Maria + Jon – Brainerd, Minnesota Wedding Photography

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Maria and Jon have one of the sweetest engagement stories I’ve ever heard. Jon proposed in a photo booth. They have the strip of photos to prove it. When I heard that story, I knew their wedding was going to follow in sweet, romantic fashion.

Maria and I have known each other since elementary school when we played basketball together. I was so honored when she asked me to be her and Jon’s wedding photographer. The day of their wedding was sunny and a perfect 75 degrees. Maria wasn’t anxious or nervous at all; she was relaxed and glowing as she got her hair and makeup done at the salon, surrounded by her best girls. As we got ready for the First Look, Jon was all smiles as he patiently waited for his bride-to-be to arrive. The moment they saw each other, any nerves that were lingering melted away and they were both beyond excited that today, they would become husband and wife.

It was a day full of emotion and fun as all of their friends and family joined together to celebrate their wedding with them.

Jon is a big outdoorsman so there were touches of the outdoors brought into their wedding decor. One place was into Maria’s garter. How cute is that?!?

I can not get over how GORGEOUS Maria’s dress is. It was a mix of 4 different styles, all rolled into one utterly amazing dress. She looked absolutely stunning in it and I know Jon agrees. Jon looked handsome as well.

Last summer, I photographed Maria’s grandparent’s 60th anniversary party. That means that this year, they have been married for sixty one years. I couldn’t imagine a better role model for Maria and Jon’s marriage then these two.

Mr. and Mrs. Ozanne!

I loved the centerpieces at their reception. They brought in the outdoors with cut birch pieces and even woodburned J+M hearts into the sides! How fantastic!

Maria and Jon’s dads gave such great speeches. They brought tears to people’s eyes and smiles to their faces.

We avoided a fire hazard when Maria’s dad leaned in to give her a hug!

Photographing the wedding of a bride who happens to be my friend too means that lots of my other friends were there as well. I handed my camera off to Maria’s sister for one photo and jumped in with the rest of my high school pals. 

The bride and groom’s first dance remains one of my most favorite parts of the day. Such emotion, I just love it.

Then, the party started! Maria and Jon had such fun guests at their wedding! I never had a shortage of people on the dance floor to photograph. Part of that was also because they had my favorite DJ doing their wedding! Tami Lu of Stage One DJ knows how to rock the house!

Even the mother of the groom hopped into the circle and busted a few moves!

Maria and Jon: What a beautiful wedding day! Not only was the weather great, but it was the perfect mix of emotion and fun. It was my honor to be there both as your photographer and as your friend. I hope you both had the time of your lives in Hawaii, and I wish you all the best as you embark on new adventures as husband and wife, in your new house! xx, Laura