For a lot of people, weddings are all about details. The dress, the linens, the florals and the food and the venue. And for a lot of photographers the details are paramount. It’s what “sells” a wedding. To future brides. To magazines. To the rest of the world. Desirae and Taylor’s wedding was full of incredible details at one of Minnesota’s most exquisite outdoor venues. She donned a Badgley Mischka sequined gown for her reception, and he wore a perfectly tailored navy suit. They served pizza and craft beer and sat at a beautiful table draped with spring greens and fresh, local florals. But that’s not what sticks in my mind about their wedding day. And as I sit here, a little over a week after their celebration, it’s not what I remember.
Because those things, as beautiful and wonderful and part of a wedding as they are, they aren’t what remains. The flowers die and the food gets eaten and the suits and shoes get buried in a closet for weddings a few summers from now that they’ll attend as guests. The details fade into the backgrounds of memory, quickly and without hesitation. But the good stuff? The stuff that matters? Those are the pieces of a wedding we carry with us, and that is what I focus on when I shoot. The way a mother watches as her daughter puts on her wedding dress. Teary eyes filled with bittersweet joy. The way a groom fumbles as he struggles to button his jacket, or tie his tie. Watching grandma dance to Lady Gaga at the reception. Best girl friends. Crazy uncles. Hilarious cousins. Stolen moments in the woods spent reminiscing about some of life’s most beautiful moments thus far. Laughter. Joy.
For me, the most important details are the thousands of moments that pass by unceremoniously on a wedding day. The little things that often become the big things later in life. For Desirae + Taylor, this was an easy task. So much of who they are is comprised of a million little things – joy, faith, family, kindness, love, hope, humor – the list goes on endlessly. They are remarkably authentic people living a full life, grasping for adventure, and chasing it with abandon. Their families and friends embraced me the second I arrived at Camrose Hill, and made me feel like a part of the day. More than just the hired help. Which always, always, makes my job insurmountably easier (and more fun!).
I’ve never met a group of people more committed to loving each other – no matter what – or to supporting and encouraging and loving one another. This wedding is one for the books, and below are some of my favorites from Desirae + Taylor’s incredible day.
A huge and heartfelt and ridiculously loud thank you to Desirae + Taylor and their beautiful, wonderful, loving families for inviting me to tell the story of this incredible day. Des + Tay, I hope you’re loving Costa Rica, and I can’t wait to watch your story continue in LA.
xo
Briana Nash
Love love LOVE!! You’re amazing. xo
Desirae Ross
Athena-
Where do I even begin. There isn’t a photo that I’m not in love with. These photos capture our very day so well. You are an extremely talented photographer…but you are and were so much more than just my photogotgrapher that day. I men seriously, you offered me some of your bar when I wasn’t feeling well. You calmed my anxious nerves when needed always replying “we’ll make it happen”…you even helped with hair, what. I would say that’s a package deal. It feels so good knowing I will NEVER regret not getting the photos that we get to hold on to for a lifetime. Thank you. These photos are a treasure. You are a treasure, dear. XOXO
Tina G
I am getting married at Camrose Hill in September and it was really exciting to see such a beautifully captured wedding! This event looks perfect in every little detail and you captured this couple in an incredibly gorgeous way! Congratulations to Desirae & Taylor – What a magnificent photos you have!
Lori Howard
Athena,
Lori Howard
Athena,
I had a special feeling when the first little gesture of “love” arrived in the mail! Hmmmmmm……I thought…well little did I know YOU would turn out to be such an added gift to the “the day” not having any idea of the magnitude of beauty in the photos. Your kindness, your input (Desirae’s head piece) your loving spirit and the peace you brought to Desirae and Taylor’s day was extraordinary! It was not a “job” day for you! Rather a day that was to be lived to the fullest! A day to be present and know the people you were there to photograph! You are an inspiration in your approach to life. It was a blessing to have you as part of such a special day!! The pictures…..words just do not capture the emotions as I viewed them, I felt as if I was brought back to the day. You did such a great job of not just capturing the day but also the intense emotion. In spending some time with Desirae as she was trying to select a photographer she was very particular in what she wanted. Not only did you capture what I heard her say, but above and beyond!! Thank you for the wonderful memories they will be a treasure for generations to come! Be blessed lovely lady!
Meghan
These are BEAUTIFUL! This is my dream venue. Is there any way I can ask where this couple got their pizza from? I would love to have pizza as well just like this but can’t find anywhere that does what I need – I saw this and started freaking out! Any information would be wonderful. Amazing photos!