I was enchanted by Anna and Ben’s fairytale wedding day, so much that I have been living in the afterglow ever since. Long story short it was the best day!

From the ceremony where they exchanged (paper) rings, to the delicate style of the decor, to an absolutely gorgeous dress – these two lovers had the wedding out of their wildest dreams. And mine!

July in Minnesota has a reputation for being very hot, but there was no cruel summer weather on this day. We had sunshine and an island breeze that made for gorgeous daylight. No cardigan needed! Anna and Ben must have had some good karma to get perfect wedding day weather!

The Start of a Love Story

Anna and Ben aren’t new romantics; they met their freshman year of college when they lived in the same dorm, pulled together by an invisible string. So it goes… their friends got to watch the sparks fly before they officially became a couple. (Take notes, fellas! That’s how you get the girl!)

I have been the lucky one to be a part of Anna and Ben’s love story since last August, when I secretly photographed the day he proposed. We were at a beautiful winery, and I was pretending to be photographing a wine glass while waiting for Anna and Ben to get into position through the labyrinth of vines and ivy. The man was fearless when he popped the question…! And obviously she said yes!

The Wedding Day – Are you ready for it? 

We started photos with a champagne pop to celebrate the day, which admittedly ended up all over my dress. But that is a champagne problem I can live with! (And there was plenty of time to shake it off before the ceremony started.)

We did a lot of portraits by the most beautiful willow tree. That area was pretty much holy ground for getting beautiful wedding photos and a last kiss or two before officially being married. The ceremony itself could not have been more perfect – there were tears ricocheting everywhere while they said their vows. 

Then it was time to celebrate! The reception was a gold rush of laughter, happiness, and bejeweled decorations. There wasn’t a blank space in the house as everyone celebrated watching Anna and Ben’s relationship begin again. Don’t blame me for overshooting it a little!

When it came time for first dances, the DJ turned on the fog machine to let the newlyweds dance through the lavender haze. Then they spent the night dancing with their hands (un)tied with friends and family until midnight! It was sad beautiful tragic to say goodbye to Anna and Ben at the end of the night. I will remember this wedding day forever and always!

Sweet Nothing Left to Say

I also have to speak now to say how much I adore both Anna and Ben’s families! I got to spend a summer afternoon excitedly waiting for Ben’s proposal to Anna with all of their parents, and it was so much fun. They had to stay stay stay hidden through the whole thing so as to not give away the surprise. There isn’t an ounce of bad blood between any of us and no anti-heros.

I know all too well that wedding days pass by swiftly, so we really taylored the day to have as much time to relax and enjoy as possible. There wasn’t a single glitch in the whole plan, and nothing that we would’ve, could’ve, should’ve done that we didn’t. What can I say? I am a mastermind when it comes to wedding timelines!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Grundhauser!! Long live!

Dear reader, in case this post sounded ridiculous to you, I included as many references to the amazing Taylor Swift as I could. As Anna and I are both major Swifties. Sorry, not sorry!

Photographer: Life and Art Photography

Venue: Grands at Mulligans

Florist: Buffalo Floral