Woodhaven | New Wedding Venue | Elegant and Fun Summer Styled Shoot

Woodhaven is a brand-new wedding venue located within Gopher Hills Golf Course in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. The venue is a portrayal of the modern and classic touch to Minnesota’s charm. The venue features an abundance of windows and natural light, tall ceilings, white walls, bright cement floors to reflect light in the ceremony and reception rooms, and warm inviting natural wood-toned flooring throughout the cocktail area, bar area, and getting ready rooms upstairs. There are two overlook areas above the ceremony and reception spaces. The bar area is spacious and features a cozy fireplace. The guys and the girls getting ready rooms upstairs both have plenty of space and light to make it roomy enough for photos and getting-ready activities. Together, these elements make Woodhaven the perfect venue of opportunity for versatility and a unique experience for every couple.

Woodhaven’s venue and marketing director, Brittany, and I connected in early 2021 to collaborate and showcase Woodhaven’s space to new couples. Brittany chose a color palette consisting of pink, gold, and emerald green for a fresh splash of color. Following the unprecedented year of 2020, I felt inspired by the requested color palette. I wanted to create an ambiance that reflected a fun, fresh, and romantic summer’s dream within Woodhaven’s elegant blank canvas. Just being in the space made me feel such exuberance because I knew how perfectly it would complement my light and clean editing style.

The florist, Karen, with Tulips and a Kiss, poured her heart into each arrangement with such grace and beauty, despite the complications of the event taking place during a worldwide flower shortage and so close to Mother’s Day. Karen took a fine art approach to the arrangements to accentuate elegance and cheer with each flower. She added earthy elements such as branches on the arch and ferns surrounding the flower focused arrangements, to keep things feeling like summer.

Karen, and I began the day setting up, designing and preparing for each event within the shoot.

Brittany provided snacks and had the space prepped with tables and chairs. The models, Katie and Cody, arrived at the venue to begin hair and makeup. Lindsey began photographing details and taking getting-ready photos of the couple.

Heidi, from 139 Hair by Heidi, created a half-up romantic hairstyle to compliment the bride’s face from every angle. Heidi invited makeup artist, Viktoriya Brabec, who gave the bride a natural smoky-eye that was soft and inviting.

A wedding dress and tux were selected with the help of Alexandra from Xandy’s Bridal Shop. The white suit jacket brought a touch of crisp gentility compared to the traditional black suit. The flowy a-line bridal dress, Raelynn from Rebecca Ingram, was selected for a romantic and flirty feel.

Detail photos of the ceremony space and ceremony photos with the couple and officiant, Liz, followed shortly after.

Elizabeth (Liz), from Liz Rae and Co, was the perfect addition to this fun day thanks to her focus as an officiant being fun, creative, and customizing every ceremony to fit each couple. Not to mention, she has the best outfits to compliment any color scheme!

The modeling couple just recently got married. I chose them for this shoot because I felt they would bring not only a fresh new look but one filled with naturally pure romance where their playfulness and raw connection are shown in every moment.

To embrace more of the fun and fresh atmosphere, I created a sweetheart drink tray, which featured a sparkling raspberry lemon mimosa for the couple and a summery floral ice bucket to chill the champagne. My hope was for the couple to enjoy every moment and feel invited to be themselves more and more with each sip. Who doesn’t love a good cocktail hour!?

Following cocktails, I photographed the reception space details, the bold sweethearts table, and the featured and decadent dessert table. For the sweethearts table, I chose a bold velvet emerald green tablecloth to compliment the pop of pink and gold, which made for a fun statement piece within the bright open space.

Lori of Sweet Lulus by Lori, elegantly designed a 3-tiered cake, hand-drawn frosting on cookies, and multiple bundt cakes. Each treat had a perfect balance of every element and color within the event’s theme.

To end the evening, I did more photos of the couple in the reception space and popping champagne at the front of the building.

Fun facts of strange connections between vendors and models:

The models, Katie and Cody, are best friends with my cousin and grew up near each other. Also, my cousin’s name is Raelyn, which is the name of the dress that Katie wore.
Katie used to work at the golf course that is attached to Woodhaven many years ago before the extension was built. Katie also knows the venue owner and didn’t know this connection until she showed up at the venue on the event day.
The florist was the photographer’s dental assistant and that’s how they first met many years ago.

VENDOR INSTAGRAM HANDLE AND EMAIL LIST:

Venue: Woodhaven

@woodhaven.mn

– hello@woodhavenmn.com

https://woodhavenmn.com/

Photographer: @Lindseywhitephoto

Planner: @Lindseywhitephoto

Invitation Designer: @Lindseywhitephoto

– lindseywhitephoto@gmail.com

https://lindseywhitephoto.com/

Shoes: @bellabelleshoes

– pr@bellabelleshoes.com