Ahavah Cottage Wedding | Jena & Nick | Elysian, Minnesota

When Jena and Nick asked me to photograph their wedding at Ahavah Cottage in Elysian, MN, I was thrilled. Their love story is one for the books, and their wedding day was nothing short of magical.

Their Love Story

Jena and Nick’s journey began eight years ago, just a week after graduating high school. Introduced by their best friends, they instantly clicked. Their first date was a romantic sunset walk, followed by a cozy movie night at the theater. Nick’s proposal mirrored their first date’s simplicity and intimacy; he asked Jena to marry him while they were watching a movie on the couch at home. This couple’s connection runs deep, and I was honored to capture their special day.

Their Ahavah Cottage Wedding Day

The day started as the hottest of the year, with slightly overcast skies providing some relief from the intense sun. Ahavah Cottage, chosen for its breathtaking beauty (discovered through a family friend’s wedding photos), was the perfect setting. Despite the heat, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and love. After a brief thunderstorm rolled through following the ceremony, the weather transformed into a beautiful, cooler evening, ideal for their reception.

The Ceremony

Jena and Nick’s ceremony took place at the picturesque Ahavah Cottage. Jena looked stunning in her Lillian West dress from The Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul. The bridesmaids wore elegant tan dresses from Azazie, while Nick and his groomsmen donned classic black suits from Milbern’s in St. Paul. The setting reflected the couple’s style perfectly with its classic, modern, and simple vibe.

A unique touch to their ceremony was the branding session they chose for their unity ceremony. They branded a wooden piece with their initials and wedding date, a heartfelt symbol of their union that they plan to hang in their home. This beautiful and personal moment stood out to everyone present.

The Celebration

As the weather cooled down post-thunderstorm, the evening at Ahavah Cottage was perfect for celebrating. The reception was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt speeches. One of my favorite moments was the special cupcakes from Perfectly Filled Cupcakes. They had an array of flavors, each more delicious than the last, making for a sweet and memorable treat for everyone.

Ahavah Cottage Golden Hour Magic

As the sun set, we captured some stunning golden hour portraits. The light was perfect, and Jena and Nick looked incredibly happy and relaxed. These moments are always my favorite part of the day – when the couple can unwind and simply enjoy being newlyweds.

Thank You

Jena and Nick, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful day. Your wedding blended classic and modern elements seamlessly, with personal touches that truly made it your own. Your love for each other shone through in every moment, and I am so grateful to have been there to capture it. Congratulations on your marriage, and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!