g+k

And I still haven't shared this awesome session yet either! I'll be photographing this lovely couple's wedding next year.

I love Kelsey's sense of style and can't wait to see how it is reflected in the details of her wedding. I'll have a few more images from their engagement session up in the next week or so!

the most romantic date EVER | Minnesota Lifestyle Photographer

Remember this game?

I was contacted by a husband knee deep in his own Mystery Date plans. He was planning a romantic evening that he was sure his wife would want photographed. His wife (a long time scrapbooking friend) wasn't to know a stitch about it. So I had to keep my mouth (and Tweets) quiet for A WHOLE MONTH!!!

Here's [roughly] how it went down:

1. Prince Charming told his wife to pack an overnight bag for the child who would be heading over to Gramma's house by 3:00 pm.

2. At that point, he gave his wife a second set of instructions telling her they'd be leaving for their date at 5:00 pm. He told her to wear jeans, a nice t-shirt, and shoes she could do a bit of walking in. He told her that one of the places they'd be going to was kind of fancy.

3. Prince Charming drove his wife to the St. Paul Hotel. He walked her to an elevator, handed her a card key, and told her to go to a room. In the room was a beautiful gown with instructions to be dressed and in the lobby by 6:45 pm. (Her BFF was also there to help with the gown.)

This is when I arrived on the scene. I'll let the rest of the story unfold through the following images.

As you can see, an evening she will never forget :)

Once in a while, right in the middle of ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale.
- Unknown

Peace Garden | Minnesota Lifestyle Wedding Photographer

I have unfortunately been dealing with an illness for almost a month now. On top of it being the busiest time of year for my photography business. Not cool.

What is cool?

This couple and their gorgeous wedding:

And the fact that God called off the rain just in time for a lovely garden ceremony :)

But then again, the bride and groom had connections (the bride's father also happened to be the pastor). Here are just a handful of my favorites:

The reception took place at The View near Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis.

A stylish brunch. Warm speeches. Friends and family. The perfect celebration of love :)

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.

M+L | Minnesota Engagement Photographer

A memorable session in more ways than one! Our session took place at a beautiful park in the area - cool bridges, gorgeous retaining walls, mini waterfall/pond, tunnel, ducks, and even deer. It couldn't have been better.

Well... perhaps it would have been a teeny bit better had my van not been vandalized. And my checkbook and credit cards not stolen.

Amazingly, this lovely couple happens to work for a local automotive glass company. And they were there to save the day broken window. (Thank you SOOOOOO MUCH for that!!!) I am also happy to report that the police already have a suspect in custody. Which is good, because it's my new FAVORITE park! Here's a peek at our exciting afternoon:

Just kidding :) Here's where the real excitement took place:

I had a WONDERFUL time and can't wait until the wedding!! Thanks again for everything...