As the weather warms up and wedding season officially begins, I get so excited for summer wedding weekends, especially the ones spent by the lake. Living in Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, means there’s never a shortage of beautiful waterfront wedding celebrations. Reminiscing on Anna & Grant’s Lake Minnetonka welcome party was the perfect reminder of just how special they can be.

Guests gathered lakeside before boarding a classic boat for an unforgettable cruise across Lake Minnetonka. The warm summer breeze, sparkling water, and excitement leading into the wedding weekend created such a fun and relaxed atmosphere from the very beginning. With drinks in hand and laughter echoing across the lake, the evening felt effortless in the best way. Honestly, there’s no better backdrop for photos than a Minnesota lake in the summertime- the vibes are always immaculate! The light, the scenery, and the overall atmosphere are always unmatched.

As the boat drifted along the shoreline, friends and family had the chance to reconnect, slow down, and simply enjoy being together before the wedding day. Anna and Grant created an evening that felt intentional, welcoming, and true to them. After the cruise, guests made their way to Lafayette Club for dinner. Friends and family relaxed, enjoyed great food, and geared up for wedding weekend.

Being invited to document moments outside of the wedding day itself, like welcome parties and lakeside gatherings, is always such an honor. Some of the most meaningful memories happen during these in-between moments, and capturing them is one of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer.