Aubrey (she/they) and Charlie (they/them) held their queer micro-wedding at a family property in Blaine, Minnesota this winter. I immediately felt a connection with these two Capricorns on our consult call, but was even more excited to work together when they told me that the theme of their day was fantasy. It makes me so happy when couples center their day around the things they love, and as a massive LOTR fan, I was so excited to see everyone (guests included!) commit to delivering all the Ren-Faire vibes.

Fantasy-Themed Queer Micro-Wedding in Minnesota

The couple booked me for 2 hours, which was plenty of time to document the events they wanted coverage of. Their priorities for coverage were the first look, portraits, the ceremony, and some formal photos with family members.

The first look took place at Aubrey’s mom’s house in Blaie, which provided beautiful natural light. The majority of guests hadn’t arrived yet, so we were able to give the couple space to take in their first moments together privately. These sweet moments included Charlie surprising Aubrey with a bouquet of flowers they made, catching up with close friends, and some trinket trading. After this we made the quick drive over to Wargo Nature Center for some portraits.

Portraits at Wargo Nature Center in Blaine, Minnesota

The couple wanted a forest location for their portraits to fit their fantasy theme, and Wargo Nature Center delivered. The Nature Center is a park that’s connected to the Rice Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve in Anoka County. The park has a prairie, forest, lake views, and an interactive indoor center.

The main reasons why we chose Wargo Nature Center was its close proximity and flexible location options. Wargo is only a ten minute drive from the day’s ceremony site, which was helpful due to our limited coverage time. Wargo has plenty of beautiful trees outside, which was an absolute must. And because their wedding took place in Minnesota in February, we wanted an indoor option as well. The park’s Visitor Center is an interactive indoor space that served as our bad weather backup, so we took advantage of the location that provided us indoor and outdoor coverage options.

Wargo Nature Center does require a photo permit for $25. It is available through Anoka County Parks and parking is free. However, if you enter through the Rice Chain of Lakes entrance, there is a required $7 parking pass fee. To avoid this, use the entrance off of Main/G Street.

And because this is Minnesota in February, we were hit with a snowstorm 2 days before the wedding. The snow was in great shape for us and there were no flurries that prevented travel for their guests or for us.

Queer Micro-Wedding Ceremony in Blaine, Minnesota

After portrait time at Wargo, we headed back to Aubrey’s family property for the ceremony and portraits with guests. The couple’s closest friends and family were in attendance, and it made me so happy to see them take the dress code seriously. From a Gandalf officiant, to a hobbit ring-bearer with hairy feet, to a Link with the Master Sword, Aubrey and Charlie’s guests went all out. My fantasy-obsessed inner child was definitely healed.

Inquire here to book me as your photographer for your micro-wedding in Minnesota!

Contact Me | Follow Along on Instagram