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!

Kelsey + Rhys = Married

 If you've been following our blog for any time at all you'll know how much we love when couples infuse their wedding with their relationship and personalities. Kelsey and Rhys did this with spunk and style. They decided to keep things *really* local and got married where they live; the Schmidt Artist Lofts. Not only do they call this historic brewery in Saint Paul's up-and-coming West 7th neighborhood home, but the property also yields itself to become a lively wedding venue when treated right. The couple brought in an all you can eat Mexican fiesta of food from the neighborhood hotspot, Burrito Mercado which everyone loved (especially us). Their table settings were named after board games they love and play, so the evening of celebrating was extra fun with a few rounds of 'Cards Against Humanity' and 'Catch Phrase'. The bride's new Mother-in-Law hand made (!!) her wedding dress and nearly every other element of Kelsey and Rhys' wedding was home spun. The best part of it all was truly watching these two love on each other. They are getting married for all the right reasons and it's clear they belong together.  Kelsey and Rhys, you two make us so happy. We've had such a great time working with you and feel honored to have documented your wedding. Congratulations!!

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*

Kate + Rob = Engaged

I was honored to capture Kate and Rob's Engagement Session a few weeks back in Saint Paul, MN. Engagement Sessions are much like a date with your photographer, and it's safe to say that I would want to continue dating these two after our fun time together. Even in the cold, they had bright spirits and were up for anything. We started our time in Cathedral Hill and stopped in a sweet little book store to warm up and get some photos of them reading together (something they love). We ended the session on the Mississippi River Bluff overlooking downtown, Saint Paul and those might be some of my favorite photos from our time together. We can't wait to photograph their  vintage inspired wedding next August at The Semple Mansion in Minneapolis. After getting to know Kate and Rob, it's going to be a classy, laid-back affair. Pardon our humble-brag, but our clients really are the best.

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!

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!

Apryl + Ashley = Married

It says a lot when we leave a wedding and feel like one of the guests. Laughing (let's face it, happy crying) and hugging as if we belonged right alongside their intimate list of honored guests. Apryl and Ashley are like that though. They draw people in with their genuine kindness and love. Apart they are both strong, beautiful, successful women. Together....well. Together they are even better. They celebrated their union at the most lovely B&B in North Minneapolis, The Le Blanc House where the skies parted from the rainstorm just in time for them to dry off the chairs and have their ceremony outside. Apryl was crying happy tears the entire ceremony and Ashley was grinning ear to ear. It was so happy. Afterward everyone slipped inside for toasts and a spontaneous dance party. The party continued down the street at the fabulous Red Stag Supper Club where their guests were treated to some of Minneapolis' finest grub. It was a beautiful and joyous day, and we were so happy to be a part of it! Congratulations you two! We wish you a lifetime of happiness together.