Alexis + Dakota | Married- Shepherd's Hill Farm, Montgomery, MN

Alexis + Dakota shared their special wedding day with their closest family and friends at the most serene location off the beatin' path...and it fit their day so perfectly! The day started out with some rain, clouds and a little gloom. While nestled in the barn away from the weather, Alexis' bridesmaids zipped up her beautiful gown adorned with a lace-edged veil. The sweet couple shared their first look, handwritten tearful vows of love and their first dances all on the same barn wood floor. I knew once the ceremony concluded, the sun was about to peak out + it did! We were able to take all of their photos outside and the light was so golden. The way he looks at her, and she at him can just make a heart melt! The laughter from their family was evidence the two have shared so many special memories and those are sure to multiply! 

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shepherds hill farm | montgomery, minnesota --- stephanie lynn photography | midwest wedding photographer

Melanie + Kirby | Married- Owatonna, MN

Mel + Kirby...where to start! this absolutely charming couple shared their wedding vision with me right away when we met + I watched it come to life on their wedding day. they had so many special, unique, loving touches. the couple is building their forever home together + it happens that they got engaged after they purchased their land....the first look was in the EXACT spot the two said "yes!" the gorgeous photos showcase their little slice of heaven out among the countryside that they share with their honey bees. the way he looks at her + she at him makes your heart just melt. these two have built an amazing life together alongside their support system of friends and family whom made their day even more special. their adorable cake was handmade by his mother....it is a stunner! 

be sure to enjoy this extra-special long blog post full of love :) I assure you, you will not regret it.

countryside wedding venue | owatonna, minnesota --- stephanie lynn photography | midwest wedding photographer

Rachel + Colby | Married-Farmyard Wedding, Glenville, MN

If love could have it's own definition, these two wrote theirs perfectly! I enjoyed Rachel + Colby's countryside, farm setting wedding, from the very personal touches to the serenity of the setting- everything was perfect. They said their handwritten vows in Colby's mom's backyard, beneath two shade trees, with the presence of their closest family and friends. Their reception was underneath a big white tent in the white-fenced pasture. The details were gorgeous + their personalities go so perfectly together.  The couple chose to not have a first look and the ceremony was the very first time that day they saw each other--I think their smiles shined even more brightly during the entire ceremony for that reason! The night was spent dancing away beneath the tent, roaring laughter from the photo booth and kissing on some little farm goats. Love was definitely in the air!

stephanie lynn photography | strilaeff wedding | country wedding | just married

Joanna + Pat | Married-Family Dairy Farm, Waverly, MN

Joanna + Pat had the most dreamy farm wedding ever! They danced the night away in the shed and partied with the cows (yes, cows)! Their bridal party made my job so fun, and their hayride to the farm was complete with toilet seats (haha!) on the way from the ceremony to the reception. The reception was held at Pat's family dairy farm and the sun set alongside their gravel road. Joanna's smile just radiates joy and her and Pat pair so perfectly together. It was so evident how much he adores her...let the photos speak for themselves! 

Stephanie Lynn Photography | Weddings

floral: buffalo floral + landscaping

Emily + Jacob | Married- Oak View Events

Emily + Jacob had such a gorgeous wedding day! As you can tell, their venue was literally made to be a wedding venue. The gorgeous oak trees framed the ceremony site and the weeping willow tree made the best backdrop as the bridal party walked down the isle. From the glistening water features to the gorgeous flowers, the venue was a great compliment to these two's special love. Emily's dad said it perfectly and one of my favorite portions of his speech was..."as your daughter grows up, you always hope she will find a great man to marry like she's found in Jacob." 

They have a simple feeling love, one that is surrounded by playfulness, a few jokes and sincerity. Jacob is a farmer- the type that can work hard, get his hands dirty, but nurture deeply the next second. Emily is kind and lovable with her infectious smile and charming personality. The two compliment each other so well + I was so fortunate to be part of an emotionally-jam-packed wedding day!

Ok, enough with my story...enjoy these two!

Stephanie Lynn Photography | weddings

venue: oak view weddings + events-owatonna, mn

dress: sisters bridal- new ulm, mn 

floral: greenwalds green house- elysian, mn 

Courtlynn + Ethan | Married- Willow Pond Bed & Breakfast, Wisconsin

Courtlynn + Ethan had the most gorgeous setting for their outdoor wedding. Surrounded by family and friends, amidst a towering willow tree and a quaint pond, the couple shared their vows and tied the knot. literally, too! during their ceremony they braided a rope of three strings.

