October Weddings 2020

October was the end of my Weddings for the year  – What a strange year it was with Covid. How will we all remember the year and how will my couples remember their wedding days? With many changes – from dates to venues and down-sizing guest lists – wearing masks – social distancing – they will certainly have stories to remember and to pass along!

October 2020

Brittany and Luke saw a change to a small intimate gathering of family and friends at home. The wedding had many personal touches. The ceremony, outside, was a bit chilly and drizzly but it was beautiful. They involvement of their children made this extra special. The bride was beautiful!

  Much luck and happiness to your new family union in all your years to come.

Halloween was the setting for my 2nd Ceremony that rounded out the year – there was nothing scary or spooky about it!  Houda & Jaysen were an absolute delight to work with!

Some came in costumes others did not but it was a joyous occasion shared by a masked, socially distanced group of awesome family and friends!

I love watching a groom see his bride walk down the aisle for the first time! This did not disappoint, not a dry eye, she was radiant and he was overwhelmed, it was beautiful!

Wishing much luck and happiness to this awesome family as they move into their future together!

September Rain

Gina and Matthew – September 2020 – Bunker Hills Event Center – Coon Rapids

Joy, Joy, Joy!

This ceremony, another one sealed with a handfasting, was perfect, if I do say so myself! The couple were completely laid back after having to change venues at the last minute and they rocked this one! She was so beautiful and a light drizzle through the ceremony didn’t faze this couple at all. They say rain on a wedding day is good luck, this one is off to a wonderful start. I had to share a photo of the arch, made by the bride! I told her she needs to do this on the side!

made with love by Gina – stunning

Along came August

Kylie and Kevin – August 2020 – Legends Country Club – Prior Lake

I couldn’t love this couple more! They were amazing! Their families were awesome. I had some great laughs with this wedding party and family. The day was beautiful, but not nearly as beautiful as Kylie! I wish them a lifetime of happiness.

July in Rochester

Jadyn & Raven July 2020 – Private Home

Jadyn and Raven were another couple that had to do some adjusting due to the pandemic but did so beautifully! She was radiant in her lace dress and their pup was part of the wedding party – he was a hit! The love surrounding this couple by the close friends and family that were there to share and witness their handfasting ceremony was awesome. I was honored to share the day with this wonderful couple.

Marriage in the time of Pandemic!

Jessica and Cody -June 2020 – Private Home

WordPress has changed the format during the pandemic and I am behind with posting so I am going with it and will adjust later!

What a crazy time we live in right now. Who knows how long this will continue. I am finding that my couples are adapting and changing as they need. I have had a few move dates and only one cancel so I am blessed. I will also wear a mask if so required, it is up to the couple – other than for a picture I take my precautions to social distance as well. I remain as fluid for my couples as I can, so far the few who moved dates I was able to accommodate.

Jessica and Cody’s wedding was in a stunning setting at the bride’s childhood home. It was a very warm day and while scaled back their nearest and dearest were there to celebrate their day with them.

So sweet and simplistic. Yet very elegant.

precious moment captured

Leap Year Wedding

KyleeAustin  Kaylee & Austin – Fridley, MN

Leapin Lizards did we have a beautiful day on Saturday the 29th! This young couple was playin to a packed house!! I don’t think I saw a single empty chair. The weather was great, the Wedding party looked awesome and the bride was stunning! What a great family they have. Lots of laughs. Wishing you all he best as you move forward in the next chapter of your lives. And no, Austin, … This doesn’t mean you get out of an anniversary gift every year!

Reflection

2020-02-01_142322Cruise December 2019

Where has 6 years gone?

When I started this journey I honestly thought it was going to be a “One and done” situation. I had dabbled in the Wedding industry YEARS ago(when I was a baby) first working in a Bridal Shop then some Wedding Planning. I was always interested in being able to perform a ceremony. I always, in the back of my mind, thought that I would get in when everyone was free to marry who they chose. That beautiful change happened at the same time I reunited some friends from High School – it was like the stars aligned. They insisted that I perform their ceremony. The rest is history!

This journey could not continue without the help of some amazing Vendors who have helped me grow and develop through the years. I have to take the  time to give a HUGE shout out and Thank you to Leslie at Banquets of Minnesota in Fridley first. She took the first chance on me – I gained the trust and respect(I hope!) of Gloria who runs the Banquets of Minnesota Blaine facility. Including me in my first Bridal Fair and a couple of the tastings! I would love to do more but my “Day Job” restricts me.

