We couldn’t let the cold winter temps and brisk winds from keeping us outside. Kera and Dylan’s wedding at Brackett’s Crossing in Lakeville, MN was the perfect way to start off the 2017 wedding season. I had been looking forward to this winter wedding for so long. Kera and Dylan were attendants for a wedding that I photographed for Dylan’s sister. I was excited to see them again for their weddingas well as the same group of family and friends.

Kera and Dylan met while attending Mankato State University. During a gathering, Kera spotted Dylan from across the room and told her friend that he was hers. After an introduction and some talking, they hit it off and began dating shortly after. They were known as the couple that played speed quarters with friends and Kera always won.

While they attended school, Dylan would bring Kera back to his hometown of New Prague to visit family and friends. Kera quickly fell in love with the little downtown and loved taking walks with him. Dylan knew that a proposal on Main Street was going to be the perfect spot. After a Thanksgiving meal shared with his family, Dylan asked Kera to take a walk on Main Street. Of course she said yes because of her love for the unique downtown. While on the walk, Dylan began asking her questions about what she envisioned her wedding day to look like. She quickly stopped him and said before we can talk about any more wedding stuff you have to put a “ring on it”. He moved on from the conversation and started talking about a fish house they could buy together in the future. He said that he knew to talk about it further, he needed to put a ring on it first. Then he got down and proposed to Kera on Main Street in New Prague!

Kera and Dylan’s wedding day was so seamless and organized. There were many small details, like having drivers set up to transport each person in the bridal party, that allowed them to be far ahead of schedule. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the morning.

The women got ready at Kera’s sister-in-laws house. Her best friend gave her a handkerchief that included something new, something blue, and something old (her baby ring). Her sisters, best friend, and mom all helped to create this sentimental piece. Kera said she wasn’t going to cry during the morning, but this gift came in handy as the tears began.

Since Main Street felt like such a central background of their relationship and engagement, the couple decided to share their first look here. It was so special for the couple to enjoy some time together. The snow, icy sidewalks, and nineteen degree temps didn’t stops us from the outside portraits the couple wanted for their winter wedding day! Everyone was fantastic and we couldn’t have asked for a more willing wedding party to join in on the outdoor portraits.

Kera and Dylan shared the vows they wrote themselves during their ceremony. After the ceremony, we headed to Brackett’s Crossing for their reception and a few more portraits during cocktail hour. The reception was so fun. My favorite parts were the heartfelt speeches by family and friends and the surprise recording that Kera shared for her parents dance to.

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Eaton! It was an honor to capture this special time in your lives.