The Blog

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

Welcome!

Ahavah Cottage | Jack and Kate’s Wedding Day | Elysian, MN

The beautifully serene Ahavah Cottage in Elysian, MN, was the perfect venue for Jack and Kate’s laid-back, springtime wedding. With a vibe that was both jubilant and relaxed, this special day was filled with laughter, love, and a few funny anecdotes that perfectly reflected the couple’s unique journey.

How They Met

Jack and Kate’s love story began at North Dakota State University. They both were part of the speech and debate team. Their first date was quintessentially casual and fun. They grabbed some delicious Chipotle and then watched the heartwarming movie Coco at Kate’s apartment. Which honestly, sounds like the best first date ever in my humble opinion. This laid the foundation for a relationship built on shared interests, laughter, and mutual respect.

The Proposal

Jack proposed during a hike at their favorite Fargo-area Minnesota state park, Maplewood State Park. It was a chilly November day, but the cold did nothing to dampen the warmth of the moment. As they reached the lookout trail at sunset, Jack got down on one knee and proposed. It was an intimate and beautiful moment, made even more memorable by the fact that they had the entire place to themselves. On the way back from their engagement, they had a minor car accident, adding a humorous twist to their story. Interestingly enough, Jack had another minor car accident on the way to his bachelor party! They joked about hoping to make it to their wedding unscathed.

Ahavah Cottage

Kate grew up in Elysian and had fond memories of the restaurant that used to be where Ahavah Cottage now stands. Honestly, the transformation of this venue is truly spectacular. When they toured the venue during a holiday visit, they fell in love with its charm and the beautiful setting. Making it an easy choice for both their ceremony and reception.

The Attire

Kate looked absolutely stunning in her Stella Couture dress from RSVP Bride by Alan Evans in Fargo, ND. The dress perfectly complemented the springtime theme with its delicate lace and elegant design. Jack and his groomsmen wore classic black suits from Men’s Warehouse, adding a touch of sophistication to the laid-back celebration. The bridesmaids were a vision in sage green dresses with embroidered florals from Baltic Born. They were so beautiful they deserved a photoshoot of their own.

The Ceremony and Reception

The ceremony took place in the picturesque garden of Ahavah Cottage, surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery. The color palette of sage green, rose pink, and other pastels perfectly captured the essence of spring and added a whimsical touch to the decor.

One of the standout moments of the day was the photo dash that Jack and Kate did right after their grand entrance. They went around to each table to take a photo with every single guest. This ensured they had a snapshot with everyone who came to celebrate their special day. This thoughtful gesture highlighted the couple’s love and appreciation for their friends and family.

Special Details

Jack and Kate incorporated their love for Island Orchard Cider from Door County, WI, by using cherry apple cider for their toast. This personal touch added a unique flavor to their celebration and reflected their shared passions and history.

Golden Hour and Final Thoughts

As the day transitioned into evening, we took advantage of the golden hour for some stunning sunset portraits. This is always my favorite part of the wedding day because it’s a chance for the couple to relax and enjoy a few quiet moments together as newlyweds.

Thank You

Jack and Kate, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful day. Your wedding was a true reflection of your love. Laid-back, joyful, and filled with personal touches that made it uniquely yours. I wish you both the best of adventures in your life together. Congratulations once again!