Garden Party Wedding
Kaitlyn and Jesse’s love story is one that feels straight out of a movie. They’ve been together for years—high school sweethearts who grew up spending summers out on Minnesota’s beautiful lakes. When it came time to say “I do,” they chose the perfect backdrop: Kaitlyn’s family property at Battle Lake. Kaitlyn, a wedding photographer herself, knew exactly how she wanted her day to unfold. Naturally, her organized personality mixed with Jesse’s laid-back energy created a garden party wedding celebration that was equal parts calm and intentional.
From the emotional first look by the lake to the sweet moments shared with their two dogs (who served as ring bearers!), this garden party wedding was truly a reflection of Kaitlyn and Jesse’s love for each other, their families, and their faith. With their grandmas as the flower girls and a tequila unity shot shared with guests, their personal touches made the day feel uniquely them.
The Couple’s Vision:
A SENTIMENTAL SUMMER GARDEN PARTY WEDDING
Kaitlyn and Jesse envisioned a wedding day that allowed them to be fully present. Their faith played a huge role, and one of the most meaningful parts of the ceremony was the foot-washing, symbolizing their commitment to serve each other throughout marriage.
As a couple who love summers by the lake, it was important that their day had a relaxed, garden-party vibe. Their vision came to life with delicate florals, parasols for the bridesmaids, and their two beloved dogs as part of the wedding processional. Everything felt effortless yet beautifully curated.
The Venue
LAKESIDE FAMILY PROPERTY TURNED GARDEN WEDDING VENUE
Nestled on family property at Battle Lake, the venue was an intimate and sentimental choice for Kaitlyn and Jesse. The peaceful natural beauty of the property—especially the lake—created the perfect setting for their summer garden party. With great weather, lush greenery, and open skies, it was the ideal backdrop for their special day.
Getting Ready Photographs
INTIMATE GETTING READY MOMENTS WITH THE WEDDING PARTY
Kaitlyn and her bridal party got ready in a cozy family home on the property. They got glam with hair and makeup by Blondie’s Beauty Bar, all while lounging in whimsical blue floral pajamas and sipping mimosas by the water.
Honorable mention to Kaitlyn’s getting-ready outfit, with its feminine lace details and playful open back. Moreover, her flowy A-line gown sourced from Your Day by Nicole featured beautiful floral embroidery and a stunning low back.
Meanwhile, Jesse kept it fresh and fun in a light blue suit jacket, floral bowtie, and light-colored pants—perfectly aligning with the Garden Party Wedding motif.
The First Look
A ROMANTIC FIRST LOOK AND PRIVATE VOWS BY THE LAKE
Following a tender moment with her parents, Kaitlyn and Jesse chose to meet by the lake for their first look, a place that means a lot to them. This moment was intimate and emotional, and it came with some perks. Doing a first look allowed us to get their newlywed and group portraits done ahead of time, so they could spend more time with their guests after the ceremony. Plus, they got to read their vows in private, which made it even more special. It really highlighted what the day was all about—celebrating their love with the people who matter most to them.
Kind Words From the Couple–
“You’re amazing – honestly such a gift. All the images you created for us are SO precious!!! Jesse and I are obsessed. You did get tears out of both of us. Thank you for everything – you are the absolute best. Every little moment in this album was so beautifully captured and we couldn’t have chosen a better photographer to capture our day.”
Garden Party Wedding Photos
The Wedding Party
WHIMSICAL BLUES, GREENS, AND MISMATCHED SILHOUETTES
The wedding party was such a highlight, especially Kaitlyn’s bridesmaids. They wore gowns in shades of blue and green, mixing floral patterns and different silhouettes, all while keeping it cohesive and curated. With their beautiful white bouquets and vintage parasols, the vibe was “English countryside”—effortlessly chic and timeless. We wanted the group photos to feel relaxed and fun, with playful movements and candids but with an editorial flair.
The Ceremony
A TRADITIONAL YET PERSONALIZED WEDDING CEREMONY WITH UNIQUE TOUCHES
The ceremony took place in a beautiful grassy field, with flowers lining the aisle. One of the standout moments was their grandmas serving as flower girls—a fun and untraditional trend that we’re absolutely loving right now! Their sweet walk down the aisle brought a smile to everyone’s face. Meanwhile, their dogs made their own adorable entrance, right before Kaitlyn. Also, the couple shared a meaningful foot-washing ritual, symbolizing humility and service to one another. To top it all off, they made their exit under biodegradable confetti cannons as they celebrated their first moments as newlyweds.
(If you’re thinking about incorporating sustainable details into your own wedding, check out this post on planning an eco-friendly wedding!)
Garden Party Cocktail Hour
A CHIC COCKTAIL HOUR ON THE LAWN WITH LAKESIDE VIEWS
Transitioning into cocktail hour, guests mingled on the lawn enjoying a cute, self-serve bar setup that was perfectly on theme. With lake views and a soft breeze, it was a relaxed start to the evening. Kaitlyn and Jesse made the most of the moment, greeting everyone and taking photos with their friends and family.
Sunset Wedding Portraits
Playful, golden-hour Photos by the water
As the sun started to set, we snuck away to grab some portraits of Kaitlyn and Jesse by the water. It was the perfect moment to let loose and have some fun, capturing playful shots of them loved up, frolicking in the field like scene out of a movie and completely in the moment. Undoubtedly, we leaned into the cinematic vibe, soaking up the golden light and their carefree energy.
Garden Party Reception & Dance Party
A LAID-BACK RECEPTION WITH A CHECKERED DANCE FLOOR
The evening rolled on with a minimalist but tasteful tented reception with florals, a taco truck, and iconic checkered dance floor. The night followed the classic flow of events, starting with dinner, followed by speeches and the cake cutting. After those sweet moments, Kaitlyn and Jesse shared special dances with their parents before the rest of the wedding party joined in. Finally, they wrapped up the night with a fun outfit change and a sparkler send-off!
Feeling inspired by Kaitlyn and Jesse’s garden party wedding? Let’s chat about your dream day! Whether it’s a romantic destination or an intimate celebration at home, I’m here to capture every moment with a candid, documentary-style approach. With energy, passion, and a focus on authenticity, I’ll ensure a fun, stress-free experience that reflects your unique love story.
| VENDORS |
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| Venue: Family Lake Property | Florals: Viola’s Floral | Coordinator: Ciavola Events | Videographer: Adelaide Shea Films | Rentals: White House Co. | Caterer: Fish Factor 108 Food Truck | DJ: Fuze Entertainment | HMU: Blondie’s Beauty Bar | Menswear: Lululemon and Amazon | Rings: A Cutting Edge | Bridalwear: Your Day by Nicole |
