Kalie + Andrew | Craguns Resort | Brainerd, MN Wedding Photography

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Kalie and Andrew met one night, playing Bargo at Applebees. Mutual friends made their paths cross and then they took it from there.

Over the course of the next few years, Andrew’s job took him to Atlanta, Georgia and soon Kalie joined him. A little while later, they moved back to Minnesota to start their life together, in their hometown of the Brainerd Lakes Area. We photographed their engagement session last fall and they’ve been planning their wedding ever since.

Early in August, on a picture-perfect, warm summer day, Kalie and Andrew gathered together with hundreds of their most loved family and friends on their wedding day. In an outdoor ceremony on the grassy lawn at Cragun’s Resort, Kalie walked down the aisle on her dad’s arm, toward her prince charming who was anxiously awaiting his bride. They exchanged vows and rings, tied a knot in rope as their unique version of a unity candle, and became Mr. and Mrs. Jay as their family and friends cheered loudly. The celebration continued well into the night with heartfelt toasts, emotional first dances, and a rockin’ dance party. It was everything they had dreamed of for their wedding day and more.

Kalie and Andrew: I am so truly grateful to have been given the honor of being your wedding photographer. Getting to know you together as a couple and watching your dreams come true as you became husband and wife; it was a day I’ll never forget. I wish you a lifetime of continued fun and adventure together.

xoxo!!! Laura

Kalie wanted to do a First Look with her dad and her brother too, so we forced Andrew to be patient just a little longer as Kalie had a special moment with the other two men in her life.

I love Kalie’s mom in the background, watching her little girl on her wedding day.

And then finally, it was Andrew’s turn.

The wedding party took a boat to Ernie’s for a quick drink in between the ceremony and reception.

Everything went great until we were coming back into Cragun’s to dock the boat, and too many people and too much weight was up on the front of the boat. When the boat slowed down, the nose dipped underwater, causing everyone to rush screaming toward the back. Luckily, no one fell in, the boat didn’t capsize, and the only side effect was some wet shoes.

I had some horrid visions of myself, trying to tread water while holding a camera bag and 2 monster camera/lens combos above my head… Thank the Lord those visions didn’t came true!

The Mother-Son dance was a very emotional dance. Andrew began the dance, dancing with his mother.

And then halfway through, they walked over to where Andrew’s stepmom sat watching. Andrew’s mom presented Andrew to his stepmom, and half the audience burst into tears. Myself included.

It was a genuine expression of love and appreciation for Andrew, and the love they both share for him.

I still can’t look at these images without crying. Divorce is a messy business sometimes, but seeing love overcome everything was so powerful to watch.

And then, to dry the tears, the dance started.

Wedding Venue – Cragun’s Resort

Wedding Photography – Laura Radniecki Images

Flowers – Petals & Beans

Desserts – The Shante

DJ – Midwest Sound

If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your Brainerd, Minnesota wedding, I’d love to hear from you.