WE ARE
STORYTELLERS.
WE ARE MORE THAN "JUST PHOTOGRAPHERS"...
WE ARE BACKWARDS-WALKING NINJAS...
WE ARE TIMELINE-PLANNING, FLOWER-FIXING, BUSTLE-TYING, FAMILY-WRANGLING, FREAKOUT-CALMING, DRESS-FLUFFING EXTRAORDINAIRES...
BUT ABOVE ALL ELSE...
WE ARE STORYTELLERS.
Telling stories is the heart and soul of what we do.
Whether we are documenting the love and joy of a wedding day, a young family playing with their children, or a new baby arriving into this world... we are not "just photographers". Anyone can take a photo. Most of us have a camera nearby (our cell phones) nearly 24/7. But what makes professional, candid, documentary, creative photography so special?
We are trained in more than just "how to take pictures". We are professional storytellers. We are experts in reading a situation, anticipating "moments", finding the best light and capturing the very essence of our couples, their families, and anyone else we are blessed to capture through our lenses.
We invite you to experience some of our favorite moments.... as told through both photos and the story that goes with those moments.
AT LAST…
AFTER 19 YEARS, THEY FINALLY SAID "I DO"
Kristin and Marlon's wedding day was anything but ordinary. These two lovebirds had been waiting for this day for over 19 years. And in true Kristin and Marlon fashion, they opted for a low-key, beautiful, intimate wedding celebration.
They decided to elope near their home in Woodbury, at the Central Park conservatory. They shared their relaxed, love-filled day with only a few family members.
The bride and groom got ready at their home and then headed to Central Park. As Kristin descended the stairs, you could see the glee on Marlon's face! After some quick portraits, it was time for them to FINALLY tie the knot!
After a short, beautiful ceremony, they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Cheers erupted from their family members, and Etta James' "At Last" began to play from the speakers. Kristin and Marlon shared their first dance as husband and wife on the spot that they said I Do.
A quick glance over at Kristin's mother, Donna and she was overwhelmed with joy that her baby girl was finally a Mrs -- "I can't believe it finally happened!" Moments later, Kristin was glancing in awe at the new ring adorning her left hand... after all this time.
As a photographer, the wedding industry often pushes us to get wrapped up in the "details" of the day. But when you strip away all the frills, what's left is a truly incredible, emotional event. (I was full-on crying as they danced to At Last!)
To witness the love that these two have for one another is truly a privilege. What an honor to document their day!
FROM HEAVEN, WITH LOVE
YOU SHOULD BE HERE…
There was someone very special missing from Katie + Matt's wedding day -- Matt's father, Verd. He had passed away tragically several years prior.
Katie and Matt's July wedding fell on one of the hottest days of the year. Their reception took place at Katie's family farm, where her family had converted a big shed into a wedding wonderland, complete with air-conditioning. But when the 90+ degree heat pushed the generator a bit too far, a fuse blew and the previously comfortable shed became unbearable.
They chose to start with their speeches inside the shed, but when it came time for their first dance, Katie and Matt opted to move it outside (where it was, in fact, about 10-15 degrees cooler as the sun began to set). Under the wide-open sky, next to their big red shed, as their guests, family and friends stood around them.... they danced.
As they danced, some clouds were moving through, and during their song, a heart appeared in the clouds, as it to bless them and their marriage.
Unknown to us, Matt's mother Karen (Verd's wife) also saw this heart appear in the clouds. When Laura mentioned the heart in the clouds several hours later (and the photo captured), Karen began to weep. "I can't believe you caught that... I know that was Verd. He is here with us today and I know he would be so proud."
....and if the generator hadn't blown a fuse, their dance never would have happened outside. And nobody would have seen that heart in the sky. It was truly sent from above.
A FAMILY PROMISE
BECOMING ONE
Caroline and Zach celebrated their marriage under the branches of a giant willow tree at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. But they chose the maple leaf as the symbol of their day, representing the sweetness and wonder of love in every day life.
The two were blending their families, Caroline and her daughter, and Zach and his three sons. Their intimate ceremony was incredibly unique and meaningful to them, as each family member played a role in the ceremony.
Together, Caroline and Zach made promises to their children, and in turn, the children also made promises to their parents and to one another.
The most incredible moments though, came when the couple had select family members read meaningful poetry and prose to symbolize their love and commitment to one another. Because the couple knew that it would be incredibly emotional for them, they opted to have the bride's sister read their promises to one another as they held each other tight and gazed lovingly into one another's eyes.
The couple opted not to exchange rings, and instead, both parents and the children all received matching maple leaf necklaces.
As they sealed their love with a kiss, the children rushed around them and surrounded the couple in a giant family hug.
The family also took photos under a large, golden Maple tree at the Arboretum as a lasting impression of this incredible day when their family became one.