Lauren & Rob’s creative, community-filled wedding at the Hook and Ladder theater

Lauren and Rob are incredibly kind, intentional, and creative people. As musicians and performers, they share a deep appreciation for the arts. Lauren and Rob have built their life together on a foundation of music, creation, and community. They wanted their wedding to reflect and celebrate their authentic life story together. They decided to get married on stage at the Hook & Ladder Theater in South Minneapolis and fill the ceremony with beautiful performances from friends, family, and even from each other. 

Wedding portraits on Minnehaha Ave 

Lauren and Rob wove intentionality and originality into every moment of their wedding day. Thoughtfully discerning which wedding traditions they wanted to create or include, they decided to opt out of having a wedding party or taking getting ready/first look pictures – we started the photography portion of the day with some easygoing portraits of the two of them together. 

We took some portraits outside the theater on Minnehaha Ave, capturing the liveliness of the neighborhood– the bikes, the colorful mural, the bright sun warming the sidewalk–that has been the landscape of their life together. I took some portraits of just Lauren and Rob, and then some of them with their close friends and family. Standing in the city they know and love, surrounded by their people, Lauren and Rob look joyful, calm, and full of life. 

Ceremony on stage at the Hook & Ladder Theater

Before the ceremony began, I met Lauren and Rob backstage. They shared a quiet moment together to exhale and just be present with one another after the bustle of the day. I also captured some sweet, candid moments of their guests as they arrived at the theater. In contrast to the bright sunshine outside, the dark theater felt cool, intimate, and cozy. Rob and Lauren entered the theater separately, each accompanied by their parents. I absolutely love the portrait of Lauren walking down the aisle, looking at Rob, and the portrait of Rob on stage, gazing at Lauren as she enters. Both of them look at the other with so much love and admiration. 

Lauren and Rob’s wedding ceremony overflowed with music and creative energy. Some close friends played music during their processional, and a dear friend/music producer served as their officiant. More friends and family provided songs, readings, and reflections during the ceremony. Lauren and Rob even sat at the piano and played a beautiful duet–which brought many of us (including me!) to tears. At the end of the ceremony as Lauren and Rob processed out, their whole audience of guests sang to them. Lauren and Rob had the most serene smiles on their faces as they hovered at the back of the theater, listening to all their people celebrate their marriage with song. 

Lauren & Rob’s bright, easy-going outdoor reception 

Back outside in the sunshine, the cocktail hour began. Lauren and Rob grabbed a glass of champagne and shared the sweetest toast together! They were so happy they couldn't stop laughing - it was so heartwarming.  

They chatted with their guests on the patio, soaking up the laid-back pace of the reception. After a round of toasts, the cocktail hour drifted into dinner beneath the tent. A bluegrass band played inside the theater, and some of the youngest guests danced in bliss while other folks meandered between the indoor music, dinner tent, and drink patio. The whole space felt like the best summer party filled with happy music and mingling. 

First dance on the rooftop

Before I left, I went up to the theater’s rooftop with Lauren and Rob to take more couple portraits. With Minneapolis aglow with golden hour sunlight in the background, these portraits feel happy, romantic, and full of energy. Lauren and Rob spent a few minutes practicing their first dance atop the roof. Eyes locked, hand-in-hand, their rooftop dance made for such a magical moment to document on their wedding day.