Kaila & CJ's Wedding

We are just so happy about this wedding! Kaila and CJ had the perfect day, an incredible setting, and the most amazing party. Kaila is pretty much a sister to Bethany and they have known each other for their entire lives so it was an honor to be able to photograph her special day.

The weekend of the wedding was SO beautiful in Detroit Lakes, MN complete with beautiful woods, sprawling fields, and scenic views.

////

Kaila was the most calm and relaxed bride I have ever seen on her wedding day, she was taking in every moment as they came. She paid very close attention to detail and every part of her day had meaning to her and CJ. She wore his shirt all morning until it was time to put her dress on, her hair was done just the way CJ likes, and her shoes and hairpiece were completely lovely, just like Kaila. Everything flowed so perfectly together.

CJ and his groomsmen gathered in the morning to get ready at his parent's house on the lake. It was a beautiful morning and you could just feel the excitement in the air. Amidst having fun with his guys you could see it in his eyes that he just couldn't wait another moment to see his bride.

CJ and Kaila opted to do a first look session for their wedding and had set up a quilt fort in the yard to spend some time together before all the excitement of the day. We captured them seeing each other for the first time on the wedding day here. 

We took a quick (air conditioned, phew!) trip to the lake down the street and photographed them as cars passed by honking and shouting their well wishes. It was supposed to rain all day but we really couldn't have asked for a better sky. After the lake we moved back to the ranch and photographed in the woods, in the fields, and even with the horses! The three horses were so happy to be loose in a new field but Kaila's horse came right over to see her and pose for a photo.

Kaila and CJ paid a lot of attention to all the little details in their wedding day and the setting truly showed their personalities.

The programs were handmade and tied with twine and the banners on the guest table were all made from burlap, twine, and hand painted lettering. The head table was decorated with beautiful flower boxes and was backed by antique reclaimed doors hinged together.

The ceremony was outdoors right where the forest breaks with the chairs arranged in a half moon formation. In lieu of a traditional archway a beautiful ribbon of fabric was hung from the trees draping down as a backing to the "stage."

Kaila and CJ said some beautiful things, exchanged the rings, planted a tree, and had quite the kiss!

The reception was in a giant tent in the field and turned into quite a party as the sun was going down and the dance floor was heating up. The bar was homemade from another reclaimed door, pallets, and strands of burlap. The food was catered by an amazing local restaurant, the cake was incredibly tasty, and the kids even got to ride ponies! The party went well into the night with everyone dancing, having tons of fun, and celebrating Kaila and CJ's day.

Just when we thought this wedding couldn't be any cuter, we snuck away after Kaila and CJ had made their exit and photographed the two of them with baby kittens that live in the barn. Seriously? Cute overload. 

Thanks for letting us share this beautiful couple's wedding day.