Luxe Backyard Wedding in Rochester, Minnesota

Kristen & Andy have an incredibly special love and an incredibly special story! With the help of Kristen’s dad, George, Andy plotted and planned for months before proposing on a trip to Ireland, in Kristen’s grandmother’s hometown on what was her birthday.

In the midst of the joy of engagement and wedding planning, sadly the couple was dealt with a blow. George, a physician himself, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. He suddenly found himself going from doctor to patient, and was soon being treated by his colleagues at Mayo, where he had worked as a cardiologist for over 50 years. Kristen & Andy ditched any previous notions of what they wanted their wedding to look like (they had originally planned on Hawaii or Santa Barbara) and decided that Kristen’s family home in Rochester would provide the perfect backdrop. The date (only months after their engagement!) was planned around George’s intense chemo and radiation schedule.

Of course, every wedding is always special, and every detail so meaningful, but photographing this day and this loving family was one of the highlights of my career. Not only did my team and I photograph the wedding day, but we also photographed the rehearsal dinner, and Kristen’s final dress fitting with her mom & dad.

There were so many memorable moments and lots of tears and laughter. One of my favorite details was Kristen’s dress. Her father selected it from racks and racks of gorgeous gowns and imagine their surprise when the found out the dress shared a named with Kristen’s late grandmother, Elizabeth; the one who hailed from Ireland, from the town where Andy proposed. It was meant to be!

I didn’t get a chance to meet Andy until the wedding weekend, but right away it was so apparent why Kristen – and George! – love him so much. Andy is smart, so witty, and so incredibly kind; a perfect match to Kristen. They’re gracious beyond measure and were over the moon to be surrounded by their family and friends.

Their story is coming to the Fall/Winter issue of The Knot Minnesota magazine and I hope you’ll read more there. I really can’t do it justice. In fact, I hope the article includes lots of quotes from the bride, who just happens to be a spectacularly talented writer! I am truly grateful to do what I do and to be allowed into such intimate moments in peoples’ lives. Kristen and Andy, I wish you a lifetime of happiness, and even though I know you’re feeling pain too, I hope you’ll always find comfort in each other.

VENDORS
Planner: Bash Please
Flowers: Munster Rose
Videographer: Shark Pig
Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Custom Clutch: Edie Parker
Rings: XIV Karats Beverly Hills
Hair & Makeup: Emily J.
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuillier from Nordstrom
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Mestad’s
Invitations & Stationery: Bash Please
Tent: Sperry Tents
Rentals: A Vintage Touch
Coffee Cart: Old Abe Coffee
Catering: Omar’s Kitchen
Cake: Daube’s Bakery
Music & Photo Booth: Flow Event Group
Planning a Minnesota backyard wedding? Though based in Hawaii, I travel frequently to my home state! Contact me to learn more.