Emily and Pete’s Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding was full of joy, excitement, and perfectly reflected who they are—two of the kindest people I have ever met. The day began with the familiar, joyful buzz of wedding preparations as the ladies had their hair and makeup perfected. However, what made the moments before the ceremony truly special was the love that Emily showed to everyone around her—including me. Whether checking in to see if anyone needed anything or making sure we were all well-fed and hydrated, she radiated warmth. She was a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy November day.

Wedding accessories including shoes, bouquet and rings arranged on terracotta tiles.
Beautiful off-shoulder wedding dress being adjusted by the bride's grandma in preparation for the ceremony.
Wedding rings displayed in black boxes next to white flowers on rustic surface.
Person working at desk with computer monitors in office setting.
Elegant white wedding dress hanging on wooden staircase in dramatic lighting.
Two men in formal attire having a meaningful interaction in an office setting.
Wedding preparation scene with people getting ready in casual setting with gift bags.
Wedding dress being prepared in classroom setting with chalkboard and window.
Close-up black and white shot of bride fastening white sandal strap.
Black and white portrait of bride in off-shoulder lace wedding dress.


Wedding Portraits in the Perennial Garden


Later, as I led Emily to her first look location—a gorgeous spot near a waterfall in the perennial garden—she was giddy with excitement. The moment she saw Pete, her reaction was one of the most heartwarming ones I’ve ever witnessed. Their love was almost tangible as they exchanged private vows, the warm sun briefly breaking through the gray clouds as if nature itself was celebrating with them.



Photographing their portraits at the Arboretum was a dream—the landscape is breathtaking in every season, but on this day, it felt especially magical. With Christmas approaching, twinkling string lights adorned the gardens, and the last of the autumn leaves still burned with vibrant color, giving the scene a cozy, warm feel despite the crisp 45-degree air. Dark clouds threatened rain all afternoon, but miraculously, it held off until the very last four groupings of family portraits. With raindrops just beginning to fall, we rushed through the final few portraits and dashed inside—escaping a downpour by mere moments.



Wedding couple sharing an intimate first look moment on a garden path.
Couple exchanging vows at the MN Landscape Arboretum during outdoor autumn wedding ceremony.
Joyful wedding couple sharing a candid laughing moment on wooden bench.
Bride in off-shoulder gown laughing joyfully in autumn garden setting.
Elegant bride holding white and green bouquet in classic off-shoulder wedding gown.
Groom in classic black tuxedo with boutonniere looking off into distance.
Close-up of bridal bouquet with white roses and delicate greenery.
Black and white photo of newlyweds walking arm in arm down garden path.
A romantic wedding couple shares an intimate moment while sitting on a wooden bench under a white lattice gazebo.
Newlyweds share a sweet moment under string lights and a white lattice structure in an autumn garden setting.
A bride in an off-shoulder gown walks with her groom along a garden path surrounded by fall foliage.
A bride in a white gown walks across a wooden bridge surrounded by evergreen trees.
A couple embraces under a white garden arbor during their autumn wedding ceremony.
A tender moment between newlyweds as they embrace during their fall wedding photoshoot.
Groomsmen in black suits celebrate joyfully during an autumn wedding.

Cozy, Intimate Ceremony in the Fireplace Room


Emily and Pete opted for an intimate ceremony, surrounded by 30 of their closest family and friends, in the Fireplace Room of the Snyder Building at the Arboretum. With its rich wooden walls and grand brick fireplace, the space felt like a charming log cabin retreat—warm, intimate, and quintessentially Minnesotan.



The room’s large windows allowed for a ton of natural light to shine through on the couple during their sweet ceremony. Laughter filled the room as the officiant’s lighthearted jokes set a joyful tone, while heartfelt moments honoring loved ones who had passed brought quiet tears to many in attendance.


As they were pronounced husband and wife, Emily and Pete beamed with pure joy, cheering as they walked hand in hand up the aisle—ready to begin their next chapter together.


bride and her father walk down the aisle at her wedding ceremony in the Fireplace Room at the MN arboretum.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding ceremony in the Fireplace Room
Groomsmen in dark suits stand at attention during a rustic wooden chapel wedding ceremony.
Wedding ceremony takes place in a rustic wood-paneled room with large windows.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony with a couple holding hands in front of an officiant.
Close-up of hands exchanging rings during a wedding ceremony.
Wedding ceremony in progress inside a wooden chapel with natural light streaming through windows.
An emotional moment during a wedding ceremony in a rustic venue with large windows.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a rustic wooden chapel with bridesmaids in teal and black dresses.
Wedding guests clapping and celebrating during ceremony in wooden chapel.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a rustic wooden chapel with large windows.
Newlyweds celebrate during their wedding ceremony in a wood-paneled room with exposed beams.
Wedding party members gather in an intimate moment during the ceremony.
A bride holds a white bouquet during her wedding ceremony in a traditional church setting.
A bride in a strapless gown holds a bouquet during her wedding ceremony.

Lively Snyder Auditorium Reception


Emily and Pete’s wedding reception took place downstairs in the Snyder Auditorium, where around 80 additional guests joined the couple for an even bigger celebration. From start to finish, the energy in the room was electric—there was never a dull moment with this crowd.


Heartfelt toasts in the couple’s honor had guests roaring with laughter one moment and dabbing away tears the next, a true testament to the love and joy Emily and Pete bring to everyone around them. With dinner enjoyed and cake cut, it was time for one of the most anticipated parts of the night—the dancing! DJ Caleb Nunn kept the energy high, ensuring the party never slowed down.


I couldn’t resist hitting the dance floor—celebrating with Emily and Pete while capturing the after-party in full swing. Even after a long day, I never turn down a chance to break it down! But what made this day truly special was how incredibly welcoming Emily and Pete were to my husband (aka second shooter) and me. We truly felt like we were among friends, leaving the party with full hearts and the biggest smiles. Couples like Emily and Pete are the reason I love being a wedding photographer.


Elegant wedding reception setup with circular tables and chandeliers in a dimly lit venue.
Wedding reception guests dancing and celebrating in a rustic venue.
A three-tiered white wedding cake decorated with chrysanthemums and red floral accents.
A couple shares their first dance in an elegant reception venue with chandeliers.
Wedding guests in teal attire react enthusiastically during a reception celebration.
Guests laugh and smile while seated at tables during an indoor wedding reception.
Wedding guests show emotional reactions during a special moment at the reception.
Couple shares their first dance in a wood-paneled room with warm lighting.
Black and white photo of couple enjoying cake during wedding reception.
Groomsmen seated at head table smile and raise glasses during wedding reception.
Close-up of couple's embrace during wedding dance showing detailed back of white gown.
Black and white photo captures intimate dance moment at wedding reception.
Wedding party celebrates with raised glasses at decorated head table.
Wedding celebration on dance floor with guests in formal attire.
Guests join in celebration with energetic dancing and cheering at an indoor wedding reception.