Pondview Farm | Wedding - Kendra Lauck Photography

Jessica & Dominic’s Beautiful Pondview Farm Wedding

This past Saturday, I had the honor of photographing Jessica and Dominic’s wedding at the ever-charming Pondview Farm, a venue that perfectly reflected the warmth and beauty of their love story. Nestled in Minnesota’s countryside, the red barn stood as a backdrop to a day full of emotions—joy, love, remembrance, and celebration. With rustic charm at every turn, from the flower beds to the large swing in the woods, Pondview Farm offered picture-perfect locations to capture the magic of their day.

A Love Story Rooted in Friendship

Jessica and Dominic’s wedding holds a special place in my heart, not just because of the stunning setting, but because of the bond we’ve formed throughout their wedding journey. It’s been an honor to get to know them—from the laughter and love shared during their engagement session last fall to the heartbreaking moment earlier this year when Jessica’s father passed away.

In March, we had planned a family session to capture some portraits with her father ahead of the wedding. Sadly, the day before the session, I received the devastating news that he had passed. It was a time of deep grief for Jessica and her family, and through those tough moments, I felt the strength and resilience in their bond. It’s this love that carried them through their wedding day, where they honored his memory in the most beautiful and personal ways.

Honoring a Father’s Memory

As Jessica walked down the aisle at Pondview Farm’s stunning outdoor ceremony space, she carried with her a white balloon in memory of her father. Meeting Dominic halfway down the aisle, they released the balloon together—an emotional, tender tribute that had everyone in tears. The white balloon, gently floating upward, was such a powerful symbol of the love and connection Jessica shared with her dad, and though he wasn’t physically present, it felt as though he was watching over them.

There was also a beautifully placed “In Loving Memory” sign in the front row, a spot reserved for her father during the ceremony. These moments of remembrance made their day not only a celebration of love but also a heartfelt tribute to the man who played such an important role in Jessica’s life.

Love, Laughter, and Celebration at Pondview Farm

Jessica and Dominic’s day wasn’t just about heartfelt tributes; it was also filled with pure joy and celebration. After their emotional ceremony, the atmosphere quickly shifted into one of laughter and fun. Surrounded by family and friends who had been there to support them through every step of their journey, the couple hosted a lively bags tournament—complete with custom-made boards crafted by Dominic’s sister, featuring their last name and wedding date.

It was so fun to see everyone’s competitive spirits come out as they played, and Jessica and Dominic even took on the finalists in a friendly competition. The atmosphere was lighthearted, full of smiles and shared moments that made the day feel even more special.

Moments of Tender Love

Throughout the day, I had the joy of capturing the genuine connection between Jessica and Dominic. From their sweet first look near the pond to their sunset portraits bathed in golden light, they embraced each moment with such excitement. Their relationship, which began as young love, was a beautiful reminder of how far they’ve come and how deeply they care for one another.

One of the sweetest touches came at the end of the night when Jessica and Dominic celebrated their story with Dilly Bars—yes, you read that right! Their Dairy Queen roots came full circle with a fun nod to how their journey began, as they and their wedding party enjoyed the nostalgic treat, gifted to them by their boss who, in a way, started it all.

A Wedding to Remember

Jessica and Dominic’s wedding at Pondview Farm wasn’t just another event—it was a true celebration of life, love, and the people who mean the most to them. It’s moments like these, filled with laughter, tears, and sweet remembrances, that make weddings so incredibly special to capture. I’m beyond grateful to have been part of their journey and to have witnessed the start of their new chapter together.

To relive some of the joy from their engagement session last fall, you can check out their engagement session here. Watching their love story unfold has been nothing short of beautiful, and I can’t wait to see where life takes them next.