Couple looking at the crucifix during their Catholic wedding ceremony
Silverwood Park Wedding Portraits
Bridesmaids in flowing pink dresses with lace details gather around bride in white gown holding pastel bouquets.
A sequence of wedding photos showing a couple dancing and posing in front of a grand stone church entrance with arches.

 

A Joyful St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Wedding | Annie & Nick



Annie and Nick’s St. Charles Borromeo Catholic wedding was the kind of day that radiated joy from start to finish. From heartfelt moments in the morning to a laughter-filled reception, every part of their Minneapolis wedding overflowed with love, laughter, and a deep sense of connection.


The day began at the Best Western Plus in Shoreview, Minnesota, where Annie got ready surrounded by friends and family. A few of my favorite little details: the groom’s godmother carefully steaming Annie’s dress, and the hand-painted tote bags from the bachelorette party that were both beautiful and meaningful.


 

White bridal shoes with tulle bows and a delicate engagement ring displayed on a dark textured surface.
A series of photos showing someone lying on the floor underneath a flowing white wedding dress with blue accents.
Three mirrored reflections show people in white robes getting ready in a bathroom interior.
A series of fabric pieces laid out showing embroidered designs with red, green, and blue thread patterns.
Delicate hands adorned with rings rest on white lace fabric in a romantic vintage style composition.
A black and white photo of someone in a white robe preparing a wedding dress during pre-wedding preparations.

 

Their first look took place in front of the altar at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Anthony, Minnesota, and it was every bit as emotional as you’d imagine. This church is breathtaking — light streaming through its windows, a massive dome above, and soft peach tones behind the altar. Having their first look captured in front of the altar made the moment even more magical because it was a true testament to their faith and devotion to one another. 

 

A bride and groom share a candid moment in an elegant marble hallway with ornate architectural details.
A romantic first look moment between newlyweds in a church with warm wooden walls and candlelit backdrop.
A romantic wedding couple shares a passionate kiss in a grand church with ornate architectural details.
Minnesota Catholic Wedding Photographer

 

We did some portraits inside and outside the church before the ceremony, and I have to say — I am obsessed with the outside of the church as well. The architecture at St. Charles Borromeo is just stunning, and those arches made the perfect backdrop for timeless wedding portraits that feel both elegant and full of joy.

 

Stone church buildings with arched windows and architectural details form part of a religious campus complex.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Saint Anthony, MN
A joyful moment captured during a traditional church wedding ceremony with wooden pews and candlelit altar.
Inside a dimly lit church sanctuary with wooden pews and arched ceilings during an intimate moment of prayer.
A romantic black and white photograph showing a couple resting together in a church pew.
Newlyweds walk and pose together outside a grand stone building with arched columns and stairs.
Beautiful stone church exterior with arched doorways and windows provides backdrop for wedding photography.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment in a stone archway courtyard of a historic building.
Groomsmen in black suits share a playful moment hugging and laughing together in an elegant archway setting.
Wedding party poses together on stone steps in coordinated pink and navy blue formal attire.
Wedding party poses under ornate stone archways wearing pink bridesmaid dresses and formal attire.
Wedding party with bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in black suits pose together under ornate architecture.

 

Their St. Charles Borromeo Catholic wedding ceremony was filled with heartfelt emotion — you could see the love in every glance and smile they shared. Because Nick had previously been in the seminary before discerning a vocation to marriage, several priests and seminarians joined in celebrating the Mass alongside them. The main celebrant, Father Joe — a longtime friend — gave one of the most memorable homilies of the day. Midway through, he surprised the couple with a small rock, explaining that just as Jesus is their rock, they’re also called to be a rock for one another in their marriage. The delivery had everyone cracking up — it was such a funny, lighthearted moment that perfectly reflected the joy and faith woven throughout the day. After exchanging vows, the couple greeted their guests in a joyful receiving line, a moment filled with hugs, laughter, and happy tears.

 

