purple Archives – Studio Laguna Photography

Rachel and Ryan

September 28, 2021 By katrina Leave a Comment

Ryan and Rachel were married this weekend!!!

It is going to be hard to not gush and overwrite about this wedding because it was for one of my dearest friends. Rachel asked Gatherhaus to help design and orchestrate this event, so Dani and I have been involved from early on. The girlfriend collective that is our chosen family helped source everything from antique chairs to flowers and it was a whirlwind of chaos and fun from beginning to end.

This wedding encapsulated family in every moment. The venue was the groom’s brothers home, the decor was a hodgepodge of all our households, we all pitched in to help set up and tear down throughout the weekend, and most importantly…we all were able to gather and watch two fantastic humans blend their families and dedicate their lives to each other.

I am still on a bit of a high from this wedding. All the energy we poured into it, all the relationships we built, all the hugs and laughter, responsibly coming together after the intense solitude of covid19, seeing new friends and old, it accumulated into one weekend full of love. Sound cheesy? Yep, it was. Deliciously so. It was a balm to the soul. It is what we all needed.

Enjoy the images of this sneak peek!

Christine Benson, owner of Sorted Content created this custom invitation suite, including a ketubah where everyone who attended the wedding signed the marriage certificate. It is one of my favorite wedding traditions, something that the couple can frame and look at years from now.

We requested a sunrise portrait session from the couple and surprised them with a morning breakfast on the very spot where they would get married that afternoon. The light was perfect and this gave them time from the frenzy to be together and alone, to focus on the meaning of the day.

After the portrait session, the bride changed into work clothes and got into her happy space…floral design. Utilizing pieces from Rudy’s Event Rentals, Rachel and her friends put together a rustic and elegant reception space.

Among the spaces created was a place dubbed “The Quiet Cove” nestled between the property’s pine trees. A colorful tent and camp chairs were set up along with crates of books, games, seating, and this tool to create stories out of hidden trinkets. Some of the children of our friendship crew put the elements together for this area and with the twinkle lights and layers of fabrics, it was truly magical.

Guests were greeted by valet and a custom basket brimming with appetizers and a signature drink. Then it was time to enjoy the lawn games and cozy spaces to reconnect with family and enjoy the autumn sunshine.

The ceremony was lovely, and included the couple surrounded by their loved ones.

The German tradition, Baumstamm sagen, sealed the marriage as Ryan and Rachel sawed through a log together, symbolizing their ability to work as a couple through any challenges they may face.

As the sun set, a lovely meal by the Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe was set up and the candles were lit. The reception space was warm and inviting.

But first, a quick stop to say hi to the goats!

Antique lanterns led the guests to the dinner space. As the sun set, the candles created warmth and ambiance as friends and family enjoyed delicious food and lively conversation.

After dinner, there was a slivovitz toast, and then it was time to wander back up to the main farmhouse to dance under the stars, drink and be merry, and enjoy all the crazy fun moments.

Ryan and Rachel, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for trusting us with your day. We had so much fun!!! Hope you enjoy your sneak peek!!!

Live, Laugh, Love

June 28, 2019 By katrina Leave a Comment

Andy and Amber were married today!

This couple fully embraces life and loves wholeheartedly. It is evident the moment you meet them, their easy going spirits and their quickness to connect to those they meet, and especially the crazy fun people they surround themselves with. Choosing 612 Brew as their venue made perfect sense for these two, who love fun, hosting awesome parties, beer, games, and dancing. Oh…and we can’t forget tacos. They REALLY love tacos, which made an appearance on the groomsman’s socks, the brides garter, and as the delicious main course at the reception provided by the Chili Lime food truck. We enjoyed every moment photographing the day and telling their story.

After the super sweet first sight, the couple was all smiles, all the time! We did a few portraits, and then got ready for the wedding…which included hanging out in the cooler to try and beat the heat!

Time to get married!

After the ceremony, we did a few more portraits and then headed back to party!

The personal touches with this wedding were everywhere. There was such attention to detail with a fun twist of humor to everything.