I have since become a preferred vendor at a few Venues and for that I am truly honored and humbled. Como Conservatory for one and also Holiday Inn in Lakeville. I hope to see that grow as I do. I am building my list of preferred vendors based on people I have worked with over the years.

2020-02-01_142556  December 2019

Being married and sharing your life with someone day after day after day after day… can be hard work, it also brings a lot of joy.  Each time I join a new couple in marriage and see that excitement and joy on their faces, it fills me with hope and reminds me how lucky I am to have a great husband by my side – most days anyway! I am sure there are days he questions his sanity as well. We have worked hard to be where we are and it hasn’t alway been fun or easy but every step and stumble has been worth it. 26 years later (This coming April) We are now getting to enjoy our “empty nest” – we are enjoying getting to know each other at each new phase of our married life. I would chose him again… I hope I inspire that in the couples that I join together.

2020-02-01_145120DisneyWorld Jan 2020

Thank you to all the Brides & Grooms who have trusted me to make your day special – It has truly been my honor and priviledge. I look forward to being a part of may more unions to come.

Many, many blessings for wedded bliss for years to come.

Cat

 

 

2020- Bring it on!

CassidyandprestionCassidy & Prestion 

January 11, 2020 – Fridley

This young couple was fun to work with. I loved that when she walked down the aisle was the 1st time he saw her in her gown! I have never seen a groom so genuinely touched and emotional it was fantastic. Made it hard a couple times to get myself through – but I did it. It was a great ceremony and they were surrounded by great friends and family.

Not Even Going to say it!

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Whitney & Jacob

July 27, 2019 – Como Park

Whitney and Jake chose to say their “I do’s” privately in front of a beautiful waterfall at Como Zoo. I was joined by my daughter and my back-up Officiant who served as witnesses. It was beautiful and personal and they just radiated with the excitement of sharing this intimate moment alone. It was a perfect day and we all felt honored to be a part of it.

Later that same afternoon I was priviledged to join

 

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Katie & Grant

July 27, 2019 – Brooklyn Center

It was very warm that afternoon but that didn’t slow down or dampen the excitement of this union. Surrounded by friends and family in a beautiful outdoor venue this couple vowed to face their future together, united and ready for anything that comes their way. Each wedding and ceremony have such special memories for me, and it feels they get better and better as I move along!

 

 

 

LindaAndrew2

Linda & Andrew

August 3, 2019 – Fridley

Wow! She was stunning! I can also say I don’t think I have ever presided over such a BIG wedding – over 400 if I recall. Everyone attending to share in their joy was dressed to impress! It was amazing. They were surrounded by such love and support and I have no doubt they will have many to rely on as they move forward in their marriage journey. Many blessing on you and your growing family.

 

 

 

morgandexter

Morgan & Dexter

September 7, 2019 – Como Park

Where do I start? If my daughter and her hubby lived here, they would be fast friends with this couple! From the stunning florals they chose to the amazing friends they had for this intimate ceremony in the Sunken Garden – everything was perfect – A fun, simple gathering focusing on the ceremony. I was honored to meet you and your guests and partake in the pizza and laughter that followed.

 

delanyzachary

Delany & Zachary

September 28, 2019 – Hastings

The weather for September couldn’t have been more perfect! It was the ONLY nice Saturday that we experienced that month and this outdoor wedding was spectacular! They were so ready for the “party” to get going and their laughter and joking around made for one of the most laid back weddings that I have been a part of.

 

 

Later…  that day….

alexasteven

Alexa & Steven 

September 28, 2019 – Como Park

The beauty and every changing floral makes this one of my favorite venues. Ceremonies are smaller and more intimate in this setting. It was another joyous gathering of family and friends to wish this couple a happy beginning to many years of wedded bliss!

 

 

 

 

2019 wedding season was capped with

Amandachris

Amanda & Christopher 

October 5, 2019 – Blaine

I was priivy to be early and catch some of the fun professional photo’s that were being taken and boy were they having some fun! I can only imagine what a party it was after the ceremony! What a great way to end my wedding season for 2019. This couple is in for a lot of fun in the years ahead – great family and friends to celebrate with.

 

 

Just for fun!

Fun little video I created   

I know I have to do some updating on the weddings that I have done this year however I found this fun program and decided to make a small video of some of the weddings that I have pictures from. It has give me great joy to be a part of each and every union. I continue to hope for a healthy and lifelong union for each and every one of you.