This day was the brightness of a sherbet sunset wrapped in the joy of marrying your best friend. What a privilege it was to photograph Kaitlyn & Lucas’ celebration at the Willows of Abella! Their wedding was the perfect balance of boho romance, clean spring tones, and a dash of country charm, dressed in champagne, coral, and cream. Married beneath the cross, Kaitlyn & Lucas’ shared devotion to the Lord was woven quietly through every part of their day. This day was also full of personal touches — right down to a surprise that shocked the groom in the best way.

Boho Blooms & A Ceremony Beneath the Cross

If you ask me what made this wedding so distinctly Kaitlyn & Lucas, I’d start with Moose. Their pup made his tuxedo debut as ring bearer along with Lucas’ nephew. We made sure to capture portraits with him right after first look! Kaitlyn put so much thought into the details and decor of her day – she is a photographer herself so I had to give each detail its moment!

Kaitlyn wore Grace Loves Lace, and her gown was the perfect expression of her sweet and fun personality! Dripping with texture and charm, this dress nodded to the bohemian yet exuded feminine elegance. Eyelash lace, a sweetheart neckline, and lots of scallop details enhanced the silhouette. Her bridesmaids wore champagne dresses with coral and cream bouquets adding just the right pop of color against that warm, soft neutral. I loved how the green fields and the golden light was a paid actor for Kaitlyn’s vision!

In the Willows, a linen wedding sign danced in the breeze, with fluttering ribbon. Wicker baskets filled with florals greeted guests off the trolley and into the sacred space where a marriage would be born. Kaitlyn & Lucas perform their vows against a backdrop of great trees with a simple wooden cross altar. There was something so beautiful about seeing all of their loved ones gathered at the cross, great boughs over them and great roots beneath them. Kaitlyn and Lucas performed their vows and Pastor Rick gave a message mentioning the same verse Kaitlyn had quoted in her private vows after first look: “Where you go, I will go and your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”

The Bentley, Moose’s Tuxedo Debut & A Very Sweet Surprise

As guests took the trolley back to the silos, a cocktail hour began with live music. The voice of Bryce Hegge drifted through the air, filling the fields with his guitar music. As guests enjoyed refreshments (in frosted cups stamped with Moose!), I photographed portraits of Kaitlyn & Lucas beneath the willow tree and also with Lucas’ classic Bentley. It just felt right to include his love for classic cars into the wedding day! Plus, he hade a custom license plate 🙂

One of the sweetest moments happened mid-reception after speeches, when Kaitlyn stood up and revealed a secret she’d been keeping from Lucas for who knows how long. An ice cream truck had arrived onsite. His face lit up with wonder and everyone could see the childlike joy he felt in realizing how amazing Kaitlyn is. It was one of those genuine, unscripted moments I live for as a photographer.

Letter to the Couple

Kaitlyn & Lucas, from the moment I first met you at your engagement session, it was so clear that you two aren’t just partners in road trip adventures— you’re best friends who genuinely have fun together. I love the way you blended country vibes into your white barn wedding aesthetic. May your faith always remain the foundation of your love together. Kaitlyn, you pulled off that ice cream truck surprise so perfectly! I loved the public announcement reveal. You are so loved and cherished. Thank you so much for choosing me to be your wedding photographer. I cannot wait to see the beautiful adventure of your life together unfold!

With Love,

Jennifer

Boho Summer Abella Wedding Vendors

Venue: Abella Weddings & Events 

Planning: Rosewood Weddings MN 

Photography: Jennifer Sanders Photography 

Beauty (Hair & Makeup): The Beauty Collective LLC 

Bridal Boutique: Grace Loves Lace 

Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your MuMu 

Florals: Flower Moxie 

Groomswear: Blacktie

DJ / Entertainment: Instant Request 

Live Music (Cocktail Hour): Bryce Hegge

Catering: Big Bore BBQ

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes 

Content:  Amérigo Media

Stationery: Minted & The Knot

Bartending: Abella Bar Service

Videography: Lunar Media

The Willows of Abella at Abella Weddings & Events is tucked into the countryside of Chisago City, Minnesota, just under an hour northeast of the Twin Cities, offering couples both an intimate outdoor ceremony site and a spacious barn-style reception space that comfortably hosted 275 of Kaitlyn & Lucas’ guests. With its willow trees, open green fields, and a classic barn backdrop, the venue strikes that rare balance between elegant and rustic — equally suited to boho garden florals as it is to a country-chic reception. I love shooting at the Willows of Abella for the way the evening light filters through the trees and across the open field, and for how much personality the barn adds to every portrait.

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