minneapolis

Tessa And Josh's Romantic Hewing Hotel Wedding In Minneapolis /  by Bradley Hanson

I regularly photograph weddings at the Hewing Hotel. In fact, I photographed the first wedding ever held at the Hewing Hotel, so I am intimately familiar with all of its secrets.

Tessa and Josh were effortlessly fun and affectionate. It was easy to blend into the background at their wedding and take on my favorite role as silent observer.

From Tessa: “We met on Bumble in 2021, our first date was at Colita and we just kept ordering more and more plates of food so the date would never end. We were so stuffed! We sat at the bar and our legs touched the whole date. Our joke is that our legs touched first date so we knew we’d be together forever. We had our one month and one year anniversaries at the Hewing Hotel. We got engaged on the rooftop last year, and our wedding was the third anniversary of our very first date at Colita.”

I am a Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota based wedding photographer, specializing in documentary style weddings, elopements, and Indian/Hindu weddings all over the world. To see more of my wedding work, click the wedding galleries under the portfolio heading.

To inquire about my rates and availability, call me at 206-393-8292, email me at bradley@bradleyhanson.com or fill out the contact form (click the “contact” link on the top right of the page).

If you want to follow me on Instagram, I have two accounts: @bradleyhanson is my personal one, all square images from my iPhone since 2008, and @bradleyhansonphotography is my professional portfolio, a mix of weddings, family and portraits, as well as black and white and color landscape images. If you are still reading this far, you’ve already figured out how to find my website…

Meghan And Brian's Elegant Black And White Downtown Saint Paul MN Wedding At The Lowlands /  by Bradley Hanson

I’m caught up with 2023, my busiest year in a decade, and finally able to share one of the best weddings of the year. The groom, Brian, is a well-known photographer in Atlanta, specializing in head shots. The bride, Meghan, is a talented makeup artist in Atlanta. We met for coffee before the wedding while they were in the Minneapolis area and clicked immediately, no pun intended.

Their wedding was unique in a number of ways, but most notably, all of the decor, from the tables to the walls, invites, clothing and details, was black and white. Normally wearing one of my many blue suits, I got a black suit specific to this wedding so I could remain as inconspicuous as a 6’2” photographer can be.

Coordination and design was done by the talented Heidi Almendinger of Jenna Culley Events, and hair was by the always stellar Hair By Sitha, who I’ve had the good fortune of working with probably a dozen times over the past couple years alone.

Everything took place at a new, modern and minimalist wedding venue right on the Mississippi River on the outskirts of downtown Saint Paul, MN. I really loved the venue and can’t wait to photograph there again. The only bump in the road was torrential rain akin to what one might expect in Florida that scuttled my grandiose plans for photographs of the couple during the cocktail hour, but the timing was nearly perfect as it occurred after photographing the family, moments before the start of the ceremony, which took place indoors anyway.

The gallery images below were chosen not only from the pool of favorites, but to give a sense of what it was like to be at The Lowlands on that day. In the spirit of their chiaroscuro contrasty design intentions, I’ve chosen to only share B&W images.

Vendors from Meghan and Brian’s wedding:

Venue: The Lowlands 

Beauty: Lady Vamp Artistry - Sitha Kim (hair), Laura Seaboy (makeup), Rob Hinderstein (tattoo cover) 

Bridal Fashion: White Magnolia Bridal Collection 

Cake: Queen of Cake

Catering: Green Mangos

Entertainment: Rock With U (Band) & Jennifer Marlin Illustration (Fashion Artist)

Floral: Wilderland Floral (Jamie Spellerberg)

Groom's Attire: Red Label Bespoke

Officiant: Melinda Guess

Photography: Bradley Hanson Photography

Rentals & Decor: Linen Effects, Collected & Co, AVEX & Girl Friday 

Stationery: Minted

Transportation: Renee's Limousine & Unparalleled Parking 

Travel & Accommodations: The St. Paul Hotel, Hyatt Place St. Paul/Downtown, Loews Minneapolis

Videographer: Cooper Films & Love Stream (live streaming) 

Wedding Planner & Event Design: Jenna Culley Events (Heidi Almendinger)

If you want to follow me on Instagram, I have two accounts: @bradleyhanson is my personal one, all square images from my iPhone since 2008. @bradleyhansonphotography is my professional portfolio, a mix of weddings, family and portraits, as well as black and white and color landscape images. If you are still reading this far, you’ve already figured out how to find my website…

I am a Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota based wedding photographer, specializing in documentary style weddings, elopements, and Indian/Hindu weddings all over the world. To see more of my wedding work, click the wedding galleries under the portfolio heading.

