Brenna + Kevin met at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, so it was the perfect location for their special day. Brenna remembers, “I cannot describe how powerful it was to be surrounded by the love of so many family members and friends that traveled from all over the country to be with us.”
These two are something special. Both Jayden + I were weeping during their ceremony + vows, and continue to talk about this day and these two, and the love that they share.
Brenna + Kevin’s suggestions for those planning a wedding: “Work with people you like! Kevin and I spent a lot of time searching for people and companies that we admired professionally and loved personally. It made a huge difference to trust that we were in great hands. Other advice? Just remember, at the end of the day, you get to be married and spend your life with the person you love. The rest is just details.”
From Kevin: “I’m a critical person. I tend to find flaws and analyze everything to death. But I’ve been hard-pressed to think of anything from our wedding day that I would do differently. Being surrounded by so many people and experiencing so much love will be something that I will never forget. The day and events feel “big” in my head, but in reality it is the little things that have stayed with me:
- The first look. I’ve seen these photos all the time, and I’ve always wondered what I would do. I felt self-conscious about it in the days leading up to the wedding. However, as soon as I saw Brenna any thought of myself was gone. In that moment it was all about her.
- My hands shaking while I tried to tie my bowtie, first around my neck, and then around my thigh. Jayden bailed me out and tied it for me.
- Waiting anxiously in a freight elevator that wouldn’t start and creating a human shield to protect Brenna from our gawking guests as we made our way back stage.
- The surprise of hearing our officiants “love story” based on some questions that Brenna and I had answered a few weeks prior. His writing, incorporation of our own words, and the friendship the three of us shared made for a ceremony that felt truly special.
- Reaching into my pocket and realizing that I had lost the handkerchief I had brought to give to Brenna for her tears in a grand chivalrous gesture.
- Focusing intently on Brenna’s forehead during her vows and trying my best not to cry (and failing).
- Realizing half-way through Brenna putting on my ring that I had given her my right hand on accident.
- Surreptitiously slipping the ring off of my right finger and onto my left.
- Dancing with my dad and my brother on the yellow floor in the studio.
- My friends and family surrounding Brenna and I in a giant circle while “Come on Eileen” played.
- Looking at the photos from that day, and, although Brenna jokes about having a “horse mouth” because she is laughing in so many, it is a testament to how much joy we felt that day. People talk about their weddings being the “best day of their lives” and it always made me scoff, but I get it now. Our wedding truly was the highlight of my life so far, and I cannot wait to make many more “best days” ever and more highlights in our lives together.”
From Brenna, “Many of my favorite memories of the day were from our ceremony. Prior to our wedding, our officiant had asked Kevin and I to answer some reflection questions about our relationship. He took our answers and weaved them together in an incredible “love story.” We had also asked some family members and friends to share pieces of advice and a wishes for our marriage. I will treasure those words forever. My favorite part of the ceremony was when Kevin read his vows. He surprised me by pulling out a note I had written to him when we first started dating. I could not believe he had kept it after all these years.”
From Kevin: “So much of our ceremony, vows, and general attitude was “realistic.” We didn’t describe our love in fairy tale terms. But, really, the day was something that felt as close to magic as I think it can get. After cohabiting for almost half a decade, I wondered how much would really change. The answer, however, is a lot. Everything is amplified.”
From Brenna: “My favorite behind the scenes moment happened during dinner. I stepped out to use the bathroom for what seemed to be the first time all day! When I got into the bathroom I realized that I could not go without someone there to hold my dress. I popped my head out of the bathroom and saw Kevin and pulled him in. He told me that he wasn’t expecting to help me go to the bathroom for at least another 50 years. While holding my dress and looking away, he said, “This is everything I could have ever hoped for and more.” And at that moment, I realized he couldn’t have been more right. When I think back to our wedding day, I remember laughter. It reverberated through our ceremony and reception. There was so much joy.”
Big, big love, you two. You being together makes this world a better place! xx
CREDITS
Photographer – Caroline + Jayden of Woodnote Photography
Photographer – Caroline + Jayden of Woodnote Photography
Dress – Mori Lee
Veil – Sara Gabriel
Bride’s Shoes – Report Signature
Bride’s Jewelry – Earrings, Nina & Rings, Douglas Jewelers
Bridesmaid Dresses – J. Crew
Groom’s Suit – Dragon Inside
Groom’s Shoes – Allen Edmonds
Groomsmen Suits – The Black Tux
Hair stylist – Justine Hornick and Kelly Wood, Root Salons
Makeup artist – Kae Kozlowski, Brow Chic
Flowers – Linden Hills Florist
Cake – Salty Tart Bakery
Stationery & Paper Goods – Paper, Rock, Scissors
Ceremony/Reception Venue – Guthrie Theater
Celebrant/Officiant – Cristopher Anderson, Minnesota Officiants
Processional – La Vie en Rose, Louis Armstrong & Again, Doris Day
Recessional – Aguas de Marco, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Elis Regina
First Dance – Dream a Little Dream of Me, Mama Cass Eliot
DJ – Jake Rudh
