We love this wedding and this couple for so many reasons. The one that sticks out the most though, has to be their natural ability to make each other smile. In their vows, Kate promised to keep Autumn safe, and Autumn promised to keep Kate wild. How beautiful is that? Their entire wedding day was filled with genuine love and infectious laughter. We could not wipe the smiles off our faces watching these newlyweds together and know the world will be a better place because they are together. Some highlights from the day included taking photos in front of the Bob Dylan mural downtown Minneapolis (with NO cars in front of the wall, thank-you universe!) and watching their guests (unsuccessfully) resist the impressive dessert table. And when I say impressive I mean IMPRESSIVE. Their day in one word could easily be summed up as: happiness. Congratulations Autumn and Kate! We are so happy for you both.
Bohemian Proposal Editoral Shoot
Well hello there! We've taken our annual blogging hiatus for the month of January and are excited to share this project on the blog with you today. Late last summer, the National Stationer Wedding Paper Divas reached out to us about doing a wedding inspiration project with one of their paper suites. We were intrigued and then promptly gathered some of our favorite Minnesota wedding vendors to collaborate on the project. Lizie from Lizie Anne Weddings and Proposals, set the stage with a concept she dreamt up for a Bohemian Wedding Proposal among dreamy weeping willow trees. The lovely Tara from A Day in Provence joined forces to create lush, bright florals for our scene that complimented the summery green foliage. Julie from Julie Swenson Beauty made our models even more beautiful with breezy hair and makeup and our real-couple Paige and Savaughn who made my job a piece of cake. The shoot was featured on 100 Layer Cake last week which felt like just the right avenue to share with their readers. It's always fun for us to work on these sorts of projects because it's not often we (as vendors) get full creative control with a team who shares the same vision. Then, by the time wedding season comes we have new vendors to recommend to our couples who are looking to round out their wedding day team. It's a win-win for us all, and this shoot definitely makes us anxious to get the 2016 wedding season rolling!
Jess + Tom = Married
This wedding makes our hearts happy. Jess and Tom are two of the most genuine, loving folks who exemplify 'better together'. They were married in November in Minneapolis at the Polish Hall in Northeast. We love that these long-standing event venues are making a hip come back with couples getting married today. These spaces went through a phase when 'bigger and better crystal drenched hotel ballrooms' were all the rage and they were forgotten, but now that weddings are as diverse and varied as the couples who make the party, historic event halls are making a serious come back. The energy in these spaces automatically make them a great place to get married because you know there have been weddings there for 100+ years, as well as family reunions, church potlucks and anniversary parties. In short, a lot of love and laughter have passed through these halls. Jess and Tom took full advantage with their crew of loving family and friends who toasted to their vows to be together forever. After getting ready in different rooms at Tom's charming childhood home in south Minneapolis, the pair set aside a few quiet moments to see one another for the first time before the ceremony and take advantage of some pretty fall foliage. Everyone gathered at the Polish Hall for a few more photos before the ceremony as the wedding jitters set in. The ceremony was heartfelt and sweet, and when the couple was announced husband and wife, the crowd burst into happy applause. They had delicious BBQ catered in for their wedding dinner and a spread of desserts that would have made the old Polish ladies proud. The dancing was a hit for all generations and the newlyweds beamed on cloud nine. It was a very good day, and a lovely wedding to end our 2015 season on. Congratulations Jess and Tom! We are so happy for you!
Kate + Rob = Married
Kate and Rob were married at the historic Semple Mansion in Minneapolis a few weeks back to what turned out to be such a classy day. The mansion served as a beautiful backdrop in an old-world romance sort of way, which was only exemplified with personal touches such as flowers made by the groom's sister and one of their dear friends serenading everyone with 'La Vie in Rose' during the ceremony. With Rob's contagious laugh and zest for life, and Kate's honest and loving heart, they are so good together. We've loved working with these two and know they have so much happiness in their future. Kate and Rob, thank you for trusting us to capture your big day. Congratulations!!
