mostly pictures with some context about the day.
thank you for all the well wishes & celebrating with us this past Spring!
Drew & Samantha
07.07.2021
Sunrise
The only day Drew would ever agree to wake up before 5am, would be on our wedding day. We privately exchanged vows earlier that morning, before the world seemed to be awake. Dressed in our wedding garb, we headed to Staring Lake in Eden Prarie, MN, hoping to catch the sun rising over the lake, but the weather had other plans. It turned out to be overcast and quite chilly for a summer day in MN. Despite the cold, it was still a beautiful morning with the fog rolling in over the lush green lily pads.
We headed to the next location, Kinsel Park in Minnetonka, MN, for a few more photos, since they say, this is a once in a life time moment. And it’s probably the only time we were both willing to take this many photos.
preparing for the ceremony
After all the pictures, we headed back to the Paterson home in Wayzata, MN. There, we began to setup the decorations on the deck, as it had rained the night before. Paper string flowers (that all the parents helped string together as an activity the day before), chairs, flowers sent from loved ones, paperwork and breakfast pastries were arranged. Family began to arrive and were able to enjoy some of our favorite pastries, especially maple long johns.
We signed the paperwork before the ceremony.
My sister, Stephanie, was my witness and Cory, Drew’s brother, was his witness.
let the ceremony begin…
The ceremony was held on the deck in the backyard of the Paterson house. Bev, Drew’s mom, was the officiant, and Lachlan, Drew’s nephew, was our ring bearer.
The ceremony was short and sweet, just as we’d hoped.
Gene, Samantha’s father, had insisted on walking the long way around the house to get to the deck.
time to pop some bottles… really just 1 or 2.
Post-Ceremony festivities
After the ceremony, as music played, we feasted on sandwiches, salad, mimoas, and of course, cake. We gave a small gift to our parents and read some wedding cards. Bev also finished signing all the paperwork.
I’m sure by now you’ve asked yourself, what’s up with all the ducks. In Korean tradition, wooden duck carvings are often given as a marriage gift to the couple or to the parents. They represent the bride and groom. Mandarin ducks are chosen because it is believed that they mate for life. In conjunction with all the ducks, Drew and I wore traditional Filipino formal wear. Drew was wearing a barong and I was wearing a filipiniana dress.
thank you so, so much
Family Portraits
L to R: Cory (Drew’s brother), Sutton (Drew’s niece), Lachlan (Drew’s nephew), Courtney (Drew’s sister-in-law), Mike (Drew’s father), Bev (Drew’s mother), Drew (groom), Samantha (bride), Tita (Samantha’s mother), Gene (Samantha’s father), and Steph (Samantha’s sister).
bonus gallery
All photos by Mataya Creations. Check out her instagram!
If you’ve made it down this far, here’s another bonus! This is the playlist we had on during the post ceremony festivities. Enjoy, you’ve made it to the end.
Thank you for your love and support!