Allison and Beecher // Engaged!

Every once in a while, I get a phone call from people who have somehow been a part of my life, asking if I would be open to photographing their wedding. Maybe I've known that person since I was little or maybe they are a close and personal friend, but either way, I always feel honored that they have re-connected and reached out to ask me to document one of the biggest days in their life. For Allison and Beecher, this most definitely held true. I have worked with Allison and her agency, Ignite Models, countless times. I have great admiration for everything she has built and how she runs her business in the world of fashion - not to mention, I have always had an amazing experience with every single one of her models and talent. Beecher is also incredibly involved in running many events here in Minneapolis, in fact, you might even say they are a bit of a power-couple here in the city. Both of these two have seen some stunning talent walk thru their doors, and especially on the photographer front, so when Allison asked me if I would be their wedding photographer, it was just one of those moments where I knew our work, reputation and company were living up to the standards I have always wanted it to be! It has been really great to get to know Allison and Beecher on a more personal level. These two are absolutely fantastic together. Beecher adores Allison and I love seeing how calm, beautiful and confident Allison is with her man. It's always been Allison's dream to have her engagement photos during the fall, with a pop of fun color, which totally matches this couple's personality as well. They genuinely laugh together so hard that you can't help but fall in love with them a little bit! Allison and Beecher's wedding will be this spring in a super-fun destination...hint hint...there's a little bit of desert meets ocean involved in the theme!

Congratulations to Allison and Beecher on their engagement! To say we are going to have fun at your wedding is a total understatement!

LOVEe

Ashley and Eddie // Engaged!

Ashley and Eddie had known of one another for years; however it wasn't until after the first official time that they hung out that something changed. The two have been together ever since and have also made it a family affair! Ashley and Eddie are two of the most loving parents I have met, who are also raising three pretty-rad children! Everyone in this family is SO happy! For their engagement session, we brought along the kiddos and had some fun!  

Congratulations to Ashley and Eddie on their engagement! These two are literally, going to have one-awesome-wedding!

LOVEe

Lynn and Pete // Engaged!

As I've documented couples over the years, I think some of the most successful relationships come from those who are truly best friends. They are able to encourage, laugh, explore and experience life together, which is exactly what marriage is about, right? Lynn and Peter most definitely have this quality in their relationship and they also value the culture of their families. The couple will be having a Vietnamese Ceremony during their wedding day, which is one of my favorite ceremonial traditions in weddings! I had so much fun with these two during their engagement session...and who doesn't love a couple who can successfully dance to Gangnam Style?!?! Priceless...

Congratulations to Pete and Lynn on their engagement!

LOVEe

Kayla and Eric // Engaged!

When Kayla and Eric came to my studio for their initial consultation, I literally fell in love with this couple immediately. And when I say 'I fell in love' with them, I really mean it. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever really met a couple that is like Kayla and Eric. They have a love that is so special, so rare, and so pure, it is undeniable. If there was an example of a couple who is destine to be together, it is most definitely these two. I know I'm not making much sense to you readers, because it really is hard to explain. When you are around Kayla and Eric, even for just a few minutes, you believe in love and if you are already in love, they make you want to love deeper. For their engagement session, we went to the farm where Kayla grew up. I had this vision of a wide open space for them. Both Kayla and Eric are professional dancers who are very active and on-the-go. They also have a very unique sense of style, that I absolutely adore!  

Congratulations to Kayla and Eric on their engagement! I can't WAIT for the big day!

LOVEe

Kelsey and Lee // Engaged!

Kelsey and Lee are simply perfect for each other. Honestly - they make perfect sense. I've had the pleasure of getting to know Kelsey and her family over the last few years and she belongs to one of the strongest families I have ever met. They love true and support each other in all of their endeavors and when it comes to choosing ' the one', they sure know how to seal the deal. If anything, being part (or just hanging out with them for a few hours) of the Lindemeier family teaches you not only how to love, but also what it feels like to be special. For Kelsey, she found something very special in Lee and he is the absolute, perfect addition to her family! These two are making plans and living life to the fullest, I just adore them and can't wait for their wedding day next summer!  

Congratulations to Kelsey and Lee on their engagement!

LOVEe

Steph and Jordan // Engaged!

I've known this bride for a long, long time. We grew up in the same hometown and I've had the pleasure of documenting her sister's wedding a few years ago. Life is kind of a funny thing sometimes, especially when you grow up in a small town. When you come 'where we come from', mostly-everyone-knows everything-about-everyone; however, as we've all grown up and established our lives, it's crazy how paths cross later on down the road. Being a photographer, I have the privilege of being invited to document some of the most important moments in people's lives. It also gives me an entirely new perspective on people, whether I've known then for life or for just a few months! The Drake family is such a solid family. After having the opportunity to really get to know them more, it's clear that their bond goes deep. Steph is the youngest of three girls and I feel like ever since I have known her, she's been waiting for her prince charming. When I met Jordan for the first time, it was SO clear that she had not only found her man, but she had also found her best friend in life. Steph is beautiful and you can tell that Jordan respects his wife-to-be more than anything. Seriously - all you have to do is hang out with this couple for 5 minutes and it's obvious they have found their perfect match!

