Today I am responding to some wonderful photogs on a forum that I just recently joined. It is awesome and has challenged me at this point in my business to re-start, re-vamp and really think deeply about where I want to take my business. What has been working for the past years is now changing, and rather than stand still and wait, I am moving forward to where I want to be. Being 10+ years in business, things have changed over time, but one thing has remained a constant; clients want to be known. This blog post comes from a response to a question on the forum.
Because I really like to get to know my clients, and because after the wedding day I want to be able to send out their wedding as soon as possible for submissions as well as vendors, I have found this wonderful client questionnaire document helpful. It is actually adapted from Justin and Mary’s site, so I give them all the credit. I have changed things according to my liking, but I hope it brings you help as you need it!
Not only did Dani’s dress fit her like a glove, she rocked it in and throughout the entire day of rain, and even ventured outside when it let up a bit. Jake was just as awesome and easy going, so it made photographing them even through the unpredictable weather enjoyable!! Throughout all the wonderful planning, Jake and Dani’s day came together beautifully! More to come tomorrow of this brave and beautiful couple!
I woke up to rain, in January, in MINNESOTA. I tried to think happy thoughts, like how umbrellas are pretty, and how it could be 100 below, and how rain is really good luck for your wedding; but all I could think about was Lori and Don and rain. and slush. on .their. wedding. day. I probably wrooied more than I should, because I wanted it perfect for them. And quite honestly it was!! By the time we started shooting, the rain turned to a beautiful mist and the weather was a “perfect” 40 degrees (hey, for January in MN, that is awesome! Today was -6. It was balmy!!) And I could not have asked for a more agreeable, kind, warm-hearted couple for this January day!
It was a match made. A match made perfectly, and love at first sight. Don and Lori met on Christin Mingle, a place neither one of them thought to even look into, but after some prodding from family and friends each signed up thinking that there wasn’t much harm in trying. Lori, being overly busy while working as a PA in the ER, didn’t have much free time. Don was the same way. While working to get his masters in Agriculture, working part time at the U of M, and just moving to MN his days were filled. So when their first date arrived they both agreed on something simple and short. To do coffee. But what started as doing coffee turned into a day adventure, and a 100% match. That was early summer.
September 12th came. Lori would be leaving for a PA conference in Arizona the next day, and Don was coming along two days later, planning to propose to her while they were admist it’s beauty in some romantic location. However the ring showed up the day before the flight as Don could not wait. Two days was way too long, so instead he took her to a spot around her home and got down on one knee where she said “of course!”
Personally this was a wedding I was thrilled to shoot. Lori had grown up a few houses down from ours and was my sister’s best friend. She and her spunky blond headed sister would come over to our home, along with a few other girls in the neighborhood and frequent the houses for snacks in the winter and Popsicles in the summer. We played Barbies, Nintendo, and took her dog Pepper on numerous walks. Her family was close to ours as her little sister and mine played basketball for years together. Two years ago, we stood in the same church she was married in and mourned the loss of her mother to her battle with cancer. Last spring, she stood with me as my sister, and her best friend, walked down the aisle. I am so grateful to know this amazing and wonderful woman, and to get to know Don in the process. I wish you both the best and know that God will honor what He has brought together. Much love to you both.
PS, don’t miss the photo after the slide show. My little sister, Claire, posted this on facebook about a year ago of all of us girls who played together while growing up. It is the only time you will see any of us online with a swimsuit on!
A winter wedding is risky in Minnesota, but it can also be elegant and beautiful as Lori and Don’s turned out to be. I was looking forward to shooting this wedding since I booked it, and it was wonderful. The vendors also helped create a look that was unique to Don and Lori. One of my most favorite details of the day was a necklace that Lori’s father gave to her with a photo of her mother, who had passed away a few years ago, on her wedding day on one side and some beads from her wedding dress on the other. It was priceless.
Katie Nick’s June wedding at Seven Vines Vineyard was the perfect blend of timeless elegance and joyful celebration. From the classic black-and-white wedding party attire to the dreamy golden hour portraits among the vines, every detail felt effortlessly sophisticated.
Surrounded by their favorite people and endless love, these two kicked off married life in the most beautiful way.
Baby Mary has arrived and is already so deeply loved by Nicole and Aaron.
I’ve had the true honor of photographing this family since their oldest was born over 16 years ago, and watching their story grow through each new season has been something really special. From newborn snuggles to busy, full family life being invited back again and again is something I never take for granted.
This family is deeply rooted in the world of forage, county fairs, and raising and showing lambs and sheep, so it only felt fitting to include a little lamb hat for baby Mary’s first photos. A small nod to a big part of their life and traditions.
Rob and Sarah’s wedding day was a beautiful blend of faith, family, and thoughtful design. Inspired by Monet’s garden paintings, their celebration was filled with soft spring colors, meaningful heirlooms, and intentional details at every turn.
After a joyful ceremony at Eagle Brook Church, surrounded by family and friends, they celebrated the night away at Silverwood Park with beautiful florals, heartfelt speeches, lakeside portraits, and dancing.
One of my favorite details? Sarah changed into her mother’s wedding dress for the reception, while flowers made from that same gown were sewn into her veil.
Welcome, to the world sweet Julia! It was such a blessing to see Travis, Marisa, and Jalen again! What joy Julia has brought to this family! Congratulations!!
Ceremony Location: Andover Christian Church
