Heather + Justin // Maui, Hawaii

I generally spend one or two days with a couple as I tell their story - I was honored to spend almost a week with Heather and Justin as they celebrated with family and friends on Maui, Hawaii. I was allowed in to some incredibly special moments and I’ll treasure our time together forever. Filming on an island brings all sorts of opportunities and challenges. From the Makawao forest to the Makena shoreline this slice of Hawaiian paradise was the perfect backdrop for an epic love story. But as brightly as Maui shined, it was the love Heather and Justin have for each other that stole the show. From every laugh, passing glance, and kiss the depth of their relationship and friendship was on display. They are remarkable individuals, who also make the perfect team, and the world is a better place now that they’re together. Congratulations and Mahalo Heather and Justin! Special thanks to Kara and her team at Your Aloha Wedding Company. Every detail was thought of, perfectly appointed, and went off flawlessly - truly amazing work! Thank you also to Anna of Anna Kim Photography, it is an honor to shoot alongside such a talent who I also get to call a close friend :) Finally, much appreciation to Rio Event Design, Sperry Tents Hawaii, The Four Seasons Resort Maui, Spago, Manutea Nui E, The Honua Kai Lani Estate, Mandy Grace Designs, and Ron Winckler! 

Lindsay + Dusty // Town & Country Club

There is nothing better than a warm summer night on the river with family and friends, and that’s how Lindsay and Dusty kicked off their wedding weekend. Even the sunset that night couldn't have been better. Weather on the wedding day was a different story :) We had to dodge the rain a few times but Andrew from Vick Photography found us some wonderful dry locations, everyone rolled with it (Andrews enthusiasm definitely always helps), and shorty after the ceremony everything had cleared up and we were treated to another spectacular sunset. The view of the Minneapolis skyline from Town & Country was incredible as always but we also ended up having perfect seats for the Aquatennial fireworks! If all of this wasn’t amazing enough, we were joined by Jack Bauer for some photos. Jack is Lindsay and Dusty’s golden retriever who couldn’t have been sweeter and more photogenic! The weekend was an ideal reflection of this amazing couple - elegant yet fun. Sure, the ladies got ready in the Prince suite at the Loews, but we also stopped by J. R. Mac’s for some post ceremony beers :) Joan from Ambiente planned and coordinated a truly remarkable weekend, and it is always an honor to work alongside such a talent. Special thank you to St. Albert the Great Catholic Church for being so welcoming. Congratulations again Lindsay and Dusty!!! It’s a true honor to call you friends and to have been asked to tell your story!

Tara + Charlie // Green Bay

Tara and Charlie had the most beautiful summer wedding in Green Bay, Wisconsin. One of the things I love most about what I do is being able to travel and experience new places. I totally fell in love with GB, Tara, Charlie, and their incredible group of family and friends. The weekend was full of laughter, joy, intense water volleyball, and heartfelt emotion as these two amazing people joined their lives together. We had to dodge the rain a little on Friday, but it made for an adventure on the pontoon - other than that everything couldn’t have been more perfect. The father of the bride asked for just one thing in his toast to Charlie, that he “love her to death. That’s all.” And after spending a few days with them I can tell you that won’t be problem. Their love for each other is evident in all the big and small ways - from subtle glances to moving words in their letters - these two make the perfect team and have a very bright future ahead. Of course there is SO MUCH more I want to say but their films does it better than I ever could. A special thank you to the Oneida Country Club, Annunciation Parish and Bishop Bob, and the John Paris Band. It was also a pleasure to shoot along side Kelsy & Butch of McCartneys Photography. Congratulations Tara and Charlie, I am honored to know you and to have been able to tell your story.

Sam + Aaron // A'BULAE

Sam and Aaron had an absolutely incredible St. Paul summer wedding. The weather was perfect, the bride was stunning, every detail was thought of, and most of all their friends and family were ready to celebrate! From the ceremony at The Church of St. Joseph to the reception at A’BULAE it was one beautiful moment after another. There were tears of joy and laughter, touching and emotional toasts, dancing, dining, and so much more. I’m so honored to know Sam and Aaron and to have been able to tell their story. During their relationship and engagement Sam was in pharmacy school while Aaron was on the road playing hockey for the Washington Capitals. Two stressful things to do in addition to a long distance relationship. But with the strength of their friendship and love they made it work. They are truly extraordinary people who make the perfect team! Special thanks to Rachelle and her team at Style-Architects Weddings + Events for planning and coordinating an extraordinary weekend! It was an honor to shoot alongside Betsy Wall! Thank you also to the St. Paul Doubletree, Sadies Floral Couture, Apres Party and Tent Rental, Linen Effects, Cocoa & Fig, Northstar, Elan Artist Band and Lianna Rose Beauty. There are so many things I want to share but their film says it all. Congratulations Sam and Aaron!!!

