Bonnie & Justin | Panola Valley Gardens & White Bear Lake Hotel
When Bonnie and Justin asked me to be their wedding photographer, I knew their day would be a beautiful day filled with joy, love, and houseplants! I’ve known Bonnie for many years, growing up as neighbors and then I was fortunate to work for her parents at their family-owned and operated greenhouse.
Bonnie and Justin chose to see each other that day when they met walking down the aisle. They got ready first at the hotel, and then at the separate spaces at Panola Valley Gardens. They shared their vows beneath the pavilion, surrounded by friends and family, and exited in a sea of bubbles. After the ceremony, we took photos at Panola and visited Gammelgarden (one of my favorite locations ever) for wedding party and couples portraits. Their reception and dance were held at Rudy’s Redeye Grill in White Bear Lake. Guests received a succulent plant as a party favor as they entered (I totally geeked out when I received a variegated string-of-pearls plant) — and Bonnie made all the centerpieces herself using plants she had grown! After an excellent meal, Bonnie and Justin warmed up the dance floor with their first dance, dances with their parents, and Justin shared a special dance with his daughter, Olivia. The night ended with a bouquet toss, the shoe game, the song “Love Shack” by the B-52’s (Bonnie’s father’s favorite song), and some outdoor night portraits.
VENDORS:
Photography – Rachel Lahlum Photography
Bridal Gown – The Wedding Shoppe
Groom’s Attire – Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaids Dresses – David’s Bridal
Floral – Sweet Peas
Ceremony Venue – Panola Valley Gardens
Reception & Catering – Rudy’s Redeye Grill
Cake – Grandma’s Bakery
Centerpieces & Party Favors – DIY (Succulents by Wayne’s Greenhouses and Garden Center)
DJ – Midwest Sound
Looking for wedding photography at Panola Valley Gardens?
Let’s chat wedding photography!
Rachel Lahlum is an award-winning Minnesota wedding photographer with experience in hundreds of weddings and engagement sessions. She takes a guided approach towards working with couples, from helping with planning and scheduling, to guiding with poses and prompts during the session. Her photography is crisp, clean and bright, with true-to-life colors and a mix of traditional poses and candid moments.