Ben & Sarah | Minneapolis Marriott Southwest & Church of St. Patrick's Wedding

October 4th, 2025, was one of those wedding days that perfectly mixed joy, laughter, and just a little bit of chaos in the best way possible. The kind of day that reminds you what wedding films are all about, the little looks, the unplanned moments, and the people who make it all feel like home. Ben and Sarah’s wedding day was filled with heartfelt vows, sentimental surprises, bursts of laughter, and one heck of a dance floor at the end of the night. From getting ready at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest to their beautiful Catholic ceremony and finally celebrating surrounded by friends and family back at the Marriott, it was such a fun day to capture.

The Morning: Calm Meets Chaos

The day started at the Marriott, where both the guys and girls were tucked into their own hotel rooms, each group living their version of “wedding morning.” Sarah and her favorite girls were surrounded by coffee cups, curling irons, and that easy kind of laughter that comes from lifelong friendships. The room buzzed with excitement as hair and makeup brushes swept across cheeks and curls framed smiling faces.

Meanwhile, a few floors over, the guys were up to their own kind of fun, cracking jokes, playing music, and occasionally realizing that they probably should start getting dressed. Ben kept it cool, laughing with his friends, but you could tell there was a quiet excitement building underneath the joking and laughter.

Once Sarah slipped into her gown, everything started to feel real. The music quieted, the chatter softened, and her girls stepped back to take it all in. She looked absolutely radiant — that kind of glow that comes from joy, not just makeup.

A Sweet First Look with Dad

Before seeing her groom, Sarah had a first look with her dad out in the hotel courtyard. The moment he turned around and saw his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time, it was pure joy.

You could see every ounce of pride and love on his face. She handed him a little gift which included a photo of the two of them that would later be attached to the back of his tie — a meaningful touch that tied the morning together beautifully.

First Look & Private Vows

Then it was time for the first look, that big moment that everyone secretly looks forward to all morning.

Ben waited outside in the courtyard, the wind whipping through the trees, his hands clasped tightly as he waited to see Sarah. When she tapped him on the shoulder, the whole world seemed to pause for just a second.

His reaction said it all, the grin, the laugh, the way his eyes softened when he saw her. They shared a few jokes, caught each other up on their mornings and then stood facing each other for a private vow reading.

It was one of those moments that’s impossible not to feel. The kind where you’re smiling one second and wiping a tear the next. Their vows were heartfelt, funny, and so “them.” You could tell that they had found their person — the one who makes even the windy, chaotic parts of the day feel calm. Even as the wind swirled around them, they just laughed and held onto each other. It was perfectly imperfect, exactly how real love looks in motion.

Bridal Party Portraits & A Bus Full of Energy

After their first look, we gathered the bridal party for photos, and let’s just say, this was a fun group.

The girls were full of personality, hyping up Sarah with every pose and cheering her on like the best hype team ever. The guys kept the energy high, cracking jokes and making sure Ben was laughing the whole time.

Even with the wind working against us, we zipped through photos, grabbed some fun group shots, and loaded everyone onto the bus for the next stop - The Church of St. Patrick's for the ceremony.

There’s always something about that moment when the bus starts moving, music playing, and laughter echoing through the aisles. It’s the calm before the magic of the ceremony.

Ceremony at St. Patrick's

When we arrived at the church, there was this peaceful sense of anticipation. Guests began trickling in, the music softly playing, and Sarah and Ben each took a few quiet moments before everything began.

And then came a special visit, their sweet pup made a quick appearance, tail wagging and all. It was a short visit but the perfect touch for the couple who adores their dog.

Inside the church, family and friends filled the pews, and before long, the processional began. Grandparents, parents, and the bridal party made their way down the aisle, each face beaming with pride.

