A Pine Peaks Winter Wedding in Crosslake, MN \\ Katie + Sean

March 08, 2017 in Wedding, Crosslake, Brainerd

As I walked up to the big house at Pine Peaks Event Center in Crosslake, MN, in my mind I was reviewing the image ideas that Katie had shared with me starting with some ideas she had on how to photograph her dress hanging with some of her bridesmaids dresses, but when I entered the door Katie stood there fully dressed! She, and her bridesmaids, were just too excited to wait! This excitement and lightheartedness filled the day. And a beautiful day it was being over 50 degrees and sunny on the first weekend in March!

Katie and many of her bridesmaid hail from Roseau, so cold weather is of no consequence to them. 50 degrees almost calls for sunscreen!

I met Katie and Sean at their engagement session this past summer and two traits of their relationship that struck me were Katie's esteem for Sean and Sean's admiration of Katie. Watching them interact, Katie's gaze on Sean was on a man of intelligence and capability and Sean's gaze on Katie was as if she floated and glowed. You can see it here in their engagement session too, but these looks really showed on their wedding day. Look through their images and you'll see what I mean.

Their wedding party was pretty awesome too.

Venue: Pine Peaks Event Center
Floral: Bloom Designs
DJ: Dynamite Reflections
Catering: Maucieri's Italian Bistro

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Cuyuna State Rec Area Engagement Session \\ Elisha + Adam

February 22, 2017 in Engagement, Brainerd, Minnesota

As I was driving from an appointment back to my studio to grab my gear for Elisha and Adam's engagement session, I almost called them to see if they'd like to reschedule because it was so drab outside. We had recently had a warm spell and a windy day to take all of the snow and turn it into that gross, dirty crust that usually haunts the end of March. But I held off because they were driving from so far away and were probably already on their way.

An hour before our meeting it started a fluffy, amazing snow that is the stuff of dreams for winter engagement session except for one part, wet hair. Again, I debated on calling to see if Elisha and Adam wanted to reschedule, but as I was looking for their number the snow let up and left the Cuyuna State Recreation Area a winter wonderland of boughs bent with the weight of fresh, thick snow.

I'm glad I didn't call. Their engagement session turned out beautifully. We had fun shooting, getting to know each other and talking about their wedding plans.

I can't wait to see what they have in store for their Lakeside Ballroom wedding in Glenwood this September.

Elisha and Adam. Thank you.

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Pine Peaks Event Center Crosslake, MN Winter Wedding \\ Jenna + Spike

January 11, 2017 in Wedding, 2016

A reassuring maturity permeated the fun, spontaneous relationship I witnessed between Jenna and Spike. Their wedding ceremony was really about each other while their reception was really about their friends and family.

When I met with them to discuss their wedding they gave a very good description of Pine Peaks Event Center in Crosslake. I asked, "How did you choose Pine Peaks for your wedding reception?"

They replied, "We wanted our wedding to be beautiful, enjoyable AND easy. Dave and Julie [the owners of Pine Peaks], the facility with its layout, and all of the complimentary décor options really seem like it will make it easy for us to have a beautiful AND easy wedding.""

I agree with them entirely. Dave and Julie consistently bend over backwards for their couples. The facility definitely makes planning and hosting very easy. And, the décor options that Pine Peaks has developed over the years is extensive and complimentary.

Jenna and Spikes wedding day was frigid. -10 degrees frigid, but the layout of the estate at Pine Peaks with its close proximity to a variety of backdrop options made the frigid temperatures manageable.

I think this first combination of images of their shoes is a great representation of the personalities of Jenna and Spike.

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Pine Peaks has many nooks and crannies with great light. This is the master bedroom where many brides choose to get ready.

Captivating Beauty of Brainerd did wonder work on the entire bridal party's hair and make-up.

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The main house at Pine Peaks has a spacious main floor with an open floorplan to accommodate a bridesmaids and a basement with pool table, gym and bar to accommodate the groomsmen. This makes coverage of everybody getting ready effortless.

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The extensive complimentary décor options provided by Pine Peaks with the permanent drapery make for and easy elegance that's personalized as well.

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DJ JP of Premier Party Entertainment was MC extraordinaire and his photo booth provided an awesome guestbook for Jenna and Spike to enjoy for the rest of their lives.

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Wooded, Snowing Northern MN Engagement \\ Annessa + Eric

December 30, 2016 in Engagement

I'm excited for Annessa's and Eric's September wedding because their wedding locations, the history of how they met and their love story are so authentic and serendipitous. Their wedding at both of their families' cabins because they met there one lucky summer while Eric was in Anness'a hometown playing baseball has my heart looking forward to meeting their family and friends. It is a beautiful thing how we meet the people who are so important in our lives.

I drove away from their engagement session full of gratitude for the way these things happen, both to my clients and to myself

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Northern Pacific Center Wedding Ceremony

An NP Space Wedding in Brainerd, MN \\ Dy-anna + Tim

December 14, 2016 in 2016 Weddings, Wedding

Finally, my first full wedding at the beautiful NP Space in Brainerd, MN! Such a beautiful and historic location. I've photographed here many times, but Dy-anna and Tim's wedding was my first event that took place entirely at the NP Space.

My day started in the light and airy bridal suite that is full of beautiful light. Aimee Jobe, the director and manager of the NP Space, originally refinished the run down warehouse space to be her photography studio so it is no wonder there's great light everywhere! Aimee Jobe (and her husband) poured their blood, sweat and tears into this space and it really shows. A bride couldn't ask for a better trendy, chic suite for getting ready.

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Look at this incredible bouquet by Kate Kuepers at Bloom Designs. She always knocks it out of the park.

