Midwest Farm Wedding

I am over the moon about this uber charming country wedding captured by Erin Johnson Photography.  I am in love with every last detail:  the Windbeam Farm venue, delightfully mismatched bridesmaids dresses, cheery colorful flower arrangements, darling dessert buffet, hand drawn table numbers, rustic vintage door escort card display…  I could go on and on, but I’ll let you keep scrolling to see all the awesome details of this country chic wedding yourself.  Enjoy!

Photography: Erin Johnson Photography | Caterer: Cafe Levain | Reception Venue: Windbeam Farm | Dress Store: J. Crew | Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Blacklist Vintage

Barthel Barn Wedding

This love story begins with the couple meeting by chance.  After their first brief encounter, as luck would have it, they happened to meet by chance once again.  This time they became friends and grew inseparable.   Fast forward, and these two love birds celebrate their nuptials with a casual barn wedding.  The couple’s country wedding is a great combination of rustic and laid back.

From the Photographer: Jordan and Abbey met one blistery winter day during finals week in their college library. Jordan was not attending school at the time, and simply went to the library to use the internet. Abbey, after deciding to study in the library instead of her apartment, dressed in her cutest sweater and boots and headed out the door for the library. When trudging into the library, Abbey could not help but notice a very attractive young man in a bright orange ski jacket. Abbey sat down right down next to this mystery man, even though she had no work to do on the computer. After fumbling around and pretending to do work, Jordan finally struck up a conversation with Abbey. Jordan had to leave, but it was left that they hoped to see each other again. Abbey turned to the student sitting on the opposite side of her and asked if Jordan was seeing anyone. With a puzzled look and an answer of “no,” Abbey smiled and left the library. Weeks later, Abbey was trying to find a church that suited her, and decided to go with a friend to a new church. Guess who she saw a few seats down? None other than the handsome man she saw a few weeks ago in the library!

Jordan and Abbey became inseparable as they got to know each other. Jordan asked for Abbey’s father’s blessing to date his daughter, and as the years passed, Jordan also asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Jordan got down on one knee on the edge of Lake Superior at sunrise and told Abbey he could not imagine his life without her. Abbey, before saying yes countless times, also could not imagine her life without the sweet and tender man she saw kneeling before her.

Photography: Belkis Cruz Photography | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Barthel Barn in Monticello, MN | Catering: Adrian’s Catering

Taryn Christine Photography

When I first heard of this up and coming photographer, I was delighted to discover a budding new talent based in the Rochester, MN area.  I admire her passion for photography and approach to viewing a career as a journey and finding a job you love.  Taryn is a great example of do what you love, love what you do.  Keep reading to find out more about Taryn Christine Photography, and be sure to check out her newly designed website with more photos and information about her couples and wedding photography!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a currently a creator of the photographic variety. I’m a born and raised Minnesota girl with a heart for worldly exploration and dream of simple living. I grew up here fascinated by the fields, lakes and woods, and I continued my study of the natural world through a degree in Biology. After years spent in the medical research world, I decided to switch gears and live on the side of creativity, capturing beauty wherever it appears. And I’m loving it pretty hard.

2. Outside of photography, what are your hobbies and interests?
The bulk of my resume reflects some health, science or other left-brain interests and activities; however, I’m an equalist when it comes to my brain hemispheres. More than scientific exploration, things hot on my list of favorites are: yoga, playing guitar, traveling, any and all water activities, foreign films, the Indie Folk music scene, anything from West Elm, and overpriced tea.

3. When did you get started in the photography industry?
I made my official break into the photography industry in September 2012. I did freelance photography for about 3 years prior to that and ‘for the art of it’ photography during the in-between times.

4. What or who got you started in photography?
There were 3 things, really. My parents instilled the idea of quality photography at an early age, being skilled themselves with film. My second wave of interest came from a dear and talented designer friend Danielle (the beauty and brains behind banana mustache), who brought me along on photo safaris in our college years. My third wave came a few years ago when a true artist recognized me as a fellow artist in photography, and it changed everything. It was then that I realized that making a living behind the camera was a possibility. It was the combination of these—quality teachings, creative exploration and artistry—that set the foundation for my pursuit in the photo world.

5. How would you describe your style of photography?
I consider myself a “photo-biographer”—one who tells a story in images. I work hard to understand the people I photograph, their styles and favorites, and build personalized sessions. I tend to appreciate lifestyle photography and I employ more of a photojournalistic style when shooting (less posed, more candid). I have found that once people are in settings that make them feel comfortable, the emotion naturally follows and it’s time to just have fun. In the editing phase I use very light, blended, and colorful techniques, so the end result is a little me and a lot of the natural you.

