Sarah & Noah’s wedding day unfolded with the tone of their easy going personalities: a simple, joyful day surrounded by the people and places they love most. After exchanging vows at Holy Name of Jesus in Wayzata (with Sarah’s own brother officiating!) the celebration moved to her parents’ residence for a tented garden party reception. Blush pinks and olive greens tied the day together in a fresh palette. This day was marked by the joy of family coming together as true servants to make Sarah & Noah’s dream day come true. I loved every minute. It felt like Sarah and Noah themselves: unpretentious, adventurous, and full of heart.

A Sacred Ceremony at Holy Name of Jesus

Sarah walked down the aisle of Holy Name of Jesus in a gown from Che Bella, a soft, romantic silhouette that felt entirely her — refined but never fussy. Her silk trimmed veil was the perfect touch of drama. What set this ceremony apart was that Sarah’s oldest brother was the priest marrying her to her beloved. My favorite moment was listening to him begin – as he admitted the difficult and the beauty of leading the mass. Watching him guide his sister through her vows in their family church, surrounded by all the support they would ever need, was unlike anything I’ve captured before. As he spoke the words “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” it seemed like everyone breathed the same joy of ushering the couple into their new lives.

A Tented Garden Party Full of Vintage Charm

Sarah’s parents brought out all the stops hosting the reception at their residence. We of course had to use the gorgeous weeping willow and tall grasses for golden hour! It felt fitting: Sarah and Noah are two people who’d rather be hiking a trail or out on a lake than anywhere else, so photographing their finale of portraits in a natural space felt totally them. Working with Jenny Roloff of Flair Events and the team at Ultimate Events MN, they raised a tent over the lawn and filled it with blush pink and olive green: vintage glassware in soft pink hues, mismatched vintage plates, and floral touches that made the lawn feel like a garden. It was garden party elegance at its most personal — held on the very land that has been part of Sarah’s family story for years.

With the summer sun still high, Joe Ederer from Up Event Group kept the dance floor full with mixes and transitions that had guests going all out — no gimmicks, no grand exit, just a backyard full of people who love this couple, dancing until the very last song.

Letter to the Couple

Sarah & Noah,

From the first time we met, I learned that you two are happiest outside — all you need in life is a trail, a lake, and open air. That same ease showed up on your wedding day (even in the heat!) and the way you danced without a shred of self-consciousness once the DJ got going. Your friends are epic and brought the party! Your delight for each other is so beautiful to witness. Watching your brother marry you both was one of the most moving ceremonies I’ve ever photographed, and the way your parents smiled as you did your parent dances was so previous! I pray that your marriage carries the same simplicity and joy you built your wedding day on: long hikes, easy laughter, and a whole lot of love for the outdoors and each other.

With Love,

Jennifer

A Blush & Olive Garden Party Wedding Vendors

Ceremony Venue: Holy Name of Jesus 

Reception Venue: Private residence

Planning & Catering: Flair Events 

Event Design & Rentals: Ultimate Events MN 

Photography: Jennifer Sanders Photography 

Florals: Candlelight Floral & Gifts 

Hair: Hair by KLZ 

Makeup: The Beauty Collective LLC 

Bridal Boutique: Che Bella — gown by La Premiere

Bridesmaids Dresses: Hello Molly, Azazie, Runaway the Label, Club L London

Groomsmen & Groom Attire: Kennedy Blue 

DJ/Entertainment: Up Event Group Joe Ederer

Bartending: MN School of Bartending 

Cake: Kowalski’s Markets

Stationery: Custom-designed by friends of the couple

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church sits in Wayzata, just west of Minneapolis on Lake Minnetonka, and has long been a treasured setting for Twin Cities Catholic weddings. Its classic sanctuary and warm, traditional architecture make it a beautiful backdrop for a ceremony full of family and faith. I especially loved photographing Sarah & Noah’s ceremony here because the altar has a soft natural highlight.

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