The couple actually met years ago in college. Yet, they were both dating different people, so nothing more happened. Years later, Jordan 'moved to town' for a job and phoned a friend to ask if there were any 'cool people...and maybe any cute single girls' that he knew of. Lucky for him, Steph was single and when they re-connected, they hit it off immediately. I could go on about how cool this story is, but one thing I love about shooting couples and this time in their lives is the mystery and unpredictable-ness in every client's love story. Timing was everything for Steph and Jordan and when the timing is right, magic happens!

For their engagement session, we did a little something special. Steph and Jordan are HUGE Vikings fans and we were able to get some time with the stadium to ourselves! It was super fun and when you look at the photos, pay attention to their jerseys...they may be custom...and the numbers just might correspond with their wedding date: 7.27.13! It bring an entirely new meaning to the term SKOL, Vikings!

 

Congratulations to Steph and Jordan on their engagement! And thanks for such a fun session!

LOVEe

Ashley and Matt // Engaged!

Ashley and Matt are incredible. Seriously, I have had so much fun getting to know them and it's clear that they bring the fun and joy to everyone they meet! Ashley is a girl who has it all. She's incredibly smart and also drop dead gorgeous. She's a natural beauty who's smile goes on for days and then chemistry that her and Matt have together is undeniable! The couple met in college and when they first met as Freshman, Matt knew this was his girl. He pursued Ashley and four years later, Matt surprised Ashley with a proposal in Memorial Day weekend. Ashley and Matt have a very strong bond. They also support each other in the most amazing way. Ashley is currently in med school in St Louis and Matt is up here in Minneapolis focusing on his amazing job in the medical field. It's clear when you are around them that the distance has made them stronger, but also that they will go to the ends of the earth to support each other in their own individual endeavors. It also means that when they are together, there is nothing but fun, love, family and friends surrounding these two!

Congratulations to Ashley and Matt on their engagement! I can't wait for your wedding this coming summer!

LOVEe

Kate and Juan // Engaged!

Last weekend, I traveled to Chicago to photograph Kate and Juan's engagements! Kate was a bride who originally found me 'the old fashioned way'- simple word of mouth! In today's world, social media is the modern day 'word of mouth'; however, it always makes me happy to know that people are having conversations...maybe I'm old fashioned! Anyways, to make a long story short, prior to their engagement session, I had only met the couple via Skype. Many of my clients live all over the country and I do love the fact that we can connect face-to-face, no matter how far the distance is! I knew I really liked Kate and Juan from our online conversations, but it was SO great to get to know them more during our time together in Chicago! The couple met by happen chance. A few years ago, Juan was taking the elevator up to his apartment and saw Kate. He knew that he had to pursue this girl and his persistence paid off! It turned out that they lived in the same apartment building and before you knew it, they were in love! Kate and Juan are a great couple that clearly make each other incredibly happy!

Congratulations to Kate and Juan on their engagement! So looking forward to your wedding next year!

LOVEe

Allison and Brett // Engaged!

Allison and Brett have a great story that is totally out of a movie! The two met years ago when they both moved into this very 'interesting' apartment building. It was a little bit goth looking, had a crazy landlord and was named, of course, the Moorish Mansion! The two met and soon became an official couple! (We even went back to the special location for their session below!) I first met Allison when she was a bridesmaid in her best friend Amy's wedding, a few years ago! I absolutely loved Amy and Eric, along with all of their friends! When I got the call that Allison herself was engaged, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be there to document the wedding day for these two! Allison and Brett are an amazing couple and it's been great to get to know them more, along with their adorable dog, Otis!  

Congratulations to Allison and Brett on their engagement! Their wedding is coming up in 2013 and will be the first at a new venue opening here in Minneapolis! I can't wait!

