Minneapolis Luxury Wedding Photography

Married! // Nicole + Lucas!

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Classic, but modern. Sleek, but traditional. Thoughtful and intentional - thes are all words that I would use to describe Nicole and Lucas’s amazing summer wedding at the Calhoun Beach Club. This couple has impeccable style and taste when it comes to dreaming up their wedding day. From both the Bride and Groom’s look to the fresh, bright minimalist details - everything was perfect.

I had a couple of favorite moments while photographing Nicole and Lucas’s wedding. First, these two were SO excited to marry one another. That energy carried on throughout the entire day and was contagious. But one thing I also observed was just how equally excited every single family, friend and wedding guest was to see the couple getting married as well. Everyone was thrilled and welcomed each other into their lives.

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Wilson! We are so happy for you!

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Photography: Photogen Inc.

Day of Coordination: Pepperpenn Design House

Venue: Calhoun Beach Club

Flowers: Sadies Floral

Hair: Kristal Luhrs

Makeup: Sal Rodriguez

Bridesmaids Dress: Bella Bridesmaids

Groom’s Tux: The Black Tux

Rings and Bridal Jewelry: Thomas Joseph and Sons

Quartet: Ovation String Quartet

DJ: Instant Request

Photo Booth: Selfie & Co.

Officiant: Rev Amy Riesenberg

Ally + Jake // Engaged!

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Ally and Jake met while on the road for work. A few years later, Jake proposed and now they’re in full wedding planning mode for the 2020 season! For their engagement session, we went out to the oh-so-lovely Redeemed Farm and it was the perfect summer afternoon session! Since the couple is getting married out East, they wanted to bring in touches of the Midwest for their engagement photos. Redeemed Farm was truly the perfect location for this!

Congratulations to Ally and Jake on their engagement!

LOVEe

Married! // Meghan + Nate

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Hearing how couples meet is one of my favorite things about photographing weddings. Meghan and Nate have a very serendipitous story. Their parents knew one another when the kids were little, but it wasn’t until around college that these two connected. As fate would have it, Meghan and Nate were perfect for one another and 12 years after they began dating, these two tied the knot at the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, MN.

I’ve known Nate for years through the photography world (many of you might know his amaaaazing work for The Current ). It’s been so cool to see him grow as an artist and a leader in our photography community and it has truly been extra special to get to know him and Meghan together. They are a power couple to say the least. Meghan has a thriving career on the faculty for St. Catherine University and they also both love to cycle, travel, run and compete. More importantly though, they both have really big hearts for service and giving back to the communities they are a part of. It was so great to see them with their closest family and friends for their wedding day, which also was one of the most beautiful receptions ever!

Congratulations to Meghan and Nate - we are all so happy for you!

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Ceremony + Reception Location: The Weisman Art Museum

Bride’s Dress: Posh Bridal Couture

Bridesmaid Dresses: Midge

Groom’s + Groomsmen Suits: Indochino

Florals: Ashley Fox Designs

Catering + Desserts: D’Amico

Pedicabs: Minneapolis Pedicabs

Strings: Laurel’s String Quartet

Live Music: The Electric Party Authority

Rentals: Aprés Party

Best Moments of 2018!

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As another year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect and look back upon some of my favorite moments from the weddings in 2018! This season was incredible and I’m so proud of the work that our team created for our clients! Really though, it’s continually humbling to be invited to photograph a wedding. It’s such an intimate and special moment in a family’s life - it’s a true honor to be the ones to document it!

When I put together the “Best Of” list, I want to choose images that speak to me. The images below might not be the standard, popular poses or even the prettiest pictures, but they are the ones that truly speak to me. They are the images that tell a story and give me true emotion when I look at them. That’s what we strive for. Some of these images came out of my camera and others came from our assisting team. It’s a group effort from us all on a wedding day and I’m so lucky to work with our crew of photographers.

Without further adieu, my favorite wedding moments from 2018! Enjoy!

