As I’m catching up on blogging from 2019 weddings and elopements, it was such a treat to revisit this one. The Watson Block Event Center Wedding of Jessica and Kristen was a magical, creative, colorful, queer friendly, expressive celebration of awesome. In my career as a wedding and elopement photographer, I have the pleasure of meeting so many amazing couples, and in the niche I’ve found for myself, I find this especially true. I often get couples doing things in their own unique way. Couples who aren’t afraid to break from the wedding industrial complex mode of this is how you get must get married because we say so.
These couples, who make their own way, bring their own vision of how they will interpret traditions, who are themselves through and through? I love these weddings so much. Jessica and Kristen expressed how important these things were to them, and how important it was to find vendors who were queer friendly and showed examples of LGBTQ couples in their portfolio. I was so glad they found me! (As a reminder to all, I may be based primarily in NYC, but I’m always happy to fly home to Minnesota for weddings, and never charge any travel fees to do so!)
On to the photos! Jessica and Kristen chose to get ready with their nearest and dearest friends and an amazing airbnb in downtown Minneapolis. I love when couples chose to get ready together, it makes for such a fun atmosphere, and helping each other with final touches is always a fun photo moment.
These two have incredible style, and it was demonstrated in both of their wedding looks for sure! An amazing bespoke cape? A crown with golden antlers? We’ve got ’em. Add in a couple that is just so darn cute together and you’ve got a recipe for a happy photographer. I had such a fun time wandering the streets around the Watson Block Event Center in Minneapolis for their wedding photos.
Jessica and Kristen were married by a close friend. The ceremony included fun stories about them as a couple and personal vows, a hand fasting and sand ceremony, and Jessica afterwards spoke about how important it was to find joy in being yourself, not who others want you to be. Afterwards, rather then a first dance, they kicked things off in the most amazing way, a choreographed sword duel! How awesome is that?
Jessica and Kristen, I can’t thank you enough for inviting me to be a part of your day. It was truly an honor to document your love story. Thank you both and I wish you all the best! Congratulations!
Wedding Day Vendors:
Photographer: De Nueva Photography Hair/Make-Up: Fox Den Salon || Crown Design: Jean Fioca || Catering: Sterling Catering || Cake/Dessert: Deco Catering || Cape Designer: Samantha Rei || Suit(s) Designer: King Brothers Clothiers || Officiant: Adam Levy || Videographer: Mae B Films | Nikki Miller || Pianist: Nate Hance || Sword/dance choreographer: Jessica Thiene || Venue: Watson Block Event Center
