Stillwater Minnesota Backyard Wedding / Katie and Ethan / 7.22.17

Katie and Ethan met while studying off campus in Washington D.C.  They went on a date and afterwards, Ethan was so smitten he told his best friend and mother that he had met someone special.  They continued to date in Washington D.C. but also when they returned to Minnesota and the rest, well is history.  For their wedding, they wanted something laid back, low key and intimate, so Katie’s parents offered their home to host a backyard wedding in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Katie’s parents house sits on Sunnybrook Lake in Stillwater, Minnesota.  Their beautiful big back yard faces the lake which made a stunning backdrop for their ceremony and reception.  The yard has a small beach along with a dock that leads out into the lake.

As Katie prepped upstairs in the home, Ethan arrived with his groomsmen and hung out in the yard.  Katie surprised her mom by buying a veil- something her mom always wanted her to wear.  After a few tears and a sweet mother daughter moment, Katie went down to see her soon to be husband on the beach.

After a first look, hug, and kiss, we took a stroll through Katie’s parent’s back yard to the dock then back up the dirt road for some exploring.  We met everyone back at the house a half hour for the ceremony so the couple could tuck away and enjoy a glass of wine.

A family member played the violin as guests made their way down the aisle.  Katie stood up top on the deck and took a moment to look out and embrace the moment before taking her dad’s arm for his last walk as a single girl.  They exchanged heart felt words and vows, gave each other rings, and had a few family members share readings.  They sealed the deal with a kiss and made their way back into the house to sign the marriage license and celebrate.

The rest of their guests arrived shortly after for dinner, drinks, and socializing.  As social hour kicked off, Katie and Ethan slipped away onto a paddle boat for a private moment on the lake.  When they returned they greeted their guests with hugs and happiness as a new married couple.

Katie’s mom rang the dinner bell and their guests filled into the tent set up on the lawn.  The tables were decorated with wine bottled by Ethan’s dad that featured photos of the happy couple.  Each table had a red and white for their guests to pass around and share.

After a welcome toast from Katie’s mom, guests made their way to the buffet line catered by the Lake Elmo Inn.  Once everyone had a full plate, Katie’s maid of honor and Ethan’s best man took the mic for toasts that celebrated the bride and groom and told stories of their past.  My night ended with them ended shortly after, but I’m sure the celebrating continued long into the night.

Katie and Ethan- thank you both so very much for having me at your lovely and intimate Stillwater Minnesota backyard wedding!  You both are so gracious and your friends and family were just the same!  I wish you both nothing but happiness on your adventures in life and love!

Backyard weddings are so fun and special!  Here are a few more of my favorite kinds of weddings from last year.

Minneapolis Wedding Photography