A sampling of dresses in the Wedding Traditions of Steele County exhibit.
AS A PHOTOGRAPHER AND WRITER, details matter to me. Likewise, details matter to historians. We are meticulous in our documentation. We understand that details tell the complete story.
Details have always been important in wedding photography as shown in this exhibit photo.
Wedding gifts are listed in this book on display.
That is evident in Wedding Traditions of Steele County, a recently-opened exhibit at the Steele County History Center in Owatonna. Although bridal gowns certainly are the highlight, there is so much more to be seen—in the photos, in the genealogy, in the explanations of traditions.
This bow sits on the shoulder/neckline of a dress.
Lovely fabric rosettes adorn a 1964 bridal gown.
A sash ties in the front of a dress designed by Owatonna native Scott Nylund.
An illusion neckline drapes on a 1949 bridal gown.
As I took in the displays, I found myself focusing on details in bridal gown design.
Sharon West and her wedding party get ready for her September 1959 wedding at the United Methodist Church in Owatonna. Although this vintage shot doesn’t look posed, it likely was.
And then I studied the wedding photos, noting how wedding photography has changed from mostly formal posed portraits to the journalistic style of today.
A name place card is among items displayed.
Details, details, details. In planning a wedding, they are essential. And this exhibit shows that.
FYI: Check back tomorrow for one final post in this Wedding Traditions of Steele County series. Click here to read my first post in this series.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Audrey, details DO tell the complete story.
I so much loved these beautiful details and photographs. xx
Also, I love how all the women in the 50s wore lipstick!
Of course you would notice the lipstick. Details, my dear, details.
In the 1st Photo what is the item hanging on the wall – beautiful? The details make it pop as well as add that touch to a very special day. Thanks so much for sharing – Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂
I believe that’s a wedding banner, Renee. Did you notice the hoop “petticoat” (not sure if that’s the correct name) suspended from the ceiling in the right side of the first photo?
I caught that too. The banner really caught my eye and looks homemade too.
I’m pretty certain it’s homemade. I could return to this exhibit and see a lot I missed. I didn’t allow myself enough time.
They did an AMAZING Exhibit Display!
Yes, they did. This represents six months of hard work.
Attention paid to small things (details) has big rewards…be that a beautiful gown or wonderful wedding memories.
Precisely.
All of the pictures are beautiful but that 1949 gown really has a classic and timeless look to it.
Your assessment of that gown seems spot-on. It’s stunning and elegant.
Like you, I love detail! You certainly have captured some great detail in your photo’s, I especially like the neckline of the 1949 dress…so pretty!
That is a pretty lovely neckline. You are not the only reader to choose that as a favorite.