LOVEe

Married! // Maki + Jiten Part 2

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Maki + Jiten’s wedding day will forever go down as one of my all-time-favorites. I spent three days with this couple, their family and friends and I can’t begin to say enough about how incredibly nice and fun everyone was - emphasis on fun! We began the day at the crack of dawn and partied until sundown. One of my favorite moments of an Indian wedding is the Baraat, which is traditionally when the Groom travels to the wedding venue and is accompanied by his friends & family. It’s joyous, it’s festive and it’s a fantastic way to kick off such a celebration.

Beyond that, Maki + Jiten’s wedding day was filled with spectacular moments and it was gorgeous. Many of their guests joined from all over the world and we are all so happy for this couple as they begin their lives together! And if you missed Part 1 of this wedding, make sure to check it out here!

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Wedding Planning, Styling and Coordination: Julia LaCroix Styled Events

Venue: JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America

Officiant: Dr. Anantanand Rambachan   

Photography: Photogen-Inc.      

Videography: A.B. Rich Films

DJ + Lighting: Instant Request                    

Rentals: Après Event Décor and Tent Rental

Floral:    Sadie's Couture Floral

Mandap + draping: Y & I Events

Mandap furniture: Indra Patel   

Desserts: Cocoa & Fig    

Hair & Makeup: Emily J Hair + Makeup  

Transportation: Star Transportation

Dhol Player: Sundeep Patel

Baraat Horse: The Hitching Company

Stationery: A Milestone Paper Co.

Escort Card Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny Calligrapher

Invitation Calligraphy: Calligraphy with Style

Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth    

Married! // Maki + Jiten Part 1

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I’ve been looking forward to Maki + Jiten’s wedding for quite some time! It was a three-day wedding extravaganza, filled with tradition and amazing moments! We began at Maki’s family home for the Mehndi, which is an open house for guests to meet, mingle and take part in the Mehndi ceremony, otherwise known as Henna. It’s such a gorgeous art form and is said to bring good luck, good health and prosperity to the bride on her wedding day!

The next evening was spent at Aria for the Sangeet. This is a night filled with celebration, music and dancing - and that’s an understatement - this night is SO fun! The bride, groom and all their family and friends really stepped it up with some amazing dancing! There was a very sweet moment during this night when Jiten surprised Maki with a performance to Bruno Mars’ “Marry You”. It was unforgettable and a great preface to the excitement of their wedding day, which is coming soon in Part 2 of this post! In the meantime, enjoy these moments from the Mehndi + Sangeet!

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Wedding Planning, Styling and Coordination: Julia LaCroix Styled Events

Venue: Aria

Caterer: D'Amico Catering           

Photography: Photogen-Inc.      

Videography: A.B. Rich Films

DJ + Lighting: Instant Request    

Umbrella Installation: PHOS Events

Rentals: Linen Effects

Desserts: Cocoa & Fig    

Hair & Makeup: Emily J Hair + Makeup  

Stationery: A Milestone Paper Co.           

Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny Calligrapher    

Married! // Jenna + Darrin Part 2

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Jenna and Darrin's wedding day was 13 1/2 years in the making. These two met when they were in algebra class and have grown together over the years to become a really strong couple.

One of my favorite parts of their wedding day was the speeches. Every person gave a phenomenal speech, but the coolest part is that everyone touched on Jenna and Darrin's character. They are hard working, dedicated, loyal, committed and fun people. They care so much for their friends and family and all of these traits were at the forefront of their wedding day. Not to mention their impeccable style. 

The couple chose to get married in their hometown of Duluth, Minnesota and it was truly a perfect day filled with unforgettable moments! We've already shared in Part 1 about their amazing rehearsal dinner - now it's time to share the wedding! Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Dzuck - thank you for leaving us all feeling inspired about love!

