Heidi and Josh’s Colorful, Bohemian Wedding at Golden Oak Farm

Heidi and Josh met years ago through mutual friends: he was in on the setup and she was surprised to learn later that their casual bowling meetup was more orchestrated than she first knew. They are such a creative, laid back, and intentional couple with big hearts - they love their community and really wanted their wedding day to be a celebration they all enjoyed. I photographed their sweet, nerdy engagement session at the Science Museum of Minnesota, and was thrilled to document their colorful, bohemian wedding day with all its intentional details and personal touches at Golden Oak Farm in Webster, Minnesota.

Getting ready, first look, and portraits

Heidi, her bridesmaids, and mom got ready in the cottage on the grounds of Golden Oak Farm and filled the time and space with relaxed, happy, and sentimental moments. One of Heidi’s super special personal touches was wearing her great great great grandmother’s bracelet. The bracelet has been worn by every woman in her family on their wedding day, and it was a touching moment when Heidi’s mom helped her put it on. Heidi’s bouquet also incorporated different heirloom and antique pins and brooches that she personally chose.

Josh, his groomsmen, and family had a low-key morning, hanging out and playing pool as they got ready. When it was time for the first look we took Josh and Heidi down a little path and found a quiet area near a stream at the farm. It was the perfect setting for the sweetness of their calm moment together before all the festivities of the day began.

Heidi and Josh love animals (they have a cat and sugar gliders for pets!) so taking their wedding party photos in front of the llama pasture was a must. It was important to Heidi and Josh that we included their community, so we also took several family and extended family portraits for them to treasure. A detail I loved: Heidi and all her bridesmaids wore TOMS for their shoes - they were cute, comfy, and made exploring the grounds of the farm carefree.

Outdoor ceremony

Heidi and Josh’s ceremony was outside in a woodsy whimsical space, under an arch decorated with fresh flowers. Heidi had both of her parents walk her down the aisle and their ceremony was filled with fun, personal anecdotes and stories that felt very them.

I love the expression on Heidi’s face when she is hugging her nephew (who was the ring bearer) during their receiving line. The moment feels so alive and emotional in this photo!

Many of my favorite portraits from the day are of Heidi and Josh right after the ceremony. They are so happy and relaxed together, and I love all the details that were documented - from Heidi’s hand, showcasing her special bracelet, to her hair piece, and the colorful flowers of Josh’s boutonniere. The photos of them blissfully walking together, newly married, are so magical beneath the canopy of grand trees, too.

Wedding reception

After the ceremony, cocktail hour began and there was a relaxed period of time when guests were playing yard games, leisurely milling around, feeding the llamas, swinging, and exploring the grounds. Plus an opportunity to admire the wedding cake that Kaitlyn, a dear friend and bridesmaid, made. The design and colors were so bright and whimsical and fit Heidi and Josh’s colorful, bohemian vision.

The toasts during dinner evoked so much emotion, especially the sweet toast Heidi’s dad gave that left everyone teary-eyed. The back and white photo of Heidi wiping her eyes and all her bridesmaids crying/laughing feels so pure and alive with emotion.

After dinner I noticed a patch of pretty sun on the side of the barn so we snuck outside while guests finished eating and took some portraits:  these are so happy and snuggly and I love the sweet energy of this moment between the two of them.

Heidi and Josh’s first dance in the barn was enchanting and set the tone for a fun evening of celebrations after dinner. It was one of those long summer nights that had people mingling between the dancefloor and outside - enjoying the weather and company in loving community.

Heidi and Josh, thank you for trusting me to document your wedding. Your love for your community is so happy and inspiring, and seeing all of your intentional details come to life was magical. I have loved getting to know you both and could not be more happy for you two -  congratulations! <3

A big thank-you also goes out to all the other vendors who brought Heidi and Josh’s day to life!

Venue: Golden Oak Farm

Florist: Moody Hues

Officiant: Dorothy Sandhal

Hair/Makeup Artist: Sarah Jane