Mounds View Wedding Photography | Mubanga & Brad | Mounds View Wedding Photography

Mounds View Wedding Photography with Mubanga & Brad!

Micro weddings have become a thing in 2020 for brides and grooms whose plans have changed for covid. But even a global pandemic can’t stop the love between two people who desire to become husband and wife. That is the case for Brad and Mubanga. As plans have been adjusted time and time again, one thing has not, their desire to be together during this crazy time.
No matter how you decided to get married, the day you marry your person is still a special one!

Like many people these days, Mubanga and Brad met on a dating app. Although they disagree on who reached out to who first, sparks flew once they started talking. They have a shared love of food, which is why a simple dinner at an Asian restaurant was their first date. Unfortunately, Mubanga hated her dish so much that she ended up eating most of Brad’s instead. He didn’t seem to mind. So it is no surprise that one dinner turned into many. And it was over dinner that Brad asked Mubanga to become his wife.

They had a modest backyard wedding at their Mounds View home with only the closest friends and family in attendance. Due to flying restrictions some of Mubanga’s family in Zambia were unable to attend in person so they had a Zoom Call instead. Even their officiant was on the zoom call! I know the couple were excited that they could be there in spirit and mind. Now, I have to tell you, Mubanga was excited to marry Brad, BUT she was just as excited about her dress! (Can you blame this queen?!) She had it special ordered from one of her favorite Zambian designers back home. With just measurements and her dreams given on the phone a couple of weeks later this masterpiece arrived at their doorstep. One of my favorite details is the circle design was a recurring design for the whole family. Brad’s tie and her son’s held the same design as her dress. Mubanga’s mom has passed from this world, but Mubanga wanted to keep her photo close to her heart all day so she had her photo in a locket around her neck for her special wedding day.

My favorite part of the day was their vows. They recited traditional vows, but when said outloud they were spoken with such heart you could feel them as they were being said, which was very powerful.

During their portraits after the ceremony, this bride and groom were SO excited for their get away up north to Duluth for some solid relaxation just the two of them.

Although this day was short, it was so much fun to be a small part of.

Please enjoy their wedding day sneak peek!

 

Ritter Farm Park Engagement Photography | Paige & Jordan | Lakeville Engagement Photographer

Ritter Farm Park Engagement Session with Paige & Jordan!

Paige and Jordan have been a thing for a good handful of years. They met in middle school and were in the same circle of friends. But it wasn't until high school that they became an item in the best way. Years have past and they both know that they have found their person.

This past winter they decided to spend a romantic weekend away on the North shore. While spending days exploring the north shore and hiking in the woods, it wasn't until they got back to their cabin when Jordan thought it was time. Paige was doing the dishes, when Jordan came up and got down on one knee and asked if Paige would marry him. Before the yes came Paige surprised said " I didn't know you bought the ring!" But thankfully it was soon followed by the Yes!

We shot their engagement session at a near by Lakeville Park - Ritter Farm Park, which is known for its beautiful luscious trails. In Minnesota right now all the leaves are changing colors for the Fall. We laughed as we were not the only ones with the amazing idea to shoot here! But that did not stop us from having fun throwing leaves, cuddling with their dog Lucy, and enjoying each others time. I am greatly looking forward to Paige and Jordan's upcoming nuptials in 2021! Guys! Let's get married!

Books To Make Your Marriage Better | Marriage Resources that Have Been a Blessing to My Marriage | Personal

Marriage Books Recommendations That Have Been A Blessing In My Marriage!

This is for my past, present and future brides. I believe your marriage is important. As you are excitedly planning for your dream wedding day you will be constantly told how important your wedding day is. Although your wedding day is important, it is less important than the marriage between you and your partner that will begin on that day. Marriage can be one of the most amazing things in your life. If you focus on prioritizing your marriage and building up your partner, your life will be a happy one. But a good marriage does not happen on its own.

A couple of years ago, I started really desiring improving my own marriage and didn’t know where to start. You know when you see something and you REALLY want it? This is how happy marriages looked to me. I felt on the outside looking in and I just couldn’t find the front door. Like any relationship, there were times when I was left reeling, not knowing what I did wrong or how to fix it. The frustration was a real thing and led to a lot of prayers asking God what I should do.

So I started with books. I rented marriage book after book to really see what could help my marriage blossom into something even more beautiful. Through these books, I have been able to better understand how to love my husband well, resolve and talk through conflict in a constructive, loving way, and be more open about my needs because goodness knows my husband is not a mind reader! (And he was never meant to be!)

Can I be honest, friend? We are two imperfect people and there are days when we still fight or disagree. But listening to these books, it helps soften my heart towards my husband. I know for me it was a humbling experience to put down my pride and pickup loving him well instead. It is my earnest prayer that whatever stage you are in your relationship with your spouse (soon to be, or have been for a long time) that these books will bring as much blessings in your marriage as they have in mine.


Books I recommend to bless your marriage:

Cherish by Gary L. Thomas


The Passion Principles: Celebrating Sexual Freedom in Marriage by Shannon Ethridge


From Anger to Intimacy: How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage by Gary Smalley, Ted Cunningham


Choosing Marriage: Why It Has to Start with We>Me by Debra K. Fileta


10 Thins a Husband Needs from His Wife by Erin Smalley


Sacred Marriage by Gary L. Thomas


The Naked Marriage by Dave & Ashley Willis

I would ALSO GREATLY recommend their podcast! also named The Naked Marriage


I recommend renting these books/ audiobooks for free from your local library using a library app! This is an awesome way to get these amazing resources without killing your bank account.

Two library apps that I use: Hoopla and Overdrive

I am always trying to build on this list. If you have any marriage books that changed your marriage for the better please comment your recommendation below in the comment section. This will help other brides know other books to help their marriage! Share the love! I am also cataloging my reading material on goodreads. If you would like to follow along my book journey my account is under Molly Sanchez

My real hope is that this brings blessing abundantly to your marriage so you can love each other well and strengthen your bond for the rest of your lives here on earth.

Warmly,
Molly