Melissa Oholendt | Minnesota Wedding & Lifestyle Photography

To my dearest Ali & Matt.

As I went through your photos I noticed a trend; there was almost always laughter or tears in your photos and you know what? THOSE ARE THE BEST EMOTIONS. There is so much truth in both, any day but especially on a wedding day, and it shouldn’t a surprise to anyone because it’s you two. So in love for so long and such an integral part of each other lives & families years before your wedding day arrived. From watching your sister give one of the sweetest toasts I’ve ever had the privilege of photographing to your brother’s hilarious, action filled toast that made me laugh so hard I cried (literally) to your dad’s unbelievably touching toast where I hid my tears behind my camera and missed my own dad, your day was unforgettable and that was just a 30 minute portion of it. I love you both so much and if the laughter and tears of your families and friends are any indication, you are both so, so loved by so, so many people.

Congratulations and xoxo times infinity.

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Ceremony Location: Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Reception Location: Minneapolis Golf Club
Getting Ready Location: Marriott West
Bride’s Dress: La Sposa from Brides of France
Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy from Posh Bridal
Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s Make-Up: Lisa Reinhardt Make-up
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Tuxes: Savvi Formalwear
Floral: Donato’s Floral
Invitation Suite & Programs: Social Butterfly
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
DJ: Instant Request

Super special thanks to Monika Hubka for assisting me with this fabulous wedding!

I am a sucker for a great, unexpected detail. Most of the time in my life, this relates to fashion or home decor (give me suede elbow patches or a gilded lion statue and I die with love) but if you’ve paid any attention to my J’Adore Weddings Pinterest Board, you’ve likely noticed that my love of details (of the wedding kind) runs pretty darn deep.

And a sweet little detail like chair decor has my name written all over it.

Top: 1, 2, 3
Bottom: 4, 5, 6

Annie’s breath caught in her throat and her eyes welled up with tears. She was less than 20 steps from seeing the man of her dreams for the first time on their Wedding Day and the emotions of that reality had just overwhelmed her thoughts and her body. Her hands trembled as they held her bouquet tightly to her body but she steadied herself and took one step forward. Two more steps out into the open and she stopped breathing completely when she caught sight of him. There Nate stood with his back to her; strong, handsome and shaking just ever so slightly. She couldn’t see his face yet but she was certain that it mirrored the thoughts that were running through her mind, “We’re getting married. This is happening. This is really happening.” She took a deep breath and took a step forward; another deep breath and another step. One more breath, one more step but then she stopped short. Annie was just five short strides away from Nate but she couldn’t will her body to move; she was paralyzed by the gravity of the day, the desire to see his face and longed for the strength his presence would provide if she could only see his face. It was as if Nate could hear her thoughts and read her mind; without prompting, he slowly turned towards her with a smile that could not have been brighter and spoke to everything they were feeling. Together. And just like that, she was strong again. Annie & Nate closed the space between them and met each other in the middle with open arms and as she had thought, she saw in his face the emotions that just seconds ago had stopped her in her tracks. This day had finally arrived. She was finally his. 

Annie & Nate. I cried pretty much through your entire Wedding Day. Certainly not out of sadness but because two people I loved whole-heartedly and dearly were truly following God’s calling in their lives and dedicating their future in His hands. There is nothing more beautiful than that. I love you both for your kindness, the laughter we create together and even more so for your hearts that you share with God, each other and all of your family & friends; I could not be more privileged to be a part of that group. Love, love, love you.

Ceremony & Reception Location: American Swedish Institute
Getting Ready Location: Hilton Minneapolis
Bride’s & Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew
Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s Hair: Salon Intrigue (Natalie Pinault & Angie)
Groom’s Suit: Jos A. Banks
Groom’s Vintage Tie: Styled Life
Floral: Bachmans
Invitation Suite: William Arthur for Wedding Paper Divas
Catering: Common Roots
Wedding Cake & Groom’s Cake: Buttercream
Traditional Kransekake Cake: Karen Petersen
Macarons: Cocoa & Fig

Sparkly thanks to Monika Hubka & Kristen Toth for assisting me with this fabulous wedding!

Brittany & Tom could not be more different. He loves video games. She loves art & architecture.  He studied abroad in Spain. She studied abroad in Italy. He loves technology of the Apple variety like woah. She loves losing herself in a fabulous book; preferably one about Marie Antoinette. But you would have to be blind not to see how their differences make them soul mates. How his love for people and her love for history led them both to become University of Minnesota Admissions Ambassadors at the same time. And how it took an instant connection at an Admissions Ambassador party right before Christmas break, a separation and phone dates in the in-between to have their first official date. And how since then, they’ve been inseparable. And how he proposed, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, because he knew she would love that. Yes, they are entirely different people but their differences are the very things that have always brought them to the very same place. Together.

