If there is one thing Mari and Matt wanted for their wedding day, it was for it to feel like them. They planned a State Capitol Building elopement day this year, followed by a gorgeous photo session in Glacier National Park. (I can’t wait to share those photos too!)
These two reached out to me about photography for their celebrations, and described themselves as “super low-key and untraditional”. I immediately knew they were my kind of people! And their St. Paul elopement could not have been a better reflection of them. We laughed, cried and had FUN.
With just 14 guests, they hosted their Minnesota State Capitol building elopement in August.
It was colorful, relaxed, and completely centered around the people who mattered most. As a MN wedding photographer, I love these small intimate days just as much as the big celebrations.
A State Capitol Building Elopement That Felt Like Them
Mari wore a short, strapless white dress with a dramatic ruffled detail cascading down the back. Her colorful bouquet added the perfect pop of personality with bright blue, orange, pink, yellow, and white flowers.
Matt wore a bold royal blue suit with a patterned tie. Together, they looked like the coolest, most colorful little wedding duo for their elopement!
The whole day had that same playful energy.
Family members snapped photos from their seats. The “flower girl” had everyone laughing! There were plenty of smiles, happy tears, and those in-between moments that make a wedding day feel poignant. Like memories you can tell are unfolding in real time.
This Building Was the Perfect Backdrop
The architecture inside this historic building gave their small wedding a seriously grand setting. We wandered around after they were officially newlyweds (!!!) and took portraits against the beautiful backdrops.
As a wedding photographer, here are some of the features I loved, if you’re also thinking of a State Capitol Elopement!
- Dramatic marble columns and sweeping staircases
- Ornate arches and vintage details
- Warm golden light throughout the building in the afternoon
- Classic architecture mixed with their colorful, modern style
- Plenty of room for both candid moments and portraits
Mari and Matt made their way through the Capitol together, stopping for portraits along the grand staircase, winding stairwells, and beautiful architectural details.
One of my favorite parts was how naturally they interacted with each other. There was no need to manufacture big moments between these two lovebirds!! They simply walked, laughed, held hands. Just really embraced being present in the moment.
Then We Took the Celebration Outside
After the ceremony, we headed into St. Paul for some portraits around the city. The day had such fun slightly overcast lighting, that we really got to go anywhere we wanted and get great portraits!
We explored around the courthouse before finishing up our pictures at a nearby park!
I had the best day with Mari and Matt! But the best part is?! That wasn’t our only day together!
These newlyweds weren’t done adventuring yet.
They hired me again for a photo session in Glacier National Park the following month. I traveled to Montana to photograph them there, and let me tell you, it was an absolute DREAM! I am still on cloud 9! So, you’ll see those photos posted on the blog soon too. They’re so good – they also need their own post!
Matt & Mari! Thank you for choosing me as your Minnesota wedding photographer. I loved capturing your State Capitol Building Elopement!
It has been such a joy to photograph you in this special season of your life!
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