I am so excited to share with you this Pre-Groom’s Dinner celebration out on Lake Minnetonka! I first met Connor and Chelsey a couple years ago when Connor reached out to me asking if I would photograph his surprise proposal. Fast-forward Chelsey saying “YES” (after I almost got attacked by a snake hiding in the woods… a story for another time) and their Winter wonderland engagement session, and here we are at the start of their wedding weekend.

The Boat Ride on Lake Minnetonka

When Chelsey asked if I was interested in photographing their pre-groom’s dinner out on lake Minnetonka, I knew it was going to be nothing short of special. Chelsey and Connor wanted to capture these intimate moments spent with their families the night before their wedding day. Just picture this: a Minnesota summer evening out on Lake Minnetonka with the love of your life, your families, and a toast with your favorite champagne. Even a little bit of rain made it the most perfect, and romantic, setting to kick off their wedding weekend celebrations.

A family friend of Chelsey’s took everyone out his boat that he restored several years ago, it was gorgeous. With music, bubbly, and dancing, the night couldn’t have been better, and if there was one thing that stood out to me, it was the immense support and love their families have for Chelsey and Connor. I was so happy to be there to capture the constant smiles, hugs, and laughter of everyone. Before ending the boat ride at Six Smith (a must go-to restaurant on Lake Minnetonka!) for their Groom’s Dinner, we took some photos of just the two of them, and I am obsessed with how they turned out! They cozied up on the bow of the boat, walked along the side, and we managed to all stay aboard.

If you’re ever questioning whether or not to hire a photographer to kick off your wedding weekend celebrations (on water or land), I promise you won’t regret it. If you’d like to work with me, head to my inquiry page and let’s make it happen!

XO

Heather