Brittany & Tom. Seriously, you guys. I anxiously awaited your wedding for almost a year and a half and it was even better than I could have ever imagined and that was 100% because of you two. From the perfect, low stress morning to your First Look to your wedding party and especially to your portraits and then reception, the entire day was flawless and filled with love, art and so, so much laughter. Congrats. I love you both so incredibly much.

Ceremony Location: Church of Ss Cyril & Methodius
Reception Location: St. Anthony Main Event Center
Bride’s & Bridesmaids Dresses: Watters via Macy’s Bridal Salon
Bride’s Hair & Make-Up: Amanda with Hair by Stewarts Salon
Groom’s Suit: Calvin Klein
Floral: Sassafras Floral & Garden Design
Invitation Suite & Programs: Anita Marie Designs
Catering & Cake: Three Sons Signature Cuisine
DJ: Adagio Djay Entertainment

Another stunning wedding with my partner in crime, Monika Hubka!

Sam, the first time I met you you instantly became the coolest guy in the room to me. Yep. True confessions. You mentioned that you had dual citizenship in both the US and in Ireland and from then on when Matt and I talked about you, your name was “Cool Sam”. Laura, I heard about Sam’s beautiful and fiercely intelligent girlfriend for years and wanted to hate you for being both beautiful and intelligent enough for those to be your descriptors when other spoke about you but the minute we first met that night, I wanted to be your very best friend. What I didn’t know until your wedding day about you as a couple was your capacity for love. For your family and friends, yes, but most importantly, your love for each other. I can’t get over it. Actually, I can’t get over you. It is couples like you and weddings like yours that make my heart sing. Yours was a day where nothing was more important than the fact that you were marrying each other. You weren’t complete until you saw each other for the first time and from there, the rest was cake. This is 100% all I long for for my couples on their wedding day and to see this happen to perfectly, so effortlessly, on your day just made it all the more obvious how representative of you as a couple that is. You weren’t complete until you had each other in your lives and the rest? The rest will be cake.

To Laura & Sam. I love you guys. Now let’s break out the wine on your newlywed patio. xo

Ceremony Location: Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas on the University of St. Thomas Campus
Bride’s Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair: Salon Zeo
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Suit: The Wedding Shoppe
Floral: Coleen Nagel

HUGE thanks are due to my fabulous 2nd shooter, Monika Rae Photography!

It was a “DATE”. And yes those quotation marks are on purpose. A fake date. A date that wasn’t actually a date. The “we have an uneven number of people” date that seemed entirely accidental but was completely orchestrated by a very, very knowing group of mutual friends. A from that? True love. And swing dancing. And Japan. And two adorable black cats. And travel. And amazing friends, plum wine and cookie decorating parties. And now? A life together. Forever. Together. Forever.

Emma & Brian. The words fail me. You two, your wedding, your friends, your love, your families, your individual selves, your laughter, your silliness, your everything make my entire heart happy.  You believed in me and gave me so much all those months ago and I hope, I really hope, that this sneak peak into the romance & heart filled event that was your wedding day gives you a little piece of that back. Starting 2012 off with your wedding was quite possibly the best thing ever and I’m not afraid to say it. Love you both oh so much. Mean it. xo

Wedding Planner: Lasting Impressions Weddings
Ceremony & Reception Location: James J. Hill Reference Library
Bride’s Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair: Mezzanine Salon
Groom’s Suit: Custom Suit from Top Shelf
Floral: Custom Floral Design
Invites co-designed by Emma Phillips, Liz Maddy
Custom Tree Illustration by Abby Phillips
Catering: Chowgirls Killer Catering
Cake: Amy Hughes
DJ: Krista Haskins
Officiant: Peter Kirwin

Many thanks to my fabulous friend and super second shooter, Gina Zeidler!

And this blogpost would not be complete without a HUGE thank you to the amazing ladies at Lasting Impressions Weddings who truly took care of everyone and everything throughout the day and coordinated and executed to perfection!

Lauren & Matt. I have a confession to make, this blog post took me longer to write than any other post this year. Certainly not due to of lack of feelings but because of an overwhelming emotion of love and heartfelt elation I still to this very day feel about you both as a couple and most recently, your wedding day. You both expressed to me on separate occasions under different circumstances that this was more than just planning a wedding, it was the preparation of a marriage and, to me, nothing else stood out more on your day than that sentiment.

When you spoke to your family & friends asking them to play active participants in your marriage and to hold you to the vows you were about to enter into, it addressed your commitment to each other and to God but also the knowledge that a healthy and happy marriage is a vital component of the community you have created here. As your fathers & best friends gave their toasts in honor of your newly joined union, it was so clear to everyone in that restaurant that as much as you are adored and revered as individuals, you are most definitely treasured even more so as a couple. Just as Beau said in his toast, there is sure to be a lot of love in your house.

