Minneapolis Wedding Photographer Blog

MN Landscape Arboretum Family Photography | Ford Family

Minneapolis Family Photographer

As a Minneapolis family photographer, I love getting a chance to work with my clients again after their big day. Whether headshots, portraits, or even their growing family, I’m open for most anything. In 2017, Safiyyah + Rory asked me to photograph their maternity session and their newborn session once their son Remy made his debut. (I had previously worked with them on their 2014 Aria Mpls wedding photography.)

Safiyyah + Rory contacted me this summer to schedule Remy’s first birthday photo session. When deciding upon locations, they gravitated toward the natural beauty of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Anytime I can work at this beautiful location, I jump at the chance. So I was naturally super excited not only to work with my awesome friends and clients, see how big Remy had gotten (wow!!!) and also to see how things were looking at the beautiful Arboretum.

Family Photo Session

Our family session was so much fun! In the year since I had seen him, Remy had grown into a running, laughing, babbling little munchkin! It was a warm and humid day, perfect for him to explore every place he could reach. We meandered through several of the gardens and photographed Remy taking it all in with mom and dad.

Viewing and Ordering Session

Holding our Viewing/Ordering session, it was a tough choice to narrow down the images to Safiyyah + Rory’s “best-of-the-best”. They selected an Heirloom Portrait Box – a handmade copper-foiled glass box filled with gorgeous heirloom matted 8×10 prints. Their final box was absolutely stunning!

Safiyyah + Rory, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your MN Landscape Arboretum family session. I always love working with you guys. It was a joy to see little Remy growing so fast, and I wish you every happiness as you grow together as a family!

If you would like more information about working with me for your children and family portraits, contact me soon!

St Olaf College Engagement Photos | Sarah + Ezra

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St Olaf College

Sarah + Ezra met several years ago while attending St Olaf College in Northfield MN. They now live half a country apart for jobs and school, and won’t be moving back to Minnesota until next summer. While they were in town visiting family and planning their wedding, they were excited for the opportunity to photograph their engagement session. Naturally, they gravitated toward the alma mater where they met. Luckily, the rainy fall weather held off long enough for us to have their beautiful St Olaf College engagement session!

St Olaf Engagement Session

We headed down to Northfield on a day with patchy rain. Since they were only in town together very rarely, we had to work no matter what the weather. Luckily, we timed it just right and photographed the two of them in some of their favorite spots on campus between rain clouds. We visited the running fields, a quiet bench overlooking a pond, a few of the gorgeous old buildings, the quad between buildings, a few walking paths, gardens and trails, and even on a spot overlooking downtown Northfield. The umbrellas came out at one point during a slight drizzle, but the rain left as soon as it had appeared. Sarah + Ezra loved visiting their old stomping grounds. A perfect fit while they are in the midst of planning for their big day. We had so much fun!

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Sarah + Ezra, for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! I had so much fun working with you for your beautiful St Olaf engagement photos, and I am so excited for your wedding next year!

If you are considering St Olaf College engagement photos, contact me soon to see if we’d be a good fit together!

Take a look at their awesome slide show too!

MN Brewery Wedding Photos | Audrey + Gerardo

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Brewery Wedding Day

Audrey + Gerardo were from different parts of the world. She grew up in New York and he was from El Salvador. They met while working together here in the Twin Cities, and knew they were destined to be together. They held their beautiful Ascension Church and Urban Growler brewery wedding on a cool, mid-fall day.

Ascension Church Wedding

The wedding began with their first look in the garden of the church they attend in Minneapolis. Gerardo had the most infectious excitement when he saw Audrey for the first time that day! After the spent a few quiet moments alone, they were ready to greet their guests as they began arriving for the ceremony.

The moment was beautiful, and their own pastor presided over their ceremony. They were even able to incorporate a traditional Salvadoran ritual – the lasso ceremony – which symbolizes their unity for life. Once their ceremony was complete, they received their guests in a receiving line.

