Duluth, MN Greysolon Ballroom Wedding / Michael + Kierstin 4.16.16

April 26, 2016

April 16, 2016 / Michael + Kierstin Swenson / Duluth, MN

I met Kierstin in August of 2014 – she was the Maid of Honor in a Duluth wedding I was shooting and her kind, genuine nature made me want to be her best friend immediately. At the reception I remember her introducing me to this red-headed guy who was sporting a sideways grin and looking at her with a whole lotta love – it was pretty obvious then that something was brewing, but who was I to foresee the future …

Jump ahead to March of last year and an email landed in my inbox from Kierstin “I’m engaged!” Aha, I knew it. Apparently, I have magic powers. As we started chatting and talking everything wedding I looked at her Fiancé’s name on the contract and recognized it – but why? I didn’t recognize him when we met, but that name … hmmm.

Ok so let’s rewind to my college days at St. Scholastica, I was living in a house with 4 baseball players that was a favored “gathering place” for lack of a better word. (Party House) makes us seem irresponsible, and goodness we can’t have anyone thinking that. I got to know a lot of the Baseball team, their recruits and stories. I also have been to my fair share of Baseball Weddings – which usually are a combination of a little rowdy, a lot of fun + one heck of a tradition at the end of the night (think karaoke awesomeness and hoping the Bride & Groom don’t get dropped on the dance floor) So there it was – Michael Swenson, CSS Baseball player – it finally made sense. And in true Duluth fashion, our world of connections got a little smaller.

So now it’s their wedding day – the most amazing, sunny, warm April day I can ever remember – and Kierstin is the epitome of Bridal perfection. The sweet ooohs and ahhhs echoing through the bridal suite as she put on that gorgeous dress gave me all the feels. Michael’s reaction at their first look had me in tears and I had the most amazing time with their wedding party and families as we went through the day. A lot of laughter, a lot of happy tears and so much love. One of those wedding days where you forget you are just the photographer – not a long lost friend showing up to celebrate. That’s just they way these two are – so inviting, so genuine and loving and inclusive – making sure everyone around them is being taken care of before themselves. It’s pretty amazing. So it would only make sense that this incredible couple would have an incredible day, surrounded by those that adore them so much. Cheers to you, Mr + Mrs Swenson (who are still in Hawaii on their honeymoon – hi you guys!) may your marriage be full of joy and adventure!

Photo by JaneCane Photography / www.janecanephotography.com