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 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.















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.















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.














