better than any fairy tale | Minnesota Lifestyle Wedding Photographer

I had the honor of capturing Matt & Lori's special day. And even though I never had the chance to get to know them before becoming their photographer, Lori filled me in on their unique story.

How they met. Fought. And fell in love ;)

Obviously, the story is much richer and deeper than that, but it's theirs to tell - not mine.

They have a unique love story.

Better than any fairy tale.

Here are a few more of my favorites from the day:

They were surrounded by a small group of family and friends as they exchanged vows. Afterwards, we stole time for images and er, ah... other things:

The band was great and even catered to the little ones with a few lively renditions of some all-time kid favorites. I'll try to get a few of the reception pics up a later :)

Thanks again, Matt and Lori!! It was a huge blessing to be part of your day.

October Faithbooking Crop

While I still plan to post my usual cheesy hint, I wanted to give you ample opportunity to plan ahead. Because this is a 12-hour crop and because it's our first crop in like F-O-R-E-V-E-R, I'm assuming we'll hit maximum capacity rather quickly. So if you'd like me to hold a spot for you, let me know ASAP! The date again is Saturday, October 8 and the crop will take place at Hosanna! from 9:00 am-9:00 pm. As always, the event is FREE and will include an assortment of prizes and treats :) Questions? Just contact me at acvega at frontiernet dot net.

As I mentioned in a handful of other posts, a team of ladies will now help with the hosting duties from this point forward. Here's our schedule so far:

Saturday, October 9 from 9:00 am-9:00 pm (Tina)

Saturday, November 13 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm (Cindy)

Saturday, December 11 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm (Jodie)

Saturday, January 8 from 9:00 am-9:00 pm (Tina)

Saturday, February 12 from 9:oo am-4:00 pm (Leslie)

The dates in bold will operate as usual; as the host, I will have extra scrapbooking supplies on hand and will provide coffee, tea, and a smattering of snacks. As for the other crop dates (not in bold), you will need to provide your own beverages and snacks for the day. (Feel free to bring along a snack to share; you guys are always so great about that anyway!) Too, you will need to plan ahead to make sure you have enough pages, adhesives, etc. to make it through the day. (All of the profits from any CM purchases made from me for the purpose of scrapbooking at Hosanna! will be donated to the church and used to cover our expenses for prizes and the like.)

I think that about covers it. For now. Again, let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like me to hold a spot!!!

we're celebrating a very special day this week

It's official.

There's a TEENAGER in the house. And with this milestone, comes new privileges...

and responsibilities.

While he is eager for both, I'm not so sure that I am :)

Where has the time gone? No longer are his sights set on Blue's Clues, Teletubbies, and VeggieTales... the boy is now into his PSP, football, and spicy buffalo wings.

Sigh.

While sad about the passage of time, I am proud of the young man he has become. I enjoy his quick wit and sense of humor, his persistence, choice in friends, and the fact that he knows what he likes (and doesn't - the boy still doesn't own a pair of jeans).

Big plans for The Big Day include a Starbucks beverage and introduction to Facebook (oh, have times changed). Happy Birthday, Meel!!!

a quick update

In addition to keeping busy with my photography business, I've had a heap of stuff taking place [again] in my personal life. I don't think I've ever experienced a more trying year, that's for sure. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I've not completely abandoned my blogging ways. I'll be back in full force soon.

The faithbooking crop schedule has been worked out out for the next several months and I'll be sharing details with all of you soon. I'll also be sharing a sneak peek from my most recent wedding sometime within the next week.

Thanks for hanging in there with me...

Holy Sunshine, Batman!

Nothing compares to natural light photography.

The play of shadows. Sunshine peeking out between branches or from behind the subject.

Nothing at all.

Tom | Minnesota Editorial Fashion Photographer

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to work with a young actor from the Twin Cities who recently finished filming the movie Souvenirs. Tom is also one of four finalists in the Every Man Jack contest, with the winner to be announced in the Dec/Jan issue of Men's Journal. (You can keep an eye on Tom by following him in HERE.) And now for the images; here's a peek from our day:

Thanks again, Tom - it was great fun working with you! Have fun in Las Vegas and best wishes to you in your acting/modeling career.