Donnie & Katie | A Joyful Reeds and Rushes Wedding in Howard Lake, MN

April in Minnesota can be unpredictable, but Donnie and Katie’s wedding day at Reeds and Rushes in Howard Lake was filled with warmth, joy, and love that outshone even the spring chill in the air. As their videographer, it was such a gift to be able to document the laughter, the tears, and all the in-between moments that made this day so beautifully “them.” From the very beginning, this wedding felt like a celebration of two families becoming one—full of energy, emotion, and a whole lot of heart. Let’s dive into all the sweet moments that made Donnie and Katie’s big day unforgettable! We kicked off the morning with the girls getting ready in the bright and cozy bridal suite at Reeds and Rushes. Hair and makeup were in full swing and excitement buzzing in the air. Katie was calm but glowing with anticipation. As her closest girls fluffed curls and added finishing touches of blush and sparkle, you could already feel how deeply loved she is. Meanwhile, the guys were over in the groom’s suite living their best pre-wedding lives—hitting balls on the golf simulator and enjoying the relaxed start to the day. Donnie was all smiles, cool and collected as he prepped for what was ahead. Once hair and makeup wrapped up, it was time for Katie to slip into the dress. And oh my goodness—she was radiant. The perfect mix of classic beauty and effortless grace. As she stepped out for the reveal to her bridesmaids, her mom, and soon-to-be mother-in-law, there there were gasps and cheers all around. It was such a tender moment to capture on film—one that felt like the beautiful kickoff to everything still to come. With her dress perfectly in place, Katie made her way down to the ceremony space for her first look with Donnie. The room was quiet, full of anticipation. Donnie, now suited up and looking sharp, turned to see his bride, and that moment was pure gold. The quiet way they smiled at each other, the way Donnie looked at his bride like he couldn’t quite believe it—those are the kind of moments that make wedding days magic. They held each other close, said a few private words, and took in this big moment together. It was such a peaceful pause before the celebration really took off. After sharing that moment with Donnie, Katie had another important person to see—her dad. Cue the tears all over again! Their first look was full of emotion. You could see just how proud he was, how overwhelmed in the best way. There’s something so sacred about a dad seeing his daughter as a bride. And Katie’s dad? He was all heart. With all those first looks tucked safely into memory, it was time to head into photo and video portraits. We started inside with just the two of them, soaking in the natural light and the calm before the crowd. These two just get each other. The little giggles, the shared glances, the way they move together—it was beautiful. Then we headed outdoors, embracing the spring chill and a rather lively wind! Even with nature’s fan on full blast, Katie and Donnie were troopers. We found some beautiful spots around the venue, capturing them with a mix of cinematic romance and playful charm. Next up, bridesmaids joined the fun! These ladies were full of energy delivering all the bridal party goodness. Then came the full crew—flower girls, ring bearers, and all! The littles may not have been totally on board with smiling, but with a little patience (and a few well-placed M&Ms), we snagged some sweet shots. Finally, the groomsmen stepped in to round out the group. Let’s just say they brought the personality. This group knew how to celebrate!

The ceremony space at Reeds and Rushes was glowing with natural light set the stage beautifully. We used the space to take family photos—always a whirlwind, but with a crew like this, it was more joy than chaos. As guests started arriving, Donnie and Katie slipped away into quiet corners. I always love these tucked-away moments. The day moves so fast, and these few minutes to breathe, pray, or just sit in silence can be so grounding. Then it was time. The music began, the processional started, and Katie stood at the back of the aisle with tears of joy already spilling over. She took her dad's arm and walked toward Donnie, who was all smiles. The ceremony was full of meaningful words—about love, about commitment, about the beauty of marriage under God’s design. They exchanged vows and rings, and finally, finally shared their first kiss as husband and wife. The room erupted with celebration as they made their way back up the aisle, hand in hand and glowing. After the ceremony, the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Mavencamp took a few minutes to greet guests and release them from their rows with personal hellos. Such a sweet way to slow things down and make each guest feel loved. Cocktail hour was full of laughter, mingling, and the kind of conversations that only happen when all your favorite people are in one room. Meanwhile, the reception space next door was being transformed into a glowing dinner hall. Katie and Donnie also took a few extended family photos outside—still chilly, but those spring colors and glimmers of sunshine were worth it! Then it was time to grab a drink, sneak a peek at the reception setup, and get ready to celebrate! We snuck into the reception space before the guests came in to capture the gorgeous decor. Soft greens, gold accents, and candles galore—it was a beautiful reflection of Donnie and Katie’s style. Then it was time for entrances, and the bridal party did not disappoint. The groomsmen executed a full-on football play, and the bridesmaids brought the energy with a conga line that had everyone smiling. When Donnie and Katie were announced as the new Mr. and Mrs. Mavencamp, the room erupted. They danced their way in and shared their first dance surrounded by cheers and smiles from everyone in the room. It was such a tender, joy-filled moment. Dinner was a delicious spread by Unique Catering, and let me tell you—it was a hit. Full plates and full hearts all around. After dinner, we stole the couple away for a few sunset shots. The wind had finally calmed a bit, and while it was still brisk, the light was golden and dreamy. We wandered the property, laughed, twirled, and captured those just-married vibes that feel so extra special once the formalities are behind you. Back inside, it was time for one of the most fun (and slightly chaotic) traditions of the night—the dollar dance. But with a twist. Donnie and Katie, being the hilariously competitive couple that they are, made a wager: if Donnie raised less, he’d have to wash Katie’s car in a bikini. If Katie lost, she’d be in full clown costume for the job. Needless to say, the bridal party went all in, hustling around the room with signs, Venmo QR codes, and their best sales pitches. I’m still not sure who won—but either way, I really hope someone got footage of the aftermath. 😂 Next up were the parent dances. Katie and her dad shared a sweet, tear-filled moment on the dance floor, swaying gently and soaking in the memory. Donnie and his mom followed with a heartfelt dance of their own. But then came a surprise twist that had everyone smiling—the “in-law” dance. Donnie danced with Katie’s mom, and Katie danced with Donnie’s dad. It was such a unique way to honor the blending of two families and include everyone in the joy of the day. I loved capturing these unexpected moments of connection. Then… the party really started. The DJ turned up the music, the lights dimmed, and the dance floor awaited guests dancing feet. From littles to grandparents, everyone was on their feet celebrating. The Electric Slide got the whole room moving. It was one of those receptions where the laughter was loud, great conversation, and the love in the room was absolutely undeniable.

Donnie and Katie—what an honor it was to witness your day unfold. From your first look to your final spin on the dance floor, your love was the heartbeat of every moment. You celebrated your faith, your family, your friends, and your future in the most beautiful, joy-filled way. Thank you for inviting me into your story. Your wedding day was pure magic—the kind that will play like a highlight reel in your hearts for years to come. Wishing you a lifetime of laughter, spontaneous dances, and maybe even a few more silly bets.