Hanna + Hunter

Downtown Fargo holds a lot of special memories for Hanna and Hunter, including the day they first met at Rosey’s Bistro a few years ago. Their timeless chic wedding day perfectly captured their love for the area, and for each other.

Hunter planned a surprise proposal during a trip to Seattle to visit friends. With the help of those friends, they found a beautiful spot overlooking a lake nestled in between the mountains. Hunter took the opportunity to tell Hanna “how grateful he was to be there with her and that they should take in all of the beauty surrounding them.” He then pulled out a small white box with the engagement ring and asked Hanna to marry him. Later that evening they celebrated at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Seattle skyline.

From Seattle back to Fargo, Hanna and Hunter began planning their wedding day. A big inspiration for Hanna was Carrie Bradshaw’s wedding in the “Sex and the City” movie. “Everything was so chic and timeless,” she says.

The day started out at The Bunker, an underground speakeasy in the heart of downtown. After an emotional first look, the couple spent some quiet time together taking photos. Hanna says “The Bunker had the coolest environment and added to our timeless theme. We spent some time together to soak it all in, which was one of the most special times of the day.”

Photographer Abby Anderson adds, “This wedding was bold, chic and fabulous! I love seeing how Hunter and Hanna’s relationship is one of mutual trust and admiration.”

They were joined by their wedding party for group photos, pizza and a round of pool. More photos around downtown showcased the couple’s city aesthetic. Hanna loves to style things and be creative, so having photos that reflected their wedding style meant a lot. She adds, “I told Abby my inspiration and she ran with it!”

Heading to the wedding venue, the family-oriented couple took some private time with their families before the ceremony. Hanna mentions, “Our ceremony was officiated by one of our closest friends. She is such a comforting and happy presence in our lives, which made this time cherished that much more beautiful.” Hunter’s thoughtful nature led to what Hanna says was her favorite part of the day, “hearing the vows that he wrote to me. It was such a special moment to hear him reflect on, and appreciate, all of the details that ultimately make us the couple that we are.”

The night continued with a cocktail hour followed by dinner, speeches, cake and dancing. One thing the couple decided to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic was eliminating the dessert table. They instead provided individual bundt cakes or “bundtinis” from Nothing Bundt Cakes at each guest’s place setting. Hanna says, “They were a huge hit.” A honeymoon on the beach in Cancun, Mexico, gave the newlyweds a chance to relax and recharge.

Hanna offers up her words of wisdom for other couples, “My piece of advice for anybody planning a wedding right now would be to stick to what is most important to you and your fiancé. I would also advise anybody planning a wedding to limit the number of things you offer to do yourselves; they add up quickly!” Most importantly, she adds, “Do your best to be present and focus on your love for your spouse throughout the entire day.”

CEREMONY: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Detroit Lakes

RECEPTION & FOOD: Spitfire, Detroit Lakes

CAKE & CUPCAKE FAVORS: Amanda Boutain, Little Cakes Cupcakery, Glenwood

VIDEOGRAPHER: Complete

Weddings and Events Fargo

DRESS & VEIL: Bridal Gallery of Sioux Falls

SUITS: Tip Top Tux

BRIDESMAID DRESSES:

David’s Bridal

WORDS : MEGAN ELGIN PHOTOGRAPHY : ABBY ANDERSON