To inquire about my rates and availability, call me at 206-393-8292, email me at bradley@bradleyhanson.com or fill out the contact form (click the “contact” link on the top right of the page).

Wedding Contest Winning Image For World's Best Wedding Photos "Picture Perfect" Portrait Contest /  by Bradley Hanson

This photo of mine was just featured as a winning image in The World's Best Wedding Photos for their article on "Picture Perfect Portraits” from thousands of entries. It's an honor. To see more photographs from the article, you can click below. This photograph was at the Summit Manor in St. Paul, MN

Behind the scenes, I was walking around the wedding venue during the reception. I saw the couple entertaining each other while at their table. One of the things I love about it, in addition to the composition and lighting, is that it is the guests truly caught in the act of being themselves.

You can see the image, along with all of the winning entries, here:

https://www.worldsbestweddingphotos.com/photography-contest-picture-perfect-portraits

Abbey And Mitchell's North Loop / Northeast Minneapolis Minnesota Wedding at Hewing Hotel And Bauhaus Brew Labs /  by Bradley Hanson

Abbey and Mitchell started their day near their Mississippi River apartment at the lovely Hewing Hotel in North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, with their wedding ceremony and reception at Bauhaus Brew Labs in Northeast Minneapolis. They were very sweet and obviously very connected to each other. Abbey’s dress was one the best I had seen in a while.

According to Abbey: “The North Loop and northeast being near and dear to us. We’ve lived in North Loop the entirety of our relationship and spend a lot of time making memories with friends in NE (Bauhaus in particular being our favorite spot), so incorporating those spots was important to us. We wanted our wedding to be authentically us, and laid back in a way that made our guests feel they could be themselves.”

 “After meticulously researching wedding photographers, we landed on Bradley given his documentary style, natural editing, and his professional training and experience. Unlike many photographers we considered, Bradley is a true student of photography and a master of his craft. He was a pleasure to work with, making sure to understand our vision, needs, and plan for our wedding day. We adore our photos, received them (over 1,000 of them) within one month. Our guests continue to comment on how impressed they were by Bradley and that our photos are the best wedding photos they’ve ever seen. We don’t disagree.”

-Abbey and Mitchell

Preparation Venue: @hewinghotel
Reception Venue + Bar: @bauhausbrewlabs
Coordination: @mavenevents
Hair + Makeup: @ladyvampartistry
Catering - Food Truck: @butchersalt
Catering - Food Truck: @centro_twincities
Entertainment: @transmission_music
Photography: @bradleyhansonphotography
Florals: @notherly.flora
Ice Cream: @lildippersoftserve

If you want to follow me on Instagram, I have two accounts: @bradleyhanson is my personal one, all square images from my iPhone since 2008. @bradleyhansonphotography is my professional portfolio, a mix of weddings, family and portraits, as well as black and white and color landscape images. If you are still reading this far, you’ve already figured out how to find my website…

I am a Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota based wedding photographer, specializing in documentary style weddings, elopements, and Indian/Hindu weddings all over the world. To see more of my wedding work, click the wedding galleries under the portfolio heading.

To inquire about my rates and availability, call me at 206-393-8292, email me at bradley@bradleyhanson.com or fill out the contact form (click the “contact” link on the top right of the page).

Christina And Trevor's Elegant Summer Wedding At The Van Dusen Mansion In Minneapolis MN /  by Bradley Hanson

After photographing Christina and Trevor’s engagement photographs at Cedar Lake a few months prior, I felt very much at ease with them and the feeling seemed to be mutual as I quickly evaporated into the background while beginning with photographing them getting ready on the morning of their wedding. The entire day unfolded in one location, the timelessly elegant Van Dusen Mansion in south Minneapolis, just outside of Loring Park neighborhood.

Just after the outdoor ceremony, the couple had their first dance outside in the courtyard, which was a romantic introduction to the reception.

Despite monsoon level rains moments after the wedding ceremony outside, all of my memories of the day are of Christina and Trevor laughing and having a good time, and the photographs from the day reflect that joy. This was one of those weddings that left me feeling optimistic about the world. It was also one of those events were everywhere I pointed my camera, a photograph revealed itself.

