Como Conservatory Japanese Garden Wedding / Krista + Dan / 8.12.17

Krista and Dan met for their first date at Groundswell in St. Paul for coffee.  They talked, talked, and then talked some more until one of the baristas told them they were about to close.  After a six hour first date, Krista and Dan knew they had something special, and continued to get to know each other over the next couple years.  They wanted something simple and laid-back for their wedding day, so they kept it to just family with an intimate ceremony at the Japanese Garden at the Como Zoo and Conservatory.

The Charlotte Patridge Ordway Japanese Garden is nestled at the very back of the Como Zoo and Conservatory.  A rocky path takes you down a winding hill where you are greeted by a Koi pond sprinkled with Lillie Pads and a small waterfall.  Stones line the pond and even lead through a few areas, so visitors can see all angles of this Zen garden.

I met Kristi and Dan on the path for a walk-about and photos.  Krista wore a colorful, long floral print dress that floated around her as she walked, and Dan looked dapper in his suit and tie.  They warned me that they were a bit camera shy, but I couldn’t tell at all, they not only fit together perfectly but were able to by silly and have fun.

Krista and I know each other from way back.  She used to work with my dad at an add agency, and funny enough, we have worked together on a few shoots- the first being a shoot for the Como Zoo!  The shoot consisted of animal poop for a kid friendly game on their site where they had to match the poop to the animal.   Everything had come full circle!

After some photos of the soon to be married couple, family arrived at the gates and made their way down to the garden.  The rest of the Como Conservatory was now closed for the wedding, so family could fill into the garden and find a place to watch the ceremony.  One of Dan’s nieces played the cello as the bride and groom walked together through the garden and onto a rock where they met their officiant.

They shared their vows, exchanged rings, then made their marriage official with a kiss before greeting their families with hugs and excitement.  Their families stuck around after for some group photos then headed of to W.A. Frost for a delicious dinner.

Krista and Dan- thank you so much for having me at your beautiful ceremony!  I am so happy that you two found each other and congratulations on your new home and marriage!  Wishing you both many years of happiness!

I love intimate weddings because they are so special and unique.  It’s truly focused on the couple over anyone else.  Photographing couples and ceremonies are my favorite part(s) of any wedding day- so when it’s just those two things, I get really excited.  Here’s a few more intimate weddings I’ve done.

https://angeladivinephotography.com/alyssa-and-kyle-62715-minneapolis-courthouse-and-the-happy-gnome/

https://angeladivinephotography.com/angela-and-nik/

https://angeladivinephotography.com/sophie-and-andrew-102515-semple-mansion-in-minneapolis-mn/