Setting Time Aside for Sunset Portraits | St Paul & Minneapolis Wedding Photographer | For the Bride

At the end of your wedding day you're finally married! As you are starting the reception with your friends and family, you have a little time to eat.  Once you have eaten and hydrated, I encourage you to set aside some 10 - 15 minutes for sunset portraits. Sunset will bring a close to one of the most adventurous days of your life and it also has the mostbeautiful light of the day that really cannot compare to anything else. (Besides sunrise ) At this point all your posed photos are done and I know you are excited to start the dance party! Before the big party grab your new spouse and photographer, put on your sneaky ninja shoes, dodge your guests, and book it out the door for the first photos where you are husband and wife. (People will congratulate you all night long if you let them! Take the back door if you need to!) Even if the sun does not shine on your day, take those few stolen minutes to spend with your new hubby and talk about the day. (With your photographer creeping at a distance)
I highly encourage ( if you haven't gathered that yet) all my MW couples to save at least 15 - 20 minutes from their reception for your first intimate portraits as husband and wife.

Drugan's Castle Mound Country Club Wedding Photography | Ethan & Katelyn | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Ethan and Katelyn got married last Friday at Drugan castle mound Golf Course.  It was a beautiful breezy fall day, perfect for a September wedding. Although nerves were high (Ethan revealed that he had hardly slept the last two days) Katelyn and Ethan surrounded themselves with people who loved them. As Katelyn got zipped up into her dress her bridesmaids were all smiles, excited and in awe of Katelyn's beauty. (But who wasn't the whole day?!)
The wedding party reflected the changing trees in bright orange, white and grey, which set off the festive feel for the day! As the ceremony began and the bride was walking up with her father on one arm, Katelyn only had eyes for Ethan. The officiant shared that their union was a symbol of Christ and the church. As a nod to Ethan's heritage, they bound their hands together. When the pastor mentioned that they are holding the hand of their best friend, that was the point where I lost it!  It was a beautiful ceremony! After the ceremony the bride and groom wanted to make sure to thank every one who came in person. As they thanked their guests, Katelyn was a little cold (the day was sunny but in the shade there was a cooler fall breeze). Someone offered to get her a shawl but I think one of the bridesmaids said it best - " Katelyn doesn't need a shawl! She has a husband for that now!!"

The reception was laid back with a social dinner; the bride and groom went from table to table making sure to talk to everyone who made the trip out.  Thankfully the whole wedding day happened without a single problem ( besides one busted zipper at the reception, because there is always one thing ), but even if it had I don't think it would have distracted these two lovebirds from each other anyway. Congratulations to Katelyn and Ethan!! 

Lebanon Hills Park Engagement Photography | Katelyn & Ethan

Katelyn and Ethan meet through various lunches with mutual friends at Marantha Baptist University! It took some smooth moves but Ethan eventually asked for Katelyn's number.  After talking and getting to know each other Ethan came to realize that he was enjoying his time with Katelyn more and more. He chalks it up to witchcraft! 

 During their last Christmas break, Ethan was visiting Katelyn. Not only would they be celebrating Katelyn's Birthday (Dec. 31st) but also their 1 year anniversary! (Jan.1st) Between Christmas and new years Riverside Park in La crosse, WI annually hosts a large Christmas display. Due to Katelyn's strong love of Christmas lights, they decided they would go on her birthday! In the warm glow of twinkle lights, they walked around reminiscing over their favorite parts of the year. As midnight approached they made their way over to the light house display ( Katelyn loves lighthouses). The clock was just about to welcome a new year, when Ethan got down on one knee and asked Katelyn to marry him. Katelyn said "he timed it just right so he could tell people he had to wait until the next year for his answer!"  She of course said yes!

They are looking forward to a fall wedding this year! Until then please enjoy Katelyn and Ethan's sun soaked engagement session at Lebanon Hills Regional Park!!!