9.8.18 Lorna & Tim | Dakota Lodge Outdoor Wedding | St. Paul Photographer

Lorna and Tim's St. Paul outdoor September wedding at the Dakota Lodge in Thompson County Park was STUNNING.  The weather, the scenery, the couple, the wedding party, family, friends, a food truck, and ice cream... they had it all! ;)  Another testament that your wedding day can be just about however you want it.  Lorna and Tim beautifully crafted their wedding to reflect their own personalities and shared values.  And when it reflects you as a couple, then it's exactly as it should be.

For example, it was important to Lorna and Tim that they have some private moments away from family and friends.  Particularly at the beginning of their day when opening the cards they'd written to each other, and especially for their first sight.  I always opt to keep the first sight between just the couple and the photographers.  Family and wedding party can join the couple afterwards, but these first few moments together should be private (and documented subtly and respectfully).

Then, bring on the family and friends!  These two have traveled and lived in a number of different places, so it was a priority that their friends ("families" by choice) from each city be photographed and included in portraits.  It was easy since everyone was having so much fun hanging out and mingling with the couple before and after the ceremony.

All in all, Lorna and Tim parsed down their day to the most important things, and then highlighted those personalized elements beautifully: each other, good food and lots to drink, ice cream but no cake (yes, please!), a fun party, and some killer dance moves - holy buckets!  The couple's choreographed first dance was spectacular!  These two have moves!

The best part?  They both were so HAPPY together - and these images prove it.  Lorna and Tim really light up with each other.  It's so heartwarming to be able to actually see and feel the love and connection between two people.  It was such a treat to be there documenting this wedding day.

Location: Dakota Lodge
Photography: Lauren B. Photography
Day of Planner: Aimee Bolton
Floral: Hermes Floral
Dinner & Linens: Gastrotruck
Ice Cream: Grand Old Creamery
DJ: Bellagala
Hair & Makeup: Cole’s Salon
Bride's Ring: Charlemagne Fine Jewelry
Groom's Ring: J Blunt Designs
Dresses: David’s Bridal
Suits: Indochino Made to Measure