Christina and Dalton’s Edina Country Club wedding was a celebration of two people who knew how much it meant to find each other. As a Minneapolis wedding photographer, getting to document a day like theirs is a reminder of why I love this work so much. Christina trusted me to take care of the photographs so she could focus on what mattered most, which was marrying Dalton and enjoying the people who came to celebrate with them.

Their day included a traditional church ceremony at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church, portraits around the lake, and a reception at Edina Country Club. Have a look! 

Getting Ready at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church

Christina got ready at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church before the ceremony. While getting ready at your ceremony venue can be convenient, it’s worth thinking through the space and timeline before making that decision.

The church didn’t have a dedicated getting-ready room, and there had been a funeral that morning, which meant the timeline for preparing the space was especially tight. For couples planning a similar wedding, I’d recommend considering whether the venue has enough room, natural light, and time set aside for you and your wedding party to get ready comfortably.

If your ceremony venue doesn’t have a space designed for getting ready, a parent’s home or a nearby hotel can be a better option. In Minneapolis, a place like the Four Seasons Minneapolis is worth considering. 

The goal isn’t to make getting ready more complicated. It’s to start your wedding day somewhere you can relax, spend time with your people, and enjoy the lead-up to the ceremony without feeling rushed. If a calm morning is a priority for you, choose your getting-ready location with that in mind.

A Traditional Minneapolis Wedding at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church

Christina and Dalton chose Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church in Minneapolis for their ceremony. Located across the street from Lake of the Isles, the church was a great starting point for their wedding portraits, with plenty of variety nearby and enough room to accommodate their large wedding party.

The weather held out through the ceremony, giving us time to photograph the couple and their wedding party before the rain arrived. Christina and Dalton wanted plenty of portraits around the lake and at the church, so we made those locations a priority.

I also loved getting to photograph Christina and Dalton with a hand-painted backdrop. The wind made finding a good spot for it a little tricky, but it was still a fun part of the day. One of my favorite things about photographing this couple was how much they wanted photos together! They genuinely wanted to spend that time together, and it showed.

An Elegant Edina Country Club Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, everyone headed to Edina Country Club in Edina, Minnesota, for the reception. The club is a classic Minneapolis-area country club wedding venue, with several event spaces and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 275 guests.

Christina’s design plans included creamy neutrals, white flowers with touches of green, and ceiling draping to soften the reception space. The one playful departure from the neutral palette was the bridesmaids’ blue and white floral dresses. Blue is Christina’s favorite color, so incorporating it into the design was a natural choice. Dalton and his groomsmen wore black tuxedos, keeping the overall look classic.

The Inverness Ballroom was a lovely setting for their reception, with crystal chandeliers and damask wallpaper that gave the room a traditional feel. It was a great fit for the couple’s style, especially with the draping and floral details bringing their vision together.

Edina Country Club also has outdoor space that can be a lovely option for cocktail hour when the weather is nice. Christina and Dalton’s timeline and the rain meant we didn’t spend much time photographing that part of the reception, but there are some nice portrait opportunities around the property, too. With more time and better weather, I would have loved to explore those spots with them.

A Wedding Day Focused on What Matters Most

One of the things that stood out to me about Christina and Dalton was how much they valued their relationship. They had waited a long time to find each other, and their marriage was at the heart of their wedding plans.

Christina trusted me to document what was happening so she could focus on Dalton and the people who came to celebrate with them. Her sister’s maid of honor toast was one of the emotional highlights. Watching Christina tear up as her sister spoke was a reminder of why I love documenting these moments as they happen.

I’d followed Christina’s artwork for years before we worked together; I wanted a custom Christina B Johnson piece for my office for years, and when we bought our house, I knew it was time (when we have a video meeting together, you’ll see it in my background). We talked about her art, her relationship with Dalton, and our shared thoughts on photography and the importance of representing color as it looks in real life (one of the many reasons why I prefer true-to-color editing). In addition to just getting to know each other’s hearts, I think we connected most over the importance of making work that feels honest to the people it’s about.

That connection carried into the wedding day. Everyone was happy to be there, and the couple trusted our team to take care of them. That kind of trust gives me room to focus on the moments happening around me while my couples stay present with each other.

Client Testimonial

“My sister hired another top photographer for her wedding, but after working with Lauren, I honestly feel like I’ve gotten SO much more support. Outfit ideas, location recommendations, timeline suggestions…she thinks of everything. I’m obsessed!” — Christina

Planning Your Edina Country Club Wedding?

Edina Country Club is worth considering if you’re looking for a traditional country club reception in the Minneapolis area. Working with a planner can make a big difference when you’re coordinating a church ceremony, portraits at multiple locations, and a ballroom reception. Sarah of Lasting Impressions Weddings worked with Christina and Dalton on their wedding. She offers both partial and full-service planning, depending on the level of support you need.

As a Minneapolis wedding photographer, I love working with couples who care about their photographs but also want to be fully present for their wedding. Whether you’re planning a celebration at Edina Country Club, the Minikahda Club, or another Minneapolis-area venue, my goal is to create photographs that feel like you and preserve the moments you’ll want to remember.

Explore my portfolio to see more of my work, learn about my approach to wedding photography, or reach out here to tell me about your plans.

Vendors

Ceremony Venue: Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church
Reception Venue & Catering: Edina Country Club
Wedding Planner: Lasting Impressions Weddings
Photographer: Lauren Baker Photography
Florist: Sadie’s Floral
Dessert: Buttercream Wedding Cakes & Desserts
Ceremony Musicians: Nanette Goldman
Band: Bluewater Kings Band
Beauty: Primped Bridal Hair and Makeup
Bridal Gown: Bridal Accents Couture
Suits: The Black Tux
Rings: Continental Diamond
Invitations: Paper Rock Scissor
Rentals: Après Event Dècor and Tent Rental
Transportation: Renee’s Limousine