Jen and her mother started to get ready at the Water St., Inn, in Stillwater Minnesota. With a gorgeous corner room overlooking the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater. Lots of laughs and smiles were shared as the two had their hair and make up perfected For this special day. Jen's intricately beaded gown hung on the huge sliding barn door, as the sunlight glistened off the waters of the St. Croix River. The corner room and balcony, overlooking the busy riverwalk below.
And as we pulled into the driveway of the Vineyard, we drove through the rose of grapevines, still in the early stages of growing for the summer. We hustled into the venue and down to the wine cellar, dodging the Groom. The final touches of shoes and a mid-length veil were added just before the first looks. Mom, gently placing the veil in Jen's gorgeous hair, brunette spiral curls softly falling. Jen was greeted with a first look from her loving father, who had his breath taken away by his beautiful daughter dressed for her wedding day. Jen‘s brother, Brent, then got a sneak peek as well, being Jen’s man of honor. You could tell he was so proud of his sister and thrilled that she was marrying Michael.
The guests gathered under a large pergola, protecting them from the June sun as Michael made his way to the alter. Jen, escorted by her parents, walked through the gardens along the path to her groom. All eyes on her as she walked toward Michael, both smiling, eyes locked. They two were so excited to get married and it showed with the smiles and laughs they shared as their own vows were read and rings exchanged. Such tender moments as Michael held back tears of love as he read his vows to Jen. The ceremony, simple and short, was just the way they imagined it to be!
As the ceremony ended, the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour out on the patio under big umbrellas, shading them from the sun. It was a joyous time and everyone enjoyed the wine and appetizers as they visited with each other after a very long, isolated winter and spring, with Covid-19 being out of their minds for an afternoon.
A few traditions were observed at the end of the day. Michael and the guys enjoyed a cigar on the patio. I was told this is a long-standing tradition for them, whenever one of them gets married. We then headed indoors and down to the wine cellar where Jen and Michael signed a barrel and took a few moments of quiet in the wine cellar, just the two of them, to breath in the last hour of their special day!