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!

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!

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

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

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

We were in a little bit of a rush to get to Northfield, so Kelly took the wheel:) We made it there in 30 minutes, including a stop to Burger King where I mistakenly ordered a “large” soda and got a gallon size drink (ok I may be exaggerating a little but it was way bigger than “large”). They showed me around their old dorm building and where they used to hang out, and we finished our session with some super sweet skies over the river – check it out! Cows, Colleges, and Contentment!