LOVEe

Engaged // Nate and Nicole

I love my job, so so so much. A large part in that is because of our amazing clients that invite us into their lives! Nicole and Nate are really the epitome of my perfect client. They are fun, absolutely adore each other and...my god...they are also gorgeous. What is even better is how I met the couple. I was first introduced to Nicole and Nate when their wedding planner, Gretchen at Rocket Science Weddings and Events, called me and said, "There is this couple you just have to meet...please say you are available for their date!" Luckily, I was and we all hit it off perfectly at our first meeting. I mention that I love the way I met this couple, because it's one thing for me to know who my clients, are, but I also love it when wedding coordinators, planners and designers know that we will be a perfect fit for their clients as well. It all comes together in this beautiful circle of collaboration on the client's wedding day and there's simply nothing more rewarding .  Now, back to our first meeting. I know I was head-over-heals in love with this couple when they mentioned that they really wanted to go wake boarding for their engagement session! Um...yes please! Sign me up! I have been looking forward to this engagement session all summer and we literally had the perfect day  - and the most beautiful golden light - for the shoot. I'm also very in love with these images, because Nicole and Nate were simply enjoying the evening together, and they are so natural in every single picture. They're having fun, letting loose and I was there to document it. That is the recipe for a perfect engagement session! We all (myself included) got in the water and had some fun...maybe I'm biased, but I think the photos speak for themselves!

Congratulations to Nicole and Nate on their engagement! Thank you for allowing me to document this time in your lives and relationship...and of course, for teaching me how to wake surf! Our team is so looking forward to your wedding!

LOVEe

Engaged // Krystle and Aaron

Krystle is a perfect example of why I love my clients. She has been a loyal blog reader and fan of our work for quite some time now. So, when Aaron popped the question, we were one of the first vendors she called to book! Krystle and Aaron currently live in Texas, but are coming back to the Chicago area for their wedding this winter! For their engagement session, we simply hung out in the city of Chicago! We walked around, got some eats and even brought their dogs along for a bit of the ride!

Congratulations to Krystle and Aaron on their engagement! I am so looking forward to your winter wedding!

LOVEe

Engaged // Melissa and Mike!

Melissa and Mike first met in college at the University of Denver. She grew up in the good ole' Midwest and he was a California boy. Mike had thought a lot about his proposal and he ended up popping the question on Christmas Eve on White Bear Lake! Side note...this was also Mike's first time ever on a frozen lake! To continue the cold-weather tradition, the couple who now lives in San Diego, are coming back to Minneapolis to get married in December! I was lucky enough to catch the couple in town to photograph their engagement session while it was still sunny and warm in the midwest! Melissa's father has a pretty sweet car that we were able to take for a spin and it proved to be the best prop for their session!

Congratulations to Melissa and Mike on their engagement! Many more photos of these two..in the snow...to come!

LOVEe

Engaged // Hilary and Nicholas!

Hilary and Nicholas are one fantastic couple! The two are currently living in Chicago and they will be getting married in only a few short weeks! I've heard lots of awesome stories over the years of how people met and it always amazes me. I have to believe that there is a perfect time and place in everyone's life when they meet a special person that they will share their life with! For Hilary and Nicholas, it was volunteering for the Young Life organization that brought them together. Three years later, they are engaged and I couldn't be happier for the two of them! I am SO excited for their wedding, but I'll save all of the cool details for that blog post...  

Congratulations to Hilary and Nicholas on their engagement! We can't wait for your wedding in a few weeks!

LOVEe

Jodi and Brandon: Engaged!

Jodi and Brandon met each other at a wedding. Seriously – their story is totally out of a perfectly written chick flick! He lived in Florida and Jodi was in Minnesota at the time, so the two continued to explore this relationship from a far. After many trips to Florida, Brandon proposed one night on the beach and Jodi said yes!

When I first met this couple, there was some serious client love! We bonded over many things, but specifically my love (and total guilty pleasure) of country music! I know, to all of those who know me, you will probably think I’m constantly about Jay Z all of the time, but little do you know, the country station is probably playing in my car 90% of the time when I’m driving alone…when you come from a small town, it’s what’s you love. Anyways, having some clients that I can share this secret love with is SO much fun and during their engagement session, the country music was definitely a-playin whenever we were in the car!

Another observation I made about these two is the honest and deep adoration that Brandon has for Jodi! Lets back up…Brandon is a gentleman’s gentleman. He’s the guy that will open every door for you and also not hesitate to risk-everything to save the day! When it comes to Jodi, it is so cool to see him treat her with such a genuine love and respect that is sometimes rare to see these days. Ladies – chivalry is alive and well! ;0)

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Congratulations to Jodi and Brandon on their engagement! So excited for their wedding next summer!

LOVEe

Angela & Phil: Engaged!

I’m a total sucker for a good love story and I love the mystery as to how people’s lives lead them to each other – it always seems to random, yet perfectly calculated! Angela and Phil met each other later in life, after they had both had families of their own and it is so obvious how truly happy they are together and to be together at this point in their lives. Their families are coming together and Phil & Angela have a deep love and respect for each other that comes with maturity and total understanding in a relationship.

