MacKenzie + Phil's Modern Vintage Minneapolis, MN Wedding

May 1, 2020 Rachel Smak

I opened my inbox to see an email from my friend and former co-worker Mackenzie. "HE PROPOSED" was in the subject line with all caps followed by 10-15 exclamation points! Having known Mackenzie almost a decade now, we've come a long way from steaming milk and adding espresso shots as Dunn Bros Coffee baristas. We had kept in touch every blue moon, exchanging vegan recipes, and checking in on each other. But it wasn't until I took wedding photos for our old boss Carol that she reached out to me about shooting her love story. As soon as she described her wedding as modern-vintage, I couldn't say "yes" fast enough.

I've been honored to tell her and Phil's story through photos twice, first for their cobblestone clad engagement and again for their autumn wedding. I couldn't have been happier to have met two people who were destined to find each other and be together. On a brisk October day with snowflakes that began to trickle in and kiss your nose, Mackenzie and Phil said I do at The Blaisdell in my old neighborhood of Minneapolis. Having shot at the venue before, I knew the location was the perfect backdrop to mix in Mackenzie's contempo-vintage feel with its sleek white inside and traditional brick and white-columned courtyard.

Mackenzie has always had a fine eye for modern art. I could tell precisely where her magic touch accented The Blaisdell's elegant avant-garde interior. Geometric shapes, dark emerald, jewel-toned colors, and small patterns were consistently scattered throughout the venue as decor, using ornate candelabras and vases to blend Mackenzie’s vision for a classic modern vibe.

The depth of their love was complimented by the dark maroons and wintery greens; each color distinctly is woven into the wedding's details like Mackenzie's bouquet and Phils Maroon tuxedo, which was so on-trend. I don't usually get excited over the groom's outfit, but when I found out Phil was wearing maroon instead of the traditional black, I did a little happy dance. Mackenzie didn't disappoint either, in her Justin Alexander gown with its A-line shape, plunging criss-cross open back, it was the perfect blend of sophistication. Pockets and box pleats in her skirt added just the right amount of whimsy while still leaving Mackenzie a vision of timeless perfection.

I watched as Phil effortlessly kept Mackenzie present throughout the day, not letting her stress over little particulars other brides get caught up in. Seeing her laugh so effortlessly at Phil's commentary and whispers to her reminded me of that day shooting in the cobblestone alleyway–perfectly balancing one another. It is their wedding day, after all, a time to remember the fun of the relationship and celebrate, letting the months of preparations fall as perfectly into place as the first snowfall of the season.

Mackenzie and Phil, it's been moving to see and capture your love. I will forever remember yours as one of my favorite weddings to shoot because it brought me back to my old stomping ground of Minneapolis. I loved watching your heartfelt "I do's" dancing away on the dance floor with the old coffee slinging crew and sampling all your vegan treats. Your love reminds me to stay present at the moment, to laugh, and to leave my heart open to love. Thank you for allowing me into your special day!

Once you're in the wedding business for a while, there comes a time when you double-dip and attend a second wedding at a venue you've already encountered. As a wedding photographer, it's my job to stay focused and highlight the bride and grooms' distinct personalities with the venue working in the background to accent their love. It's a creative test, shooting the same venue in a way I've never shot before. Accentuating the wedding dress's embroidered detail, taking extra care to showcase it uniquely, never in the designated dress spot if there is one. Staying hyper-aware of the special touches the couple has chosen to elevate the venue and make it their own.