August 6th, 2022

Prior to every wedding, I send a questionnaire to my couples that helps me better understand the vibes, guests, quirks, and best qualities of a wedding day. The first question is – do you have a nickname for your wedding? Some couples have one, and some don’t.

From the beginning of getting to know Kayla + Jaylin, we were obviously a perfect photographer/ client match. Their wedding day was going to be a very special one; they were embracing nontraditional roles, adding gay pride left and right to the decor; their playful and pure love was contagious, bringing out all of the best vibes, incredibly loving + supportive family and friends, PLUS they hired my favorite local DJ + officiant (Dance Man Dan) and a very talented florist (East Grand Floral Shop)!!

Once I got the email that their questionnaire was filled out, I looked at their answer to question number one, and I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. Their wedding nickname was Jay + Kay’s Big Gay Day. Not a better nickname in the world for their special day. Uniquely their own.

A beautiful North Dakota backyard wedding filled with vines, greenery and pastel florals. The wedding ceremony and reception took place at Kayla’s mom’s house – which in my opinion was just as incredible as any venue in the area. They had pink, purple and blue florals with hints of pastels and baby’s breath lining each row of chairs for the ceremony.

The two of them got ready together and put on their finishing touches in front of the windows beaming with light.

As you drove into the hidden house surrounded by greenery they had handmade decor navigating all of their guests in the right direction.

Kayla + Jaylin were radiant. Kayla in her all white suit, Jaylin in her lacy bridal dress, and their matching bouquets. They enjoyed each others company whole heartedly while we snapped their wedding portraits.

It felt like there were endless spots to take photographs from a couple pathways in the woods to a dock right next to the reception tent leading to a river. They even had a big neon sign with J & K ready to turn on for all of their guests after dark.

Backyard weddings don’t always get the hype they deserve. If you have the opportunity, space and love for a backyard wedding it is such an intimate experience.

My work is focused around emotions, Photographs you can FEEL, I allow the emotions I feel from my clients and their loved ones to help guide me to document the purest moments. There’s no holding back. Embrace all of the feelings you feel on your wedding day, take moments to soak it in, move through your day with all the love you have for your partner, family + friends and celebrate your lives – and of course allow your vendors to take all of the worry off of your plates. We got it all covered!

Kayla + Jaylin’s wedding day was filled with so much love, pride and emotions I was so proud to be there enjoying this monumental moment for them and their loved ones.

A group of humans sharing laughs, tears, dance moves, inside jokes and childhood handshakes. Reminiscing over old stories and sharing new ones. Connections that have grown for decades and now forever documented for generations to come.

Right outside of the house and to the left of the ceremony space was a rustic handmade wall hung with string lights and picture frames showing the life Kay + Jay had shared leading up to this day, tables filled with gifts, love notes and polaroid cameras for all of their guests to snap a photo.

A short and sweet ceremony officiated by Dan Fjestad aka. Dance Man Dan. Kayla + Jaylin sealed the deal by expressing their love for each other through hand written vows as friends and family couldn’t help but cry from an overwhelming cloud of love.

Sharing a first kiss as newly weds and tears of joy as they walk down the aisle as one in front of all of the people that love them the most. You could feel the euphoric rush filled with contentment and excitement for their journey was just beginning.

A perfect addition to a fun filled reception, Hanson’s Keg Trailer, a business located in New Rockford, ND, had four beers on tap. Located right next to the big white reception tent which made it easy for guests to grab a drink and mingle close by to all of the action. If you take a closer look each tap handle had pride colors + flags proudly displayed. I desperately wanted to take one home with me.

After dinner, a toast from Jay’s Dad, cake cutting, chatting with guests, so many hugs you can’t count, phone calls with loved ones that couldn’t attend, I snuck Kay + Jay away from the bustling reception to take a moment to soak in the first moments as a married couple. We walked along the dirt road surrounded by greenery right next to the house. Lot’s of kisses and dancing to get ready for once the sun goes down and the music gets louder.

A few more kisses, cheers and hugs before the sun went to bed. Weddings = endless kisses, cheers and hugs.

Jay + Kay’s entrance was all smiles as they took their first dance as a married couple. Following the first dance was a triple father daughter dance. Kayla dancing with her Dad and Jaylin dancing with both of her Dads, it was an emotional experience for the couple and the important men in their lives.

Time for the 90’s and 2000’s dance hits, everyones favorite dance moves and the sparklers to make their first and final appearance of the night (alcohol and fire are not besties).

One of my favorite parts of a wedding day – after dark. Flash photography and good vibes.

Cheers to Jay + Kay, over a year later and their wedding is still one of my favorite’s in the archive.

Vendors List

Photography: Cait Collins Photography / Located in Minneapolis, MN and Dublin, Ireland

Wedding Planners + Catering: Nicole + Vanessa at Ivory and Oak / Located in Grand Forks, ND

DJ + Officiant: Dan Fjestad / Dance Man Dan / Located in Grand Forks, ND

Fargo Party Tents: Tent, Chairs + Tables / Located in Fargo ND

Keg Trailer: Hanson’s Bar / located in New Rockford, ND

Alpha Lit Fargo: Neon Lights / Located in Fargo, ND

Victorian Rose Antiques: Chandelier / Located in Grand Forks, ND

Florist: East Grand Floral Shop / Located in Grand Forks, ND

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cake / Located in West Fargo, ND