Blog — Minneapolis Wedding, Event and Portrait Photography by Austin Images

peonies, by any other name….

June 17, 2011 By Susan Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Featured Content, Personal, Reflections Tagged With: blooming june flowers, Bridal bouquets, Peonies, Peony, pink flowers, romantic bouques

gemma~21

June 9, 2011 By Susan Leave a Comment

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….

Filed Under: Family, Family, Featured Content, Personal, Portraits, Seniors Tagged With: Fun Portraits, Portrait Photography, Relaxed Portraits

Como Zoo & Conservatory

June 5, 2011 By Susan Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Commercial Photography, Featured Content, Food/Restaurants, NACE, Out and About, Unique Locations, Weddings Tagged With: Amusement Park, Como Zoo & Conservatory, Free admission, Free Outings, Fun Event Location, Fun Portrait Location, Lancer Catering, Midway Party Rental, St. Paul Zoo, unique wedding locations

CRAVE!

May 12, 2011 By Susan 1 Comment

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…

Filed Under: Events, Featured Content Tagged With: Apres, Apres Tent and Party Rental, Catering, Crave, Crave Catering, Smile Network, Style Laboratory

Van Dusen Mansion

May 9, 2011 By Susan Leave a Comment

Last week I attended this month’s Twin Cities NACE meeting which was held at the very stunning Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis. One of the things that I love about this place (and there are many) is that when planning a wedding (or other significant event), you can have your guests gather & mingle, hold the ceremony and dine all right there on the premises! It really is a gorgeous backdrop and would certainly punctuate any event! (I will return to the Van Dusen, this coming week, to photograph the newly renovated Carriage House once the new furnishings are set in place!)

Mintahoe is in charge of the catering at this venue and they really do an outstanding job! Mintahoe serves several venues and they boast award winning catering!

Bruce Vassar and Matthew Trettel of The Wedding Guys held the program this month and closed with some insider details and remarks about their recent voyage across the pond for the Royal Wedding of William & Kate! Check out their blog!

Thank you’s can also go out to Apres for supplying the linens and Matthew Sherry of Complete Music for supplying sound!

Another successful collaboration of extraordinary talents!

Filed Under: Events, Featured Content, NACE, Unique Locations, Weddings Tagged With: Mansions, Mintahoe Catering, NACE, The Wedding Guys, Twin Cities NACE, unique wedding locations, Van Dusen Mansion

rain or shine

May 4, 2011 By Susan 1 Comment

Photographing weddings on rainy days can be challenging, to say the least. But I’ve come to realize that when a couple’s wedding day rolls around…if it’s raining or there’s even a threat of rain, they seem to go with the flow. We photographer’s know that an overcast day can actually be a delightful circumstance for capturing a couple on one of the most important days of their lives…but rain? that takes a bit more planning and patience. I prefer to take a moment to let the couple know that “all is not lost…we’ll get this!” Many times it’s those rainy days that push us to really think on our feet and get creative and the result is just as magical….sometimes more so.

Spring is a tumultuous time…a season of surprises, where the weather is concerned. Like the thousands of tulips, planted at Buckingham Palace, that were meant to be in full bloom the day of William and Kate’s wedding. Due to the unusually warm temps leading up to April 29, they had already bloomed. Disappointing? Sure. Would it have been a lovely detail? Absolutely. Did it ruin the day? No. I assure you that the guests and onlookers were not there to see the tulips. When it rains, I do 2 things….move quickly and enlist help! All this said, I pray that your day, no matter what the weather, is everything you ever wished for!

Filed Under: Featured Content, Weddings Tagged With: Como Conservatory, Earl Brown Herritage Center, Rainy Wedding Photos, Wedding Photography, Wedding Umbrellas