Winter weddings in Minnesota aren’t for the faint of heart — and Sammi and Logan embraced it fully.

They were married in early December at Catalyst by Nature Link, surrounded by trees, fresh winter air and the quiet beauty that only a Minnesota winter brings. Snowy ground, bare branches and crisp light created a backdrop that felt calm and cinematic all at once.

And despite the cold, no one held back from celebrating.

A full wedding weekend story

This celebration started the night before at Zorbaz, where Sammi and Logan gathered with family and friends for pizza, laughter and a relaxed rehearsal dinner. Being there made a difference — it meant walking into the wedding day already familiar with their people and their energy.

By the time the wedding day arrived, everything felt connected. Comfortable. Personal.

From morning prep to final goodbyes

I filmed from the very start of the day — makeup application, getting ready moments, the anticipation building — all the way to the final hugs and tearful goodbyes at the end of the night.

It was a long day, but an easy one to stay present for. When a couple values their memories enough to document the full story, it changes how the day is captured. Nothing feels rushed. Nothing important gets missed.

Braving the cold for beautiful moments

We stepped outside into the December air for portraits and video, and it was worth it. The winter landscape around Catalyst by Nature Link gave everything a peaceful, north-woods feel.

Cold hands, visible breath, and a couple willing to lean into the season made for some truly beautiful footage. Winter strips things back in a way that feels honest and that honesty translates so well on film.

Speeches that meant something

The speeches brought depth to the day.

Her father spoke with heart.

Her sister shared stories that made everyone laugh and tear up.

His brother added warmth and humor.

Each one painted a fuller picture of who Sammi and Logan are and the community around them.

A dance floor that never slowed down

Sammi and Logan invited a huge circle of friends and family, and they showed up ready to celebrate. The dance floor stayed packed all night. Could the open bar have had a hand in that? Maybe!

One of the most unforgettable moments?

Sammi’s 94-year-old grandma, Lois, dancing right alongside everyone else. She kept going and going and the room loved it. Moments like that carry so much life and perspective, and they’re the kind of memories couples treasure later.

A day worth documenting fully

What stood out most was how much this couple valued remembering. Not just the big milestones, but the in-between moments, the people, the atmosphere, the feeling of the whole day. I was there for multi-day coverage and it was the first wedding that I started doing all day coverage.

From Zorbaz the night before to the last goodbye on the dance floor, their wedding wasn’t just an event — it was a full story. And it deserved to be captured that way.

A Minnesota winter.

A forest-lined venue.

A packed dance floor and a grandmother who didn’t stop dancing.

A day that proved cold weather doesn’t make a wedding less lively — it just makes it memorable in a different way.

Photographer: Emily Isakson Photography
Venue: Catalyst by Nature Link
Planner: The Events Paige
DJ: JP at Premier Party Entertainment
Makeup: Desiree Graybill
Hair: Cindy at Bliss Salon
Florals: Melissa at Celebrations Floral
Shuttle: Reichert Bus
Catering: 3 Cheers Catering
Bar: Liquid Motion
Officiant: Lisa Cassman
Rehearsal dinner: Zorbaz