Jordan and Jessica met while in college and had been together for four years. On their three-year anniversary, Jordan decided to pop the big question in a unique way. They were already celebrating their love that day, and the hard rock show they went to was such a treat. Jessica already had a beautiful promise ring, but Jordan knew that it was time for the real thing!
Being a huge Vikings fan, he had a customized jersey made for Jessica that had his last name on the back. When she opened the gift, she saw the note that said “Will you be my Mrs?” and her man on bended knee, and knew that she was destined to be with him forever. Jordan’s gift was a big hit, and he was well rewarded with an emphatic “Yes!”.
The engagement session with these two lovebirds was fun and full of love. Their genuine commitment to each other was evident, and their excitement was contagious. The summer day was utterly gorgeous, and we were lucky to be able to take advantage of the perfect Duluth day at Park Point on Lake Superior and Casket Quarry.
These two couldn’t help but smile on this beautiful day.
Jessica hitched a ride after a quiet walk in the woods.
A perfect moment on Lake Superior.
The beauty of Casket Quarry made the day even more special.
Of course we had to get some shots in their custom jerseys! Go Vikings!
The day may have been a tad gray and gloomy, but this great couple still had a fantastic spring wedding. Sarah and Jesse tied the knot at St. John’s Lutheran Church near their home in Lakeville, MN. These newlyweds even brought their sweet pup, Sydney, along for a few photos before heading off to A’Bulae in Saint Paul.
The bride and groom were all smiles during the cocktail hour at A’Bulae and guests were treated to a marvelous reception and live entertainment. UniverSoul entertained guests along with their friend Patrick Sieben. Durning the dance we snuck the bride and groom up to the rooftop patio for a few quick night shots. The wind was whipping, but these two kept each other warm
Congratulations to the happy couple! I enjoyed being a part of your special day.
The bride’s beautiful accessories, including special purses for her attendants.
Getting ready in the gorgeous bridal suite.
The groom gets some help from mom with his boutonierre.
The first look.
Special moments with the happy couple.
Great shots of the bride and groom in Lowertown.
This wedding party looks fantastic in black and grey.
The ceremony was romantic and heartwarming.
Family time with their pup Sydney.
A toast to the bride and groom!
The newlyweds enjoyed their first dance, and then swept Mom and Dad off their feet.
Quiet time away from the crowd on the rooftop terrace.
Nick and Jessica’s high-flying relationship started when they met in college, and now they are ready for the next big step together. I loved hearing about the creative and thoughtful proposal. Nick created a fun neighborhood scavenger hunt, and, using sweet poems that led Jessica right to their backyard, he was rewarded with an enthusiastic “Yes!” when he popped the question.
These two were just as creative with the engagement shoot. Because Nick is a pilot, the Golden Wings Museum in Blaine was a positively a no-brainer when they were thinking of sites for the session. The walk through Elm Creek Park was sunny and warm, and the love the couple has for each other was almost palpable. It was a treat to spend this great day with them, and I can’t wait for the upcoming aviation-themed wedding.
A special thank you goes to Greg Herrick at Golden Wings Flying Museum for allowing us to photograph your personal collection. We had such a great time!
What a perfect day for a stroll in Elm Creek Park.
These two are lucky in love!
This was such sweet moment that will last a lifetime.
She got the ring and gave him a fantastic aviator watch in return.
Nick steals a kiss from Jessica after a quick clothing change.
These two look so good together, and the blue sky compliments them perfectly.
Ready for a flight!
Vintage planes, old leather, and a great young couple are a fantastic match.
Pinterest is that beautiful world where many brides go to get ideas for planning their perfect wedding. A plethora of images exist in this virtual world, and many of those brides are pinning hundreds of photos to their wedding boards. From dresses to decorations, and hairstyles to invitations, there are unlimited possibilities and countless combinations. With so much inspiration available, how could it possibly be a bad idea to plan your wedding with Pinterest?
Inspiration for a gorgeous holiday wedding celebration.
It can certainly be a great tool for planning portions of the big event, but one should be careful not to overdo it. More often than not, Pinterest can lead down the path of frustration, and ultimately, to disappointment. Pinterest is meant to be aspirational, and trying to turn that aspiration into reality rarely goes as planned.
There aren’t many flowers in this field, but the couple still had an amazing day.
One example of this is choosing the venue. In Pinterest-Land, the best place to tie the knot is in a field of flowers, on a glorious sunny day. Who wouldn’t want that? Well, just because a wedding in the middle of a field looks pretty, it doesn’t mean you should plan one there. Or that you can, because an open field brings more logistical problems than one would think. Also, the perfect spot that will work with YOUR reality may be overlooked if you are only focused on that ONE pin.