Urban Growler Brewery Reception

After they finished their wedding ceremony, they were off to the Urban Growler Brewery in St Paul for their reception. They had so much fun at their reception! They enjoyed cocktails with guests, ate from the fabulous taco bar from the Urban Growler, and cut their cake in front of family and friends. The room was hopping once the dancing was underway! And they even enjoyed a visit from their dog Rocky to take a few quick photos together. After their reception, they even headed out to a show with some family so they could party the night away.

Thank You!

Audrey + Gerardo, thank you so much for working with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer! It was so much fun seeing your happiness together! Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a MN beer brewery wedding and/or reception, contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit!

Take a look at a beer brewery engagement session I photographed too!

Take a look at their full slideshow too:

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Ascension Church
Reception Venue: Urban Growler
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair/Makeup: Juut Salon
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Helzberg
Catering: Urban Growler

Stillwater MN Engagement Photos | Anna + Adam

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Stillwater Engagement Photography

Anna + Adam were former residents of Minnesota before moving to their current home of Chicago. They planned to get married back in MN to be near family and friends. When they thought about where in MN they wanted to take their engagement photos, the beautiful Twin Cities suburb of Stillwater came to mind. It’s such a cute, quaint town set amongst the trees along the St Croix river. When they mentioned to me their interest in having Stillwater engagement photography, I was so excited! I love Stillwater too, and I would finally have the chance to work at a location I had always hoped to visit: the St Croix Boom Site.

St Croix River

We started their mid-fall prewedding session at Pioneer Park. The park is on a high bluff that has a spectacular view over the gorgeous river and architecture of Stillwater. It’s surrounded by beautiful old Victorian homes, quaint streets and brick buildings.

After we spent some time there, we headed over to the St Croix Boom Site for a walk below the bluffs, cliffs and caves down by the water’s edge. Our options for walking around there were slightly reduced as the river flooding had not yet fully subsided. It’s been a rainy summer and fall for us!

After the fun at the Boom Site, we headed in to downtown Stillwater to work around the river walk and vintage buildings. Again, the actual river walk was still under water, but we were still able to catch a few photos of them nearby.

Thank You!

Thank you so much, Anna + Adam, for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis engagement photographer! I loved working with you for your beautiful Stillwater engagement photos. I am so excited for your winter Hamline Church and Semple Mansion wedding!

Make sure to take a look at my Stillwater wedding photography and Pioneer Park wedding photography too!

ETA: Check out Anna + Adam’s gorgeous Semple Mansion wedding photos too!

Considering a Stillwater wedding or engagement session? Contact me soon to see if we would be a great fit together!

Check out their slideshow for more fun images from Anna + Adam’s Stillwater engagement session!

Como Conservatory Wedding Photography | Kelly + Andy

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Como Conservatory Wedding

Kelly + Andy were married at the beautiful Como Conservatory in St Paul MN on a perfect September day. They wanted to keep their celebration small and intimate, with their closest friends and family in attendance.

We started their beautiful Como Conservatory wedding day in the late afternoon. We began with their First Look, then spent some time taking photos of the two of them alone. It’s always so much fun wandering the Como Park grounds and photographing among the beautiful landscape! We followed that up with family photos. Once we finished, it was time for them to prepare for their ceremony.

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony itself was so beautiful. It took place in the gorgeous glass conservatory surrounded by a fountain, pond and numerous blooming flowers and green shrubs. They were serenaded by Kelly’s violinist brother-in-law. It was late in the day so the sun was low in the sky, and the air was warm and perfect.

Following their ceremony, the guests headed over to the Ordway Garden to begin the cocktail hour. Kelly + Andy had a few minutes for photos of them alone inside the Sunken Garden. It’s such a gorgeous venue! (I may be a bit biased – this is where I got married too!)

