It’s the time of COVID restrictions, so a backyard elopement is not something new.  For those looking at this in the years past 2020, you may not even recall that people did this.  But a backyard elopement was the only feasible option for a lot of couples at this time.

Dennis and Arron are fantastic.  We originally met them for pizza at their consult and talked to them for hours.  We then shot their engagement photography in Saint Paul and ended up going out to eat with them again.  They originally were to be married at Target Field due to their love of baseball (see their shirts in these photos).  They were going to have everyone (vendors included) dressed in a required wardrobe of either baseball jerseys or Hawaiian shirts.  We were super excited.  Then the pandemic hit and everything changed.

They faced an initial cancellation but actively collaborated with vendors to reschedule the wedding for the following year. However, they desired a small ceremony as soon as the stay-at-home order lifted. With the uncertainty of when that would occur, they navigated the situation day by day. Eventually, they seized the opportunity and opted for a small outdoor ceremony at Mears Park, conveniently located near their home in Saint Paul.

As the scheduled day approached, unfortunate riots erupted in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Interestingly, we happened to be at our cabin during that time, and they unexpectedly sought shelter there. The following day, they drove back home and exchanged vows in the backyard of a friend located outside the cities.

Ultimately, they successfully tied the knot. Ultimately, that’s the essence of a wedding—the ultimate achievement. No matter the challenges and impediments faced during planning, always remember what truly holds paramount importance to you.