Courtney and CJ’s wedding at Red Oak Farm was pure good vibes from start to finish. If I could sum it up in one word, it would be: FUN.
The entire day felt like one big celebration of love, laughter, and friendship. They created an environment of color to reflect the joy that everyone was feeling! No one took themselves too seriously, and the goal was just to enjoy this celebration.
As a Minnesota wedding photographer, this was such a fun vibe to capture.
The day started slow and easy. Courtney got ready in a bright, cozy room surrounded by her girls. I love the hustle and bustle of this part of the day. The table covered in makeup brushes, perfume bottles, and colorful blooms. Courtney wore a silky button-up covered in prints (of CJ’s face!!) and kept the mood light with laughter and a playlist full of throwbacks. CJ suited up nearby! Suspenders, bow tie, and the pocket square in his back pants pocket.
Their first look outside Road Oak Farm was the perfect mix of giddy and sweet.
When the two finally saw each other, it was like everything else disappeared. The vibrant barn behind them glowed in the afternoon sun. And everything was just bright & happy. You can feel it in the pictures!
Courtney’s dress was elegant and timeless. A fitted gown with a beaded bodice and buttons trailing down the back. CJ couldn’t take his eyes off her, and the look said it all.
If you were to rewind a few years before this joy-filled day, you’d find these two falling in love at a concert.
Their story is one of those “right place, right time” kind of romances. I’m a hopeless romantic, so hearing this made my soul happy! They met at a Rolling Stones concert, surrounded by music and magic. And that was it! They have been inseparable ever since.
That same energy carried into their wedding day. Between motorcycle portraits (because of course they had to include their Harley), laughter with friends, and a few cold drinks at the bar, they kept it totally them: laid back, full of love, and a little rock ’n’ roll.
They had a short, meaningful ceremony with their loved ones. And this was the moment of the day when there were happy tears of joy and that feeling of “it’s finally time!” in the air. When they were announced husband and wife, the cheers were so loud.
Afterward, dinner was served inside the barn at Red Oak Farm, long white tables lined with simple vases and flowers.
And guests wandered around the venue for golden-hour cocktails as the sun dipped behind the windmill. Courtney and CJ cut into a small, beautiful cake and fed each other while laughing. And followed that with a carefree first dance surrounded by friends cheering them on.
As the sun dipped below the tree line, we snuck outside for some newlywed portraits during golden hour. This part of the day is a lot like the first look. Quiet, intimate and so impactful. These are the moments you will remember your entire life. Watching the oey-goey sunlight fall over your beautiful wedding day, while you get to kiss your new spouse (!!!) and revel in the newness of it all.
As a wedding photographer, I also selfishly LOVE when we sneak out for golden hour portraits because they’re so dang pretty!! It’s the perfect compliment to any gallery!
These are usually the pictures my couples end up framing in their home. And I love knowing that while I’m taking them, thinking of these special moments lining their hallway one day.
The night ended with everyone out on the dance floor, twinkle lights shining off disco balls and smiles that said it all.
Courtney and CJ’s day at Red Oak Farm wasn’t about putting on a show, it was about joy. Real, effortless, contagious joy. And that is what weddings are all about in my book!
Shout out to our amazing vendor team:
Venue: Red Oak Farm
Photography & Videography: Rule Creative Co
Bridal Dress: Emily Kaye Bridal
Catering: Tutti Fruitti Market Farm
Florals: Cassondra Bangasser
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