Carrie and Anthony’s wedding at the Urban Daisy in Minneapolis, Minnesota carried an unmistakable sense of high-energy celebration while also balancing a relaxed timeline and emphasizing the importance of family and friends. The bright pinks, soft greens and easy laughter throughout the day characterized a bright, light-hearted summer wedding, where the pacing of the day was not stressful or rushed and catching precious moments was easy.
Getting Ready: A Soft, Colorful Start to the Day
Carrie and Anthony are both teachers, and they bring that same warmth, humor, and intentionality into every part of their lives. Their priority was simple and meaningful: a wedding centered around family, friends, and fun. Carrie spent the morning surrounded by her bridesmaids, all wearing coordinated pink and green getting‑ready sets that perfectly matched the wedding palette. The room was full of laughter, music, and the kind of anticipation that photographs beautifully.
Separately, Anthony got dressed in his tan suit with his side of the wedding party and family. Because Carrie and Anthony chose a two‑photographer package, we were able to document both sides of the morning simultaneously and capture every meaningful moment without rushing or splitting time.
First Looks Full of Meaning and Heart
Carrie shared her first look with her dad and brothers, a moment filled with emotion and pride. Then came her first look with Anthony, and he immediately teared up when he saw her. It was quiet, heartfelt, and grounding, giving them space to connect before the day picked up speed.
Carrie and Anthony had planned ahead to allow plenty of time for their first-look photo shoot along with couple, wedding-party, and immediate-family portraits all before the wedding ceremony. This set them up for a beautifully relaxed day to celebrate together.
Why I love Pre-Ceremony Photos
Completing major group photos before the ceremony is one of the best ways to create a relaxed wedding‑day timeline. For Carrie and Anthony, it meant:
- Everyone had breathing room before the ceremony began
- Everything was finished with extra time to spare
- The schedule felt calm, intentional, and unrushed
- Wedding‑party members were free to celebrate right away
- The couple could enjoy cocktail hour with their guests
- No post‑ceremony “herding” or tracking down family members
- Only one planned interruption later — a quick 10‑minute sunset session
Sometimes we may also grab an occasional extended-family photo during the reception, but otherwise this approach is perfect for couples who value connection and want to be fully present with their people. This is one reason we often recommend a first look for couples who prioritize spending time with their guests.
Do you need help planning a relaxed wedding photography schedule for your big day? I’d love to work with you to create a timeline that keeps you refreshed, while still documenting your day in a way that allows you to be fully present with the people you love most, and preserving the moments you’ll want to remember forever. Learn more about wedding photography with Rachel Lahlum Photography here.
A Colorful Ceremony Filled With Joy
Urban Daisy’s bright, modern space was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. The florals by Ashley Skeie incorporated pinks, soft blush tones, white, and lush greenery, which tied together the entire aesthetic. Guests wiped quiet tears as Carrie and Anthony exchanged meaningful, personal, and heartfelt vows.
Because we completed portraits before the ceremony, Carrie and Anthony were relaxed, present, and fully themselves. Their portraits feel joyful, colorful, and full of movement: a perfect reflection of the day.
A Playful, High-Energy Reception
From emotional toasts to a packed dance floor, every moment felt infused with joy. The décor, which included linens from Linen Effects, florals from Ashley Skeie, and stationery from Minted, created a cohesive, vibrant backdrop for the evening. Carrie and Anthony spent the night exactly how they hoped: surrounded by the people they love, celebrating without interruption, and pausing only to preserve the memory with 10 minutes of sunset portaits in the golden light.
Closing Thoughts
Carrie and Anthony, thank you for trusting me to photograph your proposal, engagement session, and wedding day! Documenting your story from the very beginning has been such a joy. Your wedding was colorful, energetic, emotional, and full of heart, creating a perfect reflection of who you are.
If you’re planning a wedding at the Urban Daisy, or another Minnesota or Wisconsin venue, and you want help capturing meaningful moments and keeping a relaxed timeline that lets you enjoy every part of your day, I’d love to photograph it. Reach out and let’s create something timeless together.
Vendor Team
Hair & Makeup: Bridesmaid Ali
Bridal Dress Designer: Made With Love
Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry
Wedding Rings: Brilliant Earth
Invite: Minted
Floral: Ashley Skeie
Day of Planner/Coordinators: Ashley Skeie, Emma Norby
DJ: Instant Request (Jimmy Bogen)
Catering: Brasa
Dessert: Nadia Cakes
Linens: Linen Effects
Venue: Urban Daisy
Photography: Rachel Lahlum Photography