Dustin and Cheri - Engaged

My friend Dustin asked if I was available to photograph his engagement. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be there for the actual engagement. I love engagement sessions. They are fun and laid back and present the opportunity for my clients and myself to get to know each other, preferred angles, photography sytles etc. This was my first time getting to capture the actual event and i was excited, nervous, anxious I almost felt like I was being proposed to! I think having a photographer there really added to an already special moment, so guys if your thinking about proposing....

Dustin and I met up a week or too before the proposal and scouted the location, in this case Minnehaha Falls. We planned where and how he would do it and were I could be positioned, paparazzi style to capture the moment without a dead give away.

When the day finally came, it was a balmy 12 degrees or so. I got there early, then started panicing, what if they pull up at the same time I do, so I got my gear ready, did a couple gazes up and down the road to watch for any cars then darted to the steps at the far side of the falls. The funny thing was, in my panic I totally forgot to pay the meter. Whoops!

So as Dustin and Cheri pull up, they see a cop car lingering. They head over to the falls and Dustin has a hard time getting Cheri to climb over the "Closed" Sign on the steps of the falls to get down to our location. Shes worried about the cops and getting in trouble....

Well, needless to say, she goes along with his plan. Was extremely surprised! And she said Yes!

After she clamed down a bit, I popped up from my spot and was able to be the first to congratulate them! Then we walked around the falls and captured a few images before seperating for the day so they could share the great news with their families.

Well, yep that cop she seen was giving me a parking ticket, LOL! But it was totally worth it and Im glad Cheri's a rebel and didnt let that cop scare her away from her perfect moment!

Congratulations Cheri and Dustin!! and thank you for allowing me capturing this amazing peice of your journey together!

Helmich Family: Minnesota Family Photographer

I met with this great family at Highland Park in Bloomington. Nice fall day, a little bit of cloud cover, a touch of warmth, and one shy little girl. Lucky for us there was a large playground near by. We started the session out letting the girls be girls, playing around at the playground together, getting used to me being there and taking their pictures. The family really wanted to focus on them just being who they are and this worked out perfect. After a lot of fun at the playground we head down by the lake and found a nice pile of leaves for the girls to play in, of course a leaf fight ensues along with a ton of smiles and laughter! All around a super fun session!

Jacqueline and Brian

Jacqueline and Brian were married at the beautiful Millenium Gardens. This place is fabulous for an outdoor wedding and there are tons of locations for photos as well. Better yet, its still fairly small so the wedding party/family doesnt have to hike to far to get to each photo location. The reception hall is also stunning and unique. Jacqueline and Brians day was cloudy and gloomy but the mood was not. The couple along with the wedding party had a long history together and it was soo apparent that these two were sooo in love and that everyone present was over joyed that J&B would be taking this next step together. I wish you two all the happiness in the world and appreciate so much the opportunity to work with you on this fabulous day!

Mandy and Jody

I met Mandy through a fellow co-worker and we hit it off right away! It was truly and honor to work with Mandy and Jody, not only did we did we have a rocking wedding shoot, but it was then followed up by a super wet and wild trash the dress session! M & J were married at Lakefront Park in Prior Lake, MN. This is a gorgeous park and perfect for a small outdoor wedding. The day started out super muggy and hot so we drove from place to place with the air cranked trying to keep everyone cool, we even head to the beach for a dip in the water. The weather finally began to let up in time for the ceremony. We had a nice BBQ dinner and with the dance came the rain. It poured and thunder crashed, but it only added to the excitement and base of their outdoor reception! Thanks Mandy and Jody, I look forward to working with you again in the future!

Ashley and Andrew

I was referred to Ashley and Andrew from a relative and so very happy that we had the chance to work together. I made the drive down to Iowa and met with the couple at their hotel. From there we head over to a local park to do the formals. It was a very HOT day, but the couple and their families are so laid back and all about having a good time and made the best of the heat! The day continued in such a fashion, as we head over to the Falls Park for the ceremony and additional formals. Camping is a big part of their family and they incorporated it into their wedding, instead of the traditional limo they had an RV decorated in customary fashion for their get away vehicle. Ashley and Andew met at a TGIFridays, so TGIF sent a pile of Fridays dinner mints to add to their favors. Very cool and unique gesture for a restaurant to support its match making skills. It was a pleasure working with you both and I look forward to seeing you again. (Ashley and I also did a trash the dress session a couple week backs so look for those photos coming soon)