Steven + Greta's Wedding Day
This wedding was so special to me. I've known these two almost as long as I've known my partner, Dakota. I met them after knowing my partner only a few weeks, because Steve and Dakota are good friends from college. I was SO incredibly honored when they asked me to photograph their day. It was also super exciting because Dakota was one of Steve's groomsmen.
We headed up to Minneapolis early on Friday. I brought along my camera to the rehearsal dinner, because I knew they weren't doing formal speeches at the wedding, and there was going to be an open mic situation at the rehearsal. I'm so glad I did, because I got so many great moments of laughter and even tears.
The next morning, I met Greta and her bridesmaids at the hotel where they were getting ready. I saw this spot with window light on my way up, and I knew I had to bring Greta's dress to it. I also utilized the windowsill for the rest of her details. While the bridesmaids continued to get ready, I snuck over to the other hotel where the groomsmen were. I was told they were all waiting to get ready and that they were informed to "do whatever Sara says", which is a lot of power for me! I instructed them to tie their ties and get their jackets on, which was awesome because they all did just that. Steve got dressed with the help of his groomsmen, all the while singing along to the Disney movie playing in the background. He was so happy!!
Then I returned to the bridesmaids, where they were breaking out the mimosas. Then it was time for Greta to get her dress on. Her smile was so radiant the whole time! We headed over to the spot where Steve was waiting for the first look. He had met up with my second photographer, Erik, and was getting prepared for the moment. I knew it was going to be a big reaction, just knowing these two, but it was so beautiful in the moment. Tears came immediately to both of their eyes, and we watched them just take it all in.
The wedding party arrived shortly after, and we got started on wedding party photos. Interrupted by a bit of rain, we made it work, heading inside and out as it let up. Then it was time to line up for the ceremony! The ceremony was led by another friend of ours, Mark. Greta walked down the aisle with each of her parents next to her, and it was so lovely. Their dog, Guinness, also walked down the aisle, and she was such a good girl! It was a very emotional ceremony. Steve and Greta chose to mix water from various rivers/lakes as a unification ceremony. It was so unique to them!
After the ceremony, Erik and I took turns capturing details and cocktail hour candids. Then he headed out, and the reception began. Steve and Greta gave a quick welcome, and then turned the mic to the best man/brother of the groom, Dave. He read trivia about the couple and tables raced to answer the questions. Greta's dad gave a toast, and we all enjoyed a lovely dinner. Soon after, the couple shared their first dance, followed by Steve and his mother's dance, and Greta with her father. And then it was time to dance the night away! It was so much fun because I stayed til the very end, but I did set my camera down to dance after while!
It was such an honor to be a part of this wedding day. Thanks to Erik Weiss for meeting me all the way in Minneapolis to second shoot this day! Congrats Steven and Greta!
