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!! 

Minnesota State Fair | Personal

It is no secret that I love the Minnesota State Fair; it holds a love in my heart. A lot of the things in my life that I love are thanks to my Grandma Gertie.  Her love for events like the state fair was so infectious that it is still strong in my family today. Last year I told you the top 3 fair food musts, this year I wanted to tell you some new things I experienced .  

This was the first year that my first nephew came to the state fair. Now I know what your think, " Molly isn't he only 3 weeks old?!" Why, yes, he is and he was passed out for majority of it from all the excitement; he handled like a champ.
The weather this year is hitting Minnesota Records as the coolest state fair with temperatures only reaching mid 70's. It is a weird experience where I am not dieing of heat by the end of the afternoon, but I have to say it was a nice experience. I highly doubt it will ever happen again, but still a new one for me.
The days I went this year were slower days causing there to be not as many people, which made the next thing a lot easier. My mom recently has been having big issues with her knee, so this year she walked for the first two hours and then rented a wheel chair. The only reason she didn't get the scooter is because of the price. ( half day wheelchair $20 | Scooter Half day $40/full day $60) I had a lot of fun rolling my mom around; people generally tried to stay out of our way so they didn't get cut down by the extended feet. There were only two casualties, which I think made for a very successful venture.

Marcus and I have one more day planned for the our state fair 2017. That is one of my favorite parts about the Minnesota State Fair, I can go multiple times and do something different every time. This year they have a new Cricket Ferris Wheel; that is my last thing I am going to try this year! I might have to force Marcus it since he is afraid of heights. I will keep you updated.  

When To Change Your Last Name | For the MW Bride

A bride who was SOOO excited to take on her new last name had to shell out additional money to re-book her ticket because it was purchased under her maiden name.  (You can read the full story here ) CRAZY RIGHT!? This national story had me thinking, when should you change your last name?  My story was a little bit different. From Molly Waits to Molly Sanchez, I almost had a little bit of anxiety thinking about a new Molly Sanchez. I know it probably sounds a little silly, but I loved my maiden name. So it took me almost a year and a half to get my last name changed; I don't think it is necessary to wait THAT long, but here are some things to consider before you start the process to change your last name.

Do your research first! I found a couple of websites that I could send almost all my information to and they would fill out everything I needed and I was in the clear. After almost paying to hand over this obligation to someone else, I came to realize that I would still have to submit everything in person at the DMV. At that point I figured I could still do everything, so I just sucked it up and did it. For all my Minnesota Brides you can look here : https://www.dmv.org/mn-minnesota/changing-your-name.php for the DMV instructions on changing your name.

Plan on changing your name when you have time to take off work. If your DMV is the one downtown st. Paul, it literally takes hours of waiting to get through. It wasn't until the day we got back from shooting a wedding in NY that we took the rest of the day and spent at the DMV. The DMV work hours make it impossible to go at a more convenient hour. Grab a good book, (I would say coffee too,but they don't allow food or drinks) take the day off and go get that name changed!  

If you are honeymooning it out of country within a week after the wedding, wait to change you name until after the honeymoon. (Real Life story at the top as example for this) The fees that go into changing your name on your passport and then trying to get the new one in time for the trip is just not worth the additional stress. 

There is no other rush to change you last name right away other than pure excitement, which is 100% understandable! With your wedding adventure behind you, wait for everything to settle down  that is the best time to get your name changed.