Rush Creek Golf Club Wedding | Maria and Eric | Minneapolis, MN

The sun may have been shining, but don’t let that fool you…Maria and Eric’s Rush Creek Golf Club Wedding in Maple Grove, Minnesota, was the kind of cold winter day that makes you question stepping outside. And yet, somehow, it was absolutely perfect.

From the moment I arrived, I could already tell this day was going to be something special.

Getting Ready

Maria spent the morning getting ready surrounded by her girls, and the energy in the room was exactly how she described their day…joyful, dreamy, and relaxed. There was laughter, excitement, and just that calm kind of happiness that you only get on a wedding morning.

And then there was the dress.

Maria chose a stunning Stella York gown, but what truly made it unforgettable was the statement bow on the back. The moment I saw it, I got it. It was one of those pieces that just makes the dress. And the best part? It was removable. So later in the day, after it was bustled, it gave her an entirely different look. Two looks in one day, and both were equally beautiful.

Her bridesmaids wore maroon dresses from Azazie, which paired so perfectly with the winter tones and added such a rich, romantic feel to the day.

A Winter Ceremony at Rush Creek Golf Club

Rush Creek Golf Club is already such a stunning venue, but there was something extra special about this day. Maria and Eric were actually the last couple to get married there before renovations began, which made it feel even more meaningful.

Even in the middle of winter, the venue stood out in the best way. The exterior alone is unlike any golf course venue I’ve photographed. Add in a little leftover snow on the ground and that bright winter sun, and it created the most beautiful backdrop.

And yes…we braved the cold.

Maria and Eric, along with their wedding party, fully embraced the winter elements so we could capture those outdoor portraits. And let me tell you…it was worth it. That soft snow, the glow of the sun, and the way they leaned into each other to stay warm…those are the kinds of moments that don’t just look beautiful, they feel something too.

The Ceremony

Their ceremony was filled with so much intention, but what stood out the most were their vows.

Maria and Eric chose to go the untraditional route, and it could not have been more them. Their vows were heartfelt, personal, and honestly…a little bit fun too. From promises about supporting each other through tough sports losses to dreaming about future trips to Europe, every word felt genuine and straight from the heart.

You could see it in the way they looked at each other…this wasn’t just about the big moment. It was about the life they’re building together.

Details That Made the Day

One of the biggest standouts from the entire day was the florals.

Maria had towering wood flower arrangements throughout the venue, all handmade by a family friend. And when I say they were everywhere, I mean everywhere. Bouquets, decor, statement pieces…each one was crafted with so much care, and they truly transformed the space.

It’s those kinds of personal touches that make a wedding feel so unique. Not just beautiful, but meaningful.

A Reception Full of Energy and Heart

As the night went on, the celebration only grew.

One of my absolute favorite moments from the reception was Eric’s dance with his mom. Instead of going the traditional route, they chose to do the Iowa University Fight Song…and it turned into so much more than just a dance.

So many of their family and friends also went to Iowa, so before long, the entire room was joining in. Singing, cheering, fully embracing the moment. It was one of those unexpected parts of the day that ended up meaning so much.

And honestly, that moment perfectly summed up Maria and Eric’s wedding…full of love, connection, and people showing up for them in the best way.

Ending the Day

We ended the night the best way I know how…soaking it all in.

There’s always a moment on a wedding day where everything slows down just a little. The nerves are gone, the big moments have happened, and what’s left is just this quiet joy of we did it.

And that’s exactly what Maria and Eric had.

Maria and Eric

Maria and Eric, what a day.

From a concert where it all began, to a double date soccer game, to a St. Patrick’s Day proposal with your dog wearing a “will you marry dad?” bandana…your story has always been full of personality and heart. And your wedding day was no different.

Thank you for trusting me to be a part of it all. For braving the cold, for embracing every moment, and for letting me capture a day that was so authentically you.

I already know this is just the beginning of something really beautiful.

Congratulations, you two 🤍