And then it was time. Sarah, escorted by her dad, stepped into the aisle with the biggest smile. The entire room seemed to light up as she walked toward Ben. Their Catholic mass ceremony was timeless and heartfelt, filled with traditional messages, readings, and blessings. When it came time for the vows and rings, they exchanged glances that said everything words couldn’t. And just like that — they were officially married!

As they turned to walk back down the aisle, the room erupted into cheers and applause. It was such a joyful, cinematic moment.

Bubble Exit & Group Photo

After the ceremony, guests gathered outside the church with bubble wands in hand, ready to celebrate.

Sarah and Ben made their grand exit through a tunnel of bubbles, smiles wide and laughter ringing out as the sun peeked through the clouds. It’s such a classic, joyful moment that looks incredible on film — gorgeous sunlight, bubbles floating through the air, and two newlyweds beaming from ear to ear.

Once the bubbles settled, everyone gathered on the steps for a big group photo. You could feel the happiness radiating through the crowd, a perfect in-between moment before the celebration continued.

A Toast Stop & Cocktails at the Marriott

The bridal party hopped back on the bus, full of energy and ready to celebrate. But first, a quick detour to Mainstreet Bar for a toast to the couple!There’s something so fun about seeing a bridal party roll into a local bar, all dressed up and full of laughter. Drinks were poured, cheers were shared, and a few toasts were made to the new Mr. & Mrs. before heading back to the Marriott for cocktail hour. Back at the hotel, guests mingled, grabbed drinks, and chatted with Sarah and Ben.

Reception Fun & Heartfelt Speeches

Once everyone was seated, the bridal party made their grand entrances, and they did not disappoint. There was dancing, laughter, and even a quick round of flip cup (with the girls taking the win!). Dinner was served, and guests enjoyed delicious food and good conversation. You could hear laughter echoing throughout the room as everyone shared stories and smiles. The reception space was absolutely stunning — soft lighting, single stem floral centerpieces and candles at every table, and personalized touches everywhere you looked. Every detail reflected their personalities and love story. Then came the speeches — heartfelt, emotional, and sprinkled with humor. Mike, father of the bride shared words of pride and love, and best men Sean and Parker and maids of honor Ally and Colleen each gave toasts that perfectly captured Ben and Sarah’s relationship and they fun they have as a group.

A Fun Twist: The 50/50 Raffle

Before moving into the dances, Sarah and Ben had a little fun twist planned — a 50/50 raffle for their honeymoon fund! Guests were eager to join in, cheering as the raffle winner was announced. It was such a creative and interactive way to add something personal and lighthearted to the evening.

Then, of course, came dessert, they cut their wedding cake and served up the most delicious cheesecakes for guests.

First Dances & a Packed Dance Floor

When it was time for the first dances, everyone gathered around the dance floor, ready to watch.

Ben and Sarah shared their first dance as husband and wife, soft lighting, a slow sway, and smiles that never faded. You could feel the love between them in every movement. Then came Sarah’s dance with her dad and Ben’s dance with his mom sweet, sentimental moments that brought both laughter and a few tears.

And then, it was party time. It took only a couple of songs before the dance floor filled up. Guests kicked off their shoes, kids twirled around their parents, and the energy skyrocketed. The DJ played the perfect mix to keep everyone dancing late into the night. The laughter, the clapping, the wild dance moves — it was one of those receptions you just know everyone will be talking about for years.

A Twist on the Bouquet Toss

Instead of a traditional bouquet toss, Ben and Sarah put their own spin on the tradition, a t-shirt toss!

Custom shirts with fun designs went flying into the crowd, and everyone went wild trying to catch one. It was such a fun surprise that had everyone laughing and cheering.

Looking back on Ben and Sarah’s wedding day, one thing stands out most: their personalities shined through every single moment. From handwritten vows and thoughtful gifts to funny twists and all the laughter in between — their day was a perfect reflection of who they are together. Their energy was contagious, their love genuine, and their joy absolutely radiant. Ben & Sarah thank you for inviting us into your crew for the day to allow us to capture your best day ever!!