The Dawsons' Summer Vineyard Wedding || A joy-filled, timeless wedding day to celebrate.
Mia and Trent came into their wedding day with three concepts that they were chasing: joy-filled, timeless, and authentic. Not only did they nail all three of these descriptors, but they were so effortlessly infused in the day that it seemed second nature. Nothing about their wedding felt forced or unnatural. Everything was brought about by love and intention, making it a true delight to capture.
Some Classically-Themed Details || The elements that set the stage for the Dawsons' celebration.
I would describe the details of the Dawsons' wedding as classic, Italianesque, and welcoming. Every bit was brilliantly brought in together by Mia and her planner/coordinator Bentley of Honey B. Weddings. Up in Redeemed Farm's bridal suite, Mia's Made with Love gown from Minneapolis's a&bé bridal hung on an antique rose hook near her blue lace Badgely Mischka shoes. Her stationary from Minted was adorned with vintage stamps collected by herself and her grandfather. I juxtaposed their rings from Knox Jewelers with some of these items for a few commemorative photos. Everything stood out on it's own beautifully, but also tied together seamlessly. Outside, Indigo Floral arranged all of the florals for the ceremony, including the hydrangea and rose-studded arbor and petal-strewn aisle, as well as the reception space.
Getting Ready with the Girls || From hair and makeup to moments sharing stories on the porch.
In the early afternoon, Mia and her girls spent time in the white, two-level bridal suite getting ready. It was a slow, calm environment with plenty of content smiles, mascara touch-ups, and instant camera selfies. Once she was ready, Mia went to the upper loft with only her mother to get into her dress and put on her shoes and jewelry. It was an emotional, intimate moment with only the two of them enjoying each minute fully. We topped it off with some bridal portraits before heading back downstairs and outside to see her father, brothers, and eventually Trent.
A First Look and Midday Bridal Portraits || Mia's first moment with her groom and some timelessly-styled formal portraits.
After putting on her dress, jewelry, and shoes, Mia went outside to see Trent for the first time that day. My second photographer found a lofted space to document the moment from above while I stayed at the couple's level. Trent stared in awe at his bride while she showed him each detail of her ensemble. We then transitioned into their formal bridal portraits, filled with giggles and sweet kisses under a peaceful overcast sky.
Some Wedding Party Camaraderie || A mix of formal portraits and candid, champagne fun.
Mia and Trent were joined by their respective bridesmaids and groomsmen for some formal portraits and then they all took time for a champagne toast away from the ceremony space. It was the perfect way to eliminate the rest of the pre-ceremony jitters and fall into the rhythm of the day.
Family Portraits and a Poignant First Look || A special moment shared with grandparents before crafting some family heirlooms.
An essential part of most wedding days: family portraits. Before we met Mia and Trent's families over by the vineyard, Mia shared a first look with her beloved grandparents. There was not a dry eye in sight as the two emotionally reacted to seeing their granddaughter as a bride. Once we had collected ourselves, we continued onto some formal family portraits and candid in-between moments captured by my second.
Saying "I Do" Below an Arbor of Ivy and Flowers || A ceremony of tears, white parasols, and soft smiles.
With all of the formal portraits completed, the wedding party and the bride and groom made their way to the white barn to hide while the guests began to trickle in. Treated to a glass of champagne upon arrival by Redeemed Farm, the guests strolled through the gardens to the ceremony space. Mia and Trent provided parasols and paper fans for everyone in baskets near the seats. Once seated, the ceremony began with quiet music played by their DJ, Studio Veil, and the procession made their way down the aisle. It was a lovely ceremony with plenty of sentiment about love, forgiveness, and the importance of accepting help from those that love you.
Cocktail Hour Beneath the String Lights || Aperol spritzes, tequila sodas, and lots of stories being shared.
The Dawson's guests simply couldn't wait to begin celebrating with the newlyweds. Everywhere you looked, there was someone laughing, friends taking quick photos, sweet notes being left in the guestbook, and hearty sips being taken from the couple's signature drinks.
Dinner and Speeches || A cozy evening in the red barn amid flowers and candlelight.
Entering the red barn following cocktail hour, the guests found their seats for dinner and the wedding party made their grand entrance. Dinner and dessert was catered by the Lake Elmo Inn and the servers steadily waited on the attendees. The bride's father and best friend and the groom's father and best friend all had a few words to toast to the happy couple, leading to both tears and uproars of laughter. Fleeting glances were caught between the bride and groom while everyone enjoyed the loving words being shared.
Gentle Sunset Bridal Portraits || A few minutes enjoying the evening air.
Before tucking into Redeemed Farm's white barn to dance the night away, I escaped with Mia and Trent to the vineyard and their ceremony site for some final portraits. The jitters were gone, the tequila and spritz had sunk in, and the two finally shared some time alone as a married couple. With a hazy July sunset in the west and the skies turning pink in the east, it was a perfect calm and ambient atmosphere for photos after an emotional day.
Dances and the Fading Light || The beginning of the end of the day
With everything for the day checked off the list and all of their guests in the white barn, it was time for Mia and Trent to make their entrance for their first dances, both with each other and with their respective parents. Loved ones surrounded them as they gently swayed, the light slowing growing dim. Then, it was everyone else's turn to fill the dance floor as their party began. It was a night of contentment, love, peace, and real joy. I love my job, and it's days like this one that truly hammer that home for me.
