Jake and Kate’s wedding was a masterclass in grace, resilience, and the kind of love that rises above circumstances. Originally planning to marry in Chicago, the couple made the decision to shift their celebration to a family home — a quiet property with gardens, towering trees, and enough heart to carry their entire day. And while the weather brought a bit of everything, from heat to hail to a tornado warning, nothing could disrupt the joy, or the vows they had waited so patiently to say.
This was a wedding rooted in family, full of small, meaningful touches and spontaneous moments that made the entire experience unforgettable.
A Ceremony That Held Its Ground
The ceremony took place in the backyard, under a canopy of lush trees with a bed of flowers just beyond the couple’s chairs. Fans were handed out to guests to help with the heat, and umbrellas moved in and out of sight as the rain came and went. A storm siren blared in the distance, but Jake and Kate stayed focused on each other, smiling through it all.
They included a knot tying ritual, using cords that are now displayed in their home as part of their decor. It was a beautiful symbol of how something simple and sacred can stay with you long after the day is over.
It’s this kind of detail that stands out — not just a ceremonial gesture, but a thread that now weaves through their daily life.
Gifts That Carried Meaning
Before the ceremony, Jake was given a ring by his grandmother. Passed down through generations, it held the kind of quiet significance that doesn’t need much explanation. Kate, in turn, had prepared thoughtful gifts for her bridesmaids, including handwritten letters and custom jewelry. Her mother received a keepsake as well — a small reminder of the love and gratitude that filled the day.
These kinds of gestures, exchanged away from the crowd, often become the heartbeat of the gallery.
A Portrait Session That Brought It All Together
Despite the forecast, Jake and Kate were committed to carving out time for portraits. We ventured to a local park nearby, where the skies opened just enough to give us gorgeous, diffused light and vibrant greens.
The tall trees created a perfect frame for quiet moments between the couple, and the soft reflection of the water beneath those moody skies added a cinematic depth to their gallery. Umbrellas came out for a few frames, but instead of disrupting the vibe, they added charm and personality.
These sessions are never just about posed shots. They’re about letting people move, laugh, and settle into the joy of the day.
Moments That Only Video Can Hold
Kate’s father sweeping her into a spontaneous spin during cocktail hour was one of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments — joyful, unrehearsed, and full of emotion. Thankfully, we had video rolling when it happened.
Their wedding film was a last-minute decision made by Kate’s mom, who mentioned more than once throughout the day how thankful she was to have booked it. Stories like this remind us why offering both photo and video coverage is so meaningful. Still images capture the emotion, but video lets you feel it unfold in real time.
A Tent, A Dance Floor, and a Sky That Showed Up Big
Back at the house, a bright white tent had been set up to protect guests from the rain. It turned out to be the perfect choice. The fabric let in beautiful natural light, and the setup felt open, breezy, and relaxed. Guests gave emotional toasts beneath the canvas while raindrops tapped gently above.
When Jake and Kate stepped onto the stone patio for their first dance under strands of Edison bulbs, the sky had cleared. The air felt soft and calm. The entire backyard glowed with the kind of romance that doesn’t need much staging.
Even their dog couldn’t resist joining them on the dance floor, happily weaving through guests as music and laughter spilled into the night.
Backyard Weddings, When Done With Heart, Are Unforgettable
Jake and Kate’s wedding reminded us that the best days don’t need the most perfect conditions. They need intention, flexibility, and a strong sense of what really matters. Family. Joy. Presence.
This backyard wedding was full of all of those things. It was emotional, beautiful, and completely unshaken by the chaos of weather or plans that shifted.
We were honored to document both their photos and video, capturing every thunderstorm, teardrop, and shared laugh along the way.
Planning a backyard wedding of your own? We’d love to be there for it.
Contact us here to start planning your coverage, and check out more Minnesota wedding stories for inspiration and ideas.
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