Thomas and Erica’s Wedding in their backyard in Waseca, MN this past weekend was one I won’t soon forget. This wedding was a COVID Friendly, backyard wedding that was anything but bland and boring. These two took this unprecedented time and turned it into something beautiful.
I went to high school with both Thomas and Erica. I actually sat right next to Thomas in German class and he was best friends with my cousin growing up. And Erica and I were both in Marching Band. In a small town, we get to know pretty much everyone that we attend school with, even if they are underclassmen. But that is enough about me and the couple. Let’s learn more about their love story and their wedding day.
How did they meet?
Thomas and Erica first met in high school. At the time they knew of each other but didn’t think of each other in a relationship sense since he was older than her and they were both in different relationships at the time anyway. However, they reconnected again years later in Mankato when Erica was donating at the Goodwill, with her Maid of Honor, Sammie. It just happens that Thomas worked there. They both couldn’t stop thinking about each other, and a few days after seeing each other again, Thomas messaged her on Facebook. Their first date consisted of hanging out at his place after a bad day at work and ordering pizza. This is when you know just what type of relationship they have. One of support and care. They had some drinks and watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s. And well, the rest is history as we know it.
How did he propose?
After a couple of years of dating, Thomas proposed when they were on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Mankato. They were at Blues on Belgrade with some friends earlier that day. They were walking with friends across the bridge to go listen to one of their friend’s band when he got down on one knee and asked Erica to marry him! Of course, she said YES, and all of their friend group watched the whole thing and hooted and hollered. And, then of course they got champagne to celebrate before they went to see the band play.
Erica and Thomas define fun-loving and down to earth couples in love and this is everything I hope for when I photograph couples. I wish for laughter, and joy, engagement sessions outdoors, and easy-going brides with big hearts for the people in their lives. This is Erica and Thomas to a T!
I was even lucky to have a beautiful fall engagement session with them right here in Northfield!
The Wedding Day
The day started at a local hotel in Waseca, where hair and make-up were done. The guys hung out, and the girls enjoyed some mimosas and getting ready music. Erica was surrounded with so much love from her girls and her mother. I always love the vibe and atmosphere when brides are getting ready.
Once everyone was beautified we headed over to Maplewood Park to do Thomas and Erica’s first look. The light was perfect. The wind was blowing. And there was this sense of ease between both of them. Obviously they were excited to see one another, but it was so calm. You could tell the love they have for one another. The best part was during the First Look and you could tell Thomas didn’t know what exactly was acceptable or not to do during this time. At one point we heard him say…”Can I kiss her?” Then the bridal party and I all yelled, “YES!!! KISS HER!!”
We continued to take Bridal Party photos up in between the trees of Maplewood before we headed back to Erica’s parent’s backyard for the ceremony and reception.
The backyard ceremony was beautiful. Their handwritten vows were perfect and really expressed how they feel about each other. You could just feel the love in the air. You would never know that this was not exactly how they planned their wedding day originally.
After enjoying some dinner and hearing some touching speeches, we snuck away to finish off the evening with some sunset portraits. This is always my favorite part of the day. The couple is relaxed and they just want to revel in the feeling of being MARRIED! And these two did just that.
Thomas and Erica, thank you for choosing me. It has been so much fun seeing your love story unfold, and I can’t wait to continue to watch it bloom. And of course to capture it all again next year on your BIG DAY!
Congratulations to the new MR AND MRS ENGLAND!
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