There are many reasons why I love what I do, but today I’ll focus on two: Meeting new people and exploring new locations. When I first met Merritt and Patrick, it was clear to me I would enjoy collaborating with them. I mean, seriously, they are cute, cool, and hip – I’m impressed by anyone capable of pulling off gold shoes and a sweater vest. In addition to sporting cool gold shoes, Merritt is also a wonderful artist. You can check out her work here.
I’ve shot on a boat before, but this was my first engagement session on one. I’m happy shooting anywhere, but it’s always fun to try new locations that challenge your creativity and force you to think of new ideas. The boat, the lake, and Excelsior are a big part of their summer life, so I’m happy we were able to incorporate them despite the cold weather. We started the session on the boat, and later walked around downtown Excelsior. We finished our session at Jake O’Connor’s – probably the cleanest pub I’ve ever been to (I can’t help but notice). Thanks Merritt and Patrick for showing me around and introducing me to the “poor men’s black velvet”. Pictures below!






















Every time I meet parents with older kids I am immediately impressed – and jealous. And when I say older, I mean older than my Noa who’s currently 3.5 years old. Kids are fascinating, and observing the differences between the ages always makes me wonder what Noa will be like when she’s older. Simultaneously, I’m happy Noa is as young as she is, and can’t wait to watch her grow. She brings an overwhelming sense of pride to my life, and I know Devon and Jazmyne do the same for Connie.
When Connie and I were planning the session, I was delighted to hear she will be bringing her kids to the second part of the session. Devon and Jazmyne were very sweet and patient during the session while I was getting some shots of Connie and Erik. Oh, and Jazmyne – is quite the little art director. If you like the family shots from this session, credits go to her:)
We started in the Saint Anthony Main area, walked over the Stone Arch Bridge, and then went inside the Guthrie to warm up a little. Later, we went to to a special spot to get some jets taking off in the background. Check it out!
PS – Connie will be wearing two different gowns for the wedding – I can’t wait to see those gowns!














The ballroom at the Water Street Inn was packed. As Kelly and Tim made their entrance to the cheers of the crowd, I thought about how cool my job is, and how happy I was to be there (while shooting, of course). Almost every member of the wedding party made a little speech, and while listening (and shooting, of course) I realized something. Despite the fact I have not known Kelly and Tim for as long as everybody else there, they inspired me no less. Their sincerity, loyalty and positive spirit brings them quickly closer to people’s hearts.
Kelly and Tim made some wise choices on their wedding day – I was particularly excited about the trolley ride from the chapel to Stillwater!
The ceremony was held at the Nazareth Chapel, on the beautiful grounds of Northwestern College. Given the fact Kelly and Tim had me for 10 hours, we had ample time to take advantage of the gorgeous architecture. For transportation, they chose the Stillwater Trolley to take the wedding party to the reception. When Kelly told me about the trolley, I knew I had to be on it (Thanks Brad for driving my car). Some of the images from the trolley ride are among my favorites from the whole day. Check it out! Congrats to Kelly and Tim!




Kelly put on her mother’s wedding dress before putting her own wedding dress on. So sweet!




























Image below left by Brad:
























Congrats to Kelly and Tim! Thank you Brad for all your help!
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Flowers: Colleen’s Flower Cellar
Cupcakes: Herman’s Bakery
Tuxes: Savvi Formalwear
DJ: Instant Request
Makeup: Tina Beaupre
Trolley: Stillwater Trolley
Ceremony: Nazareth Chapel
Reception: Water Street Inn