Real Weddings: Jeff + Jessica

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Ed. Note: Jess is a friend of mine and I was thrilled to help her choose Olivia to shoot her Minneapolis wedding!

Jeff and Jess…where do I begin? I’m sure someday I will get a couple that is just “nice,” a wedding that is “fine,” a day that is just “average.” But until then I think I shall wax poetically about all my couples, as I really am so touched by how unique, special and intimate all of their events are.

Jeff and Jessica were married on June 5th just outside of Minneapolis in beautiful Minnetonka Beach, Minnesota, with prep and reception at the Lafayette Club. I went to Minneapolis as a kid and absolutely loved it, and this trip was no different. Minnesota always strikes me as such a special place-the people are so kind, the scenery is so beautiful, and everything seems just a bit more calm. When Jeff and Jess first talked with me, they had been planning an event in downtown Chicago. As months went on, however, they ended up deciding to switch it to Jessica’s home state in hopes of creating a wedding that felt more like them. The three of us were in a car together after they were married, and we all remarked how strange it would have been for them to have been married in the city-something about the Minnesota location just felt perfect for their day, and I am so thrilled they switched it and humbled that they brought me along.

I know true destination weddings can be a bit of a heady affair, but a “regional destination” wedding is such a lovely idea-a great way for your friends and family to take a little minication without too much of time or financial commitment. It was simply splendid and probably my favourite wedding I have ever photographed. I am very eager to get back to Minneapolis, so if you or a friend are planning an event (or even just want a session there), please contact me, and I can offer some special travel rates.

Jeff and Jessica are truly two of the kindest people I have been able to work with, a sentiment a few other vendors I spoke with shared. I became fairly close to them by the time the wedding date approached, and I was so happy to be able to share in their day. I had so many favourites from this wedding, so prepare for a lot (particularly a ton of Jess-I couldn’t help myself! So stunning.).

And many thanks to Debbie Oakland in Wisc./Minn. for helping me out on this wedding and shooting many of the details and groom’s prep below.

Jess was radiant in her Christos gown.

Love pomanders.

After the wedding, Jeff and Jessica went for a drive themselves in a classic car. We stopped by a lake and had some champagne. This was such a wonderful moment, and I would certainly recommend it to other couples! In the midst of such a jam-packed day it is lovely to get away for a bit and just have a few moments alone.

Love the details!  Floreal was responsible for the beautiful arrangements, and the escort cards were calligraphed by the fabulous Amanda from Swoon Over It.

Vendors

Photography: Olivia Leigh
Reception Venue: Lafayette Club
Ceremony Venue: Church of Saint Therese of Deephaven
Gown: Christos
Bridesmaids: Vineyard
Floral: Floreal
Makeup: Maggie Long
Hair: LaMode
Cake: Buttercream
Vintage car: Wright Coaches
Calligraphy: Swoon Over It
DJ: Instant Request
Linens: Linen Effects