You know when people say: "Everything happens for a reason?" That's exactly what went through my mind when I first received an inquiry last November from Terrae and Jack about their upcoming wedding. The wedding was set for less than two months away, and they were without a photographer. They had just discovered the photographer that worked with them on their engagement pictures would be traveling out of the country until the day prior to the January nuptials. Knowing that Minnesota winters can be unpredictable and that a winter storm could easily play havoc with travel plans, Terrae and Jack decided they would be more comfortable with a photographer set to be in Minneapolis.
I was shocked, because just days before I received the couple's message I had my own plans to be photographing a wedding out of the country on the date of Terrae's and Jack's ceremony. And instead, I had just discovered I would in fact be home in Minneapolis. When the couple mentioned they would be having their reception at Brit's Pub, www.britspub.com , I knew we were meant to work together. You see, I had proposed to my wife just across the street at Peavy Plaza, and in the winter months when the twinkling lights of Nicollet Mall were at their most magical. Though this was all through one electronic communication, I felt a connection to Terrae and Jack, and I could already start to envision their pictures out on the Mall.
I loved how Terrae and Jack chose to have the pictures of their first moment in the Crystal Court at IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis. Their reactions were fantastic and the real emotion they showed for one another was moving.
I don't pretend to know a thing about dresses (I am a man, after all), so I don't know the designer, but doesn't Terrae look like she stepped out a classic Hollywood movie in this vintage-inspired gown?
Terrae and Jack exchanged vows at the Marquette Hotel in Minneapolis.
One of my favorite moments of the day happend while we were en route to the reception venue. The photojournalist in me is always ready to capture the unexpected, so when I saw this trumpet player in the skyway, I knew we had great opportunity for some impromptu photos. Terrae and Jack decided to share a dance right then and there and create some stunning images that move beyond your typical wedding pictures.
Most of these location choices were not planned, especially since we were working with no natural light. With the sun setting at around 5 p.m. for this Minneapolis winter wedding, we had to make do with what was available, including this vestibule, upper left, near Target on Nicollet Mall.
One of the images that was in my mind, above, when I first read Terrae's and Jack's inquiry seeking a photographer for their January wedding. I just had to do this photo, because I proposed to my wife only about 20 yards from where the couple is standing! I knew that the holiday lights would warm up the background on this frigid evening.
The casual vibe of hosting a wedding reception at Brit's Pub was right up my alley. Kicking back with a couple of pints while playing shuffle board or catching up with friends by the fire seemed like a perfect way to celebrate the start of a beautiful relationship. Don't you wish you were a guest? Congratulations, Terrae and Jack!
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