After the tender first dance, it was time to let loose and PARTAY!

Under the Sea with Enticing Entertainment

June 19, 2019 By katrina Leave a Comment

I had the privilege of working with Enticing Entertainment last month on a grand corporate event in Duluth. Ever since photographing their first open house, I jump at any chance I get to work with this amazing troupe of artists.

This event’s theme was “Under the Sea” and, as always, Enticing Entertainment went all out. They teamed up with Event Lab to give their guests a full immersion experience. From the lighting, to the projections on the walls, to the sparkling tabletops, you really felt like you were walking on the floor of the ocean. The flower arrangements were full of color and texture, sea creatures gently moved on the ceiling, and a large pirate ship anchored the middle of the space. There were lit up jelly fish on stilts, a wandering pirate violinist, a dance floor that interacted with guests and a virtual reality aquarium.

While it isn’t easy photographing items that glow in blacklight, it was totally worth the effort.

During downtime, backstage was hoppin’ and I’m so glad that the team wanted those images as well. They have so much fun working together! This event involved multiple costume changes and characters, it was quite a production!

If you ever have a chance to hire Enticing Entertainment, do it! They rock my socks off every time I see them perform!

Jeannie and Emily

July 1, 2017 By katrina Leave a Comment

Jeannie and Emily were married today!

This wedding is brought to you by the creative minds of Emily and Jeannie…and a whole slew of talented loved ones. The couple wanted a wedding that was industrial and modern, clean and casual. From the very beginning they designed a party like any good host, one that made sure everyone had an amazing time. From food to the dancefloor, every detail was thought out carefully and planned to a T. With gorgeous details including a copper pipe ceremony arbor to the knit bunting in the reception hall, this wedding also was DIY, through and through. And Emily and Jeannie rocked it.

We started the day off at the couple’s home, because their animals are everything to them, and we couldn’t resist a ton of portraits, since they were all in their bowties! The cats were…less willing to pose for portraits, but the pup…he was ready.

Emily and Jeannie love Minneapolis. They love being part of a bustling city with serene parks just a quick light rail ride away. We wanted our portraits to include these aspects they hold so dear.

After our nature walk, it was time to head over to the venue. Paikka is one of St. Paul’s coolest venues, and we had a blast exploring all the industrial spaces…as photographers, we were absolutely giddy about the natural light available. I really love how this wall had the purples, greys and blues of the wedding, it was a perfect fit.

Portraits included the fabulous wedding party, and the cutest kiddos.

At the ceremony, Lake String Quartet set the mood with renditions of the couple’s favorite songs. One of the highlights was when they played Oh Canada in honor of the 150th anniversary of the country and Jeannie’s roots.

Time for a group selfie!

Minnesota gave us some of her most gorgeous weather for the reception, which worked perfectly with Paikka’s indoor/outdoor space. The garage doors were thrown open, Gastrotruck pulled up and showed everyone the meaning of delicious, craft beer flowed, and guests mingled, ate, laughed, drank, talked, and connected. Bre Is Fun ran the show today, and kept everything going smoothly the whole time with a smile. Rudy’s Event Rentals brought their fabulous tables, chairs and furniture into the space to create an inviting lounge. The venue was mostly lit by candlelight, giving everything an intimate feel. Hilarious and emotional toasts were followed by a crazy dance party. What a night!

Jeannie and Emily, we are so honored to have been a part of your day. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!!!

Beth and Ashley

March 21, 2017 By katrina 1 Comment

Beth and Ashley were married today!

I loved the words of their officiant, she talked about how they chose to marry on this day, when the winter meets the spring, and at this place, where the pines met the open spaces to declare their love for each other. The Peace Garden was a perfect location for these two nature lovers to make their marriage official in front of their families. Their vows were passionate and emotional, their smiles radiant, their joy obvious to all. I don’t know if I’ve ever photographed a couple with such huge smiles and contagious laughter! Beth told me they were bringing so much joy to this day, and she was absolutely right!