Megan + Jennifer = Married

Megan and Jen's Wedding at Heartland Restaurant in Saint Paul was a delight to photograph. As we've gotten to know these two throughout their engagement, we've learned that they are not only well suited for each other, they bring so much joy into people's lives with their generous hearts, boundless talents and compassionate outlook on life. They have been together for a long time (they have the sweetest daughter) but it wasn't until recently they decided to make their commitment a legal union. A few highlights from their wedding included a traditional Japanese flute and drum performance featuring the brides' very own ensemble which brought a personal touch to their ceremony. Their guests shared various readings and accolades throughout the day which left few without dry eyes. And of course the phenomenal food Heartland provided for the guests brought Megan and Jen's vision for an intimate gathering with really good food to life. All in all, it was a great day and we were honored to tell Megan and Jen's wedding story. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Andi + Alex = Married

In 2015 - pretty much anything goes when it comes to celebrating your wedding. The sky is literally the limit, so this can be a pandora's box situation for couples getting married today. With limitless options of how to celebrate your wedding, the one commonality between weddings we see executed with greatness whittles down to one thing: personalization. Finding elements that add to the celebration in a meaningful and beautiful way always works. Andi + Alex did this with ease and style. They decided to get married in a quaint little church on the outskirts of the Twin Cities and bring along their dearest friends and family. A procession of classic cars waited for the wedding party after the ceremony where they made a getaway for the backyard reception. Instead of the traditional layout for a wedding reception, Andi and Alex did things their way. The evening was filled with numerous musicians, food stations, an endless tap of Bud Lite and BBQ from a Food Truck. Oh, and there were also Wedding Sausages! Guests mixed and mingled by the bonfire enjoying each others company and hugging the newlyweds. The evening ended with a fabulous display of fireworks and dancing under the stars. It was a very good day, indeed.

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!!

Stacy + Tom = Married

It seems like everywhere you look, small is the new big. People are opting for homes with smaller footprints, all my friends are downsizing their wardrobes to simplify their lives and we're seeing more and more weddings that have small guest lists. We've always loved intimate weddings, so when Stacy and Tom asked us to capture a few hours of their wedding at Grandview Lodge 'up north' in Nisswa, Minnesota - we were all in. We have family ties to this area, so we already knew what a beautiful, serene area this was and loved watching Stacy and Tom's vision for a laid back, love-filled wedding come to life. They are in a season of exciting changes, and we couldn't be more excited for this deserving pair. Congratulations, Stacy and Tom!

2014 - IN REVIEW

For those of you still hanging around at the end, let's start with a high-five for being able to process all those images. We are well aware that this little annual tradition of our images in a yearly review format is entirely too big. Believe it or not, this is a highly edited version of some of our favorite images for the year. I suppose that's what happens when we shoot more than 50 weddings in a year, not to mention even more portrait sessions. There is just so much LIFE and LOVE that we get to witness! It's such an honor, guys. Now you get to read our little acceptance speech of gratitude. First of all, none of these photos would be possible without the beautiful clients we get to have in our Summer Street family. Their lives and love are our constant inspiration, and without that we'd just be taking photos of pretty things with no substance. Next up, our team of dedicated photographers. Of course Matt and I started this whole crazy business, but we've picked up Chuck and Abby along the way as our sensationally talented Associate Photographers, and much of what you see above is their talented work as well. Next up we have the privilege of working with some of the finest in the industry as our second shooters and assistants for some weddings; Ashley, Katie, Deb, Bella, Dan, Olivia, Ellie, Jean and Vina - your talent behind the lens is clearly phenomenal and we're honored to call you peers. We are hybrid shooters (film and digital) so we have to thank our talented film lab, Richard Photo Lab, for their expert work in the dark room. This year we hand-trained a new talented digital editor as well. With the influx of a new market in the Midwest, Matt and I needed back-end support to help us deliver beautiful, consistent images to our clients in a timely manner, and we knew bringing an in-house editor to help us would be just the thing. Laura is now part of our team and has been an integral part of our back-end this year and helps all our images become what you see on our site. Talk about a talented group!

We have captured love in many places this year. From sandy beaches to historic estates. Ornate houses of worship and cathedrals in the woods. Childhood homes and mountain tops. All across New England and the prairies of the Midwest, we've gotten to step back and capture lives full of love. We've been able to tell their stories through photos that they will cherish for years to come. We are completely honored to call this work, and we toast to you all for supporting us along the way. Here's to 2015!

