Fresh. Romantic. Fun.
These three words describe Molly and Matt’s wedding day pretty accurately, to say the least. I can’t say enough about how happy it makes me to be able to share such an important day with two people who are so genuinely kind, caring, and incredible to be around. Being my first wedding of the year, I arrived with determination and excitement, knowing how beautiful the bride was going to be and that the weather was supposed to be perfect.
My second photographer, Jenni, and I drove to Mitchell from Sioux Falls with cheerful conversation and planning on how to photograph the day to the best of our abilities and what equipment we each had. I love working with such talented second photographers, it truly makes a difference for me and for the couple on their special day to have not only one, but two creative professionals documenting all of their moments together.
Jenni and I were greeted by the amazing wedding planners of Redefined Design and Events, who led us to a room full of smiling bridesmaids assisting the absolutely gorgeous Molly with getting ready. She was radiant with her blonde hair and her flawless makeup, and wearing her adorable “Bride” tee and plaid button up shirt. The garter was on and she was sporting the pre-wedding dress style as cute as ever! I carefully grabbed the dress and accessories and found a beautifully lit location in the church for some detail shots, then as Jenni got some pictures of Matt and the guys prepping in the other room, I finished up with some photos of Molly getting into her dress and taking a deep breath before her first look with her soon-to-be husband, Matt.
Back when Matt was 13 years old, he sent Molly a Facebook message saying he noticed her in church. They lived in different cities, but knew of each other for several years after that flirty 8th grade message. They officially met at a bar in Mitchell called Blarney’s on Christmas Break, then a year later they met again. Molly just knew Matt was “the one”. She told one of her friends (Kayla, a bridesmaid in her wedding), “I am going to marry that man.” He finally asked her to be his girlfriend and 2 years later, he asked her to be his wife.
I’m always a sucker for the proposal story! Matt was helping Molly hang pictures in their new apartment, and he asked her to put the picture wherever she wanted on the wall. Little did she know, he had hung an engagement ring on the picture he gave her to hang up. “While I was mindlessly babbling about the perfect placement for the picture I finally noticed the shiny bling. I turned around and he was down on one knee and asked me to be his forever.”
Heart-melting. Way to go Matt, am I right?!
Now they are getting married in that very same church where Matt first laid eyes on Molly 12 years ago. Their first look together was emotional and warm, and anyone can tell these two are head-over-heels in love. Matt hid in the corner of a building near the church looking away while Molly walked by in her dress and got behind him. She walked towards him and as he turned around, all seemed paused for a moment. Matt wiped a tear from Molly’s eye and she smiled brightly at him. Here are some highlights from their first look and photos together and with the wedding party before the ceremony began!
The ceremony was lovely, with garden roses lining the aisle and loved ones looking on as Matt and Molly became husband and wife.
After the ceremony and the epic ribbon wand church exit, I joined the wedding party on the party bus for some candid and fun photos in celebration before the reception. We stopped at a nearby park, then headed to the bar for some photo opportunities for me, and some toasts between the bride and groom and their friends.
The reception was at the Highland Conference Center in Mitchell, and looked extraordinary with gold, navy, pink, and white accents with garden flowers. Redefined Design and Events did an excellent job putting everything together and planning out their day. DJ Sieff Style delivered, as usual, and the party was a hit. The food was top-notch, the speeches were tear-inducing, and the dance floor was full. Congrats, Molly and Matt! Thank you for having me and I wish you all the best in your married years together!
Special thanks to my second photographer for the day, Jenni of Jenni O Photography, who captured so many awesome moments throughout the day.
Also, thank you to these vendors who helped make the day wonderful…
Wedding Venue: First United Methodist Church, Mitchell, SD
Reception Venue: Highland Conference Center, Mitchell, SD
Officiant: Hank Kor
Ceremony Musicians: Mitch Breen and Kassie Marek
Wedding Planner/Decorations: Redefined Design and Events
Florist: Jungle of Flowers
Wedding Dress: Jackie J’s Bridal, Alexandria MN
Jewelry: Ann Taylor
Wedding Rings: Diamond Room, Sioux Falls, SD
Shoes: Nina
Accessories: Kate Spade
Hair: Prestige
Groom’s Attire: Michaels Toggery
Stationary: Maddie Peschong
Transportation: Duenwald Transportation
DJ/Entertainment: DJ Sieff Style
Very cool! Love all the little details and hearing the back story too. 🙂