Gardens of Castle Rock | Brianna and Dakoda | Northfield, MN

Brianna and Dakoda’s wedding at the Gardens of Castle Rock was nothing short of magical. It was one of those perfect end-of-September days where the weather gives you just enough of that crisp autumn air, but the sun is still warm enough to keep you comfortable. The trees were just starting to turn, offering the first glimpses of golden hues in the background, and it set the tone for a day filled with love, laughter, and the most relaxed, fun vibes you could imagine.

Getting Ready

Brianna and her bridesmaids got ready in a cozy little space on the venue grounds. The room was filled with excited chatter and the occasional burst of laughter. Brianna looked absolutely stunning in her flowy lace gown from Che Bella Bridal. It was the perfect choice for her—romantic, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful. The bridesmaids wore elegant navy blue gowns from David’s Bridal. This color that stood out so perfectly against the changing leaves. Brianna’s bridal party was a reflection of the warmth and joy she carries with her, and their energy was contagious.

On the other side, Dakoda and his groomsmen were in their sharp grey suits with coordinating navy ties, perfectly complementing the bridesmaids. Dakoda wore a classic grey suit from Men’s Warehouse. You could just tell he was counting down the moments until he saw Brianna.

The First Look

The moment Dakoda turned around and saw Brianna for the first time was pure magic. It was one of those moments where the world seems to slow down, and all that mattered was the two of them. His face lit up, and you could see how much this moment meant to both of them. The quiet anticipation, the joy in their eyes—it was one of those memories that will stay with me forever.

Ceremony in the Gardens

The ceremony took place in the heart of the Gardens of Castle Rock. The venue was the perfect choice for Brianna and Dakoda—beautifully laid-back, surrounded by nature, yet with just the right amount of elegance. The sun peeked through the trees, casting a warm, golden light over everything. The intimate setting allowed the love they shared with their closest family and friends to radiate. The entire ceremony had this effortless, relaxed feel, but at the same time, you could feel the depth of emotion in every word they exchanged.

Reception Vibes

After the ceremony, we moved into the reception area, which was just as stunning as the ceremony space. Not only that, but the seasonal color palette of navy blue and gray worked perfectly with the natural elements of the Gardens. Furthermore, the reception was filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and more than a few happy tears. Brianna and Dakoda were surrounded by so much love and support from their family—it was truly heartwarming to witness.

One of the standout moments of the night came during the golden hour, right as the sun started to set. At that point, we snuck away for a few more portraits, and it was as if nature itself was celebrating with them. In fact, the warm, golden light bathed them in a glow that felt almost ethereal, and those few quiet moments, just the two of them, were some of my favorite shots of the day.

Final Thoughts

Brianna and Dakoda, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your beautiful day. Overall, it was a day filled with love, joy, and such a relaxed atmosphere—it truly reflected who you are as a couple. From the stunning Gardens of Castle Rock to the thoughtful details throughout the day, every moment was a perfect celebration of your love. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, and I’m so grateful I was able to capture these memories for you!

Vendor Team:

Photography: Andi Jo Photography with associate Amanda Rose Stock

Venue: Gardens of Castle Rock

Wedding Gown: Che Bella Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Menswear: Mens Warehouse

Florals: Hyvee Floral

Bride’s Makeup: Makeup by Sarah Koblitz

Hair: Sitha Kim

Day of Coordinator: Weddings Your Way Holly Ulland

DJ: Midwest Sound

Catering: Hyvee Catering