When Glenn start building his cabin in 1994, all he wanted was a little paradise for his family–just a little slice of heaven on the shores of Little Jessie Lake. A place for him, his wife, Marilyn, and their lovely daughters to spend the summer as a family. As it goes in northern Minnesota, the time spent up norther was full of swimming, fishing, bonfires, laughter, and memories.

Twenty-five years later, in his memory, that same family cabin would become the venue for his daughter, Rachel, as she said “I do” to her love, Jason. 

It was an all-the feels ceremony amongst the birch trees and before a hundred of their closest friends and family. The garage, with the help of a tent, turned into a beautiful venue. The theme, “We got hooked,” was a tremendous nod to summer traditions (the groom and groomsmen even styled fishing garb to be wedding-ready). Rachel’s something blue was a heart made from her dad’s work shirts, was carefully stitched onto her dress. David, the officiant and Rachel’s brother-in-law, infused his sermon with stories and sentiments that made the crowd laugh and cry…and then laugh some more. Daisy, the fourteen-year-old hound/terrier mix flower girl, roamed and greeting guests along the way. In the distance out on the lake a loon called mid-ceremony, serving as a loving reminder of the father who was not with us physically, but perhaps not as far away as we thought.

It was that very lake that served as a bit of a getaway between ceremony and reception; the bridal party boarded the pontoon, which had been emblazoned with “Just Married” decor and took a little cruise around the lake before returning to their party to feast on wood fired pizza, play a few yard games, and then celebrate the night away.

Thank you for allowing me to capture these memories for you and your families, Rachel + Jay! Best of luck to you!!

RINGS // Arthur’s Jewelers

FLORALS // Deer River Florals + Gifts

CATERING // A Grain of Good