Saint Paul Wedding at the JJ Hill Reference Library

michelle & will

I had such an amazing experience shooting this wedding with my friend and second shooter, Markina Bemis. 

I'm in love with this city; and Michelle and Will clearly love LOTS of the same things about it that I do.  They worked a bunch of them into their wedding day; The pop-up book downtown skyline, the historical J.J. Hill Reference Library, the Chicago Mix popcorn, AND a variety of cakes from Cafe Latte.  (on a personal note: I have a favorite, but regardless, I have a hard time choosing between the chocolate turtle cake and the raspberry torte.)

Michelle and Will met in a local kickball league, and as I was getting to know people, I realized there were lots of other married guests and wedding party members who met the same way. I'm thinking, if you are looking for love, a kickball league might be the way to go. Who knew?  At one point during the day, the entire wedding party went to Harriet Island for a short game and some fun photo ops!  It's only natural.

Michelle was just a gorgeous bride (I have a feeling she is gorgeous every day) and Will's a looker, too. I already knew from their engagement shoot that Will and her have exceedingly good fashion sense.

The wedding ceremony took place at a charming park in the city that was abloom with crab apple trees at the time, but for me the highlight was the library.  I have been using the exterior as a backdrop for photo sessions for quite awhile now, but this was my first time indoors.  Since I'm a history fanatic AND a book lover, I was captivated by the narrow aisles and floors of reference books, dating back who knows how many years.  I'd love to just climb around in there for a weekend and investigate. The architecture; the countless library ladders and gorgeous columns... It was all intoxicating for a gal like me.

Will and Michelle were radiating love for one another the entire time.  Of course I got a little misty-eyed at the ceremony watching them trying to keep it together during their vows; and OK, THAT'S nothing new.  But the two of them exude a playfulness toward each other that I found so endearing and fun to be around.  Congratulations Michelle and Will!