Sometimes, we photographers get the opportunity to share our lovely wedding imagery with folks in a most unique way. Imagine how thrilled I was to be asked to provide images from Lauren & Spike’s September 3rd wedding for an upcoming publication of the Southwest Metro Magazine (Spring Issue). With Lauren & Spike’s approval I chose some favorite moments in their wedding day and sent them off. Here are a few others…enjoy.
NOT on this year’s list of overused & tired words
gratitude |ˈgratəˌt(y)oōd| noun: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness : she expressed her gratitude to the committee for their support. ORIGIN late Middle English : from Old French, or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus ‘pleasing, thankful.’
Thank goodness! Because I wouldn’t want to end one year and start another without gratitude. I recall wondering, 1 year ago today, what 2011 would bring. As I look back at the past 12 months I marvel at my life and what God has put in place for me and those closest to me. I am, indeed, grateful. Family & Friends seem to fill the most space in my year and I count myself among the blessed & the fortunate to be able to say that. I look forward to filling another year with faith, hope and love. Happy New Year & God Bless.
Last week, I gathered with my fellow Twin Cities NACE members at The Depot for our annual fundraiser for Open Arms of Minnesota. This was our 6th year raising funds and awareness for this organization. Named “The Palate of Decadence”, this year’s gala attendees (ALL are welcome!) were treated to 6 outstanding food stations from; The Depot, The St. Paul Hotel, The Minneapolis Hilton, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Macy’s Design Cuisine and even the folks from Open Arms of Minnesota. Each food station was paired with a decor company. Providing the decor for the event were: The Wedding Guys, BeEvents, Linen Effects, Apres, Ultimate Events and Festivities and the outcome was phenomenal! Top the evening off with the sounds of The Metro Jam Band and, well, you get the picture! Our silent auction and ticket sales brought in over $6,000…our highest intake for this event to date! Congratulations to everyone!
Please consider joining us next year and help us give back!
~Apres~
~Macy’s Design Cuisine, The Wedding Guys & Be Events~
~Ultimate Events & Minneapolis Hilton~
~Festivities & The Saint Paul Hotel~
~The Depot & Linen Effects~
~Linen Effects~
~Mystic Lake Casino Hotel~
~Open Arms of Minnesota~
Hmmmm…what I love most about photographing kids? Good question. What I love most about photographing children is the opportunity to get together with them year after year on or around their birthday to see and capture their growth both physically and to see who they are becoming as a person. I have had the pleasure of capturing Kathryn for 10 years now and she never ceases to amaze me. She’s 11 now….. WOW! What a joy she is. So grown up, full of both confidence and humility.
We try to do something different each year to mark her birthday milestone and this year I asked a friend (Jenny Phillips of The Country Camera) if I could borrow her property out in Medina and we set the date. While Kathryn actually turned 11 back in May, we went ahead and let summer happen then grabbed a great autumn day and let Kathryn…be Kathryn….
Then we added her cavachon, Sam….
Austin Images Photography launches a new division: Whiskerdo~Capturing pets…being themselves! Please take a moment to head over and see what we’ve been up to! Here’s a sneak peek!
Last weekend was another hot & steamy one in Minneapolis but perhaps when you plan a wedding a year or more out your biggest hope is for no rain…period. In celebration of no rain (and working air conditioning) and adoration from around the country for this couple….I present Megan and John David (JD).
I love Peonies. I think mostly because they are a June flower and their life is short so I only have but a week or so to embrace it’s beauty. As the old saying goes, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”. Last weekend, I photographed a wedding where the Peony was the main flower throughout the day…including the Bride’s bouquet and the bridesmaids as well. They are just so lovely. A client of mine brought some by my home yesterday and my whole house smells amazing! Why I don’t have Peonies on my property is still mystery to me! I’d better get on that! Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your beautiful garden with me!
My niece, Gemma, turned 21 on Monday. Rather than mixing it up and gifting her with a bottle of wine or fun flavored vodka for this momentous occasion, I opted to stick with my time honored tradition of a lively portrait session….no hangovers here! I think this makes 8 years running now. Gemma works at Taglio (pronounced Tah’ lee oh) in Excelsior so I sort of got bumped out of the hair portion of the gift but they really have fun with her hair so we just spend more time shooting! This year, I called upon a friend and fellow photographer, Jenny Phillips out at The Country Camera in Medina, MN. She hosted a TCPPA summer picnic on her property last year and I walked around in awe. A lovely farm on 200 acres..close enough yet far enough out to give you that “wide open spaces” feel. Gemma said, “Well, I’m not really a country girl.” And when we wrapped..she was impressed! I love you, Gemma. Here are a few of my faves….
It’s summer, in Minnesota, and folks are going to divi up their summer calendars with trips, projects, gatherings and outings. Have you considered a day trip to the Como Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul? It’s got something for everyone…gardens, animals, picturesque views, amusement park (ComoTown!) and it’s become a destination for events as well. Come early, pack a lunch, bring your camera and plan to stay a while. There’s lots to see and do and the best part? It’s FREE (1 & 2$ donations are encouraged at the entrance but not required)!
I recently zipped out there (directions are simple) for a NACE meeting. Lancer Catering is the on site caterer at the Zoo & Conservatory and they are, simply put, outstanding! Midway Party Rental provided our event decor!
Whether you are looking for something fun and different when planning an outing, portrait session or wedding…consider the Como Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul!
Here’s to a yummy, fun Summer…wherever you go!
Do you love CRAVE? Me too! And now, there’s more to love…they’re catering! (yay!)
I must admit, I get a ton of opportunities to attend a bunch of cool things and this week was no exception. I was invited to an industry social and launch event for CRAVE by the great folks at The Style Laboratory in Minneapolis. Apres helped to transform the space at 211 North 1st Street where Smile Network is located and the food was gorgeous and yummy! So many fun people under one roof! Thanks, Geri, for including me!
Be sure to consider what CRAVE now offers when you are looking to cater your next event! Here’s a few of my favorite shots…
