K + J – A St. Cloud Botanical Garden Elopement

Tearjerking surprises. An A-frame lake house. A simple get together with so much love. These were all the beautiful elements of this very intimate elopement.

K and I met in a random Facebook photography group and got together immediately to realize that we had so much in common. We’ve had incredible adventures together and when she asked me to photograph her elopement, I knew it was going to be the best adventure of them all.

Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes and their St. Cloud elopement took place right on the Mississippi River. Being that J is from St. Cloud, his family showed up in droves to join the two celebrate their elopement. But let’s start from the beginning.

The Plan

• J + K get ready at the A-Frame lakehouse and do a first look.
• Botanical garden ceremony.
• VFW reception with family and friends.
• Continue the family vacation in Minnesota.

First Look at the Lakehouse

We arrive at the Lakehouse where J + K and their two sons are having the time of their lives. They had spend the last few days swimming and kayaking the lake. The night before their elopement J surprised K with the arrival of her best friend, Jo, who came all the way from Alaska to be with them for their big day. Now, they’re all getting ready together. Moments before J + K meet on the dock, silence falls upon everyone in the house while we all watch the two meet and see each other in their wedding best.

A Ceremony in the St. Cloud Botanical Gardens (And Another Surprise)

Us Las Vegans must have brought the heat with us because it is the hottest day of the Summer. But this isn’t Vegas, and the heat is different, it’s humid and heavy, but the day makes us all light and happy. While we’re all preparing for the ceremony, K’s 2nd surprise makes an appearance. Her dad has unexpectedly flown from Las Vegas to join us and to walk K down the aisle.

In the middle of this beautiful botanical garden with squirrels flitting from tree to tree, K + J’s guests settle in the shade while K + J and her family meet at the alter.

The Reception

We head over to the VFW for a simple reception with all of their favorite people. The kids play, the adults imbibe, and everyone enjoys spending their time together. The weather goes from hot, humid, and sunny, to hot, humid, and rainy but nobody cares in the comfort of the air conditioned room filled to the brim with the love of their families. K + J share a first dance and lots of cake. Once their fun group photos are complete, we head back to their lake house for some final photos before we leave.

Though we didn’t get to join them on the rest of their journey, K + J along with their sons got to enjoy more Minnesota adventures for their honeymoon. K + J ‘s St. Cloud elopement is just a small example of how your elopement can be big and beautiful in all the right places. Reach out to us below to get more info on eloping adventurously.