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

After their final few portraits, they headed in to the reception to fanfare from family and friends. A surprise guest was brought out – Chloe the sloth! Afterward, they held their cake cutting. They finished the evening with cocktails and heavy apps amongst the bonsai trees of the Ordway Garden.

Thank You!

Kelly + Andy, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. I loved getting to know you and seeing how cute you guys are together. I wish you the best in your new lives!

Are you considering a Como Park Conservatory wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit together!

Be sure to take a look at some of my Como Conservatory winter wedding photos and my Como Conservatory summer wedding photos too!

Take a look at more of Kelly + Andy’s images in their slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: Como Conservatory
Wedding Dress, Accessories + Shoes: David’s Bridal
Hair/Makeup: The Blushing Room
Wedding Rings: Wixon/Shane Co
Officiant: Judge Tom Armstrong
Catering: Lancer Catering
Cake: Buttercream
Musician: Family Member of Bride
Invitations: Vistaprint

Hope Glen Farm Wedding Photography | Ben + Marissa

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Hope Glen Farm Wedding

Ben + Marissa had a picture-perfect wedding day at Hope Glen Farm in Cottage Grove MN. The sky had only a few fluffy clouds and the grounds were perfect. I was so excited to be their Minneapolis wedding photographer!

They began prepping for their big day at the farm. When they were finished with their preparations, we held their first look under a shady tree near the back of the large barn. We spent some time with the two of them taking portraits together. Once their portraits were complete, we held their wedding party photos as well as their family photos. Then it was time to gather in the Corn Crib to prepare for their wedding ceremony.

MN Farm Wedding Ceremony

Ben + Marissa’s wedding ceremony was held outdoors on the grounds of Hope Glen Farm, near the new vineyard and looking to their new vine pergola with crystal chandelier. Marissa’s cousin Anton was their officiant, ensuring a very personalized ceremony. Once their ceremony was complete, they headed back to the Corn Crib to toast with their wedding party and sign the marriage license.

MN Farm Wedding Reception

Ben + Marissa headed out to join their cocktail hour and share drinks, stories and hugs with their guests. Guests especially enjoyed the bean bag and Jenga games. After their grand entrance, they began dinner and toasts. Ben’s dad brought laughter and tears by surprising them with a guitar song.

After their dinner, Ben + Marissa held their first dance along with dances with both of their mothers. Fun continued into the night with dancing, desserts and an addictive game of Minnow Racing.

Thank You!

Ben + Marissa, thank you so much for working with me as your wedding photographer. I had such an awesome time on your wedding day, and I wish you both the best in your life together!

Are you considering a Hope Glen Farm wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit to work together!

Take a look here if you would like to see more MN farm weddings, MN barn weddings or rustic MN weddings too!

Take a look at more of their images in their slideshow too:

VENDORS
Venue: Hope Glen Farm
Catering: This Little Piggy Catering
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Bridesmaids Attire: Venus
Hair/Makeup: BB Makeup + Patrick Walker
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Helzberg
Stationery: Lovepop Cards
Florist: Custom Floral Design
Desserts: Kowalskis
DJ: Adagio DJ

Brewery + Farm Wedding Photos | Stacia + Tyler

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Brewery Wedding Ceremony

Stacia + Tyler had an amazing wedding day planned. They were going to have both a brewery AND Stacia’s family farm wedding. Coming from a family with a farm too, I had a special place in my heart for their big day. I was so incredibly excited when they decided to hire me as their MN wedding photographer!

Their day began down in Northridge Iowa. They prepared for their big day at both Worth Brewing Company as well as across the street at their friend’s store, Fringe & Lace. Once the two of them were ready, they decided they wanted to drive over to a beautiful vineyard near the edge of town for their first look. The area was small but stunning! From there, we headed over to the main park in town for a few more photos of them as well as photos with their wedding party. And finally we headed up to Worth Brewing for family photos before the ceremony.

