Hastings, Minnesota
Overlooking the Mississippi River as it winds south toward Hastings, Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center offered a sweeping and grounded setting for Lee and Alex’s wedding day. The landscape felt steady and expansive, echoing the calm presence of the celebration.
Lee and Alex met through a mutual friend, and their connection grew naturally into something deeply rooted. Their wedding brought two cultures together, shaped by intention and care. Following the ceremony, guests took part in a string blessing, tying white strings around Lee and Alex’s wrists and offering words of goodwill, protection, and love. It was a moment that honored both tradition and community.
While guests enjoyed the social and cocktail hour, Lee and Alex slipped away together. Beneath the shade of a tree and removed from the gathering, they exchanged private vows, just the two of them, unhurried and present. It was a moment of stillness within the day, held softly and without an audience. As the celebration continued and the light began to shift, Manhattans, their favorite drink, were poured, adding a familiar and personal touch. As the sun set over the river, we stepped away to capture a few moments together. The day felt warm and communal, balanced by moments of togetherness and gentle intimacy, all unfolding under the steady presence of the river below.
