Alyssa Dahneke
- Jun 10, 2023
- 2 min read

Summer Sealing at the Saint Paul Minnesota Temple

Lexanne & Ben were sealed for time and all eternity in the Saint Paul Minnesota Temple this past Saturday! The forecast threatened rain but the morning was beautiful. A patchwork of clouds filled the sky to soften the sunlight as it streamed down.

Lexanne & Ben met through their church congregation. Lexanne told me that when she first talked with Ben, she must have gotten him mixed up with someone else because she asked him where his girlfriend was. Confused, Ben replied that he didn’t have a girlfriend. As it turned out, his soon-to-be girlfriend and future wife was standing right in front of him.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the marriage ceremony (or sealing as it’s called) is performed inside of temples. Temples are similar to church buildings, but more sacred. Only church members who have made specific promises to God are allowed inside. Cameras, as you can imagine, are not permitted inside of temples. During the ceremony, couples kneel across from each other and hold hands as they are sealed together forever. Mirrors hang on opposite walls behind them to create an infinite reflection, representing eternity and the link between generations before and the generations to come.

Lexanne & Ben had family members and friends there to support them both inside and outside the temple. As we waited for Lexanne & Ben to make their grand exit as husband and wife, I spoke with Lexanne’s grandmother. When I asked where her husband was, she said he had passed away several years ago. I saw tears welling up in her eyes. “Could you feel him here today?” I asked. She smiled and nodded, “you read my mind.” It was my turn to blink away tears after that.

To Lexanne & Ben, I am so grateful to have been able to document this beautiful day for you! I hope you will always remember these special moments, the ones both photographed and not. I could see through my lens the love and care that you have for each other in every embrace. My biggest heartfelt congratulations to you both! May your love live on through eternity.