“Bradley was the absolute GREATEST. He completely understood our vision for our engagement and wedding pictures and they turned out better than we could have ever imagined. He is a pure joy to work with and made every step so much fun. he captured our day perfectly and we are so thankful that he was part of it. Thank you, Bradley, a million times over!!!”

-Christina Bartingale and Trevor Becker

If you want to follow me on Instagram, I have two accounts: @bradleyhanson is my personal one, all square images from my iPhone since 2008. @bradleyhansonphotography is my professional portfolio, a mix of weddings, family and portraits, as well as black and white and color landscape images. If you are still reading this far, you’ve already figured out how to find my website…

I am a Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota based wedding photographer, specializing in documentary style weddings and Indian/Hindu weddings all over the world. To see more of my wedding work, click the wedding galleries under the portfolio heading. To inquire about my rates and availability, call me at 206-393-8292, email me at bradley@bradleyhanson.com or fill out the contact form (click the “contact” link on the top right above this paragraph).

Clara And Pete's Downtown Minneapolis Summer Elopement /  by Bradley Hanson

I was hired to photograph Clara and Peter’s elopement, consisting of a few portraits near the Hewing Hotel, their civil ceremony at the Minneapolis Government Center, and an informal dinner at North Loop classic restaurant, Spoon and Stable. Rather than me carrying on with the usual superlatives, I’ll let the bride provide some insight. The wedding was a blast and I felt like I got a lot of great photographs in a short period (3 hours).

“Pete and I met in 2015 while both playing soccer at Macalester College in St. Paul! We had been dating for around 7 years before getting engaged. 

Before even getting engaged, we discussed our ideal wedding scenario - great food, great (but small and intimate) company, and a quick and easy ceremony without any fluff. 

The day was a perfect combination of putting energy into what was really valuable to us and then finding ways to let go of the relevant details. Who would have thought that things work out exactly how they are meant to :) “ - Clara Webby

Click any image to enlarge

“Bradley was awesome! He made our more low-key courthouse elopement into a special day, and now we have incredible photos to look back on.” - Clara Webby

If you want to follow me on Instagram, I have two accounts: @bradleyhanson is my personal one, all square images from my iPhone since 2008. @bradleyhansonphotography is my professional portfolio, a mix of weddings, family and portraits, as well as black and white and color landscape images. If you are still reading this far, you’ve already figured out how to find my website…

I am a Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota based wedding photographer, specializing in documentary style weddings, elopements, and Indian/Hindu weddings all over the world. To see more of my wedding work, click the wedding galleries under the portfolio heading. To inquire about my rates and availability, call me at 206-393-8292, email me at bradley@bradleyhanson.com or fill out the contact form (click the “contact” link on the top right above this paragraph).

Wedding Contest Winning Image For World's Best Wedding Photos "Party People" /  by Bradley Hanson

This photo of mine was just featured as a winning image in The World's Best Wedding Photos for their article on "Party People" from thousands of entries. It's an honor. To see more photographs from the article, you can click below. This photograph was at the beautiful Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis, one of my favorite wedding venues anywhere.

Behind the scenes, I was walking around the wedding venue during the reception. I saw the guests all gathered in the far corner of the room on the 9th floor, overlooking the city. The light was strong from the nearby marquee. I held the camera up to my eye, waiting for that magic moment when the man in the back center looked up. One of the things I love about it, in addition to the composition and lighting, is that it is the guests truly caught in the act of being themselves.

You can see the image, along with all of the winning entries, here:

https://www.worldsbestweddingphotos.com/photography-contests/party-people-2023

Kelsey and Chase Autumn Riverfront Elopement In Minneapolis /  by Bradley Hanson

Kelsey and Chase had a very quiet elopement. I met them at the Hewing Hotel in downtown Minneapolis (North Loop) to photograph them getting ready. We then went straight to the government building for their vows outside with the judge.

While photographing them on a bridge at Nicollet Island Inn, Chase bumped into the group of bicyclists he regularly rides with, a complete coincidence and entirely unplanned.

After the ceremony, Kelsey and Chase hosted a casual brunch at LynHall on Lyndale Ave in Minneapolis that included great food and Jenga! No dancing or traditional reception events, just a nice meal with friends.

