Haylee + Conner's Urban Industrial Duluth, MN Wedding
As her sisters flitted around her, fixing fly-aways and fastening clasps, Haylee’s mom started getting glassy-eyed–it was the last of her three daughters’ wedding days. And let me tell you, Haylee. Was. Show-stopping.
What constitutes a non-traditional dress? Is it anything that strays from the pure white color that’s been passed down from generation to generation? Or is it more than that? When a bride chooses a gown that is truly unique and yet somehow still true to tradition, I find myself still talking about it, dreaming about it, drooling over it, even if it’s been over a year since the wedding date. Haylee did just that. What looked like it could have been a two-piece ensemble held my gaze as I took in the sight of the dress. The top, donned with black lace and deep cut, was accentuated by the silky, form-fitting floor-length skirt. The sleek shine of her skirt bounced a tiny sparkle off of the silver-hooped nose ring she wore, and the stark, contrasting tones in her gown played ever so nicely with the industrial warehouse venue.
Excited emotions bounced off brick walls as Haylee walked to where the urban landscape met the St. Louis River. There stood Conner, her dapper groom, awaiting his first look at his forever person. Back to back, the romance was almost tangible in the crisp outside air, sending shivers my way as I took part in their moment. The two had prepared letters for each other, for before they laid eyes on each other, pages filled with words of tender love and affection that brought small laughs and teary eyes to them both. Conner’s jaw quite literally dropped when they turned around and faced each other.
The day unfolded in complete harmony. The guests shuffled upstairs to the ceremony room equipped with a stunning hexagonal arch, arranged with hanging eucalyptus and white roses. Candlelight set the tone of the ceremony, lighting up the audience with a warm glow. Under the vaulted ceiling, Haylee and Connor exchanged their custom vows and promised forever to each other. The rest of the night seemed to fly by with glasses raised in celebration and inhibitions let go on the dance floor.
Haylee and Conner, thank you for sharing the love and joy of your wedding day with me. I am honored to take part in telling the story of your love and the pure fun of this day. Cheers to you two, your love, and your life together.
XO Rachel
When brides op for bridesmaid dresses with variety, I pretty much obsess. Just choosing the shade of cream for her bridesmaids, Haylee let the girls decide the most flattering dresses that fit THEM for her special day.
The Courtier sisters know how to throw a wedding party. Each one a bridesmaid for the others’ weddings, it was Haylee’s time to walk down the aisle with her sisters close by at all times.
We stepped outside after the ceremony to capture the last glimmers of golden sunlight.
*Second Shooting for Brookklyn Photo. Follow her on Instagram @brookklynphoto and visit her blog post on Haylee and Conner’s love story on her blog.
Vendors
Photographer: Brookklyn Photo
Second Shooter: Rachel Smak
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Clyde Iron Works
Officiant: Taylor Curado (cousin of the groom)
Hairstylist + Makeup Artist: Jamie Snyder
Groom’s Dinner: Duluth Grill and OMC Smokehouse
Caterer: Clyde Iron Works
Cake: The Exchange
Decor: The Moms
Florist: Flora North
Suits: Men's Warehouse
Dress shop + Designer: Che Bella, Kelly Faetanini
Jeweler: Trice Jewelers
DJ: High NRG Entertainment