The wedding wasn't complete without their two dogs, "kissing" the frog + fish races! Let's just say, Courtlynn had already found her Prince "Farming," the two farm together on Ethan's family dairy farm.

I don't travel to Wisconsin too often, but it won't take you long to see---I want to go back again! The kindest people and the most beautiful scenery.

venue: willow pond bed + breakfast (weyauwega, wi)

Paige + Kyle | Married- Hutchinson, MN

Paige + Kyle had a beautiful wedding day surrounded by their fun-hearted friends + family! Their wedding party was full of laughter + I was on my best behavior as the groom (and many groomsmen) are police officers ;) The ceremony was nestled underneath of a large white pavilion + to help beat the heat, two coolers of beverages graced the entrance. After their ceremony, they enjoyed a few glasses of wine at crow river winery! 

Enjoy a sneak peek of the newlyweds, Mr + Mrs. Jorgensen! 

Stephanie Lynn photography | married | MN wedding photographer

venue: hutchinson fairgrounds + hutchinson events center

photos at: boxelder farm + crow river winery

 

Leah + Andy | Married- Cabin in the North Woods

Every wedding is special and unique in it's own way...this one was even more special as Leah has been a part of my life since the 6th grade (which is longer ago than it seems)! While we ventured different paths + colleges after high school we've always stayed in touch. When such a longtime friend asks you to photograph their wedding- the feeling is just pure happiness! I'm so glad I could capture their day. 

They chose Andy's family cabin as their ceremony location and it's SO fitting because they also got engaged in that same spot! How amazing and sentimental is that!? I'll also tell you that despite a few rain showers the smiles, laughs and joy was endless. Andy + Leah are the perfect pair--they enjoy deer hunting at the cabin together and have the most adorable cats. I'm so excited to share a little preview of their very special wedding day....

Julia + Kyle | Married- Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

I don't know that there are words to perfectly describe the love Julia + Kyle share. Although unconditional may seem cliche, it's really the perfect way to think about the two of them. They had so much JOY during their first look, I still remember how giddy Julia was to see Kyle! He also had a little surprise for her....his family owns a jewelry store (Douglas diamonds) and he had her ring made there. The surprise was the newly designed wedding band that adorned her engagement ring (STUNNING)! Julia was so excited to she her wedding band seamlessly joining her engagement ring. Their ceremony was so intimate, sweet, full of love and the sweetest handwritten vows. Her gown was stunning and it made for fun twirls on the dance floor! 

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a gorgeous venue and the golden light right before sunset made for a great walk + their fun photos as newlyweds! Congratulations to Mr. + Mrs. Kyle and Julia Douglas! 

 

 

wedding photographer, mnwedding, Stephanie Lynn photography

Kristine + Kyle | Married- Luceline Orchard

You know the saying "rain on your wedding day is good luck" ? Well the idea behind it is that is "hard to untie a wet knot," and the "knot" of marriage is a strong bond. I've known Kristine since I was a very little girl. She and my sister have been best friends since they were 4 years old. Growing up I would play the third wheel and try to infringe on their girls nights! Kyle is the perfect match for Kristine, they share the same love of fishing, the outdoors and it's obvious how much they enjoy each other. There may have been rain on their wedding day.... but their entire bridal party was so full of smiles, laughs and happy spirits, you would've never known! There were so many adorable spots at Lucline Orchard to take photos. Their wedding day emulated their lives together, full of family, love and adventure. Congratulations to my second sister and her handsome hubby!

venue: luceline orchard

Taylor + Braidy | Married- Farm America

I'm so very excited to share this blog post because Taylor + Braidy along with their awesome friends are some of the most FUN people I've had the joy to work with. Trust me, you will see the joyous laughter in all of their pictures.

There is something so precious and beautiful, brought to life by God that comes alive on wedding days. The positivity, love and compassion these two have for one another is inspiring. You'll notice as you scroll that there was SO much laughter with their entire bridal party + it made my "job" pretty easy! 

At the reception, Taylor's dad and I were talking and he was sharing with me how not just on this special day- but everyday - the two of them show the same love and compassion to one another. I still have to shake myself sometimes, to realize this dream of mine (to be a wedding photographer) is my life. It's real. I was constantly reminded that I have the greatest darn "job" in the world. Thanks for that reminder Taylor + Braidy (and your wedding party, too) you guys are the best!!

 

vendor list

ceremony: sacred heart church- waseca, mn

reception: farmamerica- waseca, mn

floral: hyvee

dress: silhouette- easton, mn

dj: dj simo (craig simmons)- waseca, mn