Julius and Elizabeth got married last month in a small COVID wedding, but like many COVID weddings it was a reminder to me that what makes a wedding wonderful is the people, not the size or the extravagance. The wedding took place in a small venue south of the Twin Cities, and the setting was absolutely perfect.
Elizabeth and Julius did something that many couples do but decided to put their own twist on it: they wrote each other letters for the wedding day, but instead of reading them in advance they read them together during the first look.
It was a really lovely moment that they shared together, and brought something extra special to the first look.
You might notice that I have more black and white photos here than usual. This setting just seemed right for the textural feel of black and white, and that’s something I want to highlight: we took Elizabeth and Julius’ portraits in the alley behind the venue. You might think to yourself that it’s not a very romantic setting, but there was so much character there. You don’t have to be on a mountaintop with a sunset behind you to get gorgeous photos. A good photographer can find the right setting anywhere.
Sometimes black and white will take an image from “meh” to amazing. Take this one: it just didn’t stand out in color. The wall was a dingy, boring color. But in black and white it’s one of my favorites.
One of the best moments during the portraits was when the groomsmen discovered their windows overlooked our photo spot. They couldn’t resist hassling the bride and groom just a bit.
In some ways I really love shooting smaller weddings, because it gives me a chance to really zoom in on the guests. After the ceremony, I managed to snap portraits of every single guest at the wedding. It’s like a visual guest book.
Although the day was a joyful one, there was one sad note: the groom’s brother was supposed to be his best man, but unfortunately wasn’t able to join them. He’s in the navy and couldn’t make it home. But Elizabeth and Julius are nothing if not creative: someone managed to put together this giant cardboard cutout of the brother’s head, so he could still “attend”.
His brother wasn’t about to slack on his best man duties either. He video-chatted in to give his best man toast and to share a goofy video of himself dancing. It truly made the couple crack up.
And of course it made his mom get a little teary.
After the speeches came the dancing, and this small but mighty crew absolutely tore up the dance floor.
Usually I see bridesmaids leading the way to the dance floor, and more often than not the groomsmen have to get dragged out there. Not for this wedding! These groomsmen would not get off the dance floor, and they had absolutely moved beyond the white guy shuffle. They were some talented dancers.
Thank you Julius and Elizabeth for letting me be a part of this lovely day.
Vendors
Dress: David's Bridal
Flowers: Hy-Vee
Hair: Corabella Studios
Catering: Arna Farmer Catering & Cakes
Cake/Cupcakes: Hy-Vee