Many couples have been on the fence lately trying to decide between having a Wedding vs an Elopement. For some couples it’s a no brainer- whereas others have some questions…What is the difference? Which one is better to do? Which one is more affordable? How does one decide, etc. While both have pro’s and cons, I’m here to help you decide which one is a better fit for YOU! Let’s dive in!

Wedding vs Elopement

Stunning pearl veil shot of wedding couple during sunset in Minneapolis

If you’re a future bride looking for the perfect wedding venue to have your special day at – look no further! Ahavah Cottage is a cozy, modern wedding venue located only an hour from the Twin Cities in Elysian, Minnesota! Enjoy this overview of an Ahavah Cottage Wedding by Heidi Straus Photography.

Ahavah Cottage Wedding – by Heidi Straus Photography

Wedding Party in Black and White at the Ahavah Cottage Wedding Venue in Minnesota

If you’re struggling to find a beautiful, luxurious wedding venue for your special day in Minnesota- look no further! These are my absolute top 10 favorite luxurious wedding venues in Minnesota!

Top 10 Luxurious Wedding Venues in Minnesota

Italy Destination Wedding

If you’re considering getting married at the Oak Glen Golf Club in Stillwater, look no further! This venue is absolutely beautiful! I had the honor of photographing Jordan and Isabella’s wedding there and I cannot recommend this place enough!

Oak Glen Golf Club Wedding in Stillwater

Stillwater wedding party walking over the Mississippi bridge in Minnesota

Looking for the best engagement photo locations in Minneapolis? Look no further! I’ve created this guide to show you some of the best spots in and around Minneapolis where I take all my couples who are recently engaged! If that’s you, congratulations on your engagement! What an exciting time! I’m Heidi- A professional wedding and elopement photographer based in Minneapolis! Let’s dive right in!

Best Engagement Photo Locations In Minneapolis

Minnesota engagement couple at the Stone Arch Bridge in Downtown Minneapolis

It can be hard to know whether or not you’re booking a professional wedding photographer and not just a hobbyist! The reason this is true is because you don’t technically need any degree or certification to become a photographer! Any person with a camera nowadays call themselves a photographer…and sure.. they are. But how do you know if they’re a professional who knows what they’re doing? How do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth? I’ve created this guide to help you know if you’re booking a professional wedding photographer or not. Let’s dive right in!

How to Know if You’re Booking a Professional Wedding Photographer?

Wedding Flat lay & details in Italy

Dear future Bride, if you want some super helpful tips for your wedding day from a professional wedding photographer who’s seen it all, this is for you! A wedding photographer is your absolute best friend when it comes to wedding tips! They often act as the wedding planner, emergency go-to, wedding co-ordinator, hype person and so much more! So your first tip right off the bat – Trust your wedding photographer! They know what’s up! So let’s dive right in to my top tips for brides from a professional wedding photographer! (That’s me by the way, I’m Heidi- Nice to meet you! 🙂 )

Top Tips for Brides from a Professional Wedding Photographer

South African elopement couple walking away together in Cape Town

If you’re wondering whether you should do a first look or not on your wedding day, this is for you!
Hi there! My name is Heidi Straus and I’m a professional Wedding photographer based in the US. I’m originally from South Africa and the BIGGEST difference in weddings I’ve seen in the US vs South Africa, is the first look. I think it’s genius! Here’s why you should do a first look on your wedding day…

Why You Should do a First Look on Your Wedding Day

Bridal Details on a fall wedding day

If you’re a Bride or future Bride-to-be and you’re wondering what to include in your wedding day timeline, this is the guide for you! Having a wedding day timeline is SO important! I’ve photographed countless weddings in all different seasons and places with so many different timelines. There are some things that just STAND OUT that are worth mentioning! So here are a few tips from a professional wedding photographer that I’d love to give you to help you plan your perfect wedding day timeline!

What to Include in Your Wedding Day Timeline?

Fall Bridal Party reveal in North Dakota

If you’re considering having your wedding at the Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson Wisconsin, look no further! This was a beautiful venue for Matthew and Maddie who celebrated their special day during Spring! This venue has a capacity to hist 300 guests with both in-door as well as out-door options! They offer in-house catering with fresh ingredients and home-made recipes as well as an array of beverage packages and signature cocktails with a wide selection of high-end liquor. They have a gorgeous bridal suite to get ready in and stunning spots on the golf course for sunset photos! Please enjoy these beautiful photos of Matthew and Maddie’s special day the the Burne Golf Club Wedding in Hudson Wisconsin.

Troy Burne Golf Club Wedding In Hudson Wisconsin

Minnesota Bridal Party with pink blossom flowers and pastel dresses