“We are a Tinder love story, and had our first date walking around St Anthony Main in 2015 - so it’s especially fun that we had some of our pics from the wedding day there! Chase proposed to me on the Stone Arch Bridge - he made me bike there with him so he had an excuse to bring a backpack because the ring box wouldn’t fit in his pocket. As far as planning the wedding - just that we wanted it to be intimate and low-key and couldn’t be more thrilled about how the day turned out.”

Now this is the proper reaction to seeing your partner on your wedding day!

If you want to follow me on Instagram, I have two accounts: @bradleyhanson is my personal one, all square images from my iPhone since 2008. @bradleyhansonphotography is my professional portfolio, a mix of weddings, family and portraits, as well as black and white and color landscape images. If you are still reading this far, you’ve already figured out how to find my website…

I am a Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota based wedding photographer, specializing in documentary style weddings and Indian/Hindu weddings all over the world. To see more of my wedding work, click the wedding galleries under the portfolio heading. To inquire about my rates and availability, call me at 206-393-8292, email me at bradley@bradleyhanson.com or fill out the contact form (click the “contact” link on the top right above this paragraph).

Xandra And Ryan's Beautiful Outdoor Wisconsin Wedding at Hayvn At Hay River /  by Bradley Hanson

Hayvn at Hay River in Wisconsin is a farm based venue owned by the bride, Xandra, and her family since 2019. Because of the pandemic, the grand opening was significantly delayed until recently. It’s tucked away in an area of Wisconsin with beautiful rolling hills, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. But during the wedding, it felt like the center of the universe because there were so many beautiful things to photograph in every direction.

Xandra is a graphic designer, and her vision for the venue is that it will feel like, as the name implies, a haven for a great day. From the venue: “Located just an hour from the Twin Cities area and 10 minutes from Menomonie, Hayvn at Hay River is nestled among picturesque rolling hills. Our newly renovated venue accommodates up to 225 guests and offers both indoor and outdoor locations to customize your day. The grounds allow plenty of space for lawn games, cocktails on the patio, bonfires and gorgeous views of the countryside. Come experience the tranquility of this unique property and let us help you create the wedding of your dreams!” For more information about the venue, click here.

I chose the example photos below to not only give one a sense of the couple, and what it was like to be at the wedding, but also to showcase some of the unique and beautiful things I loved about the venue. I can’t wait to come back…

Click any image to see it at a larger size.

If you want to follow me on Instagram, I have two accounts: @bradleyhanson is my personal one, all square images from my iPhone since 2008. @bradleyhansonphotography is my professional portfolio, a mix of weddings, family and portraits, as well as black and white and color landscape images. If you are still reading this far, you’ve already figured out how to find my website…

I am a Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota based wedding photographer, specializing in documentary style weddings and Indian/Hindu weddings all over the world. To see more of my wedding work, click the wedding galleries under the portfolio heading. To inquire about my rates and availability, call me at 206-393-8292, email me at bradley@bradleyhanson.com or fill out the contact form (click the “contact” link on the top right above this paragraph).

Vanessa And Alex's Timeless Outdoor Seattle Wedding At Dunn Gardens /  by Bradley Hanson

I just photographed this wedding at Dunn Gardens in north Seattle a few weeks ago. This was the last frame, just after the sparklers burned out. The teal blue vintage Citroen DS originally belonged to AC/DC singer, Brian Johnson.

From the bride: “Alex and I met in August of 2019, from breweries, concerts, and camping we quickly realized there was something special there. The second week into dating I asked Alex if he would meet me at Pike Place Market to see Head and the Heart perform- not knowing that at the time, he left a wedding in Spokane (on the opposite end of Washington State), drove through the mountain pass and waded through the thick crowd to find me. The best concert with my favorite person.”

If you want to follow me on Instagram, I have two accounts: @bradleyhanson is my personal one, all square images from my iPhone since 2008. @bradleyhansonphotography is my professional portfolio, a mix of weddings, family and portraits, as well as black and white and color landscape images. If you are still reading this far, you’ve already figured out how to find my website…

I am a Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota based wedding photographer, specializing in documentary style weddings and Indian/Hindu weddings all over the world. To see more of my wedding work, click the wedding galleries under the portfolio heading. To inquire about my rates and availability, call me at 206-393-8292, email me at bradley@bradleyhanson.com or fill out the contact form (click the “contact” link on the top right above this paragraph).