Kelly + Tim | Saint Paul Wedding Photographer
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
Jacinta + Jeremy | Saint Paul Wedding Photographer
Some weddings are just easy.
Don’t get me wrong – wedding photography is an extremely demanding profession. While very rewarding, running around for 8 hours or more with 20lbs of gear, trying to capture all the fleeting moments is never an easy task. I often compare it to driving in the dark. Seeing the majority of the day unfold through the viewfinder, making sure you do not miss anything requires focus, and a lot of it. But like any other profession, some days are simply easier than others. It could be because the weather is better, or because natural lighting is more flattering. It could be the simplicity of hosting your celebrations in one location. It could be because the wedding party is small and simple to photograph.
It could also be the couple. Jacinta and Jeremy were so calm, Sweet and appreciative. They were so relaxed and happy in front of the camera, and a joy to be around. Thanks for letting me be a part of your celebrations! Congrats to Jacinta and Jeremy!
Dress: Winnie Couture
Flowers: Berries and Blooms by Cindy McDonald
Food: Town and Country Caterers
Ceremony: Saint Agnes Church
Reception: Bunker Hills Golf Course
Transportation: MIK Limo
Tux: Calvin Klein
Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas
DJ: Upper Room Entertainment
Julie + Manny | Bringing a little New York to Saint Paul
Saint Paul Wedding Photographer
Since moving from New York City to Minnesota, I’ve experienced a variety of wedding traditions that are new to me. Like the Dollar Dance (google it, New Yorkers) or bar hopping with the bridal party (definitely not a bad thing). In other instances, I miss wedding traditions from the east coast. One good example is the introductions – here they call them the Grand March. On the east coats it’s always the biggest deal when the bride and groom are introduced for the first time at the reception, and it’s only after the entire bridal party had been introduced. To me, this is by far the most exciting moment of the whole day: To see the bride and groom enter the room to everyone’s cheers and music, then going into their first dance. It’s the realization of everything they dreamed of – it’s the beginning of the party.
Julie and Manny were introduced. And their day, was filled with little touches of New York style – probably because Manny is from there:) Their day was meticulously planned, and was full of elegance. From the ceremony at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, to the stunning Landmark Center, these guys didn’t settle on anything less than amazing. The two historic landmarks provided the backdrop for their beautiful day and a new beginning! Thank you Julie and Manny for your hospitality and for letting me document your celebrations! Thank you Brooke for your help!
Photo below by Brooke:
Congrats to Julie and Manny!
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Flowers: Sadie’s Floral
Food: True Tastes
Preparations: Saint Paul Hotel
Ceremony: Saint Paul Cathedral
Reception: Landmark Center
Lighting: Midway Party Rental
Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth
Transportation: Renee’s Royal Valet
Tux: Savvi Formalwear
Stationery: Watermark Stationery
Nasim + Bobby | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer
This was easy:) Assignment: take bride and groom to do a portrait session before their wedding day. No wedding day stress. Plenty of time. Lovely assistant. It can’t get any better than this! I photographed Nasim’s sister Ellie and her mega cute family a little while ago and I absolutely love being invited to work with the same family again. We walked around the Peace Garden at Lake Harriet, and then took a leisurely walk around the lake – We even took the stage at the bandshell for a few minutes. Check it out!
Anne + Kewjin | New York Botanical Gardens Wedding
What is there to say about The NY Botanical gardens? Stunning venue. It has it all: beautiful grounds, classic decor inside, and, of course, amazing food:) Anne and Kewjin were married on a beautiful day last summer, with their families and friends close by. There was something special about all the guests – there was a closeness everyone in attendance shared.
now for one of my favorite images from 2010 – I love this receiving line picture!
Wedding schedules often don’t resemble the plans… We only had 20 minutes to photograph the bridal party and Anne and Kewjin. I think we did pretty well considering it was getting dark as we were shooting:)
Lindsay + Matt, Mallard Island Yacht Club
Since moving to the Twin Cities, I’ve had the chance to go back to New York to photograph weddings several times. What can I say – I love it. I still love New York very much, and it’s been very rewarding to visit while doing what I love to do. So when my old (and dear) friend Stacey asked me to photograph Lindsay and Matt’s wedding I was thrilled. Super cute couple, lively wedding party, and a gorgeous day at Mallard Island Yacht Club – the perfect recipe for a beautiful day.
Lindsay and Matt were very laid back and it looked like they were really able to enjoy themselves on their wedding day – a task that’s easier said than done.
Natalie + Lior, Baya’ar, Israel נטלי וליאור, ביער
Israel Destination Wedding Photographer
As a wedding photographer, one has to consider many elements while looking through the viewfinder: directionality and strength of light, composition, exposure, timing, posing, and more. The goal is, to tell a story using photos. And of course, the photos need not only to tell a story, they need to be visually pleasing, beautiful images. Those photographs that successfully combine all the elements, become timeless images, unique only to one couple.
I met Natalie and Lior online, after they met online. How’s that for a modern day wedding photography story? After photographing weddings in the US for nearly a decade, I was thrilled at the opportunity to photograph an Israeli wedding! It was a very exciting and heart warming day.
Lior’s story inspired many in Israel, including Natalie. After being wounded twice while serving in the army (and the second time nearly killed him), Lior’s will to live, and the desire to continue serving his country truly are inspirational. After reading about him in the paper, Natalie decided she must contact him, and so she did – through Facebook.
Their venue, Baya’ar, was spectacular. Located in one of the few and most beautiful nature reserves along Israel’s coastline, Baya’ar (“in the forest” in Hebrew) offered stunning decor and brought the outdoors inside.
Time to make this real! In Jewish tradition, the groom and witnesses have to sign the “Ketubah”, an ancient document that specifies the groom’s commitments to the bride.
Let’s party!
Congrats to Natalie and Lior!
Lynn + Richard, Alba Vineyard
On my way back home from Lynn and Richard’s wedding, I remember thinking – can I be a vineyard’s photographer? Despite a gloomy, rainy day, this was still a spectacular wedding. But so relaxed. And elegant. The scenery at Alba Vineyard was simply stunning, rain or shine.
Lynn is one cool girl. Probably the calmest bride I’ve ever encountered.
The ceremony included a song by Richard:
The portrait session was like eye candy. Green lush vistas, overcast sky allowed for even, beautiful light.
Waiting to be introduced as husband and wife for the first time. Like rock stars coming on stage at the beginning of the concert. One of my favorite moments in a wedding. So exciting!
The rest of the evening mostly took place on the dance floor:
Congrats Lynn and Richard!
Michelle + Matt, 632 Hudson
Michelle and Matt had the coolest little wedding: a small gathering in one of the most unique venues in New York, 632 Hudson. Beautiful details, a touching (and very funny) ceremony and undeniable love for each other made for a very special night.
Stunning bride!
Walking down the isle was a little tight but we made it. I’m getting better at walking down the stairs backwards while taking pictures:)
The ceremony by Alma Daniel was incredibly personal and touching. And funny. I loved being a part of their celebration.
I think Matt should be the next Bond. Seriously, look at him.
I’ll admit – since my daughter was born, the father-daughter dance really gets to me.
Congrats Michelle and Matt!