Holli + Menzie = Married
Every wedding we photograph has a unique beauty to it. People celebrate their unions in their own way - and we love how diverse this can be from couple to couple. Sometimes though, there are weddings where every single element is ON FIRE. Holli + Menzie's wedding was such an event. The beautiful bride's sister just happens to be in the wedding industry (hi Amy!) which is the best of all worlds when you have someone so close to you, and who knows you as a couple so well, help turn your wedding into a personal, beautiful event that is professionally orchestrated in every detail. The vendor team was A+++, and for us that means folks who are not only insanely talented at what they do, but also wonderful people to work with who share a vision of pampering the couple with their talents. What really made this wedding work though, was the connection Holli and Menzie share. It's clear they were made for one another and their love gave off such a radiant, welcoming vibe to everyone at Orchestra Hall that night. Holli and Menzie - you guys are the real deal. We have loved getting to know you and know you will have so many years of happiness together. Congratulations!
Kelly + Dylan = Married
This wedding makes us excited for so many reasons. First off all, did you see Kelly and Dylan? They both look like they just walked off the set of The Great Gatsby. Classy, timeless and (dare I say) sexy, these two are easy to photograph. Beside the fact that their wedding was filled with personal touches and styled elements that made our job easy, these two really are as good as it gets. Their hearts are big and open, ready to welcome life and whatever comes their way, together. Secondarily, we're over the moon to share this wedding because it's a testament to why life is such an exciting surprise. If you've been following our blog lately, you'll know that we've been training a new Midwest Associate Photographer, Abby, since the beginning of this year. Abby has been a quick learner, and Kelly and Dylan's wedding was her first solo wedding. When Kelly and Dylan reached out to us just a few short weeks before their wedding, we were already booked but Abby was available and let's just say it was all meant to be. As we tell all our clients, having Associate Shooters was never really in the business plan for us (nor was becoming wedding photographers, actually) but life has amazing ways of presenting opportunities to us when we least expect them and it's always for the best. I think you'll agree that it's good to have Abby on the team, and as far as Kelly and Dylan are concerned? We couldn't be happier to have had the opportunity of working together. Congratulations you two! We're over the moon for you.
TuVan + Peter = Married
Recently, we've had a pretty cool trend with our couples having been together for nearly ten years. There is such a great familiarity in these relationships that feels like each person is the calming force of the other's world. The comfortable, stable love and commitment these folks share is so sweet and tells us how great they will do in their marriage together. TuVan and Peter are a perfect example of this. TuVan is the type of girl who has a million things running through her mind and takes everyones feelings into consideration before speaking a calming word or making a well-thought-out decision. Peter is the kind of guy who makes you feel welcomed from the first hello with his magnetic, kind personality. Together they are a perfect match. TuVan and Peter shared not one, but two beautiful Vietnamese Tea Ceremonies on the morning of their Wedding Day that incorporated family and religious traditions such as generous gifting and delicious tea and food. After their families fed all their guests (and us!) with some seriously amazing food (two Vietnamese brunches before noon is a pretty awesome challenge if you ask us) TuVan and Peter changed into their stylish Western Wedding attire and gathered on the University of Minnesota campus (where they met!) with their wedding party for some fun photos between the rain storms. The celebration continued at a nearby Chinese banquet hall for more awesome food (a 10 course feast!), a hopping photobooth and some sweet dance moves. Special thanks to our Associate shooter Abby for third shooting with us on their wedding day and Congratulations to Tuvan and Peter!
Morgan + Jordan = Married
I'm not sure if we've ever worked with a couple SO EXCITED to get married. Morgan and Jordan are so well suited for one another, and their love left us with a huge grin wiped across our face. With common loves for travel, adventure, God and the outdoors, these two are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Their Wedding day was filled with 300 of their closest friends and family, lots of great stories (and songs!) and a skies that had forecasted 100% chance of rain but not a drop touched their shoulders during their wedding. It was a pretty spectacular day. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to capture their wedding story (special thanks to our talented friend and second shooter, Ellie!) and wish the happy couple so many years of great adventures. Congratulations Morgan and Jordan!
