From the moment we first got in touch with Autumn and Zach, we literally could not wait for their dreamy wedding at Hopperstad Stave Church in Moorhead! As they let us in on all of their amazing plans for their wedding day, our excitement continued to grow! We’re talking a custom 25 foot veil, getting married in the coolest Swedish replica church, A SECRET AIRPLANE RIDE, and a sparkler exit! What more could you ask for?!?!

Their wedding day proved to be as exciting (if not MORE) as it was the first time we talked with them! Keep reading to hear about all of the amazing memories we captured on Autumn and Zach’s BEAUTIFUL dreamy wedding! And don’t forget to keep scrolling after you finish reading to see EVEN MORE from this special day!

Getting Ready for the Big Moment

Walking into the bridal suite where Autumn and her bridesmaids were getting ready, we were met with such warmth and excitement! Autumn’s bridesmaids had decorated the bed frame with big balloons that spelled out the word “BRIDE” and scattered heart-shaped balloons throughout the room. These girls knew how to start off the celebration!

After taking pictures of the girls in their matching pajamas on the bed and in their gorgeous maroon/merlot bridesmaids dresses, it was time for Autumn to get her dress on. This dress was absolutely breathtaking! With a beautiful long train and amazing silver embellishments, it was like straight out of a fairytale. Zipping the dress up, Autumn couldn’t help but twirl around and shed a few tears of joy!

With Autumn and her bridesmaids all dolled up and finishing touches done, the bridesmaids all gathered around her to say a prayer. Being apart of this special moment between Autumn and her bridesmaids was so amazing to capture. We love it when brides and her girls are able to slow down with each other.

As Zach and his groomsmen finished getting ready, we snuck away to the church to grab some pictures of the ceremony space before everyone else was there. Stepping into this church was such a surreal experience! Hopperstad Stave Church is a replica of a stunning church in Sweden. The amazing architecture from outside carried inside and all I thought of was how amazing of a space it was to get married in!

A Heartfelt Ceremony: You’re the PB to My J!

Then, it was time for the big moment! As Autumn and Zach’s loved ones filed into the church, you could feel the excitement all around. Zach, followed by the rest of the wedding party, walked down the aisle and everyone’s head was turned so they could see Autumn walking down the aisle.

Finally, the doors opened and wide grins spread across everyone’s faces, especially Zach’s. Autumn floated down the aisle with an absolutely gorgeous custom 25 foot veil trailing behind her.

To symbolize their union, Autumn and Zach made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at the altar! This was literally one of the cutest things we have ever seen at a wedding. What a fun and unique way to celebrate your magic and share your love with one another!

The two shared their vows and their first kiss as a married couple! They walked back down the aisle as the crowd cheered and clapped inside the church! It was such a beautiful ceremony on this dreamy wedding day!

After the ceremony, one of our favorite moments to capture on a wedding day are the hugs and celebrations that happen right after the ceremony. All of Autumn and Zach’s closest family and friends gather around them to congratulate them and give them big hugs! They even had a champagne toast outside the church to celebrate!

Marriage: The Airplane Ride of Your Life

After the ceremony, it was time for the most magical part of the whole wedding day! Autumn had arranged for a secret airplane to fly above the beautiful fall colors here in Minnesota as it was peak season!

Now, we’ve had the honor of doing some pretty epic things with our wedding couples but riding up in an airplane with these newlyweds has to take the cake for the one of the most surreal moments in our time as wedding photographers! These two were just able to take a moment to soak up all the magic of the day, spend some quality time together, and take in the beautiful views!

This was one of the most romantic getaways we’ve seen as part of a wedding day. What an incredible memory to share together.

The Perfect Ending to a Dreamy Wedding

Following the magical airplane ride, it was time for the reception. Heading to Long Lake Lodge, we found the wedding guests enjoying some drinks and socializing. The lodge was decorated with the most beautiful decorations.

We stole the bride and groom away for some couples portraits! The area around the lodge was filled with the most vibrant fall colors and they came through so beautifully in their photos. We love being able to steal the wedding couple away to grab some sunset pictures and let them have a moment to just the two of them.

As we made our way back to the lodge, it was time for some sparkler exit photos! We love sparkler exits and this contributed to this dreamy wedding vibe so well! No matter how many we get to shoot, these sparkler exits never fail to sweep us off our feet.

Headed into the lodge, the reception was in full swing! Dinner was served and happy chatter could be heard all around. Heartfelt speeches were made and Autumn and Zach cut their wedding cake.

Soon after, the first dances began and it was simply magical! With full stomachs and happy hearts, everyone looked on as Autumn and Zach waltzed around the dance floor. Following, the Father-Daughter and Mother-Son dances were just as heartwarming!

Finally, the guests went to the dance floor and the party began! Laughter and shuffling feet could be heard as the celebration went on.

A Dreamy Wedding: Magical Moments and Memories

Autumn and Zach’s wedding day was everything we could have ever dreamed of as wedding photographers! From all of the fun little moments while getting ready, a beautiful ceremony at Hopperstad Stave Church, a secret airplane ride, to an amazing reception at Long Lake Lodge, this was a wedding day for the books!

We made and captured so many magical moments and memories on this wedding day and we cannot express our gratitude enough! We love being able to be a part of your wedding days and celebrate right alongside of you!

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, you’re in luck! We’d love to be able to tell your love story through our photography! Reach out HERE to inquire today!

Craving more from the blog? Come read about an amazing fall wedding we shot at Creekside Farm HERE!

As always, stay beautiful! xoxo