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Venue: Pier B Resort

Wedding Planning + Design: Northland Special Events

Flowers: Fleurtation

Invitation + Paper Design: Paper Rock Scissor

Cake: Snazzy Cakes

Desserts: Farina Baking Company

Bride's Dress: Hayley Paige, A&Be Bridal Shop Minneapolis

Bride's Hair + Makeup: Anonby Salon, Sara Lien

Bridesmaid's Hair + Makeup: Kellie Sengthao, Nikki Simone, Kelsey Schubert

Groom's Look: Todd Snyder and Gucci

Groom's Hair: BAM Style, Brendan Manion

Alterations: Amazing Alterations

Videographer: Mere Cinema

Entertainment: Rock With U Entertainment

Rentals: London Road Rental

 

 

Married! // Jenna + Darrin Part 1

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Jenna and Darrin have been booked with me for a little over one year and their wedding weekend has been one that I have looked forward to the most! I knew that a lot of planning was going into their day and no detail would be left undone, but what exceeded my expectations was the sheer amount of fun we had with their friends and family all weekend. These were truly great people! 

Both Jenna and Darrin's rehearsal and wedding reception took place at Pier B Resort in their hometown of Duluth, Minnesota. There are so many images from their festivities that I felt they deserved a two-part blog post. So, we'll start here with their rehearsal dinner that overlooked some of the best views of the city! Beyond that, this couple has great style (please note the amazing cape the bride wore!) and between the custom jean jackets and gorgeous cookies, there was no shortage of beauty! 

More on Jenna and Darrin's love story in the next post!

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Venue: Pier B Resort

Wedding Planning: Northland Special Events

Paper Design: Paper Rock Scissor

Flowers: Fleurtation

Desserts: Farina Baking Company

Cape: BHLDN

Bride's Dress: Misha Collection

Groom's Look: Tommy Hilfiger

Engaged! // Trish + Chase

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Chase noticed Trish from afar and it was love at first sight, but Trish didn't know it yet. The couple works for the same company and through a series of events - and one important morning at Starbucks - he finally found out her name. Chase worked really hard to figure out who the beautiful woman was and finally had the chance to ask her out on a date! 

One week after the couple met, Trish invited Chase to a family wedding in Colorado. Bold, right? I love it! It was there that Trish and Chase realized that they have all sorts of deep rooted connections with their friends and family and from that point on, the two were inseparable. 

Trish and Chase have traveled the world since then, even getting engaged in Rome! It's fitting that their wedding will be in Napa, where the wine will be flowing and the scenery will be stunning! For their engagement session, we kept it close to home here in Minneapolis, but incorporated elements of their big day (aka - the wine and bubbly!).

I have really loved getting to know Trish and Chase and totally fell in love myself with their story! I'm so happy for these two!

LOVEe

Married! // Raquel + Jared

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There is one iconic picture from Jared + Raquel's engagement session of these two dancing that I just adore. That same energy and spirit carried over into their wedding day, which was a true celebration. First of all, this couple can dance. Their families can dance. Their friends can dance. This crew can just get down - no matter if they were getting ready, riding on their trolley or actually on the dance floor, there was no shortage of celebrating on this day! On the flip side, there was also a lot of beautiful emotion.

Jared and Raquel chose to get married at the Basilica of St. Mary and it was just magical. The couple even opted to have the Basilica Choir sing, which I have never experienced and it was so beautiful! Everything about this wedding was gorgeous - from the couple to Raquel's custom dress (and romper!), their amazing cake and a reception which was inspired by Kate Spade - it was all perfect!

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Davin!

LOVEe 

 

VENDORS//

Wedding Planning: Rachelle of Style Architects Weddings

Ceremony Venue: Basilica of St. Mary

Reception Venue: A'bulae

Wedding Dress: Lazaro at Bella Bianca, Chicago

Tux: B. Spoke

Jeweler: Marshall Pierce 

Photography: Photogen Inc. 

Videography: Harvest Film Co. 

Cake + Desserts: Farina

Catering: Mintahoe

Floral: Sadie's Floral

Hair & Makeup: Nicole Fae

Invitations + Paper: Paper Rock Scissor

Hotel: Le Meridien Chambers

Linens + Decor: Linen Effects

DJ: Primetime DJ

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

Transportation: Renee’s Royal Valet & Rent My Party Bus

 

 

 

Married! // Jorge + Jill

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Jorge and I are friends, but we have also had the pleasure of collaborating on work together. He's a remarkable Chef (and a James Beard nominee, in fact!) that the Midwest is lucky to have. A couple of months ago, we were texting about a work thing and he replied, "I'm sorry - I'm going to have to get back to you. I think my future wife just walked into the room." A couple of weeks later I received another text asking if I could shoot their wedding in May! When I met Jill for the first time and saw Jorge with her, I knew they had something really special. Turns out, that whole love-at-first-sight-thing is real for these two! 

