Jeremy and EJ

Last month when I did mini sessions I had an opening that I was dying to fill-- So naturally, I asked my brother and his girlfriend to come model for me around the studio building! I'm so happy I did because I love how the photos turned out!

It's amazing what you can capture in a quick 10 minute shoot.

Michelle + Matt | Minneapolis Engagement Photographer

My clients are so awesome. Literally DAYS after Michelle got engaged, she was emailing me asking if I could capture her wedding (and without hesitation I said YES). The love that her and Matt share is so special and during the entire session I could just tell that they were so comfortable in each others arms and there was no where else they would rather be. We explored my studio and the streets NE Minneapolis... laughing and chatting more than we were shooting... which makes for a perfect engagement session, even on a chilly "spring" day in March! ;)

I'm so excited to photograph their wedding in November! 

A Sneak Peek + A Pep Talk

Every time I shoot a wedding I give myself a pep talk… I presume it's similar to an athlete going into a big game… or a performer about to take the stage in front of a big audience. I get one shot at this day. To capture this day as it unfolds. One shot.

A series of images always flashes through my mind as soon as I walk through the doors of the church. Images I hope to capture. Wish to capture. I shoot up a little prayer to my main man upstairs as I walk down the isle of an empty church and ask him to guide me in capturing the perfect images for the couple. I pray for sunshine. I pray for happiness…. and I pray for Him to let my creative mind run free while he sets my heart on fire as I do the thing I love most… to tell someone's story.

I can't wait to dive in and edit Kyle and Jill's wedding. They are so perfect together and I had a blast spending my Saturday with them.

Santa Barbra Engagement Session | Aleea + Israel

There is so much that I love about this session. The light, the warmth, the cream lace and the denim shirt…and just the fact that it took place in sunny California! But what I love most is the fact that they are completely and totally enthralled in each other. Not once did they look up at my camera. Not once did they pose and say cheese. I love this session because it's completely and totally candid. Full of love, joy, and anticipation. Real conversation. Real laughter. Real kisses.

That's what it's all about… and this is why I love what I do!

Special thanks to the dearest Tori Aaker  for being a great instructor at this class at UNITED 2014.

Production coordinator: Kristin Renee
Assistant: Megan Hollbrook
Hair Stylist: Taylor DeZavala 
Make-up Artist: Page Berse

Santa Barbra Engagement | Alexa Anderson + Matthew Kazmierczak

As many of you know, last week I had the amazing opportunity to spend several days in Santa Barbra to expand my knowledge about photography and running a business. This particular lifestyle "engagement" session just melted my heart. The models are dancers, and moved so gracefully in front of the camera (ahem- ever watch the show So You Think You Can Dance?… Yup, thought they looked familiar, right!?). Included in this post are some of my favorite images from the trip. The light was soft and the colors were muted because the sun had just dipped below the coast line. After this shoot, I told Tony- I could move here. I could take pictures here the rest of my life and never get bored. That California coast and sunshine is so enticing. I think I am a true California girl at heart!

Paige + Reid | Minneapolis Engagement Photography

Happy (late) Valentines day! We will celebrate it again right now, since I did this adorable engagement shoot for Paige and Reid on Valentines day- the perfect day to capture how happy these two are together!

The rose petals that we incorporated into the shoot were the same rose petals that Reid scattered across the floor amongst lit candles that spelt out the words "Marry me?" when he proposed to Paige. Talk about romantic! Hearing proposal stories is by far my favorite part of engagement sessions!

I'm excited to capture the love these two share when they tie the knot in December. It will be here before we know it!

I love it when we try to do serious faces and it's so hard for the couple to keep it together. The laughs they share afterwards are always perfect.

PS:  I hope you two enjoyed your Cheesecake Factory date that I HIGHLY recommended. (yum.)

Gina + Bjorn | Christmas Card Photos

Oh, how I love this couple! Picture perfect and sweet as can be.

I first met Gina (via Facebook) about a year ago when I discovered her business, Ginger P Designs! We shared messages back and forth about how we obsessed over each others businesses and I have followed her closely ever since, and referred many of my brides and clients her way! 

When we got together on a lovely Saturday afternoon, we talked a little bit about running business and life, and it was so refreshing to hear someone have so many of the same views as I do! Do yourself a favor, and go check out her amazing work. She is an inspiring soul and has an absolute GEM of a personality to work with.

Thank you Gina, I am so honored to have captured the photos that you will be using on your Christmas card this year!

Jennifer + Seth | Minneapolis Engagement Photographer

Remember a couple weeks ago when I posted on my Twitter that the BEST photo shoot locations come with the most difficult parking situations? Well- THIS was the shoot I was referring to! But how could I refuse parking illegally when the location is as beautiful as this one?! The way the sun was pouring through the trees and the leaves were glittering in the background made the parking ticket TOTALLY worth it.

I am SO excited to capture Jennifer and Seth's blush wedding in May, only 7 short days before my very own wedding! We had so much fun during their shoot and I am so happy I got to capture the love they share for each other- parking ticket and all! ;)