*In the mood for more photos? Previous years in review: 2011, 2012 (part I, II, III), 2013*

Sharon + Chris = Married

Sharon and Chris were married in Lakeville, Minnesota a few weeks back, wrapping up our 2014 season on a very high note. They were married on the same week that they celebrated 10 years together, which was one sweet element in a slew of meaningful contributions in their big day. They got ready at their venue and made their way down to a nearby state park for their first look and couple portraits - in the bitter cold of 17 degrees (without coats) - but once they saw each other their excitement and warmth pushed them through for some beautiful images together. A roaring fire welcomed guests as they shared a cozy and meaningful ceremony together. Cold temps didn't keep the crew of Minnesotan wedding attendants  leery of popping outside for some photos (we are a tough breed) and afterward the party continued with witty toasts and some polka dancing. If there is anything we are sure of, it's that these two deserve one another and they will share a happily ever after together. Congratulations, Sharon and Chris!

Jaime + Ben = Married

Jaime and Ben threw the most charming wedding a few weeks back in Saint Paul. Matt and Abby were there to capture it all, and the results are just so great. We love love love when our couples infuse themselves into their wedding celebration, which Jaime and Ben did with care. It's also very promising when you take two people as genuine, lovely and talented (did we mention Jaime is a florist back home in California and whipped together her wedding flowers?) as this pair and stem out a celebration as unique as they are. We've never seen such a well-executed 'autumnal' wedding so appropriately crafted for the middle of October. From the color palate of rich greens and deep plums to the textures of the farmhouse tables and soft glow of candlelight, it was all just so cozy and savory. Beside all the fantastic sensory details, what we really appreciated about this wedding was how much love was buzzing around during the reception. It's clear that these two are deserving of a long and prosperous marriage, and we couldn't be happier for them. Congratulations Jaime and Ben!

Leah + Mike = Married

When Mike and Leah set out to plan their nuptials, they knew they wanted something historic, unique and fun. They wanted something that wasn't your traditional ballroom and chicken-dinner type wedding. When they told us about their plans to get married on a historic Riverboat on the Saint Croix off of Stillwater, we couldn't be more excited. Mike and our very own Matt go way back. I'm talking, they have been friends since they were in diapers. It's not often that we are invited to a wedding that we are also photographing, so it worked out to be a perfect fit to have our Midwest Associate Photographer Abby shoot their big day. Since Matt was in the wedding and I got to be a wedding guest (what do you mean I can eat and drink at a wedding? :)) it was fun to sit back and watch the action unfold from a guest's perspective, and then later catch up with Abby about all the fun she had with these two. Mike and Leah's wedding turned out to be exactly as they hoped, with an emphasis on the fun, and it was an honor to work with them. Mike and Leah, you know we love you guys and are so happy for you as you become a new family. Congratulations!

Krystal + Patrick = Married

Krystal and Patrick were married on a beautiful September day in the state capitol of Minnesota (ten points if you're not from MN and know what city that is!) at the James J Hill Library downtown Saint Paul. These two, who currently call Chicago home, were set on hosting a classy yet laid back wedding that their friends and family could celebrate together after their long courtship leading up to their wedding. Our Midwest Associate Photographer Abby was there to capture all the action and clearly had a great time working with Krystal and Patrick and their kind crew of friends and family. We are so happy for you, Krystal and Patrick, and we wish you nothing but the best in your new adventure; marriage! Congratulations!

Mandy + Zach = Married

There is just something about a backyard wedding that we really dig. The emotions seem higher when a couple says 'I do' on territory that is woven into their lives. Mandy and Zach did just this and the results were a smashing success. Mandy's childhood home sits right on the Saint Croix river, which separates Minnesota and Wisconsin, in a sleepy little town called Marine on Saint Croix. There are about 600 people in this outer-ring suburb of the Twin Cities and, Mandy, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe about half the town attended your wedding, is that right? Zach's cheerful friends and family completed a fun group of wedding guests that surrounded these two as they committed themselves to a lifetime of joy worth fighting for. It was a great party. We may also be newly committed fans of the post-ceremony wedding party 'booze cruise'. Mandy and Zach are loved by so many, and after we've gotten to know them it's no surprise why. Special thanks to our gal Abby who second shoot with us for this wedding, and Congratulations to the newlyweds!

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!