Photographing their wedding was really an honor. I talk about how powerful it is to witness a couple's love on their wedding day as a photographer, but the simplicity and realness that Jorge and Jill brought to their day was also incredibly refreshing. The time that was spent with their closest family and friends, along with the moments of their day were truly remarkable and it was so wonderful to be a part of!

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Guzmán! I am so very happy for you!

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Dress: BHLDN

Suit: Heimie's Haberdashery

Cocktail Hour: St. Genevieve

Dinner: Burch Steak

Cake: Zoë François

 

Published! // The Knot MN

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The Knot Minnesota Wedding Magazine Website

Whew! I blinked and it is almost March already! We've just begun wrapping up our New Years and beginning of 2018 weddings, so there is finally a moment to breathe! I've wanted to share this for so long and I think today is the perfect day!

We have a fantastic feature in The Knot MN from Samatha & Bryan's wedding at the Mayowood Stone Barn! Their wedding is one of my all-time-favorites and it was so great to see such a generous spread of images in print! If you're looking for a little real-wedding-inspiration, definitely take a peek at their blog post! It was perfection!

LOVEe

Mayowood Stone Barn Wedding Rochester, MN | Photos by Photogen Inc. | Eliesa Johnson | Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mayowood Stone Barn Wedding Rochester, MN | Photos by Photogen Inc. | Eliesa Johnson | Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Best Moments of 2017!

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2017 was an incredible year for weddings! I know I say this every year, but it is truly an honor to document the best days of our client's lives! Looking back to choose these images made me realize again that I am drawn to the moments of a wedding day. Whether they are candid or more posed, there is a feeling to a great photograph that you just can't explain, but you feel. It's that magic that makes a picture unforgettable - and that is why I photograph weddings. 

To all of the wonderful vendors we worked with this year and to our amazing couples -  thank you for choosing us. Thank you for trusting us to make your vision come to life and for letting us witness such amazing love!

LOVEe

Married! // Katie + Travis

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New Years Eve is a special time for Katie and Travis. It's the time of year when these two started dating and also the date they decided to become Husband and Wife. Katie and Travis are complete romantics who are each other's perfect match in life. They equally balance one another and push each other to be better people. Their energy, smiles and laughter are contagious and you just can't helped but be excited about life when you are around these two!

For their New Years Eve wedding, the couple were married in an intimate and unique wedding ceremony. The theme of their wedding revolved around dreaming - to always believe in yourself, the people around you and that truly anything is possible. Of course, Katie and Travis also have impeccable taste, so their wedding was nothing short of absolutely gorgeous. 

One of my favorite parts of the day was watching how happy and excited their families were. Both the bride and the groom's side had so much love and history and their stories and excitement over the marriage made the day so much more meaningful. 

It's been a pleasure to get to know Katie, Travis and their families. I can't wait to see where life takes these two and I am so damn happy for the new Mr. and Mrs. Block!

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Loring Social

First Look Location: Café Lurcat

Event Planning: See Jane Plan

Florals: Arts & Flowers

Catering: D'amico and Sons

Dessert Table: Gail's Cakes of Minneapolis

Stationary: Champagne Press

Dress: L'Atelier Couture Bridal

Rentals: Linen Effects

Photography: Photogen Inc. 