Deb + Tyler = Engaged
The world is a better place when you have duos like Deb and Tyler. Creative, talented, funny and so genuine, these two are the real deal. Deb and Tyler are both well respected Actors in the Twin Cities, and we actually had the privilege of seeing them perform well before they became clients of ours. Even then, we were drawn to their humble approachability and kindness. We've sense gotten to know them a little better and can attest to the great people they are. Our new Midwest Associate shooter Abby will be photographing their wedding later in August, so before the big day the three of them set out to capture some Engagement Photos at a beautiful park in Eagan. We are thrilled with the results and can't wait to share more of their big day in just a few weeks!
Stephanie + Peter = Engaged
I could talk allllll day about these two. You see, Stephanie and Peter are near and dear to our hearts. Once upon a time Matt and Peter went to high school together in St. Paul, MN. They were inseparable and remained close when they went to college together at the University of Minnesota. Stephanie and I were both dance majors and lived just down the hall from one another in Middlebrook Hall. We became fast friends and were soon spending more time together than apart. As many of you know, Matt and I met on the first day of college, so all the while we dated I would spend time with his group of friends and he with mine. Stephanie and Peter had met a few times through mutual gatherings, but never really had the chance to get to know one another. Fast forward four glorious years of late night studying, piled dishes in the sink and the formation of life-long friendships it was time for Matt and I to say goodbye to our beloved friends in Minnesota and head East. There was a little peek of interest that Peter showed towards Stephanie and Stephanie towards Peter, so of course Matt and I milked that for all it was worth and practically made them hold hands during a goodbye party we had in Minneapolis. They exchanged numbers, began hanging out and within a matter of weeks they were dating. We were over the moon but didn't want to jinx anything so we played it cool. As fate would have it, they feel madly in love with one another and are now planning to be wed this fall in their backyard. We jumped at the opportunity to take some Engagement Photos in the chill of a Minnesota January day a few weeks back when we were in Minnesota. They brought their adorable pup, Flika who kind of stole the show. We are SO excited for these two to tie the knot. Congratulations our dear Stephi and Pete!! We love you to pieces!!
Julia + Chris = Married
We loved photographing Julia and Chris' Wedding at The Linden Place in Bristol, Rhode Island. We have a thing for historic New England houses so that alone was enough to have us running around like kids with too much candy, but it was really the spirit of their wedding day that got us. Julia and Chris are both extremely intelligent, creative and well spoken people whom we admire. Their wedding was such a beautiful representation of them as a couple as well as their friends and family coming together as one big happy group. I started off with Julia and her best ladies at the salon where they all primped and prepped to look even more gorgeous than they already were; while Matt hung with Chris, his guys and the couple's adorable dog, Buster, as they prepped for the ceremony. Something we see more and more of is when brides have a 'First Look' with their fathers after they are all ready and dressed and before he walks her down the aisle. I'm a big fan. Julia and her dad decided to share this moment with just the two of them minutes before the ceremony started and I'm pretty sure it was more emotional than the First Looks we do with bride and grooms. Meanwhile, guests outside waited for their crisp outdoor ceremony to start with warm cups of apple cider. Once the ceremony started Chris' face lit up when he saw Julia for the first time and the two of them only had eyes for each other which made the rest of us swoon in their sweetness. After the ceremony we zipped down to the Bristol waterfront for a few photos of the newlyweds on the docks and on the streets. The evening continued with a warm and cozy reception by a *huge* fire and lots of dancing and desserts. I'm in love with the giant paper flower installation Julia "whipped together in an afternoon" (super bride?) and tried to convince Chris that they need it as their headboard now. The paper flowers and loving, energetic celebration were just two small manifestations of what a great job Julia and Chris did infusing their wedding day with their personalities. What a great day! Julia and Chris, we are so happy for you and have loved working with you. Congratulations!
