One question I get asked super often from my couples and people that follow me is, "What do you do if the weather is bad?" my answer is we EMBRACE it! Some of my absolute favorite photos I've created over the years have been because of "bad weather."

Honestly, I love the look of "bad weather" whether it's raindrops in the frame, a foggy overcast day, or post-storm sunset colors I love the mood it creates in photos. But Holly and Dan's day started differently. It was the closest I've come this season to needing to relocate outdoor nuptials due to bad weather. But then just in time, good ol' Minnesota worked its magic and gave us the most epic conditions.

Holly and Dan were my first official wedding back in Minnesota for the season and even though I've shot at Majestic Oaks Golf Club before I headed there early to get re-aquatinted. With a few hours to spare before their first look, I headed down the trails to the bridge and admired the fog rolling in through the trees. As I photographed Holly's details I saw a storm rolling in from the west and wedding vendors scurrying around trying to decide whether to move the ceremony inside.

Holly sat in the Majestic Oaks bridal suite and apprehensively asked if it was raining and then instantly replied, "It's all good." Because that's the kind of woman Holly is. She only sees the best in any situation. Undeterred by the unfriendly weather, Holly counted the minutes before seeing her best friend and groom-to-be, Dan.

Dan waited for Holly out on the small island on the property under a canopy of willow trees and grey skies and when they melted into each others' arms they let the wind swirl around them. On their wedding day, just like the hundreds of days that had come before it, Holly and Dan knew they could face anything as long as they were surrounded by their friends and family and connected with their souls.

And it turned out Holly and Dan's love also came with a bit of luck because the rain decided to dissipate right before the ceremony and we had all afternoon to explore the lush landscape! They picked a little arbor with a grand willow in the background for their vows and as Holly came down the aisle— I’m pretty sure we all cried.

Holly and Dan, thank you for the honor of documenting your love. Your wedding day made me feel lucky to get to know you on a deeper level. Thanks for feeding me potatoes and being an awesome pair of humans. I wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

Holly’s black wedding details were personalized, sentimental, and chic…

I love when couples opt to see each other before the ceremony because it leaves plenty of time for breath taking photos, but also a bit of latitude should the weather decide to have a mind of its own…here Holly and Dan make the best of a cold, gray day by warming up with their love…

The gorgeous course at Majestic Oaks makes for stunning wedding photos…

Nothing made Dan unravel more than seeing his bride walk down the aisle…

…and Holly just radiated pure joy…

Many, many thanks to the staff at Majestic Oaks for working incredibly hard to ensure the day unfolded without a hitch. They were flexible, kind, and worked really fast to ensure the weather didn’t hamper the wedding glow…

Holly and Dan had ornate keys that doubled as bottle openers for their wedding favors.

Holly told me her friends loved to dance and party…and they lived up to her expectations…

I’ll end on this note because when you’re a bride surrounded by everything you value and love–people and experiences–in a glorious rendition of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’–you honestly can’t help but feel invincible…

CEREMONY VENUE: MAJESTIC OAKS GOLF COURSE

PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Smak

CAKE: Something Sweet by Maddie Lu

FLORIST: KMB floral

DRESS SHOP/DESIGNER: Davids Bridal

SUITS & TUXEDOS: Mens Warehouse

JEWELRY: https://seraphinecreations.com/

PHOTOBOOTH: Photobooth Creations