Chic James J. Hill Library St. Paul Wedding // Cait & Michael

Michael and Cait's wedding was sophisticated, connected, honest, beautiful, educated, fun and....  rainy. The whole day rainy.

Thank goodness for Cait and Michael's taste in venues! The day was an exposé of classic and historical Saint Paul, MN; preparations in the Saint Paul Hotel, ceremony at Our Lady of the Assumption and the celebration at the James Hill Library just across the road from Rice Park.  Mode of transportation?  Trolley of course!

Cait planned a wedding day that truly reflects her and Michael's personalities and relationship.

Getting Ready: Saint Paul Hotel
Ceremony: Our Lady of the Assumption
Reception and Dance: James Hill Library
 

Grand View Lodge Spring Wedding // Jeanna & Tom

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The employees of Grand View Lodge are master wedding hosts. They keep the classic and historical facilities immaculately maintained.  They cater to their brides and grooms with swift and calm resolution and the resort is an incredible display of the Northern Minnesota lifestyle.

Jeanna poured her heart, soul and personality into every aspect of her wedding.  Her gorgeous dress and shoes, the donut table with squad car topper, amazing drapery in the Gull Lake Center, the sumptuous cake and cupcake table as well as her and Tom’s hospitality to all their friends and family were all expressions of the importance of this celebration.

It was, and always is, a pleasure to work with couples who care so much for their wedding celebrations.

Venue: Grand View Lodge
Hair and Make-up: Captivating Beauty
Cake: Cold Spring Bakery
Donuts: Cold Spring Bakery
Dress: Mori Lee
DJ: BA Entertainment
Tuxedo: Wedding and Tuxedo Connection
Drapery: Wedding and Tuxedo Connection
Video: Northland Moments

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

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

Cuyuna State Rec Area Engagement Session \\ Elisha + Adam

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.

Cragun's Resort Winter BOHO Wedding \\ Sarah + Brandon

The minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you,
not knowing how blind that was.
Lovers don't finally meet somewhere.
They're in each other all along.
-Rumi

Classy and considered met fun and spontaneous on Sarah and Brandon's wedding day. Every detail was well placed from the custom tailored vintage dress to the lush tablescape for the harvest head table. Friends and family were well taken care of and entertained from the morning's ice fishing to the night's final champagne toast by the bride and groom.

Lush florals by Marci of Lily Grass Floral.
Smart entertainment and lighting by Tami Lu of Stage One DJ
Prompt and tactful coordination by Mary Beth at Cragun's Resort
Delicious catering by Chef Brian Diumenti at Cragun's Resort

Grand Marais Winter Wedding on the North Shore \\ Laura + Jacob

ser·en·dip·i·ty :: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

How does a woman from Peru, who loves to travel, meet and fall in love with a man, who also loves to travel, in the small MN city of Grand Marais, MN? It is an amazing thing this life, the circumstances we walk into. Like Jacob being a music fan, going to a Dessa concert on Lutsen Mountain and instead of listening to the concert, sitting at the bar speaking Spanish to a beautiful bartender visiting from Peru. Jacob, who loves to travel (that must be inherited because his sisters have it too), met a beautiful woman, who also loves to travel, just a few miles from where he grew up! 

Laura and Jacob were married at Grand Marais' Bethlehem Lutheran Church, stopped at Gunflint Tavern then Artist Point on their way to their reception at North House Folk School catered by my very favorite restaurant on the North Shore, Duluth Grill. Before the wedding we made a trek to Naniboujou Lodge's amazing dining room and hotel.

Even with the subzero temperatures, their North Shore winter wedding was beautiful.

Maybe not serendipity, instead, a gift.

gift :: a thing given willingly to someone without payment.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Wooded, Snowing Northern MN Engagement \\ Annessa + Eric

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

Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge and Bloom Designs Wedding \\ Grace + Kiel

They were both dabbing tears from their eyes when Grace finished reciting her vows to Kiel.  This moment is a great illustration of Grace and Kiel's wedding day.  Full of emotion, connection, joy and satisfaction in the celebration of their wedding.  Grace is tender, gentle, giving and full of gratitude.  Kiel is fun, witty, generous and ambitious. Both Kiel and Grace were truly grateful for the each other, their families and their friends.

The estate where they celebrated their wedding was spectacular with a beautiful, rustic-chic house, an immaculately renovated barn that was converted for guest entertainment and hospitality and grounds that included a wood-fired sauna, boat house, skeet-shooting station and private lake. 

They worked with the best vendors Northern Minnesota has to offer.

Florals, decor and coordination by Kate Kuepers of Bloom Designs.
Catering by Prairie Bay of Three Cheers Hospitality
Entertainment by DJ JP of Premier Party Entertainment
Hair and Make-up by Tracy and her team at Captivating Beauty.

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

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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Duluth Minnesota Wedding Photographer at Greysolon Ballroom - Kelsey Sneak Peek!

A happy excited bride in a beautiful gown with beautiful flowers (Bella Flora) in a beautiful venue (Greysolon Ballroom) in a beautiful city (Duluth, MN). What a lovely day at Greysolon Ballroom with Kelsey and Jake.

Green Acres Event Center Fall Wedding - Sneak Peek // Kalin + Charlie

While their guests enjoyed their wedding dance and the beautiful Green Acres Event Center, Kalin, Charlie and I snuck outside for a few evening portraits.

Madden's Resort Summer Engagement Session - Grace + Kiel

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.

Grandview Lodge Wedding - Kelsey + Adam 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?

Exploring with film at Grand Superior Lodge

Over the past 6 months I've been exploring with shooting film for a couple of reasons.

1. It slows me down and pushes me to make better compositions because each press of the shutter costs me about $1.50
2. The COLORS.  Oh my I love the colors. I love how you can change the exposures and processing combinations to manipulate the colors you get in return.
3. There's something about the analog process of actually creating a new thing, in the real world, the instant you press the shutter.

Here's an image from Megan and Barry's wedding at Grand Superior lodge shot with Kodak Portra400 push processed two stops.   I love the colors.  Love, love, love them: the richness combined with the softness, her skin tones to die for, the inky blacks, the subtle transitions, all of it.

Canon AE-1 with 50/1.8 at 2.2.

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

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

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. 

Ali + Taylor - Look. At. This. Dress

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