Summer Wedding Reception in Winona, Minnesota | Alex + Colin

See how Alex and Colin combined a destination elopement with a wedding reception in Minnesota to create an unforgettable wedding experience!

Alex and Colin were able to enjoy the best of both worlds when celebrating their wedding. From an intimate destination elopement, to a wedding reception in Winona, Minnesota with all of their friends and family present, they were able to celebrate their love in a way that was true to them. I’m so happy to have been a part of their journey, and I hope it inspires more people to create a wedding day that's perfect for them.

Their Wedding Journey

I had the pleasure of photographing Alex and Colin’s engagement photos the year prior, and when I found out they planned on doing a destination elopement with a wedding reception in Minnesota at a later date I was ecstatic! I love when couples find a workaround of the standard wedding layout to celebrate in a way that’s authentic to them. They set their sights on the breathtaking Grand Tetons in Wyoming as their destination, and proceeded to have the most wonderful elopement.

As amazing as their time in Wyoming was, there was an important piece of the puzzle missing from their day, their loved ones! Even though their wedding party members were able to be there for the elopement ceremony out in Wyoming, Alex and Colin still wanted to be able to celebrate with ALL of their friends and family. They chose Saint Mary's University in Winona as the site of this reception. The university is strikingly beautiful, spacious, has excellent lighting, and they both happen to work there which made it the perfect fit. Now Alex and Colin were able to enjoy an afternoon of dancing and celebration with those they love most!

Their Wedding Reception in Winona, Minnesota

Combining a destination elopement with this larger reception later meant Alex and Colin could experience the best of both, and it also allowed them to get ALL the photos they wanted. As an example, our day at Saint Mary’s began with wedding party portraits as they didn’t get as many as they wanted on the actual day of their elopement. From there we made our way inside where Alex and Colin were immediately able to enjoy the company of their loved ones. Something I love that Alex and Colin made a point to include into their reception was a video showcase of their elopement in Wyoming. It included their first look, their ceremony, vows, and toasts from the day. It was such a small but impactful way to bring everyone into that special moment.

The remainder of their wedding reception in Winona, Minnesota was complete with all the traditional staples that Alex and Colin love. Their lovely first dance, a thank you toast to everyone in attendance, the cutting of their beautiful cake, and of course a night of dancing their hearts out all made for the perfect celebration of their love.

I’m so in love with how Alex and Colin made their wedding day for them. From their gorgeous destination elopement, to their fun filled wedding reception in Minnesota, they created the exact celebration that they wanted, and I’m so glad to have been a part of it! If you’re looking for tips on how to plan your own wedding check out some of my other articles, and if you’re looking to book me as your photographer head on over to my contact page!