Abby and Geno’s wedding was truly a community effort, one that was both heart warming and amazing to witness. As photographers we get to bear witness to a lot of stories from weddings to documentary projects, but seldom do we get the chance to capture the story of a community coming together to collectively launch the fruits of their efforts.

Farm communities, unlike their more urban cousins, have a history of pulling together whether it be recovery from a natural disaster or raising their kids in ways that ensure the survival of generations worth of legacies. Abby and Geno represent such a collective effort.

Their wedding had an additional level of meaning since Abby’s mother Kaye, widely known and respected in the community, succumbed to cancer several years ago. Abby is also an Iraq war veteran.

The Galleries below represent our interpretation of their story, beginning with their engagement photos, Abby’s star light bridal portrait and culminating in their wedding.

Click the thumbnail photos to see the collection then click each photo to enlarge it or click “show as slideshow” to see the collection as a slide show.

Abby and Geno Engagement

Abby and Geno live in Southwestern Minnesota where Geno farms the family farm and Abby runs a local insurance agency. We photographed them in three locations in order to capture their wide range of interests and the context of their lives together. The first location was in SW Minnesota , we used the shoot not only to capture Abby and Geno but also to scout the location of their wedding reception...unfortunately our shooting was limited due to heavy spring rains. The second location was here in the Twin cities at one of our favorite urban locations; St. Anthony Main and the historic Mill District in Minneapolis. Both of these sites offer range of locations that include vistas of the Minneapolis riverfront and the historic Stone Arch Bridge. The final location was on and around their farm in Winnebago.

80 Photos

Abby_geno_wedding

29 Photos

The problem is that after the ceremony everyone wants to get on to the party and it becomes a real challenge to coral all the right people. If  family and group photos happen prior to the ceremony it is less likely that family and friends will drift away. All this aside, we work to make the photos go fast and most importantly be fun for all concerned.

[Show as slideshow]

Choosing to see each other before the ceremony also gave them the chance to bring in the support of their wedding party and combined families.We don’t advocate for either choice since ultimately it is up to the couple.

The guys are a little non-plussed by the whole thing and most would rather rather not be photographed…however there are a few lucky times especially with the father pr brother of the groom.

[Show as slideshow]

Act 1: Preparations

• Scene 1: Bride and bridal party getting dressed
• Scene 2: Groom and his party getting dressed
• Scene 3: Couple alone if they choose to see each other before the ceremony,
• Scene 4: The wedding party either separately if bride & groom choose not to see each other or together if they do chose to see each other.

Act 2: The Ceremony

• Scene 1: Gathering
• Scene 2: The Entrance
• Scene 3: Blessings and Vows
• Scene 4: The Exit

Act 3: The Celebration

• Scene 1: In between time…greeting family and friends,
• Scene 2: Private time with the Bride and Broom
• Scene 3: Fun with the wedding party
• Scene 4: Arrival and entrance to reception
• Scene 5: Toasts, cake etc.
• Scene 6: The dance

The Cast consists of the key players of the drama from the couple themselves, to friends, family and pets.

In some cases there will be a prelude that includes one or more engagement sessions photographed at a variety of locations. We generally use the photographs to make up a guest book designed to allow those attending the wedding to share in the excitement.

Act 1: The Prep

27 Photos

Act II: The Ceremony

27 Photos

Act III: The Celebration

27 Photos

Cast: the Bride

10 Photos

Cast: The Couple

24 Photos

Cast: The Guys

25 Photos

Cast: The Ladies

18 Photos

Cast: The groups

32 Photos