6. What types of photography do you offer?
I currently offer portrait sessions for babies, kids, families, seniors and couples and wedding photography and most other photography things in-between (band promos, customized photographic art, card design, etc.).

7. I noticed on your website you have beautiful photos taken throughout Europe. When did you travel internationally, and where did you visit?
In spring of 2012 I made a bold decision to leave a great job in research to fulfill a dream of traveling and living in Europe. I caught the travel bug after studying abroad in Ireland, and I always intended to return. This time, I came back with art in mind.

We started in Italy for 3 weeks for some coastal Mediterranean life. Then we headed up to the mountains of Switzerland and to the lights of Paris before settling in Provence, France for several more weeks. We finished off the journey with a circle around Ireland, eventually making it back across the pond fully inspired.

8. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Big Sur in California found its way to my top 10 list earlier this year. In 2 weeks I’ll be delighted to experience (and photograph) it all and then start planning the next adventure. Quebec is likely next in line. And after that? My ideal place of travel is anywhere I have not yet been.

9. How did you develop your knowledge of photography?
I gained most of my photography knowledge through self-teaching (books, tutorials, practice and lots of trial and error). I have also assisted some wonderfully talented professionals; the experience gained from these local photographers has been invaluable. More than just knowing how to shoot well, in my own style and fashion, I have learned a great deal by simply listening to what people want in their photography. People don’t appreciate additional fees to get digital images, and they don’t want to be cornered into overpriced printing. So, I’ve worked hard to think of ways to provide a better photography service. What I have learned is that photography isn’t just about making great images; it’s also about understanding people and providing a high-quality comprehensive service.

10. How did you become interested in wedding photography?
What I love about photography is capturing the story of the subject. It took me a while to see weddings are just that: a meticulously planned celebration to share the story of two people. It was a natural progression from my fundamental interest in portraits, and it’s an exciting new side of photography I’m thrilled to grow into.

11. What type of camera(s) do you shoot with?
I shoot with Canon SLRs (5D and 60D) and the occasional Polaroid or “vintage” 35mm. I also have a good 10 lbs of lenses, flashes, and supporting gear to add to the professional photography equipment list.

12. Do you shoot by yourself or with an assistant?
If the photography session requires me to be in two places at once for the right shot (most weddings, for example) I seek collaboration with some established photographer friends. I am also a big supporter of education in arts, and I occasionally bring along a High School student to practice skills we work on in our photography mentorship program.

13. Is your photography business currently located in Rochester or what area?
Taryn Christine Photography is currently based in Rochester, MN, but as a lover of the travel life I have a wide scope of places that I’m willing to go.

14. What is the best part about your job?
The best part about my job is that I find it to be the best job. My recent adventures in 2012 left me with a very colorful reminder: that days move too quickly to not spend them doing what you love. So now that I’m settled back in ‘sota soil, I’m remembering to live my passion and carry out my photography as though it’s the best part of my day.

15. What inspires you?
From a very dynamic array of inspiration, I’ll start by saying fresh things—fresh ideas, fresh faces, places and cultures. I hope to never lose sight of the inspiration that can come from the new and unique.

Natural environments and elements are another big source of inspiration. Sunset colors in the fields, light on the water, you in your favorite place—these are the kinds of things that motivate me to reach for my camera and document the beautiful comfort of it all. It’s the purest definition I can think of for “capturing people in their element”.

“You” are also great source of inspiration. Before photo sessions I ask people to describe themselves and their style. What I’m looking is what makes everyone an individual and how to personalize the photography. My motivation then becomes capturing the essence of “you” and showing that beauty.

16. Your photography business is new and continuing to evolve. What changes can we expect to see?
Taryn Christine Photography itself is brand new (literally—there’s a new brand name) as of August 1, 2013! The photography business has grown considerably over the last year as Mnemo’s Eye Photography, and I along with it. These changes with the new site, blog, business name and premises help reflect that growth. And I couldn’t be happier with it!

I generally thrive in a world of change, so I would expect Taryn Christine Photography to stay equally dynamic. Some big items in the works are: 1) explorations in film and fine art photography, 2) expanding the wedding side of photography and 3) round two of High School mentorship opportunities for the class of 2014. Be sure to stop by tarynchristinephotography.com to check it out!