Kelsey + Danny = Married
I could gush allllll day about this wedding. When Kelsey and Danny approached us about photographing their big day in Antigua, Guatemala - we were head over heels for their wedding vision and for them as a pair. Kelsey and I go back to our college days in Minnesota. We danced together and I always admired her photography skills (she's a talented photographer herself) and heart for helping people. Naturally, these two things left me Facebook stalking all of her travel photos to Guatemala when she used to visit with her dad for medical outreach work - which only deepened my admiration for her. Fast forward a few years when Kelsey and Danny met in Guatemala. They fell head over heels for one another and the rest is history. We'd never met Danny in person, but once their wedding planning arrived in full force and we started talking with them more - it was clear what a great match he was for Kelsey. Grounded, compassionate and a heart of gold; Danny is a keeper. Their wedding day started much like our local weddings do with the bride getting ready with her crew and the groom doing the same while Matt and I photograph them separately. The hotel they got ready in was crazy gorgeous so we took full advantage of the nooks and crannies for their attire details and found a quiet little spot for their adorable first look (can you even handle the blindfold? I die). After some additional portraits on the grounds of the hotel with their families, wedding party and the parrots (hello!) we wandered around the streets for a few photos where Kelsey and Danny were literally stopping traffic with excited on-lookers. We eventually made our way up to their ceremony and reception venue which was owned by the same hotel but was the outdoor art-museum portion of the property. The venue was up a large hill which overlooked the city and the three volcanoes that surround the town, so the view was breathtaking. After a few more portraits we all prepped for the ceremony and I had my breath taken away when I saw their entire ceremony space FILLED with candles. Overlooking the city with volcanoes and hills, it was such a beautiful space to begin with, but with the addition of candles, sunset and the calm, joyous energy of their multilingual Catholic Ceremony - it was a truly beautiful experience. After the ceremony the party got started on the right foot with a gorgeous candle-lit reception set-up draped with roses and pearls. Kelsey and Danny made a lasting impression with their grand entrance by wowing all 300 guests with the most amazing first dance I've EVER seen. I later learned that they made up the entire thing on the spot. I shouldn't have been so surprised given how talented of a dancer Kelsey is, but I've got to hand it to Danny too. Wowzers. So much fun. The evening continued with sweet words from their loved ones and went on to be an amazing dance party that lasted until 3:00am. The Guatemalans know how to party (and dance)! We loved every moment of working with these two and their wonderful families. Congratulations Kelsey and Danny! You guys are the best!
Amy + Leah = Married
You guys. Seriously. This wedding was out of the park amazing. From the moment we met Amy and Leah, we were instantly smitten with their love for one another and zest for life. They have a beautiful way of being together and it's clear that they each are amazing individuals who deserve the best and found that in each other. Their wedding was held at one of our favorite venues, The Barn at Gibbet Hill where we arrived on the morning of their wedding to start off with each of them getting ready. Leah was upstairs with her parents and wedding party crew where loved ones were buzzing around prepping and primping for the ceremony. Amy's bridal suite was a bit calmer but just as much excitement was circulating around her. Once they were ready, we helped arrange their first look which is always one of my favorite parts of a wedding day. I think part of the reason I love first looks is because they are a little bit like when you are traveling apart from your loved one and you return from the trip seeing your favorite person in the world and all you can do is hug them with love and gratefulness that they are yours. It's as though you've been waiting to see them for so long and you've imagined what that embrace might be like and then it arrives and it's nothing but pure joy. Amy and Leah's first look was exactly like this, and it nearly brought tears to my eyes. After enjoying some couple portraits with them and the bovine (oh yeah!) we grabbed some shots of them with their hilariously awesome bridal party. As seen in the photo evidence above, it's clear that we took full advantage of the environment to get photos of their crew on the tractor and with farm equipment. Good times. After we finished photos the ceremony began and I can honestly say that there was not a dry eye in the crowd. Between the beautiful readings, overcast sky with vibrant fall foliage and the outpouring of love that Amy and Leah allowed their guests to bask in, it was a truly beautiful ceremony. The celebration continued with a cozy cocktail hour and full bellies of delicious food as their guests returned the favor of their own outpouring of love and congratulatory wishes in the form of toasts, hugs and some awesome dance moves. Amy and Leah, it's been an absolute pleasure working with you and we could not be more excited for your future together. We wish you decades of happiness, Congratulations!
