. It was a beautiful white chiffon long skirt, sleeveless top and a long sleeve chiffon jacket with fun embroidery details.

She ordered a pretty hair piece and ordered a bouquet and boutonnière full of white and purple florals from Stefanie Beilby Designs. Family helped create streamers with chiffon ribbon and bells to wave as they walked out of the ceremony. A cake flavor was chosen from D’amico Catering.

One of the coolest things they did was in lieu of having a wedding party, Bob and Joan requested their family wear shades of lavender, grey and light blue; then the photos taken by Minnesota wedding photographer, Keighla's Fresh Face Photography, were beautiful and cohesive. It was a great way to bring everything together. The colors were a wonderful compliment to the Edward Anne Estate.

Vow Renewal in Minnesota

Bavaria Downs is the perfect place to make or renew your wedding vows. The beautiful setting is perfect for a romantic ceremony. You can say your vows outside in front of a lake or inside in a grand ballroom with tall ceilings, large windows looking out to the rolling fields of the Chaska, Minnesota property.

After exchanging vows, couples can celebrate with a delicious meal by the exclusive catering company, D’amico Catering. You can get ready in one of two places: the upstairs suite is bright and airy with big windows, mirrors and chandeliers. Downstairs is a cave with exposed stone, video games, a poker table and a bar.

Then dance the night away in the newly-built ballroom. Guests can explore the acres and acres of land including a fountain, paths and special seating areas outside. Inside there is a bar, a library and other places to gather and socialize!

Renewing your wedding vows at Bavaria Downs is a truly unforgettable experience. It's the perfect way to celebrate your love for each other.

The celebration at Bavaria Downs, a luxury wedding venue

The celebration at Bavaria Downs was a wonderful event. Bob and Joan got ready in the suite together and opened a special gift. It was two watercolor paintings by Lexi Kolden, one of the courthouse where they first exchanged vows in Las Vegas and the other of Bavaria Downs. The painting on the strip included Joan in the dress and Bob in his suit just like they wore in 1961. The dress was even on display in the ballroom!

Bob then waited in the ballroom to see Joan in her white dress. She left the suite and walked across the property on the path. The look on his face when he saw his bride was adorable and sweet. I loved being there to photograph that moment!

They had some really fun unique elements in their ceremony that were unlike others I have seen as a wedding photographer! Leslie Johnson from Simply Charmed lead the ceremony. Bob and Joan sat in a gorgeous tufted ivory settee as their family entered the ceremony. She lead a "ring warming," by having them pass around the rings to all the guests and send blessings and receive love from the rings worn on their hands for 60 years. Bob read a poem, "This day" by Point of Grace and thanked everyone for coming.

This day is fragile

Soon it will end.

And once it has vanished

It will not come again

So let us love

with a love pure and strong

Before this day is gone.

This day is fleeting

When it slips away

Not all our money

Can buy back this day

So let us pray

That we might be a friend

Before this day is spent

This day we’re given is golden

Let us show love

This day is ours for one moment

Let us sow love

This day is frail

It will pass by

So before it’s too late

To recapture the time

Let us share love

Let us share God

Before this day is gone.

The day wrapped up with photos of the family and couple. A champagne toast was shared by one of the grandchildren and the couple danced to "Through the Years" by Kenny Rogers.

I would highly recommend Bavaria Downs as a venue for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion. The staff was very helpful and accommodating, and the venue itself is absolutely beautiful. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate our anniversary.

60th Wedding Anniversary Memories from the wedding photographer

Today marks the 61st wedding anniversary of my grandparents, Bob and Joan. They were married in Las Vegas in 1961 and moved around the country with their young, growing family. They had 5 children and spent many years living in Mound, Minnesota. Now they live in my grandpa's home state of North Carolina.

My grandparents are both retired now, but they worked very hard. When I was growing up they owned a water meter repair company. I recall them working hard as business owners; it was my grandpa who helped me register my company with the state and hire an accountant.

Without knowing it they lead by example my whole life as I now run this wedding photography business in Minnesota.

My grandparents’ marriage is a true testament to their love and commitment for one another. I am so lucky to have them in my life and I know that they will continue to be an inspiration to me for many years to come!