Groom dipping his bride by the iron bridge outside Nicollet Island Pavilion.

A Wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion was the perfect way to welcome summer—full sunshine, riverside breezes, and good vibes all around. It wasn’t just the setting that made it feel magical, though. It was Sammantha and Terry—two people who are very much themselves, and bring that same authenticity into every room they walk into.

Enter Sammantha: self-described as April Ludgate, if April Ludgate thought Taylor Swift was the best songwriter of all time. She’s sharp, quick-witted, quietly hilarious, and deeply genuine. And Terry? A whimsical writer with a soft spot for basketball, quoting The Simpsons, loud saxophone solos, and rewatching Game of Thrones with the enthusiasm of someone watching it for the first time. Together, they’re the kind of couple that radiates a relaxed kind of magic—never trying too hard, just fully present, deeply in love, and surrounded by people who get them.

Their wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion, nestled between the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis skyline, matched their vibe perfectly. The venue’s industrial bones and soft natural light gave everything an easy elegance, and as guests trickled in—hugs, laughter, and familiar hellos filling the air—it quickly became clear: this wasn’t just a wedding. It was a joyful reunion, a coming-together of longtime friends, chosen family, and people who had played meaningful roles in Sammantha and Terry’s lives.

From a documentary photography perspective, this was the kind of day you hope for. Nothing overly staged. Just people being themselves. Big feelings. Small, quiet gestures. Kids darting across the lawn. Friends embracing after years apart. The real stuff.

The couple opted for a “no look” moment before the ceremony—no first look, no sneak peeks—just the slow, building anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the altar. And that anticipation paid off. As Sammantha made her way down the aisle, sunlight washing over the scene, Terry’s expression said everything. You could feel the emotion ripple through the crowd—an unspoken pause, a collective breath held.

Their ceremony was officiated by a close friend, and it was equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. Inside jokes, sincere vows, and a wedding party full of support—smiles, tears, and knowing glances from those who’d witnessed their relationship grow. Every element felt personal, down to the music and readings they chose.

As the sun dipped lower, the reception kicked into full gear. The champagne flowed, the lights dimmed, and the dance floor erupted. Taylor Swift was on heavy rotation (as promised), and it was clear this wasn’t a sit-back-and-watch kind of crowd—this was a sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs, dance it out type.

I always say the best weddings are the ones that feel like an extension of the couple themselves—and this wedding at Nicollet Island Pavilion was exactly that. Real, emotional, fun, and deeply intentional. A reminder that the most memorable moments aren’t always the perfectly posed ones—they’re the in-betweens. The real stuff. And Sammantha and Terry’s day was full of it. Cheers to the happy couple!