Minneapolis Winter Engagement Session

Since this couple’s photographer, Bernadette Pollard, so perfectly described this engagement session, today I’m going to leave it to her to tell the story of this fun, laid back winter engagement session:  This adorable couple didn’t let a snow day stop us–from the studio, to the roof top, to a snowball fight.  Their Minneapolis engagement session was a blast.  They even managed to forget the camera was on them, resulting in some tender moments captured–in between them trying to hit each other with snow balls of course!

From the Photographer: This adorable couple {to be married July 2013} didn’t let a snow day stop us – from the studio, to the roof top, to a snowball fight – their Minneapolis, MN Engagement Session was a blast. They even managed to forget the camera was on them, resulting in some tender moments captured – in between them trying to hit each other with snow balls of course! Theirs is a perfect example of how to dress comfortably and naturally for an engagement session – and have fun in your environment.

Photography: Bernadette Pollard

Elegant St. Paul Wedding

When Britt from Render Photography sent me the photos from this St. Paul wedding, I was elated as I flipped through one after another of these amazingly gorgeous images.  Her classic, dreamy style documentary photography is the perfect pair for this elegant wedding.  The couple’s timeless taste carries throughout the day with infusion of French details to honor the groom’s heritage.  Keep scrolling to hear the photographer’s story of the practical joke played on the groom that made for a fun photo and wedding day memory.

From the Photographer: At Michelle and Chris’s final meeting, I asked (as I always do at final planning meetings) if there was anything the couple really didn’t want to do in their photos. These two were pretty much open to anything, they said, but weren’t really fans of jumping photos. So, cool, no jumping. What makes their wedding so memorable to me was that the groomsmen approached me and specifically asked that there be a groom and groomsmen jumping photo. Anyway, I was in the middle of saying no when they convinced me. Okay, so then we are taking wedding party photos at a really cool loading dock area and I ask for the jumping photo, bracing myself for the evil look from Chris, the one that says, Lady, I SAID no jumping. But instead Chris bends down low, sticks out his tongue and jumps FEET in the air with a little sideways kick… while his groomsmen stayed completely still! It was a hilarious practical joke that had Michelle in tears of laughter and me with a really bizarre photo and a fantastic memory of the “groom only jump photo.” I’ll never forget it.

Much of Chris’s family was from France, so I loved the touches of Paris that the couple brought in like signs for thank you cards that read “Merci Beaucoup” and the Eiffel Tower decoration at the head table. And a toast given by Chris in French… oo la la.

From the Bride:
Overall vibe we were going for: soft, romantic, elegant, classic
Color scheme: sage green, shades of peach, accents of silver/gray
Favorite parts of the day:
– Getting ready with my bridesmaids, personal attendants, mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law
– Group prayer with my family, Chris’s family, bridal party before the ceremony
– Having my aunt as our pastor for the ceremony
– Celebrating with the bridal party in the limo as we drove around
– Taking pictures around Rice Park
– Looking at all of our family and close friends together in one room at the reception

Photography: Render Photography | Ceremony Location: Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in St. Paul MN | Reception Location and Catering: The Saint Paul Hotel in St. Paul MN | Flowers: Sadie’s Couture Floral & Event Styling | Makeup and Hair: Mani Mela | Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero | Dress Shoppe: Brides ‘N’ Belles in Aberdeen SD | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bari Jay | DJ: Instant Request | Transportation: Knight Rider Limousine

Bluefin Bay Wedding

Bluefin Bay resort will always have a special place in my heart.  My husband and I vacationed there for our honeymoon and have very fond memories of our time at the beautiful northshore resort on majestic Lake Superior.  Sarah and Dwight were lucky enough to celebrate their wedding day at this spectacular resort.  Their day was filled with gorgeous natural views and charming DIY details.

From the Photographer: Sarah and Dwight were married on the gorgeous North Shore of Lake Superior in Tofte, MN in late September. The day was full of special friends and family, the beautiful nature and DIY touches that Sarah ever so thoughtfully planned. Even though Sarah’s father had passed away just a short time prior to their special day, it was evident that he was present with sunshine and unseasonable warm weather on that late September day!

Photography: Hello Love Photography (MoH) | Ceremony location: Bluefin Bay Resort | Reception location: Bluefin Bay Resort | Paper Products: DIY by the Bride and MoH | Florist: Angela’s Bella Flora | Dress: The Wedding Shoppe | Make up: MoH | Hair: Diva Designs