Claire & Bear’s wedding day was JOY! That perfectly sums it up! I have had the honor of knowing Claire and her family since I was young and they are such a sweet family! I was so honored when Claire asked me to photograph her wedding! Meeting Bear at their engagement session for the first time was so much fun! This guy is so easy to be around and the perfect match for Claire!

Their wedding day started with preparations at the church were everything was set to take place on May 13th! After hair & makeup were finished, Claire’s mom helped her into her beautiful dress from Raffine Bridal! This was a special mother & daughter moment! Her ladies got ready and put their gorgeous dresses on from Birdy Grey! Meanwhile, Bear was getting in his suit from Macy’s and looking so sharp! Bear’s groomsmen where all ready as well and we had a few moments to spare so we went out and took some photos with Bear’s restored classic car! So cool!

Once everyone was ready, we went over to a nearby park for photos! This photo location ended up being even more perfect than when I scouted it out! Once we arrived at the park, Bear took his spot on a walking path in the midst of lots of super tall log cabin pines and the setting was perfect! Claire walked up behind him and when he turned around, you could see the ultimate joy on their faces! Then we took couple’s photos around the park! It had rained earlier that morning and I loved that Claire wasn’t worried about her dress! She wanted great photos and I loved it (we were careful though and did keep her dress nice and clean!)! After couple’s photos & individual portraits, the wedding party joined us for photos! Such a great crew in this honorary group!

We then went back to The North Church in Mounds View for family photos in front of the ceremony arbor. After family photos were complete, it was time to hid away until the ceremony! The ceremony began and the wedding party walked down as rehearsed. Then the three adorable flower girls went down the aisle and once the last (and youngest) got to the end of the aisle, she turned around and ran all the way back to Claire & her dad walking down! After special music and a message, Claire & Bear exchanged vows, rings, and were pronounced husband and wife!

Their wedding reception happened right there at the church and they had everything decorated so nicely! A Wandering Fire catered the reception and made hundreds of amazing stone oven pizzas! Such a fun idea! After the main course of this lunch reception, they offered guests ice cream and little desserts in mason jars! The guests loved this whole meal! Such a fun idea all around! Afterwards, the couple did their send-off running through a tunnel of guests throwing rose pedals! Claire & Bear got in their classic car and took off! What a fun day!

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The North Church
Florist: Flower Moxie
Invitations: Etsy template – Prints of Love
Catering: A Wandering Fire
Dress: Raffine Bridal
Dress Alternations: Alterations by Sockchan
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Birdy Grey
Suit: Macy’s
Her Ring: Bergstrom Jewelry
His Ring: Bergstrom Jewelry