The Carleton College listserv (aka, Carlslist) has brought me many things: Morning glories for our garden, contractor recommendations, a ring sizer. But by far the best Carlslist connection was the opportunity to photograph Muriel and Justin’s Northfield wedding at the stunning Gardens of Castle Rock. We connected via Muriel’s father, a Carleton professor, and after a January phone call with this couple, I was already counting down the days until August.
Planning a Midwest wedding from the East Coast was just one of the many huge life events M+J had going on this summer. Others included taking the bar exam, moving into a new place, getting ready for a new job, and starting grad school. However, every interaction I had with them was filled with their peaceful energy and warmth. It’s evident that these are people who show up for life in a really intentional way, from the people they surround themselves with to the career paths they’re following to how they interact with each other. I got the sense throughout their wedding day that they’re the ones usually in service of others, and so it was a role reversal for them to be the center of attention.
Despite that, they had thoughtfully crafted a day where the things that were important to them — relationships, cultural representations of where they come from and what has brought them to this place, beauty, and laughter — were on full display. Everything else was filtered out. From Muriel’s mother’s charm bracelet to her bouquet pieced together by her aunt to their personally written vows to the hora dance, the day was filled with meaning and symbols of the varied and unique life both these individuals have had.
While I have no doubt they will both continue on to do impressive and important things as individuals, I kept thinking how wonderful it is they’ll have each other as partners going forward. Justin carried more of the extroverted energy, but when together, he would happily stand beaming next to Muriel’s confident, quieter demeanor. From my early conversations with them to the speeches about what brought them together, it was clear that these are two adventurers; their journeys will undoubtedly be enhanced by the way they appreciate the others’ strengths and presence.
Muriel and Justin, thank you for inviting me to capture this milestone. I know many more big bends in the road will come, and I am confident you two will support each other and those you love through all of them. It was an honor to bear witness to your certain, sweet, and gentle love for each other, and to share in so much of your laughter throughout the day. Cheers to the big, exciting year ahead!
Venue: The Gardens of Castle Rock
Coordinator: Weddings Your Way
Food trucks: Noris Cuisine and Soul Lao