An Intimate Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding
A Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding will always have my heart, and Hayley & Blake’s day was one I’ll never forget. Their celebration was intimate, carefree, and beautifully minimalistic. It was exactly the kind of day that lets you slow down, breathe deeply, and fully take in every moment.
Getting to Know Hayley & Blake
Before I take you through their wedding day, you need to know just how perfectly “them” this celebration was.
Hayley and Blake first met on Bumble and one pizza date later, they were inseparable.
From the moment we connected, Hayley and Blake felt less like clients and more like friends. We found ourselves texting regularly—sharing updates, photos of our families, and little life moments leading up to their day. By the time their wedding arrived, it felt like I was showing up not just as their photographer, but as someone already woven into their circle.
A Calm, Rain-Kissed Morning
A Slow Start With Drizzling Rain
The morning began with soft, on-and-off drizzle. It was the kind that makes everything feel peaceful and extra green. Instead of worrying, Hayley and Blake stayed completely laid-back. We shifted the ceremony time to work around the rain, and the moment we were ready to begin, the skies cleared as if on cue.
Getting Ready
Hayley’s best friend spent the morning helping her with her makeup and hair. She wore a stunning flowy A-line gown with a V-cut neckline and a gorgeous low back. Blake chose a green suit that complimented the Arboretum’s greenery perfectly. No flashy details, no stress; just simplicity that felt intentional and true to their style.
Fun random fact: Hayley’s bestie is not a professional makeup artist by any means but does makeup for anime conventions!
The Ceremony in the Japanese Garden
Why They Chose This Spot
The Japanese Garden at the Arboretum is serene, symbolic, and beautifully designed—perfect for a couple who values peace, nature, and meaningful spaces. It was Hayley’s venue of choice because her grandparents used to take her all the time. When Blake saw the Arboretum for the first time, he immediately fell in love with the layout and cultural aesthetic, making it a place that felt both grounded and personal.
A Small Circle of Loved Ones
Only about 15 guests joined them, which created such an emotionally present atmosphere. Their only sibling—the bride’s brother—officiated, adding another heartfelt layer to their ceremony.
This was the first wedding for both families, which made every moment deeply significant. There was this collective sense of tenderness and pride that I felt honored to witness.
Portraits, Family Moments & Pure Ease
After the ceremony, we explored the garden for portraits. The overcast sky created the dreamiest soft light (the kind photographers wish for, honestly).
One of my favorite parts was photographing Hayley and Blake with their infant daughter. Those images felt like a quiet little time capsule of their beginning as a family. And she was a doll!
Their color palette—lavender, purple, greenery, and white—paired beautifully with the natural surroundings. Everything felt cohesive and effortless.
And a fun detail: their florist was my mother-in-law! I recommended her and she created the perfect airy florals to match the intimate vibe.
Dinner at Hazeltine National Golf Club
The celebration continued at Hazeltine National Golf Club, where conversations flowed easily and everyone made me feel so included and appreciated. It was one of those dinners where people actually talk—really talk—and soak in the closeness of the day.
This is exactly why I love intimate weddings: no rushing, no chaos, just connection.
Why This Day Stands Out for Me
There was no performance, no pressure; just two people prioritizing what mattered most. Their willingness to adapt to the rain, embrace the moment, and stay grounded in who they are is why this Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding was so special.
Their review still makes me emotional: “Nuku is amazing… She communicated so well leading up to our day… stunning photos… I consider her a friend. Anyone would be LUCKY to book with her.”
I truly adored being part of this celebration.
Ready to Plan Your Own Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a calm, authentic, nature-filled wedding day—whether intimate or adventurous—I would love to photograph it.
Contact me here to start planning your own meaningful, presence-first wedding experience.
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