Trying to find the perfect dress or shoes can also be frustrating. Many blogs post images from real wedding shoots, but often with no fashion credits, or links to buy. Also, many of the dresses and other product photos were posted years ago and are now sold out or discontinued. What’s the point of inspiration if you can’t buy the desired item? Pinterest is great for getting ideas for dresses, but in the end, you also have to be able to afford it. Many of those gorgeous gowns cost as much as down payment on a house, so remember that a lot of pins are just eye candy.
Summer wedding photos at the Carnegie Library in Stillwater show off the bride and groom with beautiful detail.
Hair and makeup inspiration can also be tricky. Many of the images are from styled shoots, so the “bride” is often a professional model with perfect skin and fabulous hair. Also, they have been heavily edited and don’t represent reality. Falling in love with a particular type of style is fine, as long as it will work with your hair. Collaborate closely with your hair and makeup artist in the months before the big event. They will be able to provide guidance, and help you create a look that is true to your individual style. They will help you be truly comfortable and confident so that you will look and feel fabulous on your special day.
This dream wedding at Semple Mansion is the epitome of classic elegance.
Why can’t I afford that dress? Why didn’t I think of that favor idea? Why doesn’t my cake look like that? Why is every other wedding better than mine? If you had to scrimp in certain areas such as decor or flowers, Pinterest is not going to make you feel better. All those well-lit, professional photos can make you feel as if you’re putting together an uninspired, cookie- cutter wedding. Rather than allowing envy and disappointment to ruin everything, remember that your photographer is going to capture all the details, and make them look spectacular.
This couple had a wonderful wedding day that was truly unique and special.
No one else has your particular budget and circumstances. A wedding should be as unique and individual as the couple it centers around, and focusing too heavily on other’s wedding ideas can sometimes take too much away from your own. Maybe your invitations are simple, but you have an awesome dress or a great location. Just focus on the positive, and, of course, check out some of my pins while you are planning the big day!
Spring was in full bloom in Texas (including one or possibly two Bluebonnets), and it was just in time for Marcus and Jamie’s wedding extravaganza. This weekend affair was four days of fun and togetherness for the couple, and their friends and family were a part of every moment. Right from the beginning, I knew that this would be an extraordinary event.
The guests came from all over the country for this extended soiree. The bride and groom to be, who now live in Saint Paul, MN, greeted their guests to a fantastic grooms dinner at the Salt Lick. This iconic BBQ joint, located outside of Austin, was the perfect place to get the party started.
A short drive down an unassuming dusty road led to the grand Memory Lane Event Center in Dripping Springs. The big Texas skies were the bluest of blue, and sunshine was plentiful on this picture-perfect wedding day. The beautiful bridesmaids wore custom-cut dresses the same hue as the sky, and the groomsmen sported bowties to match.
The idyllic setting was only outshone by the smiles of Jamie and Marcus. Their excitement for the big moment enveloped everyone present, and the love in the air was inspiring. There were tears of joy during the sweet and romantic ceremony, which was presided over by a dear friend of the couple. The strong connection between these two was almost overwhelming as they kissed for the first time as husband and wife.
The celebration that followed the “I Do’s” was a high-spirited gathering of family and friends. The fajita dinner was amazing, and the toasts and well-wishes for the couple produced both tears and laughter. The love that surrounded the couple extended to each and every guest, and that continued into brunch the next morning.
Marcus and Jamie; Thank you for choosing me as your wedding photographer. I felt like I was a part of your amazing family, and I will never forget the time I shared with y’all! Congratulations!
The BBQ, and the company, was outstanding during the groom’s dinner at the Salt Lick.
Memory Lane provided the ultimate rustic and charming setting for the ceremony and reception.
The lovely details, including six pence for luck from the bride’s mother.
Jamie gets ready with a little help from her ladies.
The guys play some games to relax, and have a time tying their bowties!
The first look.
It’s all smiles for these two lovebirds!
The couple hitched up their boots and took a stroll before the ceremony.
The custom-made Austin City Limit sign served as a unique guestbook.
The bridesmaids wore fun temporary tattoos with the couples’ initials, and the wedding party looked fantastic together.
The romantic ceremony.
A toast to the newlyweds!
Special moments on the dance floor.
Everyone had a blast watching the bouquet-toss, and the officiant had a laugh when he caught the garter!
“Fog” rolling though the Texas low country.
The ladies were a bit more civilized than the “Cowboys and Unicorns.”
