THE JOURNAL
Not all weddings have to be big to be breathtaking. Anna and Evan’s intimate courthouse wedding is proof that a smaller guest list doesn’t mean sacrificing meaningful moments. As a Minnesota wedding photographer, I had the absolute joy of capturing their heartfelt celebration. It was such a sweet day filled with love, warmth, and their closest family and friends.
The Perfect Weekday Micro Wedding
Who says you need to plan a weekend wedding to have a magical wedding day? Weekday weddings can be an ideal choice for more intimate celebrations with a smaller guest list. Anna and Evan embraced the charm of a warm Thursday afternoon in July for their micro wedding. Their simple, yet beautiful day centered on what mattered most: celebrating their love surrounded by their closest family.
First Look: A Private Moment by the River
Anna and Evan shared their first look on a secluded bridge near the river in Minneapolis. The moment was absolutely beautiful, with lush greenery surrounding them and the soft glow of summer light filtering through the trees. I literally could not think of a more perfect spot for a first look. Despite being right in the heart of Minneapolis, this secluded bridge was so quiet and peaceful. Plus it brought the perfect balance of greenery and warmth to their wedding photos that Anna was dreaming of.
Saying “I Do” at the Minneapolis Government Center
The couple chose the Minneapolis Government Center for their ceremony, keeping things intimate and heartfelt. This was a first for me shooting at this location, and let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised with the venue! The big open spaces and windows with plenty of natural light was such a vibe and helped me capture truly breathtaking photos of them tying the knot. Anna and Evan were especially excited for the perfect shot of their first kiss, and I have to say I think it is one of my favorite images in their entire wedding gallery.
A Chic and Cozy Dinner at the Hewing Hotel
Following their sweet ceremony, Anna and Evan celebrated with a cozy dinner at the Hewing Hotel, a gorgeous industrial-meets-modern venue in the heart of Minneapolis. With their smaller guest list, they were able to seat everyone together family-style around one giant table which felt so sweet and personal.
Anna and Evan were so intentional about filling the reception space with beautiful personal touches, including a tribute table honoring their late grandfathers. One of the most touching moments that had me in tears? Before dinner they played the most precious recording of Anna’s grandfather singing, and the entire room was immediately filled with so much emotion. It was an honor capturing the reactions of Anna’s family during this special surprising touch.
The Ideal After Party: Rooftop Cocktails and Hot Tubbing
The celebration didn’t end with dinner. Anna and Evan capped off their wedding day with a rooftop after-party at the Hewing Hotel, complete with drinks, laughter, and even a hot tub! It was the perfect ending to a day filled with love and unforgettable moments. We also captured some stunning golden-hour shots of the newlyweds against the Minneapolis skyline, adding an extra touch of magic to the evening.
Must Have Portraits With Their Pup
No wedding album would be complete without including every important family member, especially the four-legged ones! Anna and Evan wanted to make sure to get plenty of photos with their sweet pup Josie. As the huge dog lover that I am, I was more than excited to say “umm YES absolutely!” And let’s be honest, these adorable shots of their little family are probably the best ones in their entire gallery.
Planning an Intimate Summer Wedding in Minnesota?
If you’re dreaming of a summer wedding in Minnesota, whether it’s a courthouse wedding, a micro wedding, or something in between, let’s capture your day in a way that feels truly *you*. No matter what style you’re going for, we’ll create something timeless together.
Are you ready to document your love story? Let’s chat!
Vendor Team:
- Venue: Hennepin County Government Center and Hewing Hotel
- Photography: Aly Cross Photography
- Florals: Sadie’s Couture Floral
- Makeup Artist: Lydia Loves Makeup
- Catering: Hewing Hotel
- Bridal Shop: The White Room