Jessica + Greg = Married
Jessica and Greg live in Chicago and had an entire week's worth of fun planned for their family and friends making the trip to Cape Cod for their wedding. I think it's safe to say that if our couples are worried about anything during their wedding day, it's the weather. This is especially true if any of their wedding day plans revolve around outdoor activities. While I know they had a lot of fun that week, the impending storm system and weather forecast for their late September wedding was not looking promising. As they say in New England,"If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes" so when we were looking at the forecast, we tried to stay positive because it really could turn itself around and become a beautiful day. The night before the wedding brought buckets of rain and as we drove down to Brewster the rain did not let up. When I arrived to Jess's room, the venue had just finished telling her one of the hardest things a bride has to hear: not only was her outdoor ceremony going to be forced indoors but her reception pavilion was flooded and they were going to have to choose a different reception site. Talk about a double whammy. Jess handled the news with grace and the support of her bridesmaids and family kept her moving forward. A few minutes later, their coordinator Heather showed up again with some amazing news. Not only had the sun come out and the storm system passed allowing the ceremony to be moved back outdoors on the beach - but she had called the Army to pump the water out of the reception site and they were going to have the reception in the place they had planned to begin with! Cue Hallelujah chorus! Everyone was thrilled and blown away by how amazing Heather and the entire crew at Ocean Edge Resort was. We rolled with it all and continued on to Jess and Greg's sweet first look under a tree. The air was thick with misty rain as we snapped some portraits of them but Jess and Greg didn't seem to mind getting wet (such troopers!). After some fun bridal party photos and family portraits we all got ready for their heartwarming, sun drenched wedding on the beach. Such joy on their faces throughout the entire ceremony, it was so happy! After the ceremony we took full advantage of the beautiful sunset light on the beach and were amazed yet again by their willingness to tromp around barefoot in the sand in their (stunning) wedding attire. The evening ended with a hopping celebration for Jessica and Greg as their guests toasted to their new life together and boogied down on the dance floor. We've had a fantastic time getting to know these two and feel privileged to have been able to capture their wedding day. Big thanks to Chuck for joining our team for the day and lending his expertise behind the camera for Jessica and Greg. Congratulations Jess and Greg! You guys are the best!
Annette + Jason = Married
From the beginning, Annette and Jason wanted the theme of their wedding to be a celebration of family. They consider their friends family as well, so really, the goal was a celebration of relationships. Annette and Jason are very relational people, so this was an easy task. Every aspect of their wedding was planned with this in mind - from the family-style food at the tables that guests shared, to the specific vendors involved with the wedding. For example, an aunt designed all of their paper goods, a friend made the photobooth wall, the mothers crafted the adorable and cheery decorations and Summer Street photographed their wedding. Matt and Annette have been friends since they were four, so it's been a true pleasure knowing Annette and Jason first as friends and then as clients. They are so sweet and charismatic. With all of these elements its no wonder their wedding day went off without a hitch. We were honored to have Julia join our team for the day and enjoyed every moment of Annette and Jason's Wedding Celebration. Annette and Jason, enjoy your European Honeymoon adventure - you know we're insanely jealous! Congratulations!