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Hey! I'm Andi Jo. Wedding and Family Photographer from Minnesota. Welcome to my blog. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy!

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Monterey Ballroom Wedding | Miranda & Pete | Owatonna, MN

From the moment I met Miranda and Pete, I knew their Monterey Ballroom wedding would be something special. They met at Federated Insurance, where both of them worked. Miranda fondly remembers telling her friends about the cute boy she met at work, hoping they’d get to know each other better. Little did she know, that meeting would lead to the most beautiful day of their lives together.

A Familiar Face

I first met Miranda and Pete through their family. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of photographing several of their relatives’ weddings, so when they reached out to me, I was thrilled. It was such a joy to see so many familiar faces at their wedding, all gathered to celebrate this wonderful couple. Being part of their family’s special moments has been an absolute honor, and I love the sense of continuity and connection that comes from photographing multiple milestones within the same family.

The Wedding Day

May 25, 2024, was a day filled with love, tradition, and elegance. The wedding took place at the Monterey Ballroom in Owatonna, MN. The weather forecast predicted rain all day, but fate had other plans. The skies held off until just after the ceremony, giving us the perfect window to capture some stunning outdoor shots. They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, and if that’s true, Miranda and Pete are in for a lifetime of happiness.

Getting Ready

The wedding day began with Miranda and her bridesmaids getting ready in the bridal suite at the Monterey Ballroom. Miranda looked breathtaking in her lace gown, which featured a long, ornate train that flowed beautifully behind her. Her bridesmaids wore elegant purple dresses, a nod to Miranda’s favorite color, creating a stunning contrast to her white gown. Pete and his groomsmen looked dashing in classic navy blue tuxedos, adding a timeless touch to the day’s attire.

The Ceremony

The wedding ceremony took place in the garden right outside of the Monterey Ballroom. The cotton trees were dropping their seeds, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Miranda’s sentimental nature shone through every detail, especially her choice to wear jewelry handed down from various family members. This heartfelt gesture added a deep sense of tradition and connection to her loved ones.

As Miranda walked down the aisle, escorted by her father, everyone was filled with emotion. Pete’s eyes welled up with tears as he saw his bride for the first time. The ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt, a perfect reflection of their love and commitment to each other.

The Reception

Following the ceremony, the reception took place in the same venue, seamlessly transitioning from the grand hall to the elegant reception area of the Monterey Ballroom. One unique touch that stood out was the desserts. Miranda’s dad, the manager at the local Hy-Vee Bakery, provided cookies, including a special one that said “Father of the Bride.” It was a sweet and unexpected surprise that added a personal touch to the celebration.

A Feathered Guest

One of the most memorable moments of the day was after the bridal portraits when Pete introduced me to Sam, his pet parrot. Pete got Sam when he was seevn years old, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Sam, who is the same age as Pete, even has the whole second level of their house dedicated to him. Including Sam in the wedding photos was a unique and heartwarming touch that showcased the couple’s love for their feathered family member.

Golden Hour Magic

As the sun began to set, we took advantage of the golden hour for some magical portraits. The soft, golden light created a dreamy atmosphere, capturing Miranda and Pete’s love in the most beautiful way. Granted, it got cut short due to the pesty mosquitos that have been thicker than ever this year.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Miranda and Pete, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day. Your love for each other and the warmth of your families made my job an absolute joy. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to capture the beautiful moments of your wedding. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and adventures together. Congratulations once again!