I met Brittany & John at the Greysolon Ballroom Wedding Open House last November, and we immediately hit it off. While I’m not big on standardized wedding checklists, I did grill them with the typical questions: “When’s your date? Do you plan to canoe on your wedding day? What are your thoughts on donuts? Your dog will be there, right?”

When they answered in the affirmative for all, I could practically feel the stars aligning. Moments later, they divulged their wedding venue: Juliane James Place, a gorgeous venue in the heart of Minnesota’s north woods. A few years ago, I wrote it on my heart that one day I would photograph a wedding at JJP. Thankfully, my outpouring of giddiness toward Brittany & John didn’t turn them off – a few weeks later, we met for coffee & I learned a few things about their love story.

About nine years ago, they first made googly eyes on the college track & cross-country teams. In Brittany’s words, “I have always been the wild, loud, wonderlust one, and John is grounded, goofy, practical and sweet. In short, we balance each other well.” Getting outside is their jam; they even got engaged in Iceland during a month of hiking! When they’re not traveling the world, they work & play in Duluth with their cat Scuttle and golden retriever Ursula (best names ever!). For their wedding, the bridal party tag-teamed the ceremony, with each attendant playing a role. Later on, they snuck away for a sunset paddle in their canoe, a little warm-up for their Boundary Waters honeymoon trip.

As always, scroll to the bottom for a list of their wildly talented vendors. Cheers to these two in the next adventure!

Made possible by this incredible team of vendors:

Ceremony & Reception Location: Juliane James Place  //  Officiant: Maid of Honor //  Catering: Unique Dining Experiences  //  Wedding Stationery: A Little More Rosie  //  Floral Design: Personal Flowers – Saffron & Grey, Tabletop Flowers – Farmer’s market  //  Bride’s Skirt: Wardrobe by Dulcinea  //  Bride’s Top: Handmade by Bride’s Grandmother  //  Earrings: Eldor Tina Jewelry  //  Flower Girl Dresses: Etsy  //  Groomsmen Attire: JCrew  //  Hair & Makeup: The Colour Lounge  //  Wood Place Cards: DIY – Bride’s Grandmother  //  Entertainment: Bellagala  //  Donuts: Wuollet Bakery