Hill Top Wedding in Lake Benton, Minnesota | Lydia & Brett

Lydia and Brett were married on Saturday, June 12th, 2021 in Lake Benton, Minnesota! A small farm town nestled around Lake Benton, a stones throw from the South Dakota/Minnesota border.

Surrounded by family, friends and amazing views these two were joined together in a Christ-Centered ceremony. As their pastor gave his marriage sermon I couldn’t help but step back and take in the rolling hills and small town views from the top of the hill. It was a perfect location to take in God’s beauty as the guest sang along to Christ Alone hymn.

Lydia and Brett decided to do a first look before their ceremony. The mid-day sun is very often hard to photograph in, so the big trees and tall grass really helped to hide us from the brightness! Some of my favorite images came from the first look! After the first look, Moose joined us! Moose is Lydia and Brett’s pup! He was so excited to see them but listened and photographed so well! And his tux, so cute!!

After the ceremony Brett took us to his family’s farm, a place that had been his grandparents for as long as he can remember. Brett insisted on taking pictures with his old, no a/c and beat up pick up truck…. Finally I had to ask… why is this truck so significant that we photograph it. He told me the story of his grandfather, and how he had passed away in 2013. Brett saved up bought it from his grandmother. His grandfather’s sunglass clips still hang on the visor. After that story, the truck shined and sparkled with significant and sentimental meaning!

After a full day of emotions in the hot Minnesota sun it was time to cool down! We grabbed a drink and some amazing food that we had been smelling all day! The brides mom is one of the best cooks I know! So getting to sit down for the meal was something we looked forward to all day, especially her roasted broccoli!!!

And finally as the sun started to set, dancing started and the drinks began the couple and I snuck off for a few minutes of sunset pictures! I had scouted out a few places on the lake just for this time! The dock and shoreline at Lake Benton Resort was a dream, some of my career favorites are from this portrait time. Then Brett brought out his hidden spots in his hometown and we found ourselves in a family friends corn field and dirt road over looking the lake. I am so happy with these images, they really show the depths of this small town and it’s significant MidWest farm town and meaning to this couple!

Again, I end all of my blog posts this way but mean it every single time… I am beyond honored to have been there to capture this special day for Lydia, Brett and their families. It takes a lot of trust to fly someone across the country to be there for this moment and it honors me. Thank you Lydia and Brett and your families!

Xoxo,

Mandy