A traditional Catholic church altar decorated with candles and crucifix during a religious ceremony.
Saint Charles Borromeo Wedding Minneapolis
A series of four connected black and white photos showing people in formal attire standing in an elegant interior space.
A church altar with crucifix and candles during a wedding ceremony.
Wedding guests wave white handkerchiefs during a joyous celebration at an elegant reception venue.
Children watching attentively during a church service or performance.
Wedding guests mingle and socialize in a church interior with warm lighting and wooden pews.
Church choir members in white robes stand together during a religious service in a traditional wooden sanctuary.
Priests in gold vestments standing in formation during a religious ceremony.
Wedding party members in formal attire stand in a line inside an elegant venue with pink and black color scheme.
A wedding ceremony procession walking down the aisle of a traditional church with wooden pews.
A church wedding ceremony with guests watching under ornate arched ceilings and religious decor.
Elegant church interior with warm lighting and wooden details during a wedding ceremony.
Wedding ceremony taking place in a grand church sanctuary with stone walls and altar candles.
Wedding guests seated in church pews watching the ceremony proceedings.
Black and white photo of audience members watching intently.
Interior of a traditional church with arched ceilings and gathered congregation during a ceremony.
Church sanctuary with vaulted ceiling and wooden pews filled with wedding guests.
Bride and groom kneel at church altar during wedding ceremony in elegant sanctuary with patterned wallpaper.
A couple kneels at the altar during a Catholic church wedding ceremony with stained glass windows and stone walls.
Church altar decorated with candles and clergy during a ceremony.
Students sit at wooden desks in a library or study hall working on their assignments.
Wedding attendees gather in a church aisle between wooden pews during a celebration.
A priest administers Holy Communion to a couple during a traditional church wedding ceremony.
Black and white photo of people seated in church pews during a service.
Church sanctuary with ornate ceiling, crucifix, and candelabras during a wedding ceremony.
A tender moment between a bride in white and elderly person in wheelchair during reception.
Black and white photo of wedding guests embracing at reception.
Wedding reception guests gather and celebrate with a small child in blue outfit.
Wedding guests gather in a church reception area after the ceremony, sharing moments of celebration.
Wedding reception dance floor with guests celebrating and dancing.

 

Portraits at Silverwood Park in Minneapolis, MN


Upon leaving the church, we made a stop at Silverwood Park in St. Anthony for some additional bride and groom portraits surrounded by trees and golden light. The sun peeked through the branches just perfectly, and Annie was absolutely glowing. It was such a peaceful, romantic pause before heading to the reception.

 

A close-up detail shot of a white beaded wedding dress bodice with intricate embellishments and lace detailing.
A romantic wedding moment captured outdoors as newlyweds share a tender kiss, with the bride's veil flowing in soft focus.
Bride and groom's feet shown walking together on a path, with the bride's white dress flowing beside them.
A couple in wedding attire walks together on a country path surrounded by green trees and grass.
A couple in wedding attire shares intimate moments together outdoors surrounded by lush greenery.

 

Reception at Best Western Plus in Shoreview, MN


The celebration continued back at the Best Western Plus in Shoreview for a fun-filled evening. Nick’s brother Matt gave an unforgettable best man speech complete with visual aids — massive old photos of Nick that had everyone laughing until their sides hurt.

 

A wedding couple shares a candid moment while walking together in formal attire.
Wedding party in pink bridesmaid dresses and dark suits celebrate during reception at indoor venue.
Wedding reception guests share laughter at the head table decorated with pink floral centerpieces.
Wedding guests laugh and smile while seated at reception tables during a joyful celebration.
Wedding guests in pink bridesmaid dresses seated at long tables during a reception celebration.
Wedding reception guests seated at long tables in a dimly lit venue with warm lighting.
Wedding reception scene with guests in pink dresses and formal attire seated at decorated tables.
People seated at round tables during a formal dinner event share laughter and conversation in a banquet hall.
A black and white photograph shows people seated at dining tables during what appears to be a banquet or conference event.
People sit in rows at a formal event or ceremony while someone stands at the front addressing the audience.
Elegant white wedding cake with diamond pattern, pearl accents, and delicate pink and blue floral decorations.

 

Then came one of the most emotional moments of the night — the father-daughter dance. Annie started the song dancing with her dad, smiles and laughter filling the room. But after the first minute, her grandpa was wheeled out onto the dance floor to join her. With the help of her brothers, he stood up from his wheelchair to dance with her for the rest of the song. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room — it was one of those moments that reminded everyone what the day was truly about: love, family, and the generations that built the foundation for it all.

 

Newlywed couple shares a romantic first dance at their wedding reception in a dimly lit venue.
Wedding guests in formal attire gather together for a group celebration in an indoor venue.
Couples dancing together during a formal wedding reception in a dimly lit ballroom.
People in blue and black outfits dance together in a dimly lit ballroom with vintage wall sconces.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate together on a dark dance floor during an evening reception.

 

As both a photographer and a friend of the groom’s family, it was such a special honor to capture Annie and Nick’s day and then celebrate alongside them. Their love and faith were the heart of every moment, and it was truly a joy to witness. If you’re planning a Minneapolis Catholic wedding or looking for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic wedding photos for inspiration, this day was a perfect reminder of how faith and family make a wedding unforgettable.

 

 

Vendors:


Church: St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Best Western Plus St. Paul North/Shoreview

Photographer: Framing Fairytales

Catering: Green Mill Restaurant

Cake: Something Sweet by Maddie Lu

DJ: Better DJs

Dress: David's Bridal

Alterations: Christine's Alterations