Much, much love to the new Henry family. xo

Ceremony Location: Lyndale Perennial Gardens
Reception Location: Grand Cafe
Bride’s Dress: Che Bella
Hair & Make-Up: Root Salon
Groom’s Suit: Heimie’s Haberdashery
Floral: Amelia Flower & Garden Shoppe
Invites & Thank You Notes designed by Jovaney Hollingsworth
Chair Rentals: Après Party Rentals
Musicians: Patty and the Buttons
Cakes: Turtle Bread Company

Thanks to my wonderful, amazing, fabulous second shooter, Monika Rae Photography!

As Anna’s dad spoke about how important the gathering of the families was, his voice, heavy with emotion, broke as he looked to his daughter and his new son and raised his glass in honor of the bride & groom and the coming together of two families to be one. In that very moment, you would have had to search hard to find a dry eye in the room. It spoke volumes to the happiness of the day; the kind of happiness that doesn’t happen without an outward demonstration of emotion. The kind of happiness that doesn’t happen unless a day – or in this case, a couple – is the absolute definition of perfection. Not perfect in deed but certainly perfect for each other.

Anna & Chad. I’m not even sure I have the words for how much I loved your wedding day. From the snickers & Jo Malone in the bridal suite to Brady & Moke’s appearance on your wedding cake, the day could not have been more fun and most importantly, 100% you guys; even down to the hops in the floral arrangements. You two are something entirely special and it’s nearly a certainty that I have started to mourn the fact that I won’t have a specific purpose to see you both on a regular basis. So. Maybe keep an eye on your suitcases for the cruise. Or don’t. I’d be ok with that. xo

Ceremony & Reception Location: Campus Club at the University of Minnesota
Bride’s Dress: Mestads
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Priscilla of Boston
Hair: Tres Jolie Salon
Make-up: Mariah’s Beauty Marks
Groom’s Suit: Heimie’s Haberdashery
Floral: A Day in Provence
Save the Dates, Invites & Programs designed by Sarah Goldschadt
Rentals: Ultimate Events
Cakes: Keys Cafe & Bakery
DJ: Ben Bigelow
Photobooth: Fabulous Photobooth

Many thanks to my second shooter, the awesome Monika Rae Photography!

Paul Bunyon & Babe.

What a party. It’s been 5 days since your wedding and I can’t get over how much fun the entire day was. I overheard (ok, eavesdropped in on) a conversation Ben was having about how every single vendor involved in your wedding was a friend or family member and how much meaning that held to have friends & family who loved you surround you from start to finish on one of your biggest days to date. It hit me how special and unique that is and how much of an honor it was to be a part of that.

Catie, I remember the week before you left for England to meet the Blackford clan we had our girl’s lunch and you confessed to us how nervous you were and I think, at that moment, we all knew that this was going to be something much bigger than it currently was. And then I met Ben and saw how perfectly you complimented each other and how hard you laughed with each other and it was as if you were telling the world, outwardly, that this was it. And then to be able to be the one behind the camera documenting your silliness and sweetness with each other? There really is no greater honor. (Other than maybe naming a child after me. So…you know…)

I am so immensely happy for the two of you; you both hold such a special place in my heart and I’m honored to call you friends. Cheers to happiness, marriage and LOTS AND LOTS of happy hour goodness. Love you both. xo

Getting Ready Location: The Grand Hotel
Ceremony & Reception Location: Fine Line Music Cafe
Bride’s Dress: BCBG
Bridesmaid’s Dress: J.Crew
Hair: Juut Salonspa
Groom’s Suit: Calvin Klein
Invites & Programs designed by the amazing Whitney Murphy.

Many thanks to my rockstar second shooter, Monika Rae Photography!

If it weren’t already official, then this makes it real. I LOVE what I get to do everyday. I adore that I get to meet fun, sweet and hilarious couples over wine on week nights and that I get to know their stories and their love over the months leading up to their wedding day. I am crazy about the fact that I am allowed to be a part of a couple’s wedding day and to be a witness to the tears, the flurry of action, the hugs and most of all, the intimate moments that most don’t get to see. I am absolutely smitten that on days like last Saturday, I woke up positively giddy to see Megan & Eric and even at the end of the day, through the heat, humidity, sweat, tears and bottles of water, I waved goodbye to them and blew an air kiss their way, even more so head-over-heels in love with them.

Megan & Eric. You have no idea how much your presence in my life has made it sunnier, more lovely and about a million times more music-filled. You, your friends, your family, your entire day rocked my world and I didn’t want it to stop (and believe me, had that last song been N’Sync? I would have dropped my bag and joined you on the dance floor). I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in moving to Arizona because Mesa doesn’t stand a chance. ALL of my love. xoxo

Ceremony Location: University Lutheran Church of Hope
Reception Location: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s Dresses: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair: Juut Salonspa
Make-up: Smart & Chic Bride
Grooms & Groomsman Suits: Savvi Formalwear
Florals: Sadie’s Couture Floral
Cake & Cupcakes: Buttercream

Much love to my wonderful second shooter, Wing from Canary Grey Photography!