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Dy-anna and Tim did a first look in the ceremony space of the NP Space and it was freezing in there but they were great sports and it warmed up quickly once the heaters were turned on and it filled up with people! Look how happy these two are!

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Dy-anna and Tim's wedding day was full of special details in all areas including the officiant being one of their friends from the UK and a bag-pipper too!

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Look at this decor! Aimee and Kate do such a great job and their creativity just feeds off of each other. Really beautiful reception.

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Madden's Resort Summer Engagement Session - Grace + Kiel

September 21, 2016 in Engagement

Style and grace are the two words I thought of as I drove away from Kiel and Grace's (no pun intended) engagement session at Madden's Resort. Connected, in love and still beautiful distinct individuals. I'm super excited for their November barn wedding in beautiful Northern Minnesota.

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Grandview Lodge Wedding - Kelsey + Adam Sneak Peek!

September 20, 2016 in Wedding, Sneak Peek

Kelsey was expecting one wedding ring to go alongside her engagement ring but during the ceremony, Adam surprised her with TWO! One for each side of her engagement ring. I think his surprise was successful. What do you think? Do you think the maid of honor was in on the secret?

Lutheran of the Cross Church in Nisswa, MN wedding.

Breezy Point Resort Wedding in the Lakeside Ballroom - Sammy + Mike // Sneak Peek

September 18, 2016 in Wedding, 2016 Weddings

How often in our lives are we moved like this? This is the stuff wedding days are made of, elation, weeping, hearts being moved. Everything has so much density and impact. I was a witness to this moment and it was beautiful.

Madden's Resort Engagement Session - Ronnie + Erin

August 23, 2016 in 2016, Engagement

Erin and Ronnie's taste and spontaneity made for a great engagement session. A very spontaneous engagement session, like a booked their wedding and engagement session 5 minutes before we started shooting spontaneous! Do to my schedule we had 30 minutes for their engagement session at Madden's resort but man did we fit a lot into that 30 minutes! Erin and Ronnie showed up with their A game so it worked perfectly.

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Ali + Taylor - Look. At. This. Dress

August 15, 2016 in 2016 Weddings, Wedding, Sneak Peek

Look at this amazing dress Ali wore for her wedding day on South Long Lake in Brainerd.

Jenna + Spike | Engagement Video

August 11, 2016 in Engagement, Video, 2016

An engagement video is a great way to communicate to your love story to your friends and family. Its a great video to play at your receptions to tell your guests your relationship history and love story. Its a great video invite that you can use on your online wedding website to invite guests to your wedding and its a great keepsake for your future children to communicate the history of your family. Enjoy Jenna and Spike's engagement video.

Bar Harbor Supper Club Engagement Session \\ Katie + Sean

August 09, 2016 in Engagement

In love. Very comfortable with each. Willing to be vulnerable to each other. Able to depend on the other's acceptance of them in their vulnerability. So beautiful.

When I photographed Katie and Sean's engagement session at Fritz Loven Park near Bar Harbor Supper Club on the North End of Gull Lake, these of the attributes of their relationship that I noticed. Very excited for their wedding this coming March.

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After shooting at Fritz Loven park on Lake Margaret just north of Gull Lake we headed over to the beautiful docks at the newly remodeled Bar Harbor Supper Club.

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Sage + Brad | Grand View Lodge Summer Engagement Session

August 07, 2014 in Wedding

"Yes, I'll be with you."

What greater words can one person say to another? Essentially we are giving another person our time, which is our life. What greater thing.....

Grand View Lodge is so beautiful, historic, elegant, classic. It's a great location for engagement sessions and weddings. If you're looking for an amazing Minnesota Resort to host your Minnesota destination wedding be sure to make Grand View a visit and ask for Alyssa.

Jake + Shelby | Pelican Lake Wedding and Breezy Point Resort Celebration

July 08, 2013 in Wedding, Brainerd, Minnesota

Jake and Shelby's wedding was fun and beautiful! Starting at Breezy Point Resort with the Shelby and the ladies getting ready, then the ceremony and champagne toast at a family cabin across Pelican Lake, then back to Breezy Point Resort for the celebration, it was a day filled with smiles, tears, hugs and lots of love.

Breezy Point did an amazing job with the White Birch Room and Kate from Bloom Designs along with Gwen from The Hearth Room rocked the decor. Tim Mahoney sounded amazing playing for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

It was a spectacular day with everything from notes sealed with a kiss to the breezy blowing off of Pelican Lake to an image of over 60 wrestlers that either wrestled in the state meet or wrestled in college. It was an awesome day.

Pelican Lake Wedding and Breezy Point Resort Reception

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Pelican Lake Wedding and Breezy Point Resort Reception

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Pelican Lake Wedding and Breezy Point Resort Reception

Jake + Katie | Breezy Point Resort Summer Wedding

June 27, 2013 in Wedding, Brainerd, Minnesota

The wedding planners and staff at Breezy Point Resort are expert's at hosting weddings. Experts! To top the excellent service and atmosphere of Breezy Point Resort, Jake and Katie's wedding day was the very first day that really felt like summer in 2013.

Also, I can't forget to mention the lovely flowers and decor from Donna at Celebrations Floral Design.

Brian + Meghan | Cragun's Resort Engagement Session in Brainerd, MN

September 17, 2012 in Engagement

Meghan and Brian are getting married at Cragun's Resort next spring so what better location for their engagement session? If, by the way, you're looking into hosting your Minnesota destination wedding in the Brainerd Area be sure to contact Diane at Cragun's for a tour. Brian, Meghan and I met at the resort at the very beginning of fall in the Brainerd Lakes Area just as the leaves were beginning to change. It was a terrific engagement session getting to know these two great people and I can't wait for their wedding in April 2013!