Merna & Yousef! I love these two! They are so full of life and incredibly fun and easy to be with! I got to know Yousef and his family at his brother’s wedding last year and this whole family is incredible! It was such a joy to get to know Merna’s whole family through this wedding as well! She is just a bundle of joy and was a beautiful bride on her wedding day! I feel like I’ve been adopted into this family and I love it!

Their wedding day preparations started at the Omni Viking Lake Hotel in Eagan! Such a cool hotel that overlooks the Viking’s training facility! Merna had her hair and makeup done in the hotel room while I took photos of all her fun accessories! She even printed off the blessings and prayers that would be in the wedding ceremony later for photos! Awesome idea! Yousef had some striking details as well! Check out his cool watch! Merna then got in her gorgeous dress from The Wedding Shoppe! Love the lace sleeves! Yousef’s dad and brother helped him with his tie & jacket back in the guys prep room! He looked so handsome in his Indochino suit!

Just before the couple’s first look, we did a first look outside with Merna and her bridesmaids! Lots of ululation happened and everyone was so excited to see her! For those who don’t know – ululation is a loud sound made with tongue-trilling and is a way of showing approval and offering celebration in the Egyptian culture! This is one of my (many!) favorite parts of Coptic weddings!!! So much joy and celebration all day! After a moment with her ladies, Yousef & Merna shared their first look in a fun, quiet setting! Look at the way Yousef looks at Merna! You can tell he loves her so much!

We then did couple’s photos, wedding party photos (you have to see the ring bearer!), and family photos in and around the hotel! It was then time to head over to the church! Absolutely love weddings at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church! From the readings, to the songs, to the crowns – this is such a special ceremony! Also loved getting to see lots of EVP couples in the crowd and give hugs afterwards! Merna & Yousef were pronounced married and they exited the church as their wedding party threw flower petals! After the ceremony, we went back to the hotel for a few photos outside with the whole wedding party! You can see it in the photos, but this was truly an amazing group of people!

Merna & Yousef wanted a small, personal reception so they welcomed just a few family and friends to The Mediterranean Cruise Café for dinner afterwards! After dinner, they cut their cake, played the shoe game, and some special people shared memories and stories! A super special way to celebrate their wedding day in a relaxed setting! Love these two and it was an honor to be there with them on their perfect day!

Ceremony Venue: St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church
Reception Venue: The Mediterranean Cruise Café
Hair: Hair to the Max
Make-up: Kristina Ramzy – friend of the bride
Invitations: Truly Engaging
Transportation: Valley Limo & Coach
Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Dress Alternations: Alterations by Sokchan
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: JJ’s House
Suit: Indochino
Her Ring: Arthur’s Jewelers
His Ring: Arthur’s Jewelers