This blog entry was born on May 26th, 2019 at 10:45am, weighing 24 oz. (the brewski I’m throwing back), not quite sure of its length, but healthily delivered at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport bar, sans screaming baby. After a busy beginning of the year, it’s been so exciting that my travel weddings are kicking back up and I can give some major, dedicated love to the blog once again. Whoop whoop! Honestly it’s probably for the best that it’s been awhile, because I’ve been knee deep in edits and client videos will always take precedent over the blog, so that's that. I’ve got some really exciting out of state/out of country weddings coming up. This weekend I’ll be in Atlantic Beach which I’ve never been to, Maine and Copenhagen are coming up, a pretty Ohio vineyard wedding that I’m really excited about is just around the corner; lots of adventures to be had and moments to be captured that I’m so stoked about.
The power and reach of my previous clients’ referrals continues to blow my mind, which is where today’s entry and adventure were born. A past Lowndes Grove bride of mine, Alexa, gave my deets to her co-worker in Chicago. Kate had a very specific vibe and non-traditional style she was looking for in a videographer <insert Dock House!> and I couldn’t be happier Alexa sent her my way! To be completely honest with you, I know very little about Minnesota outside of the Vikings and Twins, so when she told me they’d be getting married in Minneapolis I was excited to set off on a new adventure and discover this land they call the Midwest! Because my clients pay for my travel expenses, these trips are usually quite short, arriving the day before the wedding and departing the day after, but one thing I always make sure to do is arrive as early as I possibly can the day before so I can spend time exploring and immersing myself in all things ‘said city.’ I decided to stay at the Kimpton Grand Hotel (a.k.a The Grand Hotel, soon-to-be converting to a Hyatt which was kind of disappointing) centrally located between both ceremony and reception venues. It was also the perfect find because it was in the middle of downtown and within walking distance to restaurants and shops. Thank you, Google Maps + Trip Advisor!
I fortunately, and unfortunately, don’t have any fun airport or flight stories for you because my flight was seamless. I buried my nose in my latest entertaining and mindless read, “Drinking & Tweeting” by Brandi Glanville. Highly recommend if you know who she is or maybe just wanting a book that will literally make you LOL. After checking into my hotel I decided to hit the streets. The weather for my entire stay was absolutely gorgeous. It was a comfortable upper 60’s and I was so happy to escape the 95 degree weather I’d left in Charleston. I noticed after the first block or two that I was getting some major stares from city street goers. Sure, I’d been up at 5am for my flight and looking a little rough, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it was my vibrant teal chinos or my somewhat loud color-blocked tee? I was puzzled. Later that night after chatting with a bartender I figured it out. It had to have been my Carolina tan! These people had been suffering through months of really cold, miserable, rainy, sun-less weather so anyone looking like an islander would most definitely stick out like a sore thumb <insert death stares>. I visited Glam Doll Donuts for a few mouthwatering confections and for dinner went to an Italian restaurant called Zelo recommended to me by another past client who lives in the city (Thanks, Abby!). Easily made it into my Top 5 favorite Italian restaurants. Non-related to this blog post, but if you’re an Italian lover like myself, here are my five faves:
1. Wild Olive (Johns Island, SC)
2. Serra by Birreria (Eataly - Flatiron District, NYC)
3. Nob Hill Café (San Francisco, CA)
4. Uva (Upper East Side, NYC)
5. ..and now, Zelo! (Minneapolis, MN)
Minneapolis was an unexpected delight. The city was beautifully kept, lush treelined streets, eclectic neighborhoods and boutiques, the nearby Lake Calhoun was a gorgeous drive on the day of the wedding. What I loved most was that I didn’t experience the anxiety from the hustle and bustle of a “big city” like I do when I’m in New York or Boston. The streets weren’t crowded, traffic was light and for not knowing the area, I had an easy time navigating through this new place. I would most definitely return for a visit! Side Note: Did you know the Twins currently have the most wins in baseball this season? I didn’t either, but it was the talk of the town. #Twinning
The next morning I headed off to begin filming at 11am. Kate and her maids got ready at the picturesque Minikahda Club which was just a short 15 minute drive from my hotel. Minikahda sits atop a hill overlooking beautiful Lake Calhoun and the downtown skyline. So much of this area reminded me of where I grew up in Maine. Very similar vibes. I sent a quick iPhone pic to Frank upon arrival and he said, "you're at The White House?!?" haha! I wasn't, but it's easy to draw similarities between the two. SUCH a beautiful location and venue. People often ask me when they book an out of state/out of country wedding if it will be challenging having never been to the venue. For me, it's actually the opposite of challenging. I feel like creatively, I'm a kid in a candy store seeing a new place with fresh eyes. I absolutely love that aspect of my travel weddings. The ladies were getting ready in the most ideal room surrounded by huge windows with tons of natural light. I was in #Heaven. Now let me take a moment to dote on this amazing couple. Not only is Kate stunningly beautiful and a dream to shoot, but she is one of the sweetest, most down to earth, friendly people I've ever had the opportunity to call a client. She immediately made me feel comfortable and at ease which was exactly what I needed coming off a day of travel and going into a new place blindly. Throughout the day (HER wedding day, mind you) she regularly checked in with me to ask how I was doing, if I needed anything, so on and so forth. SUCH a sweetheart. Steve was equally as kindhearted and they were both just so excited for the day and so present in each and every moment which I love to see from a bride + groom.
The ceremony took place at the Basilica of St. Mary. I could go on and on about how beautiful this church was but I'll just say, if you're ever in Minneapolis it's a must-see. Getting to shoot a wedding there gave me all the feels. One of my favorite parts of the day for me was shooting Kate in the church entryway. She was a total vision to say the least and "that light, though!" Also their church departure down the grand steps with all of their guests cheering them on was one of many fun and heartwarming moments to relive while creating their highlight film. I mentioned this on Instagram, but going through their footage felt like Christmas morning. Everything honestly couldn't have gone more perfect and seamless. For a travel wedding, this was a total D.R.E.A.M. No stress, no mishaps, a rockstar couple and a gorgeous 70-degree day. What more could a guy ask for?! Be sure to check out Kate + Steve's highlight at the top of the page! Minneapolis, I adore you and hope to one day return..maybe for another wedding! *hint hint*
XO
