I do love being the wedding photographer in backyard weddings done up right… especially in Albert Lea, Minnesota! This front yard wedding will be hard to top!
Poise, polish, perfection… key themes throughout the day.
I had been looking forward to Cara and Arthur’s Albert Lea wedding since photographing their engagement session at the same place as the reception: in the front yard of her parents’ home in Minnesota. Albert Lea reminds me of the tales of Lake Wobegon, “where the women are strong, the men are good looking, and the children are above average.” With lots of cute kids, I’ll add.
I remember meeting Cara for the first time, impressed by her sweetness and kindness. Her laugh makes others feel special. And I could tell Arthur loves her dearly. Their wedding affirmed what I felt the moment I met them. The day was flawless, from Cara’s dress, an emotional ceremony, the fun decor in the tent, casual lawn games, to the entertainment by local radio DJ Harry O’Neal. Their day was relaxed. It included a stress-free portrait session with ample time in between, an important ingredient in wedding day timelines. At one point when I took the bride and groom into the library and set up studio lighting, a small gathering of little children sat and watched my every step. They thought Cara belonged on the set of “America’s Next Top Model.” I thought she did, too.
I can’t imagine a better wedding celebration in a front yard! Cara and Arthur, you are amazing just the way you are!
If James Bond was a ring bearer, he’d look just like this:
These girls were dashing in red… could have belonged in a catalog bridal shoot!
I like the above image just as much as the below image taken in the church basement before the ceremony. When you have smokin’ hot bridesmaids you don’t want to forget the fire extinguisher!
Since I don’t show at lot of posed family portraits on my blog, sometimes I get asked if I create “family formals.” You bet… and I take them to heart since in 50 years the images will be a priceless reminder of the loved ones. Those images are important! Yet with lots of little ones, getting everyone to at least look at the camera can take some bribing!
Real moments unfolding naturally, reveal the candid backstory of a wedding, a glimpse of a “moment in between a moment.” I call these my “lit candids” and it never fails to amaze me how much people like to study them, imagining the social context.
Cara really liked the red, white, and blue theme… which I could see tied into her jewlery as well. Important details help tell their full wedding story.
Exploring the backyard… no need to leave a perfectly great place, full of sentiment, and a respite from Phoenix heat back home.
This cake smash brought surprise smiles to the guests gathered under the reception tent:
An outside bouquet toss at sunset! How perfect!
This image could have been made 50 years ago… that’s what I love about it!
Click HERE to view their complete slideshow timed to music.
Wedding Ceremony: St. Theodore Catholic Church
Officiant: Father Timothy Reker
Reception: Private Residence in Albert Lea
Catering: Kim’s Cuisine
Entertainment: Harry O’Neal at Creative Sound Productions
Florals: Cheryl Overland at HyVee Florist
Tags: Albert Lea Wedding, albert lea wedding photographer, backyard wedding photos
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