Joe Mauer and Friends Kids Class // Gillette Children's

The inaugural Mauer and Friends Kids Classic presented by Joe and Maddie Mauer. The event included an on-field activity for Gillette kids, a corporate luncheon, and a conversation with Joe Mauer and other local sports celebrities. All proceeds raised benefit the children and families at Gillette! gillettechildrens.org

Scott + Katie // Chicago

Katie and Scott were married in Chicago at The Peninsula Hotel. I couldn’t have been more honored to tell their story. They are both individually impressive people and together make the perfect team. Amidst all the details, people, and events I’d constantly catch them simply looking at each other - wide-eyed, smiling, and totally in love. Katie’s smile was infectious and could light up the city, and Scott in his dark blue tux couldn’t have been more dapper as he tore up the dance floor. Their family and friends were an absolute blast to capture and get to know as well. The weekend included an architectural boat tour, a grooms dinner at the Boarding house, and a million incredible moments filled with love and laughter. The wedding was black tie and with a backdrop like the Peninsula everything and everyone couldn’t have been more stunning. I have so many favorite moments from our time together but they’re better seen than written about:) Reva Nathan and her incredible team planned and coordinated a perfect day. It was a pleasure to shoot along side Collin Pierson at the grooms dinner and Emilia Jane on the wedding day. Keheo Designs outdid themselves with the flowers and the band from Arlen Music Productions was outstanding and kept the dance floor packed late into the night. Katie and Scott thank you for having me. This is a weekend I’ll remember forever! To see the music used in this film please click here

Tanner // Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare

To the nurses, doctors, and staff of Gillette, you are my new heroes. To the families and patients who work to recover, persevere through adversaity, and yet are some of the most uplifting people I've ever met, you give me hope for the world. I was intruded to Gillette through Joe and Maddie Mauer. Joe (#7!) plays for the Minnesota Twins and Maddie was an OR nurse at Gillette. I was lucky enough to film their wedding a few years back, and absolutely honored when they asked me to tell Tanner's story for a Gillette fundraiser at Target Field. Joe and Maddie, as well as their families, have been so incredibly generous and supportive of Gillette and after creating this film and seeing Gillette up-close I know why. I didn't know this level of care was possible, let alone in our own back yard in the Twin Cities. Children with some of the most complex medical conditions from all over the world come to Gillette. Hopefully through Tanner's story you'll get a glimpse of what I saw, and if you're looking for an organization to support it's hard to think of a more worthy one than Gillette! 

Patricia + Junaid // Nicollet Island

Patricia and Junaid are the perfect match. Sure, they’re both doctors, have similar personalities, like they same music, and so on… but most importantly they are best friends! After spending any amount of time around them it’s hard to miss their love. Their smiles, eyes, and laughter say it all. They are remarkable and accomplished individuals, but now that they’re officially teamed up, look out :) Their compassion, caring, and expertise will make this world a better place. One of the best parts of their wedding weekend was seeing two cultures and families come together! The traditional Pakistani celebration was held at the Commons hotel, and the wedding was at Nicollet Island. The mehndi, stealing of the shoes, dancing and jewelry were amazing and perfectly juxtaposed the following day with a traditional wedding…. well, as traditional as you can get with the Groom on drums! A huge thank you to the friends and family who made both celebrations possible! It was also an honor to shoot alongside my incredibly talented friend Laura Ivanova. Finally, one more highlight from our time together, as a pediatrician Patrica couldn’t end her thank you at the reception without one important piece of advice… (see film) Thank you again and congratulations Patricia and Junaid! To purchase the music used in this film please click here

Steven + Stella // Interlachen Country Club

Steven + Stella // Interlachen Country Club from John Hoel on Vimeo.

Capturing two people join their lives together is always an honor, but to see that done in addition to joining cultures and families was extra special. Stella and Steven had a wedding weekend filled with love, laughter, and overflowing happiness. Their family and friends couldn’t have been more excited and ready to celebrate these two amazing people every step of the way. Special thanks to Lindsay from Lindsay Piram Creative for coordinating and planning a beautiful and perfect weekend. The transformation of Interlachen Country Club was absolutely stunning! It was an honor to shoot alongside Sally from La Vie Photography, and thank you also to The Westin Edina Galleria, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Vera Wang, and L'Atelier Couture Bridal Boutique! From the tea ceremony to the reception this was a weekend I’ll remember forever. Congratulations Stella and Steven! To purchase the music used in this film please click here

Chad + Laura // The Grand Adventure

Chad and Laura are one of those couples that instantly make sense - you see them together and you can’t imagine a more perfect fit. As the mother of the groom mentioned in her toast, “There is something magical between them,” and trust me it’s hard to miss. With every impromptu dance, kiss, or glance their love was always on display. Their wedding weekend was filled with tears of joy and laughter, dancing, poetry, and lots of love. From the rehearsal dinner at Dove Hill in St. Paul, to the wedding at White Bear Yatch Club, everything couldn’t have been more perfect. Special thanks to Rita and her team from Premier Panning Services for a perfectly appointed and flawless celebration. It was an honor to have the Mayor of Minneapolis, and close friend of the family, Betsy Hodges perform the ceremony. This is a weekend I’ll remember forever and am so honored to have captured. Congratulations Laura and Chad! In the words of Mayor Hodges, “Marriage is the grand adventure of a lifetime. Welcome.” To purchase the music used in this film please click here