Greek tradition met modern art for Maria + Zack's nuptials at the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, MN. Traveling from Paris, France and Sonoma, California, these two met in the middle to join their worlds, surrounded by family and friends and a lot of truly amazing food! Their ceremony in the gallery had them flanked by stunning art while they incorporated their diverse heritages into their vows. Guests were treated to an incredible cocktail hour of endless gourmet cheeses and charcuterie, a lovely multi-course meal, some very moving (and hilarious) speeches, plus an evening full of dancing with special guest DJs. Congratulations, Zack + Maria, you two sure know how to throw an awesome party!
Read moreEmily + Samm // Nicollet Island Pavilion Wedding
Emily + Samm traveled all the way from London to celebrate their marriage in Minnesota! And their epic day begin with an iconic first look outside of the Guthrie Theater and a stroll across the Stone Arch Bridge to meet their wedding party. With a gorgeous ceremony along the riverbanks of Nicollet Island, stunning views of of downtown Minneapolis, and a party in the historic mill pavilion, they certainly gave their guests an experience of a lifetime! The travel theme was carried through with a beautifully designed map/seating chart of all the places they had visited together and their guest book was a classic globe. And because it was Summer in Minnesota, dessert was of course an ice cream bar! The Bride and Groom waltzed a romantic first dance and everyone enjoyed the live band into the evening. Thank you, Emily + Samm, for the loveliest day!
Read moreEmily + David // Silverwood Park Wedding
With one of the most stunning natural backdrops ever, Emily + David tied the knot at Silverwood Park, MN. The day started with a little summer rain, but the sky open up just in time for their festivities! Basking in the sunshine, welcomed by rambunctious ring bearers and flower girls, surrounded by a wedding party in beautiful pastel lavender, and serenaded by special friends, this was the perfect ceremony. The celebration continued with portraits around the park and cocktails... guests enjoyed a giant photo booth, some very clever Trivial Pursuit as seating cards, and an interactive art piece guest book. Lots of dancing and a rousing scavenger hunt/musical chairs game kept everyone highly entertained! Congrats, Dave + Emily, and thanks for such a memorable party!
Read morePublished // Minnesota Bride Magazine - "Blushing Beauty"
Thrilled to have Minnesota Bride Magazine showcase my work as part of their Instagram feature... check out the bottom left corner image -- the bride in the giant flowing pink dress! *Swoon*
Read the feature here :: http://mnbride.com/details/blushing-beauty-dreamy-pale-pink-tones-our-instagram-feed
Jasmine + Jeremy // Arboretum Wedding MN + Bauhaus Brew Labs
Jasmine + Jeremy's fairytale wedding was MN summer perfection. Their intimate, 20-person ceremony took place under a giant weeping willow tree at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. And their casual reception was all about providing their guests with lots of fun, yummy food and really good beer at Bauhaus Brew Labs in Minneapolis. Friends enjoyed the patio games, a photo booth, a seriously amazing donut bar and a giant bubble machine! These two did everything right in making their fun-loving and laid-back personalities part of the day. Congrats!
Read moreShaya + Bradford // The Happy Gnome - Wedding Photographer
The lovely power duo of Shaya + Brad planned such a wonderfully intimate marriage celebration that I might even consider it MY ideal wedding! ;) These two started by inviting only their closest family and friends, making for a guest list of just 35 people (yay!). And then they went on to perfect every single last detail (think custom-just-about-everything). The wedding party started their day at the charming New Victorian Bed and Breakfast in St. Paul, MN and the bride did an unparalleled job at matching everything to the overall theme... from rich blue velvet accents and blue suede shoes, to delicate winter florals, vintage-like jewels, and a 3-piece suit... needless to say, they were certainly dripping with style. The couple shared a cozy fireside wedding ceremony at The Happy Gnome where they walked each other down the aisle (my fav!) and topped it off with a champagne toast and some truly delicious food. The tables were decorated with fresh greens, votive candles and each place setting with gold chargers and hand-painted blue-agate place cards! Guests were treated to a specialty cookie bar for dessert as well as the couple's very favorite carrot cake. The newlyweds even made time for a little escape to the bar at The Commodore for their first celebratory drink as husband and wife. YES! Congrats and well done!
Read moreHannah + Matt // Landmark Center Wedding
Hannah + Matt hosted a seriously GORGEOUS winter wedding at the historic Landmark Center in Saint Paul, MN. And their incredibly talented coordinators at Pink Peony Wedding & Events perfected every single detail, from creating a highly romantic vibe with stunning floral decor to a fun + deliciously sweet candy bar for the guests. The wedding party embraced the season with dark maroon ties and dresses, gray pashmina wraps and a deeply rich color palette for the bouquets. We began with a few unique formal portraits in the restored courtrooms and then ventured outside for laid-back images in Rice Park. From there the couple exchanged vows with a candle-lit early evening ceremony inside the beautiful main gallery, and were serenaded by a string quartet. Following the ceremony the guests were invited upstairs for a wine hour and then the night was topped off with a very elegant dinner, some wonderfully touching speeches, and an amazing wedding party dance-off! Hannah + Matt's celebration was lovely in every way and a great beginning their story together.
Read moreAlissa + Matt // The Proposal - 112 Eatery, Minneapolis
Matt planned a gorgeous, super romantic proposal for his girl, Alissa, and everything went perfectly! (spoiler alert... she said YES). He arranged for a private room at 112 Eatery in downtown Minneapolis, one of their favorite restaurants, and thought of every last detail -- from strings of cafe lights to beautiful flowers, fun photos of their adventures together, special wine and a custom dinner menu -- all leading up to his popping the question on 3 mini-chalkboard signs (Alissa... will you... marry me?). Alissa was genuinely surprised and couldn't believe that he had done so much planning without her knowing! They embraced, laughed, toasted with champagne and then sat down to share their first meal together as fiancees. Congratulations Alissa + Matt -- I was honored to witness!
Read moreErin + Chris // New Year's Eve - Winter Wedding Minneapolis
Erin and Chris got hitched on the very last day of 2016! And these two were all about sharing the celebration with their family and friends. The day started in classic midwest style with everyone wearing flannel! And the Bride made sure to make her Bridesmaids feel special with custom chalk-board signs that shared how they were each connected to her. Erin's "something blue" was her lace Tom's flats, but she also planned appropriately for the season with fancy Ugg boots! And her Bridesmaids rocked stunning gray-blue toned dresses. Once dressed, Erin did a very memorable Bridesmaid's "First Look", making an entrance in a glass elevator as all the girls anticipated her arrival below.
Read moreThe Magic Hour // Wedding Photography MN
Many clients ask me why I always sneak in 30 minutes during sunset to pull them away from the festivities... and well, since a photo is worth a thousand words, here are some examples of images made during "magic hour" (about 30-40 mins before full sunset). What's so magic about it? This time of day provides for a gorgeous, soft and very flattering light overall - creating rich and saturated images. It also ends up a being a nice break from the reception for the couple; another moment to reconnect with each other and remember what the day is truly about (your love!). So, my advice is to make sure to allow a few minutes for these romantic portraits in your Timeline - you won't regret it!
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