June 7, 2025

Emily & Brandon

Northern Minnesota | Summer | Micro Wedding

Emily & Brandon’s Northern Minnesota micro wedding was the perfect example of how meaningful an intimate wedding day can be. On a warm summer day surrounded by nature, they created a celebration that was stress-free, deeply personal, and filled with joy. Their vision for the day was simple—keep it relaxed, intimate, and fun—and it was exactly that from start to finish.

The day began at a cozy Airbnb where Emily and her girls got ready together. The moment I arrived, I could feel the calm, laid-back energy that set the tone for the entire wedding day. I immediately began photographing the details, and Emily’s florals instantly caught my eye. Her bouquet, thoughtfully designed and handcrafted by Petal + Posty, brought the most beautiful pop of color and was truly one of the most stunning floral arrangements I’ve had the pleasure of photographing.

Emily’s wedding gown fit her flawlessly and transformed her into an absolutely radiant bride. With Mille Lacs Lake just steps away, we took advantage of the sparkling water backdrop for her bridal portraits. One image in particular—Emily standing in front of the lake with her veil gently flowing to the side—remains one of my all-time favorite bridal portraits. The combination of soft light, movement, and natural scenery was simply breathtaking.

After finishing Emily’s portraits, I made my way to Brandon’s family’s private property, where their outdoor wedding ceremony would take place. Brandon was calm, relaxed, and completely present as we captured a few groom portraits before heading into the woods. Tucked among the trees he’s explored for years, Brandon waited as Emily walked toward him. The emotion of that moment was undeniable, and Emily was overcome with happy tears as they met at the altar. Their ceremony was heartfelt, intimate, and a true reflection of who they are as a couple.

Following the ceremony, we captured family photos before wandering through the wooded property for bride and groom portraits. Exploring these meaningful locations—places that have been a part of Brandon’s life for so long—made their portraits even more special, adding a deeper layer of storytelling to their wedding day.

The celebration continued back at the farmhouse, where the reception began with a delicious dinner prepared by a local friend. Emily and Brandon signed their marriage license, cut their cake, and spent the rest of the evening laughing and celebrating with their closest family members. Every detail of the day felt intentional and personal, making it the perfect Northern Minnesota micro wedding.

Emily & Brandon’s wedding was such an honor to be a part of and a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful wedding days are often the simplest ones—filled with love, connection, and the people who matter most.