A Carousell Works Wedding:: Daniel & Brittany

He was hard to miss.  Daniel and his American adopted family walked into the church service while Brittany and her family sat in the back bleachers. Over six feet tall, coming in late, a protruding mohawk, cowboy boots, and the leather jacket with the American Flag had Brittany intrigued.

Over time their paths crossed again as Daniel joined the college age group at church.  It was here that a friendship between the two blossomed when Brittany discovered that this German native also shared her interest in country music, a dire love for coffee, sharing new adventures, a love for children, the Bible, and finding joy and humor in any situation.  Eventually the two began dating and Brittany realized the man she was with reminded her more and more of her own sweet father.

One spring afternoon Daniel invited Brittany over to his apartment and asked him to give her opinion an on a couple of project ideas that he had for his students.  Because she was not the teacher as Daniel was, she declined and pressed to move on.  Daniel persisted saying that he really needed her help.  Begrudgingly she lifted a paper towel off some peaches (her favorite fruit) that he had been carving out to find the words “YOU & ME” in them.  Not fully understanding what he was getting at, she frowned and moved on to the next project which was under a blanket in the living room.  Lifting it up, “Will you marry me?” was spelled out in glow sticks and Daniel sat on one knee waiting for her answer.  Everything now came together as she respond a resounding yes.

Their winter wedding was amazing.  So many intricate details made it it personal.  Everything from the table runners that her mother sewed to the centerpieces that were cut down from trees in Indiana on her uncles land to the German interpreter, and the American flag that Daniel purchased when he came from Germany to America.  The fingerprint tree that Daniel’s father brought all the way across the world with his grandparent’s thumbprints and the coffee bar that they had for guests as they arrived on the cold Minnesota day were other details that made it unique.

On a personal level, it was one for me that was incredibly rewarding and meaningful.  Crazy enough, our family has know Brittany since she was 12.  We have spent numerous days together as she was our babysitter throughout middle and high-school.  She grew up in our home and knows our family so well.  (Actually while I was shooting this family photos during the wedding, Ben leaned over to me and said, “the Chaffins are kind of like our family, right mom?”) He couldn’t have been more correct and we couldn’t have been more honored to share in their wonderful day. Brittany and Daniel, we love you and can’t wait to spend more time with you as your marriage grows.  You are both amazing, God-fearing people that we are blessed to call family.

Vendors that helped make this day even more beautiful::
Ceremony:: Central Lutheran Church
Reception:: The Carousell Works
Wedding Planner:: Lonnie Peterson
Hair:: Jarae Ehr
Make-Up:: Lauren Chaffin
Florist:: Branch and Vine Design
DJ:: Alex Wallner
Stationary:: Invitations by Dawn
Wedding dress:: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses:: David’s Bridal
Men’s Designer and where purchased:: Jones New York, Men’s Warehouse
Bride’s Shoes:: Kelly & Katie:: DSW
Rings:: Shane Co.
Jewelry:: Charming Charlie’s