Noue and Jeff’s wedding at Spring Lake Park Reserve’s Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center in Hastings, MN this weekend was absolutely stunning. The amount of love and joy for this couple was breathtaking and I’m so happy I was able to document it.

Noue and Jeff’s love story started on Tinder three year ago. According to Jeff, Noue basically attacked him (with affection) on their first date…something I can totally see her doing haha! From then on they dated and started falling in love. They both are avid fishermen and love being outdoors or going to their cabin.

Their cabin is actually where Jeff proposed to Noue, too. Jeff bought a new fishing rod for new and when he gave it to her, there tied onto it, was an engagement ring.

Noue and Jeff define the cool, relaxed, adventurous, outdoorsy couple in love, which is what I hope for when photographing couples. Every photographer wishes for laughter, goofiness, joy, and down-to-earth couples who love the people in their lives. And that, my friends, is Noue and Jeff.

The day started of sunny with a chance of rain. This seemed appropriate because during their engagement session, we narrowly avoided being rained out.

We started at the venue, putting final touches on decorations and putting out various desserts (all lovingly baked by Noue), before heading to the hotel to get ready. Noue and Jeff were surrounded by family all day and were as cool as cucumbers. Once everyone was made up and dressed we drove back to the venue for portraits. During their first look, Jeff and Noue laughed and danced with each other, showing just how great a pair they.

Clouds started rolling in and after a brief little rain shower it was time for the ceremony. The ceremony overlooked the Mississippi River and their self-written vows brought tears to everyone’s eyes. It was truly a beautiful wedding that felt 100% them.

After the ceremony everyone gathered in the reception center and started prepping for dinner. Instead of speeches, Noue’s family asked everyone to participate in a Hmong wedding tradition. Each guest was given two white strings, one for Noue and one for Jeff. Each string represented a blessing. As each guest tied their string around Noue’s and Jeff’s wrist, they said a personalized blessing. I can’t tell you how beautiful and significant this was to witness. It was als oa really nice way to incorporate Noue’s heritage.

I am so grateful to Noue and Jeff for letting me be their photographer. It is my blessing to them to have a long, happy life together and to always catch the biggest fish. I cannot wait to see how life continues to bless Noue and Jeff. Should they like, I’ll be there to photograph every big event along the way.

VENDOR CREDITS
CEREMONY VENUE: Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center
RECEPTION VENUE: Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center
PHOTOGRAPHER: Lauren Baker Photography
CAKE ARTIST: Noue Vang
DESSERT ARTIST: Noue Vang
BAND/DJ: Complete Wedding & Events
RINGS: The Shane Company
OFFICIANT: Jodi Denzer