Tawnee and I met before we even knew we met.

If you’ve been around here any length of time, you know I was as high school teacher. What you might not know is that I spent two years of that time in an itty bitty sweet little town called Floodwood. As a little community in-between Grand Rapids and Duluth, for 25 years it was to stretch legs or fill up gas tanks. Once I became a Polar Bear, however, I learned very quickly it was much more than that. It was so important to me, and I loved the class of 2012 so much, I went back for their graduation, and hugged every since student, even the ones I didn’t know or were new to the school after I left.

This, it turns out, included Tawnee, as we learned during our first planning meeting at Starbucks. It was revelation after revelation at that meeting: She was marrying Grant, one of my former students from my favorite years, and they were getting married in an area of Deer River that was home to some of my friends. It was clear that the right people come along, and when that happens, it is magic.

Just like Tawnee and Grant’s wedding day.

Everything about this day meant something. It was hosted by Grandma Judy on a piece of property that meant the world to the bride. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and best friends helped with each and every aspect of the day, piecing together a beautiful backyard ceremony and reception that would put some ballrooms to shame. There were few dry eyes during the course of the day, including from the groom and the father of the bride, making it known that there is no shortage of love from this crew.

Thank you so much for letting me celebrate with you!

Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer. She provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!