After their beautiful ceremony, they had a cocktail hour in the main brewery. Then dinner and toasts were back upstairs in the party room. Once the brewery celebration was complete, we headed up to Hayward MN for their family farm reception.

Family Farm Wedding Reception

Stacia + Tyler’s reception was held at Stacia’s family farm in Hayward MN. The party and dancing was held in the large shed, and there was plenty of space to wander around and capture more photos of the two of them as well. After dancing had begun, they had the added bonus of candle-lit lanterns once it was dark. And then we followed with a sparkler exit as well.

Thank You!

Stacia + Tyler, thank you so much for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer on one of the biggest days of your lives. I am so happy for you as you begin your new lives together!

If you are planning a brewery or farm wedding, contact me soon to discuss how we could work together!

Take a look at another family farm wedding and MN barn wedding here too!

Check out more images from Stacia+Tyler’s day here!

VENDORS
Ceremony Venue: Worth Brewing Company
Reception Venue: Family Farm
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Bride’s Accessories: Fringe & Lace
Hair/Makeup: Expressions
Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A Banks
Wedding Rings: Jared’s
Catering: HyVee
Rentals: Western Rentals
DJ: Audioworks
Invitations: Shutterfly

Mississippi Gardens Wedding Photography | Rachael + Nishant

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Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens

Rachael + Nishant met in Georgia through friends several years ago. She was from Minnesota and he was from New York. Once they got engaged, they decided upon on a Hindu/Christian fusion wedding. A fusion wedding is essentially two different weddings, one for each person’s culture. I was so honored to have been chosen as their Minneapolis wedding photographer!

Their Indian wedding ceremony began early in the day – take a look!

Mississippi Gardens Wedding

Later in the day, the Christian portion of their wedding day was held at the beautiful Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens in Fridley, MN. The wedding began shortly after their arrival and short prep time. Once their ceremony was complete, we worked on their formal portraits with family and wedding party. Then a few minutes for the two of them alone.

Once their photos were complete, we headed back to cocktail hour and on to dinner. During dinner, their Maid of Honor began a beautiful dance routine. She was soon joined by the other bridesmaids, and they then pulled Nishant onto the stage and they danced a choreographed routine together! After the dance fun were toasts, with a surprise video speech given by Rachael’s brother who was stationed overseas in the military.

After dinner Rachael + Nishant kicked off the dancing with their special parent dances. They then announced they were going to hold a “dance-off” between members of each side of the wedding. Rachael’s side began with a fun choreographed routine, and they were followed with another routine by Nishant’s side (featuring Nishant himself!) The crowd was then supposed to cheer to vote for their favorite, but both sides were tied with a deafening roar, so they all won! It was so much fun with tons of cheers and laughs! The whole crowd then danced the night away.

Thank You!

Thank you, Rachael + Nishant, for including me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer for your absolutely spectacular wedding day! I am so honored to have gotten to know you, and I wish you every happiness in your new lives together!

Are you considering a Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit to work together!

Take a look at their slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens
Wedding Planner: Kerry Hollenback, The Simply Elegant Group
Wedding Dress: Kitty Chen Couture
Catering: Mintahoe
Florist: Tulips and a Kiss
Hair/Makeup: Warpaint International
DJ: Instant Request
Transportation: Northfield Lines

Hindu Temple MN Indian Wedding Photography | Rachael + Nishant

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Indian Wedding Photography

The Hindu portion of their wedding day was held at the beautiful Hindu Temple of Minnesota. The day began with Nishant’s Baarat – he rode in on a white horse amidst celebratory music and dancing with his friends and relatives. Once they arrived at the Temple entrance, they were welcomed by Rachael’s family. Her family escorted Nishant to the Mandap inside the Hindu Temple. After Nishant’s portion of the ceremony, Rachael was escorted to the Mandap by her brothers.

