On April 16th, I had the honor of being the wedding photographer at The Happy Gnome wedding of Jon & Blenda!
The newlyweds!
I’ve known Jon for many, many years and have photographed his kid’s senior portraits. Joannie and I have also photographed his entire police department several times back when he was a police officer. So it was pretty cool for me when he asked if I could capture his wedding day for him and his fiancé Blenda!
Winter Engagement Portraits
Back in early February, the three of us went out on a chilly Thursday evening to create their engagement portraits in and around the downtown St. Paul and at Harriet Island. It was a nice evening with them as we had a fresh snowfall and the temps were pretty decent for February. It was also just hours before Joannie & I left for Hawaii to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. After their session, we stopped in at The Happy Gnome for a cold brew and we talked about their wedding day and Hawaii too.
Jon & Blenda in the holiday lights at Rice Park.
You see, they are in Hawaii right now on their honeymoon! While we were on Maui, Joannie & I sent them texts & pics as we were experiencing many beautiful places on Maui so they could get some great ideas before they went. It got them all excited for what they’re experiencing right now. I’m only a lot jealous right now!
The Happy Gnome Wedding
Now let’s talk about The Happy Gnome wedding day!
We started the day with some wedding photos taken at The New Victorian Mansion B&B just a few blocks away from The Happy Gnome. Jon & Blenda got ready there and we took a few minutes to create some nice wedding images of just the two of them there. If you’ll recall, back on April 16th, it was 83 degrees outside (where do it go?), so for that early in the year, it was kind of hot outside. You gotta love Minnesota weather!
Jon & Blenda on the porch at The New Victorian Mansion B&B.
We left The New Victorian Mansion B&B and spent the rest of the afternoon at The Happy Gnome. It was there that we created all of their family portraits as well as wedding party photos, followed by the ceremony and some wedding candid photos prior to dinner. There’s even an impromptu group shot of everyone in attendance!
Jon & Blenda exchanging their wedding vows.
Everybody!
I wish to say Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) to Jon & Blenda for asking me to be a part of your wedding day. I had a really great time with you and your families and friends, and I cannot express to you what an honor it was to be there with you. Aloha!
Fisheye photograph of Jon & Blenda at The Happy Gnome.