THE JOURNAL

Karley and Carissa’s Valentine’s Day elopement was nothing short of wonderful! As both their officiant and photographer, I had the absolute honor of capturing every heartfelt moment while also guiding them through their vows. The day was intimate, filled with laughter, love, and a little bit of Minnesota winter magic.

We began the day at the historic Saint Paul City Hall, where Karley and Carissa exchanged their vows in a beautiful and simple ceremony. With just their two closest friends as witnesses, the moment felt incredibly personal and special. After sealing their marriage with a kiss, we signed the marriage license and then took full advantage of the stunning architecture in City Hall for photos. One of the highlights was an inlaid map of Ramsey County on the floor, which we used as a perfect backdrop for detail shots—especially highlighting Como Park, one of their favorite places to visit together.

As we stepped outside, Saint Paul greeted us with a fresh snowfall, adding to the romantic ambiance of the day. We made our way to the Landmark Center, where the grand architecture provided a breathtaking setting for more portraits. The soft winter light filtering through the windows made for dreamy, timeless images that perfectly reflected Karley and Carissa’s love story.

After our city adventure, we headed back to their apartment for some cozy, heartwarming moments with their cats, Disco and Joni. Including these two in their wedding day made everything feel even more personal and true to them. We snapped adorable photos of the newlyweds with their cats before they cut into their wedding cake, officially marking the start of their new chapter together.

From the historic charm of City Hall to the snowy cityscape, the grandeur of the Landmark Center, and the warmth of home with their pets, Karley and Carissa’s elopement was a perfect reflection of their love—genuine, joyful, and uniquely theirs. I found myself laughing with them the entire day, feeling so lucky to not only document but also officiate such an incredible milestone in their lives.

Valentine’s Day will forever hold a deeper meaning for these two, as they celebrate not only love in general but their own beautiful union. Karley and Carissa, thank you for letting me be such a big part of your unforgettable day. Cheers to a lifetime of love, laughter, and many more adventures together!

Still planning your city hall elopement? Need a photographer (or officiant)? Reach out and let’s get you lovebirds married!