Hindu Wedding Ceremony

The beautiful Indian wedding ceremony proceeded with exchanging of garlands, knotting their sari and scarf together, and circling the sacred fire. They moved on to their seven wedding vows, a special groom’s promise, and then exchanging of rings and a final blessing. They were now officially married! We quickly followed with formal family photos, wedding party photos, and photos of Rachael+Nishant in their beautiful Hindu wedding outfits.

We then had time to have some fun photographing the wedding party with brightly colored smoke bombs. Afterward, we captured Rachael+Nishant alone by the Hindu Temple’s golden doors and more smoke bombs. Everything looked so amazing! The Hindu portion of their wedding day was now over, and they headed back to their hotel for some rest and also to begin preparing for the second part of their day – their Christian wedding ceremony. Take a look at their Leopold’s Mississippi Garden wedding photos too!

Thank You!

Are you considering an Indian wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit to work together!

Take a look at some of my other Hindu wedding photography and Indian wedding photography too!

Take a look at their slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: Hindu Temple of Minnesota
Wedding Planner: Kerry Hollenback, The Simply Elegant Group
Catering: India House
Florist: Tulips and a Kiss
Rentals: Avant, Apres
Hair/Makeup: Warpaint International
Transportation: Northfield Lines

Basilica + Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography | Daniel + Divya

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Basilica + Saint Paul Hotel Wedding

Daniel + Divya met when they were at college in Atlanta. Once they were engaged, they decided they would like to settle down in Daniel’s hometown of the Minneapolis area. While Daniel moved back to the Cities, Divya was still located down South all while planning their wedding. It made things a little tough, but they were able to organize a beautiful Basilica of St Mary wedding and Saint Paul Hotel wedding reception, nonetheless!

Basilica of Saint Mary Wedding

Their day started at the Basilica of St Mary in Minneapolis. Even though it was raining, the church gave just enough cover for a great First Look location right out the gorgeous front doors! We then headed indoors for Basilica wedding family portraits on the stunning altar.

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Reception

After their beautiful ceremony, we headed over to the Saint Paul Hotel for Daniel + Divya’s wedding reception. While the guests mingled in the James J Hill Room during cocktail hour, Daniel + Divya spent a few minutes with me taking couple portraits on the regal Saint Paul Hotel staircase, underneath the stunning crystal chandelier.

Following their portraits, the two of them headed into the James J Hill Room to applause from family and friends. Their cocktail hour was followed by dinner and a warm toast from Daniel’s father. They enjoyed a fun cake cutting too.

Thank You!

Daniel + Divya, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your Minneapolis wedding photographer. It was so great meeting you and seeing your happiness on your big day. I wish you the best in your new lives together!

Are you considering a Basilica of St Mary wedding? Or planning a Saint Paul Hotel wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit together!

Be sure to take a look at some of my other Basilica of Saint Mary wedding photos and Saint Paul Hotel wedding photos too!

Take a look at more of Daniel + Divya’s beautiful Basilica of St Mary and Saint Paul Hotel wedding photos here too!

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Basilica of St Mary
Reception Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Catering: The Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Cake: Buttercream
Florist: Martha’s Gardens

Minneapolis + St Paul wedding, engagement and portrait photography | Custom wedding albums + artwork design

Minneapolis Family Photographer

Family Photo Session

Viewing and Ordering Session

St Olaf College

St Olaf Engagement Session

Thank You!

Brewery Wedding Day

Ascension Church Wedding

Urban Growler Brewery Reception

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Stillwater Engagement Photography

St Croix River

Thank You!

Como Conservatory Wedding

Como Conservatory Wedding Ceremony

Como Conservatory Wedding Reception

Thank You!

MN Farm Wedding Ceremony

MN Farm Wedding Reception

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Brewery Wedding Ceremony

Family Farm Wedding Reception

Thank You!

Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens

Mississippi Gardens Wedding

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Hindu Wedding Ceremony

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Basilica + Saint Paul Hotel Wedding

Basilica of Saint Mary Wedding

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Reception

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