Maty & Ben | A Backyard Wedding in Stillwater, Minnesota
There's something so special about a wedding day that unfolds right at home. Maty and Ben's backyard wedding on June 13th brought together family, familiar ground, and a reception spot with real meaning behind it — and the whole day had a warmth to it that only comes from celebrating somewhere personal.
A Ceremony Among the Pines
The ceremony took place right in the backyard, surrounded by a towering stand of red pines that framed the whole scene beautifully. There's something quietly stunning about a red pine grove as a backdrop — those tall, clean trunks rising straight up around the two of them as they said their vows. It gave the ceremony a peaceful, grounded feel, with nothing but the property and the people who love them closest.
Portraits at Home and on the Lift Bridge
We took bridal portraits right there on the property, making the most of that same beautiful backdrop of red pines. Then we made our way into town for a few portraits at the Stillwater Lift Bridge, one of the most iconic spots in the St. Croix Valley. The mix of the quiet, private backyard setting with the historic bridge downtown gave us such a nice range of images from the day — intimate and personal on one end, classic Stillwater on the other.
A Reception Full of Meaning at Brick & Bourbon
The celebration continued at Brick & Bourbon in Stillwater, and this stop meant more than just a great meal and a good time — it's actually where Maty and Ben first met. Getting to photograph their reception in the very place their story began added something you can't manufacture. There's a full-circle feeling to celebrating a wedding day in the spot where it all started, and that history was written all over the night.
Congratulations again to Maty & Ben — thank you for welcoming me into such a personal, meaningful day.
Location: Private residence & Stillwater Lift Bridge, with reception at Brick & Bourbon, Stillwater, Minnesota
