Anna and Ryan planned a wedding that actually made sense for their lives, and their A’BULAE wedding reflected that in every way. High school sweethearts turned real-life adults, these two have grown up together in the most natural way. From the Chicago suburbs to building a home in NE Minneapolis, their story feels steady, intentional, and deeply rooted in who they are now.

Ryan is a mechanical engineer, Anna is a second-year med student at the U (which, yes, is wildly impressive), and together they’ve created a life that’s equally active and cozy. They’re into biking, ice skating, cooking good food, brewery hopping, and going home to their black cat, Ziggy.

A documentary-style, emotion-forward approach mattered so much to them. That intention carried through the entire day. This wedding was about presence, and those are the days I thrive in—quietly observing, letting moments breathe, and then stepping up when the story needs it most.

A Downtown St. Paul Wedding Ceremony at A’BULAE That Beat the Rain

This Minnesota wedding venue absolutely understood the assignment. Sitting right in downtown St. Paul, A’BULAE feels modern, warm, and elevated. We were watching the forecast all week. Rain, rain, rain. The kind of forecast that makes everyone slightly anxious. Somehow, the universe pulled through. The rain held off all day, letting the ceremony and portraits happen exactly as planned, and only showed up later in the evening when everyone was already inside.

The florals deserve their own moment here because they were so damn good. Rich, color-soaked arrangements full of depth, texture, and lush greens, exactly the kind of palette that brings an urban space to life. I will forever be an advocate for more color at weddings, and this day proved why. Color adds emotion. It adds energy. It photographs beautifully, especially when paired with natural light and intentional design like this. Everything felt vibrant!

This is also where the mix of film and digital really radiated. Film brought that softness and nostalgic depth, especially with the greens and florals, while digital captured the movement, reactions, and fleeting in-between moments with clarity. Together, it told the story in a layered and honest way.

An Indoor Reception, Big Surprises, & a Dance Floor That Went Off

By the time the rain finally showed up, the timing couldn’t have been better. Everyone was inside, settled into the wedding reception at A’BULAE, and ready to fully relax. Then came the surprise literally no one saw coming: one of the moms hired Goldy Gopher to crash the party. Iconic. The room completely lost it, and it reminds you that weddings don’t have to take themselves so seriously all the time.

The dance floor stayed packed, and the energy just kept building. This is where documentary coverage really earns its keep: sweaty hugs, chaotic dancing, loud laughter, and moments that only happen when everyone stops thinking and just exists together. Anna and Ryan threw the best kind of wedding.

More: Colorful Minneapolis Club Wedding

From the Couple

“Oh my gosh, MADDI!!!! We are absolutely blown away by the gallery! You did such a fantastic job, we could not love these photos more! You captured our day perfectly!! There are so many moments here that are SO special to me, and I am so thankful you were there to help us have these memories forever. We seriously love them so much ❤️ THANK YOU!💗💗💗💗💗💗 We are seriously so thankful. Your talent, but also your vibes, really are amazing!! Couldn’t be more happy we met you and were able to have you as our wedding photographer!”

Vendors

Photographer | Maddi Waldo Photo

Day of Coordinator | Mackenzie James Weddings & Events

Videographer | Authentic Reels

Florist | Style Society

Photobooth & DJ | Bellagala

HMUA | Primped

Venue | A’BULAE