As some of you know, Jackie and I spent two years living in Fargo while she worked for North Dakota State University. Louise & Alan first contacted me last year, just before we moved back to Chicago. The crazy part is that Louise & Alan were living in Chicago. They started dating while in high school in Moorhead, Minn. (just across the river from Fargo) and decided to head home to get married at Rustic Oaks, in Moorhead.
Rustic Oaks is my favorite venue in the Fargo-Moorhead area, and one of my favorite spots anywhere. Normally, I wouldn’t be so excited to drive 10+ hour drive back, but Louise & Alan are awesome and I knew they were going to make my job easy. They invited me to hang out the night before for the rehearsal dinner and even grilled a veggie burger for me!
On Saturday, I started with the girls at the salon. Louise’s bridesmaids were all great and kept everybody (including me) laughing all morning. We headed to Rustic Oaks for makeup and to finish getting ready. Alan got ready downstairs with the guys while Louise was upstairs. When everyone was ready, we did the first look out in the field away from the house. I love photographing real moments, and first looks can be some of the most emotional scenes from the entire day.
After the first look, a quick portrait session and the family photos it was time for the ceremony! The ceremony was beautiful. A gorgeous venue, stunning couple, and lots of great moments and emotion. After the ceremony, we headed across the property to the barn for the reception. Louise’s dad, Tyler (best man) and Lara (maid of honor) delivered some great toasts, then it was off to the dance floor. Louise & Alan’s first dance was classic and sweet. Then Louise’s dance with her dad picked up the pace and Alan’s dance with his mom was unlike anything I’ve seen before. Alan’s moves on the dance floor were unmatched, I thought for sure Alan’s pants were going to rip at least twice.
Louise & Alan also had the Photobooth set up in the barn and their guests definitely enjoyed it. I was seriously laughing out loud while editing the photos from it. Thanks again Louise & Alan, and your friends and your families, for making the day just a blast to be part of!
