May 9, 2026

Mikayla & Jake

I can’t think of a more beautiful way to kick off the 2026 wedding season than by capturing Mikayla & Jake’s stunning spring wedding at The St. Paul College Club in St. Paul, Minnesota. From the moment the day began, everything felt picture-perfect — clear blue skies, warm sunshine, and an undeniable sense of joy that carried through every moment. The love between Mikayla and Jake made an already beautiful day feel even more special.

The morning began peacefully as Mikayla stepped into her gorgeous gown from Bridal Aisle Boutique. The timeless silhouette was the perfect complement to the elegant charm of The St. Paul College Club. One of my favorite moments of any wedding day is watching a bride get into her dress, and Mikayla’s was especially memorable. Her mom carefully buttoned the gown using a crochet hook, a beautifully traditional touch that felt both intimate and meaningful. It was such a sweet moment to capture and one I know I’ll remember for a long time.

Once Mikayla was ready, it was Jake’s turn in front of the camera. We used the college club’s stunning library for his getting-ready portraits, and the contrast of his white jacket against the rich, dark tones of the room made for incredibly striking photos. Afterward, we headed outside to prepare for the first look, finding the perfect location right in front of the College Club. Before meeting Jake, Mikayla made her way down the grand staircase, and I loved being able to document that storytelling moment as she walked toward her groom.

Their first look was filled with excitement and emotion. The smiles on both of their faces perfectly captured the joy and anticipation of the moment. Jake’s reaction when he turned around to see Mikayla was priceless — especially when he noticed the stunning details on the back of her gown. The oversized bow and corset back were such standout features and added so much elegance to her bridal look. Shortly after, the two shared private vows together before we moved into bride and groom portraits.

And truly, these portraits were breathtaking. The St. Paul College Club offers such a timeless and romantic backdrop, and paired with the soft spring colors surrounding us, every photo felt effortlessly beautiful. The blooming trees, fresh greenery, and historic architecture created the dreamiest setting for Mikayla and Jake’s wedding portraits.

After portraits, we made our way to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, Minnesota, for family formals. We found the perfect spot beneath a freshly blossomed tree, which added even more springtime beauty to their gallery. From there, it was time for the ceremony, followed by wedding party photos before returning to the college club for cocktail hour and the reception festivities.

Back at the venue, we snuck away for a few husband-and-wife portraits in the sunroom — and they quickly became some of my favorite images from the entire day. The light in that room was absolutely magical, and it created the perfect atmosphere to capture some of Mikayla and Jake’s first moments together as newlyweds. I honestly could have photographed them there all evening.

As guests arrived for cocktail hour, the venue buzzed with excitement, laughter, and celebration. During cocktail hour, the sunlight filtered beautifully through the trees, so we stepped outside for a few quick golden hour portraits before heading into the reception. One thing I absolutely loved about Mikayla and Jake throughout the day was how relaxed and go-with-the-flow they were. Their joyful energy made every part of the day feel effortless and fun.

The reception space looked incredible, with every detail perfectly in place. DJ Eric Rasmussen kicked off the evening with so much energy as Mikayla and Jake made their grand entrance. The evening flowed seamlessly into heartfelt speeches, dinner, and cake cutting — every moment filled with so much love and celebration.

To end the night, Mikayla and Jake shared a flawless first dance as husband and wife before the dance floor quickly filled with guests ready to celebrate. The energy carried through the rest of the evening with incredible music, nonstop dancing, and so many unforgettable moments. Before heading out for the night, we captured a few final portraits beneath the twinkle lights — the perfect ending to such an elegant and joy-filled day.

Every part of Mikayla and Jake’s wedding was absolutely beautiful, and I feel so honored to have been the one to document it all. Their wedding day was the perfect start to the 2026 season, and I know these memories will stay with me for years to come.