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The couple’s wedding will be taking place this fall in Minneapolis! Stay tuned for more from this lovely couple!

LOVEe

Clayton & Lydia: Engaged!

Oh, I'm not even sure where to start with this one! I would love to introduce you all to one of our 2012 clients, Clayton & Lydia! The groom and I go wayyyyy back. Like he probably-has-some-of-the-most-embarassing-photos-of-me-ever-from-my-childhood back. Clayton and I grew up in the same church together, which was a very small group of people. Our youth group was composed of probably less than 10 people, and we were all quite the tight-knit-group back in the day. He was definitely a part of a core group of people I grew up with, and as life went on, I lost touch with him over the years. A few months ago, I received a facebook message that Clayton had met the woman of his dreams and he wanted to know if I would be their photographer...um, yes!!!

It's kind of interesting, being in the position I am now, because I've photographed several couples from my hometown. Some of them whom I was friends with, others who I was simple acquaintances, but it never fails to amaze me how years after we have all grown out of our hometown, we all end up back in the same place, together again.

It has been SO cool to see Clayton and Lydia together and get to know them as a couple. He has truly found his match in this beautiful lady and I am SO happy for them! They are hilarious together, and have the same sense of humor, which is pretty fun to be around. These two met on Match.com, and the irony of it all is that Lydia was going to delete her profile the same day that Clayton messaged her for a date..."Ok," She thought, "One last date and then I'm DONE with this...." Good thing! That one-last-date turned into forever!

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Congratulations to Clayton and Lydia on their engagement! These two will be married later this spring and I can't wait for their day...think classic cars, barns and woods! YES!

LOVEe

Clare and Ryan: Engaged!

I have the BEST job in the world, I mean, each and every day, I am truly living my dream and that is the best thing in the world to be able to say. I also, truly, have the best clients in the world. It amazes me how year after year, I book THE most amazing couples and get the opportunity to document them throughout one of the biggest moments of their life. I talk a lot about my 'perfect' client, and there's no better way to describe it other than the energy that they have. I 100% have to connect with the couple I am booking before we sign a contract and I think that is a GIANT reason for getting the clientele that I do - I think they are amazing people, most of whom I end up being great friends with after our business interactions have been settled. Clare and Ryan are the perfect example of this relationship. Clare had been following my work for quite a while and from the first e-mails, phone calls and Skype dates to follow, I completely fell in love with her. She's hilarious, has impeccable style and is SO in love with her fiance, Ryan. She has that little sparkle in her eye when she talks about them and you can just tell that she is one of those brides who is not only pumped for her wedding, but SO EXCITED for their future life together and all of the possibilities that THAT adventure holds!I didn't meet Ryan until flying to Cleveland for their engagement session and after seeing the two of them together, I fell in love with them even more. She adores him, he adores her and they just love to be together. To really, honestly, just be together is one of the 'small things' and simple luxuries that they don't take for granted. It was refreshing to talk to them, see their life and just hang out.

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Congratulations to Clare and Ryan on your engagement! You are an AMAZING couple and I can not wait for the big day!

LOVEe

Kristina and David: Engaged!

For David and Kristina, Love is all about the little things. In fact, during the booking process, I had the opportunity to get to know David and Kristina, mostly over the phone and e-mail. One of the things I love about this couple, in particular, is the way they communicate. David will always pick up the phone and give a call, and Kristina writes the best e-mails! During a phone conversation, I remember David talking about them as a couple, the engagement and moving onto planning a wedding, and even though this couple is insanely busy with work, they still make sure and make time for each other. David said one thing, that I think is often an overlooked note about love, "It's the little things, you know?"

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A BIG congratulations to David and Kristina on their engagement! Their wedding is going to be absolutely gorgeous and I can't WAIT for the big day!

LOVEe

Maggie and Patrick: Engaged!

There's something to say about the kind of love that is comfortable, easy and effortless. This is totally how I would describe Maggie and Patrick's relationship! I could literally spend and entire day with these two, laughing over cocktails and sharing stories, but it's also clear when you spend time with them that these are two people who have truly found one another. They are also very much so go-getters, and when they know what they want, they know how to get it! Maggie and Patrick absolutely knew that they had found each other and the rest is history for these two...

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Congratulations to Maggie and Patrick on their engagement!

LOVEe

Jenny & Aashish: Engaged!

Jenny and Aashish laugh. They laugh so hard together that you can't help but smile along with them! It's this kind of simple and genuine love that I find incredibly refreshing in couples. It's the laughter, the fun and the play that keeps us all young at heart and that fresh feeling of love alive! And did I mention these two met while studying in Australia? Um...how romantic is THAT?!?

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Congratulations to Jenny and Aashish on their engagement! Super excited for their wedding this winter!

LOVEe