Alissa + Jordan! >> Doubletree Hotel Wedding (Rochester, MN)

Thanksgiving week + Bates blog week are aligned!
How fitting!
+How about we do a crossover post to celebrate?

I am thankful for this job.
Wheeew, what a privilege. To get to make meaningful art, pursue my passion, and share in such special moments is a treasure to me.

I am thankful for these moments.
Getting to witness love like this up close: what else is like it?
To get to see and share in Alissa’s contagious excitement in the bridal suite, feeling more like a bridesmaid than a vendor, getting our girl ready to see her husband-to-be. (I would also like to add it was a bridal suite that was legit playing The Office episode where Jim and Pam get married. ALL THE HYPE you could ever need on your wedding day.)
Watching the way Jordan quietly + consistently shows his family he cares, with hugs for grandma and forehead kisses for the nieces.
Laughing from my place behind the camera, watching Alissa dance out the door of the ceremony space, so excited to wear her new title as Mrs. Bates.
And: cake in the face. They went there. And I’m all about it.

I am thankful for these clients.
From taking Alissa’s senior pictures a decade ago when we were both so young playing in prom dresses, to the engagement with the doggos, a solo sesh, and now to the wedding—
Oh, my heart!
Thanks for sharing so much joy + so much love with me.
I’m reflecting it back to you now as I hit publish!
xoxoxoxo

Congrats, A+J!

Vendor shout outs!

Hair + make-up: Erica Amaris
Dress: Mestad’s Bridal and Formalwear
Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Suit: Mestad’s Bridal and Formalwear
Floral: family friend Sharon Gulbransen
Officiant Pete Wyttenbach
Cake/desserts: You Betcha Cupcake!
DJ: Instant Request