Bride and groom kissing while on their stand up paddle-boards in the lake.

If I had to describe a dream wedding to document, this micro wedding in Northern Minnesota would fit the bill. It was an outdoor family cabin small and intimate wedding. It had a ring dog, DIY decoration and a stand up paddle board send off. Not to mention, when I asked the couple what their vision was for the day, Alaina had the absolute dream response.

“We want you to capture the story of our wedding day as it unfolds, no staging, no forced smiles, just beautiful reality. During the ceremony capture the shaky hands, the tears we won’t be able to stop and definitely the moment we both start laughing during our vows. Get the golden light on the lake, bare feet in the grass, family wiping away tears. At dinner move through the crowd like you’re one of us- catch the clinking glasses, half eaten plates, that moment someone starts telling that story we’ve all heard a million times. Chase the firelight on our faces during our first dance which’ll probably be just us swaying by the snacks. Catch the lawn game battles and the quiet moments we’ll steal away together. Mostly we want photos that feel like us, not perfect, but full of life.”

I could not describe a better attitude and vibe I want to photograph for a wedding. This is the documentary photographers dream description. And despite the freak 90 degree heat wave that swept across the land, this micro wedding in Northern Minnesota was absolutely perfect.