A Rose garden wedding looking out over lake Superior in Duluth was the exact wedding Paige and Cody were meant to have. Although the original plan had been altered a few times over, this wedding was the exact type of wedding we encourage all of our clients to plan. This is because, despite the hiccups of planning long distance or setbacks of having a random Reggae festival setup shop across from your venue, Paige and Cody made this wedding their own.

Earl and I are constantly telling our couples to strive to make the wedding about themselves and their lives and I’m so proud that Paige and Cody added elements throughout the whole wedding that totally nailed it.

First off, Paige did her own hair and makeup so that her groom would recognize her down the isle and she made herself look fantastic. Secondly, Paige had mentioned that she really wanted a special moment with just her and Cody before the wedding so during their first look, they read written vows that was meant only for each other to hear. This was so romantic, that the idea of writing letters to each other and reading them aloud during your first look is my new favorite tradition.

They also included their tiny adorable pup Cooper throughout the entire day (More dogs in weddings) from strutting down the isle to ridding along in the party bus, and even dancing at the reception.

Since the aforementioned Reggae festival had caused them to reconsider their Pier B rooftop ceremony, they decided to instead have a Rose garden wedding ceremony to accommodate their 80 guests. Under the absolute sunshine, they made their simpler vows and were proclaimed husband and wife.

After many first dances that included mom and son, daddy daughter, other dad and daughter, and even mom and daughter, Paige switched up tradition again with the bouquet toss.

She read aloud a heartfelt speech to Cody’s grandparents who had been married a record number of years and handed the bouquet to her new Grandma. The surprise and love that Grandma and Grandpa expressed was so heartfelt that even I teared up behind the lens.

The rest of the night was full-on party mode with the absolute full happiness from every guest and family member.

This is exactly the type of wedding everyone should strive for and we are so happy that these two got to plan it.

Cheers to the happy couple!