Videography: Ladd Films

Live Band: Twice on Sunday

Photo Booth: The Traveling Photo Booth

Hair: Jenica Lee and Ashley Richards

Makeup: Tina Beaupre

Officiant: Nielle Arnold

 

Married! // Erin + Mickey

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"You love me in a way that still makes me feel free" - these are some beautiful words that Erin and Mickey shared to one another on their wedding day and I absolutely love that description. I think this is the greatest way to describe any love, but specifically for Erin and Mickey. They are a couple who inspires everyone around them - and both come from families deeply rooted in strong and long relationships. Erin and Mickey's wedding day was one of my favorite weddings for many reasons, but I'll share a couple here:

Call it fate, call it serendipity or call it the universe putting these two in my life, but years ago, I ended up at a cabin in Wisconsin to celebrate Erin's birthday. It was a co-birthday, actually, and Erin and I had a lot of mutual friends. I didn't know Erin or Mickey particularly well at that time, but it was at this weekend cabin adventure that they decided to date. When they asked me to photograph their wedding, I felt honored and it was great to document their love story coming full circle. 

Erin and Mickey are a couple who has great style and taste. They are also a couple who is not afraid to take risks. While photographing their wedding, I noticed I felt permission to also take risks. I shot more using hard light, motion blur and even more out of focus images that I love. 

This wedding was so refreshing and wonderful, so without further adieu, lets congratulate the new Mr. and Mrs. Nelson! 

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Ceremony + Reception Location: Paikka

Invitation + Design: Colasacco Creative

Floral Design: Maven 

Dress: BHLDN

Catering + Cake: Vivo Kitchen

Photo Booth: Photo Booth Memories

DJ: Events by MV

 

Married! // Jessica + Jeff

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Jessica and Jeff met when they were young kids at camp, but it wasn't until years later that their romance grew into what is sure to be a life-long love. The couple planned a winter wedding that was deeply rooted in tradition, family and friends at the Adath Jeshurun Congregation and Oak Ridge Country Club! 

In Minnesota, you never know how the weather will be for a winter wedding, but on Jessica and Jeff's day, we had the most brilliant golden light that was simply gorgeous. One of my favorite moments from this wedding was after the ceremony, the couple was very moved by the emotion and depth to getting married. I can relate to that feeling, where you're planning for so long and all of a sudden you realize you are married - that is pretty incredible! As the night went on, the magic and celebration continued - Mozel Tov to the new Mr. and Mrs. Sklar!

LOVEe

VENDORS//

Ceremony Location: Adath Jeshurun Congregation 

Reception Location: Oak Ridge Country Club

Wedding Planning: Sarah Trotter of Lasting Impressions Weddings and Events

Floral and Design: Richfield Floral and Events

Bridal Gown: Annika Bridal Boutique

Cake: Buttercream

Live Band: Northstar by Elan Artists

Videographer: Ladd Films

 

Engaged! // Raquel + Jared

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For those of us who have been to Chicago, we know how magical that city is. Raquel and Jared met one night out on the town and literally the rest is history! She is a beautiful, sweet woman who definitely found the man of her dreams in Jared and I am so very excited for their wedding! 

Raquel grew up in Minnesota, so the couple is coming home to get married! We ventured downtown for a Mill City engagement session and it was the perfect day! Can we also talk about how fun Raquel's dress is? Swoon! 

Congratulations to Raquel and Jared on their engagement! 

LOVEe

Married! // Emily + Chad

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Emily and Chad technically met when they were young - like real young. Their families have nostalgic photos of these two all the way back to preschool, but the two moved to different schools in 2nd grade. It wasn't until they were adults that Emily and Chad reconnected and became a couple - and now husband and wife!

Emily grew up as a figure skater and has gone on to coach and even start her own business as a designer for figure skating apparel. The theme of her life is Winter Sparkle, which also became the theme of her wedding! It took place at Calhoun beach club and was simply a magical winter wedding!

Congratulations to Emily & Chad!

LOVEe

 

VENDORS//

Venue and Catering: Calhoun Beach Club and D'Amico Catering

Event Planning: Lasting Impressions Weddings

Florist: Arts and Flowers

Hair & Makeup: Brett Dorian Artistry Studios

Cake: HyVee

Dress: Romona Keveza from L'Atelier Couture Bridal

Videography: Snowshoe Productions

Ceremony Musicians: Lake String Quartet

DJ and Lighting: Instant Request