A Dreamy Garden Party Wedding at Battle Lake, Minnesota

A Dreamy Garden Party Wedding at Battle Lake, Minnesota

Backyard Weddings, Garden Weddings, Weddings

Here's where I share real-life love stories and all my best advice to inspire your planning for your own day!

Sarah here—
a Luxury Destination Wedding Photographer Documenting
your love story as art.
Based in Lake Tahoe, NV;
Traveling Worldwide

Hi there!

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, and her Type-A organization mixed with Jesse’s laid-back energy created a 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.

Blue and green garden party wedding at Battle Lake Minnesota.

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.

Blue and green garden party wedding detail flat lay with white flowers.

Battle Lake, Minnesota private estate wedding.

White paper parasol umbrellas for a fine art garden wedding in Minnesota.

The Venue

A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY PROPERTY AT BATTLE LAKE, MINNESOTA

Nestled on family property at Battle Lake, the venue was an intimate and sentimental choice for Kaitlyn and Jesse. While it wasn’t a destination wedding, the peaceful natural beauty of the property—especially the lake—created the perfect setting for their blue and green-themed summer garden party. With great weather, lush greenery, and open skies, it was the ideal backdrop for their special day.

Open field outdoor wedding ceremony at Battle Lake, Minnesota with elegant white chairs and florals.

Outdoor wedding cocktail hour lounge area with velvet couches, and white dropcloth.

Getting Ready Moments

INTIMATE GETTING READY MOMENTS WITH THE BRIDAL PARTY AND GROOMSMEN

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. Her flowy A-line gown sourced from Your Day by Nicole featured beautiful floral embroidery and a stunning low back.

Jesse kept it fresh and fun in a light blue suit jacket, floral bowtie, and light-colored pants—perfectly non-traditional and a great fit for the vibe of the day.

Bridal party candid in whimsical blue floral pajamas during getting ready, captured in documentary style.

Black and white candid of bride in satin pajamas, captured through a mirror reflection while getting ready.

Bride admiring her wedding dress on the porch while getting ready.

Documentary-style bridal party getting ready, captured from outside the house through a window.

Fine art photo of the bride getting ready, captured as she sprays her perfume.

Close up detail shot of the bride's blue and white floral wedding heels.

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.

Tender first look with the bride and her parents.

Emotional first look between the bride and her parents

Candid moment of the bride sharing a heartfelt first look with her parents.

Bird's-eye view of the bride walking down the staircase, moments before her first look with her fiancé.

Groom standing by the lake, looking out in anticipation before the first look.

Bride and groom sharing a private vow reading by the lake before their garden wedding.

Intimate moment of the bride reading her private vows by the lake.

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.”

Bride and groom sharing a kiss amidst the lush greenery of their garden party wedding.

Candid portrait of the bride and groom embracing in the garden.

Black and white documentary style bride and groom portrait at a garden wedding in Battle Lake, MN.

Cinematic bridal portrait with a long flowing dress train at her garden party wedding at Battle Lake, MN.

Candid moment of the bride and groom in their garden wedding, playfully posing with their two golden doodle dogs.

Sweet portrait of the bride and groom surrounded by their two golden doodle dogs in the garden.

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.

Portrait of the wedding party looking at the bride and groom in the garden, showcasing bridesmaids in blue and green floral dresses holding white bouquets.

Bridesmaids in mismatched floral dresses in shades of blue and green with white bouquets.

Motion blur wedding party portrait in the garden.

Editorial, fine art bridal portrait of a bride holding a vintage parasol umbrella and white bouquet in front of a hydrangea bush.

Bridesmaids dressed in blue and green floral patterns, holding their white bouquets.

Documentary-style shot of the bridal party gathered in the garden, with stylish floral dresses and parasol umbrellas.

Low angle shot of a bridal party holding their vintage parasol umbrellas.

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. shared a meaningful foot-washing ritual, symbolizing humility and service to one another. 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. The couple also 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 wedding ceremony in an open field at Battle Lake, MN.

Garden party outdoor wedding ceremony welcome table with a white umbrella and fabric welcome sign.

Wedding welcome table with newspaper programs and memory photos.

Outdoor summer ceremony in a field for a garden party wedding, featuring a white floral-lined aisle, elegant white chairs, and pedestals adorned with fresh blooms

Candid garden wedding ceremony photos of guests sitting in white chairs under large white umbrellas.

Bridal party processional at a romantic garden party wedding in MN.

Groom's first look reaction to the bride walking down the aisle.

Bride walking down the aisle with her dad at her summer garden party wedding at Battle Lake, MN.

Documentary style portrait of the bride's mom getting emotional watching her walk down the aisle.

Bride walking down the aisle with her dad at an outdoor wedding in Minnesota.

Bridal party standing by the altar watching the bride make her way down the aisle.

Groom hugging the bride's dad after escorting her down the aisle.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with a groom in a blue suit jacket.

Candid wedding guest portrait during an outdoor ceremony.

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.

Bride and groom candid moment walking to their reception at their outdoor garden wedding.

Summer garden party wedding cocktail tables with white linens and umbrellas.

Self-serve drink table at a garden wedding.

Fluted wood drink table at cocktail hour.

Bride and groom sharing a kiss while holding cocktails at their summer garden party wedding at Battle Lake.

Wedding guests posing by a fabric welcome sign at a garden party wedding in Minnesota.

Bride holding her parasol umbrella at cocktail hour.

Bride and bridesmaid group portrait at cocktail hour.

Sunset Portraits

Playful, golden-hour shots 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. We really leaned into the cinematic vibe, soaking up the golden light and their carefree energy.

Bride and groom dancing on a dock at Battle Lake, Minnesota at sunset.

Bride and groom kissing on a bench overlooking Battle Lake at sunset.

Bride and groom sunset portrait at Battle Lake, MN.

Bride and groom sunset portrait at their garden wedding at Battle Lake, MN.

Garden party wedding bride and groom sunset portrait at Battle Lake, MN.

Reception & Dance Party

A LAID-BACK RECEPTION WITH A TACO TRUCK AND 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. They wrapped up the night with a fun outfit change and a sparkler send-off!

Elegant tented reception showcasing organic details with white linens, floral arrangements in Battle Lake.

Wedding place settings adorned with green bows on personalized menus, white chairs, and lush floral centerpieces.

Stylish wedding reception with organic decor, including white linens and stone table numbers.

Charming tented reception with white linens, floral decor, and stone table numbers at a garden party wedding in Battle Lake.

Checkered dance floor at an outdoor garden party wedding in Minnesota.

Candid moment of the bride and groom sharing their first dance on a checkered dance floor, surrounded by guests.

Playful first dance on the checkered dance floor, documentary style photography.

Bride and groom sharing their first dance on a checkered dance floor at their tented outdoor reception.

Candid shot of the bride and groom sitting together at their reception, smiling as they listen to heartfelt speeches from their loved ones.

Guests raising their glasses during the speeches.

Bride and groom giving a speech at their reception dinner.

Mother-son dance on a checkered dance floor at a garden wedding in Minnesota.

Direct flash wedding party portrait on a checkered dance floor.

Bride and groom dancing on a checkered dance floor under sparklers.

Wedding guests dancing on a checkered dance floor.

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
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