Ellie and Lance's Minnesota Arboretum Wedding — Creative Minneapolis Wedding Photography by Alyssa Lund Photography

Let me tell you about an incredible moment from Ellie and Lance's incredible Minnesota Arboretum wedding this fall. I'm going to fast-forward past their arrival at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, their touching first look, their portraits with family and friends and bunches of adorable wedding-party kiddos (I'll come back to all of that, I promise!) and bring you to the end of Ellie and Lance's outdoor wedding ceremony. Their ceremony was officiated by a friend, and was super unique, full of personality and anecdotes and meaning. With their crowd of guests assembled around them in a beautiful outdoor garden, Ellie and Lance shared vows they wrote themselves, kissed, and grinned at each other. And just when I thought the moment was utter perfection, one of Lance's sweet daughters (and flower girl extraordinaire) stood up from her seat, wrapped her arms around Lance's legs, and beamed up at at the couple. Lance's other daughter dashed over as well, and the four of them recessed back out of the aisle as a new (and very proud) family.

Just wait, because this moment gets even cuter.

As Ellie, Lance, and their two daughters reached the back of the ceremony (and while their wedding party was processing out from the front of the space), one of Lance's daughters grabs Ellie in a giant hug, exclaiming "Welcome to our family, Ellie!"

And of course, I'm watching this beautiful moment, dripping in tears, and feeling so completely grateful that I was able to witness and celebrate this beautiful moment for this beautiful couple and family.

Their entire wedding day was like this - full of sweet, authentic moments, vibrant colors, and touches of whimsy (wait until you see the lego-themed cupcakes!) This Minnesota Arboretum wedding had a lot of heart and personality, and was a beautiful day. Let me back up and take you through the rest of this incredible day.

Creative Minneapolis Wedding Photography by Alyssa Lund Photography

Outdoor wedding at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Minneapolis Outdoor Wedding by Alyssa Lund Photography

There were many amazing vendors that helped create this beautiful day!

- Cupcakes: Cream of the Cakes

-Flowers: Fleurissima (by Pam McCarthy-Kern)

– Wedding dress: Mori Lee, found at The Wedding Shoppe

-Tux rental: Savvi

-Reception paper lantern decor: Perimeters

– Rings and Jewelry (including Ellie’s custom rings and necklace!) Wedding Day Diamonds

-Catering and Venue: U of M Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

-DJ: Adagio

-Guitarist: Robert Bell

Are you planning a wedding or searching for a creative Minneapolis wedding photographer? I’d love to chat with you and see if we’re a good fit for each other. Feel free to download my wedding photography magazine, and send me an email if you’d like to learn more!