Where do I even begin with this day? Jill and Graham reached out to me in the middle of 2020, right in the middle of a global pandemic, and said they wanted to elope. Knowing the state of the world, and not wanting a gathering amidst it all, they decided to do an intimate ceremony with two friends and their cats, and it was the most special day.

Jill and Graham started out at their home in St. Paul, MN, where we hung out amongst their cats, chatted, and they helped each other get ready for the day. The slow start was so nice, and we truly became fast friends.

After jumping in the car, we headed over to Raspberry Island in Minneapolis for their ceremony at the Minneapolis Boat Club. Their ceremony was intentional and sweet – officiated by a their friend. They had one witness come for them, and then I stood in as the other. I can officially add “signer of marriage licenses” to my resume.

We hung out while the sun started to set, enjoyed some champagne and cupcakes, and rounded out the night with some portraits in their favorite spots. We searched for fall colors and golden sun, and ended right where we started – back at their home for their “first dance” in their driveway. They played their music and took in the night before we hugged and sent them off to enjoy the rest of their evening relaxing at home.

It’s nights like these that I’m reminded how easy it can be to get lost in the hustle of the huge wedding industry these days. Jill and Graham knew exactly what meant the most to them, and used the chaos of a pandemic to their benefit, and cut it all back to just the very best parts.