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St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church & Bavaria Downs Wedding | Lilly & David

Wedding

August 23, 2023

Where do I even start with this incredible wedding day! Those of you who know them, know that Lilly & David are two of the sweetest, most gentle people you will ever meet! Absolutely love these two and it was such an honor to be there with them on their special day!

The day began at the The Edward Anne Estate at Bavaria Downs in Chaska! Lilly was upstairs in the bridal suite getting her hair done by BECK Beauty & makeup done by Maggie J Makeup. They did a stunning job, as always! I took bridal accessory detail photos of all of her beautiful things during this time. Then she opened her letter and gift from David! Such sweet words – it made her cry! She then got into her incredible dress from Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique and did a reveal with her bridesmaids! Just before I went downstairs Lilly’s dad came in and gave her a big hug! I then went downstairs to the groom’s quarters where David and all the guys were playing cards (sunglasses at the table and all!) and laughing so much! I took some detail photos of the groom’s details as well and then David went upstairs were this dad & brother helped him get his tie and jacket on. His sweet mom was watching from a distance and gave him a big emotional hug once he was all ready. I even teared up at this point! Absolutely loved watching how both Lilly & David’s families related to the couple and each other! So much love for each other! Just before their first look, David sat down and read two letters. One was an journal book from his bride with lots of meaningful words written inside. The other was something so cool! Lilly had written a letter to her future husband back in 2014 titled “Read Day of Marriage” and it was filled with hopes and dreams – all coming true in David! SO cool!

After pinning on the beautiful boutonniere made by Custom Floral Designs, David was ready to see his bride! The couple shared their first look in front of the estate and it was gorgeous! They were so happy to see one another! It was a sunny day, so we stayed in the lovely shade in front of the venue for couple’s portraits. We did full wedding party photos and shared so much laughter during this time! Love this group! We also did immediate family photos before headed over to the church!

We arrived at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church ready for the ceremony! The ceremonies here are so cool! From the look at David’s face when he saw his bride walking down the aisle toward him, to the crowning ceremony, this wedding was beautiful! Right after the ceremony, the couple tucked away downstairs and ate some Raising Canes while guests headed to the reception. We then went back up to take a few family photos before headed to the reception! The wedding party gave the couple a bubble send-off on the way to boarding the limo bus provided by Renee’s Limousines!

Once we reached Bavaria Downs for the reception, it was set up so beautifully ready for a fun evening of celebration! Guests enjoyed apps and drinks while they explored the grounds, signed and highlighted verses in the guest book Bible (so cool!), placed their finger prints on a canvas to make the leaves of a guest tree, and mingled! The grand march as like no other! With songs for each couple, themed entrances, and so much dancing! Then, the couple was announced! Dabke Group presented them with traditional drum music as they made their way to the dance floor! Once there, guests joined the party and dancing happened for nearly 30 minutes! This group loves to dance! Guests were then seated and the dinner by D’amico Catering took place. The couple and I then went outside for a few minutes to get some sunset photos! We even saw deer grazing out in the fields! Then it was back inside for first dances, speeches, and more dancing! Absolutely love Lilly & David and such a joy to be with them!