It’s wonderful to be thinking about summer again and all that 2023 entails including Nick and Nia’s wedding at Green Acres Event Center in Eden Prairie this June and I simply can not wait! From the moment I spoke with Nick and Nia, I knew we would be a good fit for one another. The two are both so kind and warm and I was so thrilled to be able to do their summer engagement session at Minnehaha Falls. We ended up with a perfect evening and had the best time connecting as we roamed the park together.
We began the session at the bottom of the falls where it flowed beautifully and Nick and Nia were so kind to walk the numerous steps to get down to the falls, but it was well worth it as we had the place almost to ourselves. As the sun continued to set, we had the most beautiful light for golden hour photos and wandered all over the park for the most beautiful light.
As they continue to plan their big day, I could not be more excited for them. Green Acres will be an absolutely stunning location for their dream wedding, and I can’t wait to celebrate with them as they tie the knot surrounded by friends and family!
In 2018 both Chris and Michelle swiped right on Bumble and neither knew what they were both in for. The two met for their first date and realized quickly they had much in common. One date turned into many and when Michelle was placed in Texas for her residency, Chris made the drastic move from the Midwest to the South to be with her. They both knew things were progressing towards marriage at that point and it was only a matter of time.
At Christmas the following year, Chis encouraged Michelle to take a weekend trip to Arizona to see her family. During that time, he planned an afternoon walking around a beautiful lake with fountains and greenery. As they were walking he approached an innocent bystander and asked if he’d take a video of the couple. During the video, Chris got down on one knee and proposed to Michelle. She of course said yes, and they were able to go back and celebrate with Michelle’s family.
Chris and Michelle chose to exchange their vows at the beautiful Hutton House onMedicine Lake. Because friends and family were coming from all over the world and they wanted to be able to spend the weekend celebrating with them, they chose to have a Thursday wedding. Jenna Cully and her team from Jenna Culley Events planned the most spectacular day and took all of Chris and Michelle’s requests into consideration.
The day began with Michelle and her bridal party getting hair done at the Jai b Experience and Kahuah and May doing make up. They party arrived in the party bus provided by Renae’s Limo’s and then her mother helped Michelle into her beautiful bridal gown from Raffine’s Bridal. Michelle’s bridal party all wore grey attire with dresses purchased at David’s Bridal and Chris’ bridal party wore navy blue with the men purchasing suits from Men’s Warehouse. The incredible floral arrangements created by Wilderland Floral paired beautifully with the blues and grays and looked stunning in the Hutton House. Being that Michelle is a first generation American, she wanted to incorporate her Nigerian heritage into most of the day. One of those wonderful attributes was having a group of people (her Aso-Ebi tribe), a group of people who encourages you and is a big part of your life and also wears the same traditional dress, be a part of photos. After doing photos with family and wedding party in front of the beautiful floral arch, Chris and Michelle chose to be married indoors. The ceremony was rich with family, love and honor for one another. After exchanging rings from Brilliant Earth and Cartier in front of their guests, Michelle and Chris were pronounced husband and wife and retreated to a room to exchange their vows to one another privately.
Their cocktail hour was full of mingling and friends reconnecting with one another until dinner from Marna’s was served to guests. The toasts that the mother’s and Chris gave were heartwarming and full of gratitude and love. Brandon Mensah started the party with Michelle and Chris’ first dance followed by incredible first dances with Michelle and her father and then Chris and his mother. About an hour into the dance, Chris and Michelle changed into traditional African dress and were announced and celebrated by all as they entered. It was such a celebration of joy and togetherness. Thank you Michelle and Chris for including me, it was an incredible night. I hope your honeymoon in Hawaii is restful and amazing!
Bring on summer and engagement sessions. It’s been such a joy to connect with so many couples and get ready for thieir weddings. It’s amazing how fast these weddings are creeping up on me. Nicole was a bridesmaid in a wedding I shot back in 2018, and when she and Cameron reached out this past winter, I was thrilled to connect over Zoom. It’s such an honor when I recieve referrals from past brides.
Cameron and Nicole chose to do their spring engagement session at St. Anthony and Main in Minneapolis. They decided to do a sunrise session to avoid the crowds of the area. We chose to meet at Aster cafe and made out way to the iconic photo spot in Minneapolis, Stone Arch Bridge. We then made our way to the Machine Shop, where the light colored brick was a perfect pairing with Nicole and Cameron’s classic black and white outfits.. As we walked we were able to chat about thier wedidng day and bring their perfectly behaved and sweet Bernadoodle around with us. I just love the way Nicole and Cameron love and respect one another and know their marraige will be the same way.
I loved the three different outfits Nicole and Cameron decided on, everything from casual to dressy. The colors popped against the green leaves and were perfectly paired with the lilacs and crabapple blossoms.Being that it as so early, we avoided most of the crowds that generally populate the area. We ended our session at Nicolette Island Park with photos at the park and the Hennipen Bridge as a backdrop.The sun refused to make it’s appearance, but it didn’t matter one bit as we strolled the park together. I can’t wait to see Nicole and Cameron again for their September wedding at Woodhaven. Congaulations you two!
Over the years I have met so many people including the kind and wonderful Christenson family. Ruth and I met when our girls were only 6 months old in a music class we both took together. Over the years we continued seeing each other as the kids grew up. I was able to photograph them as they grew and changed, and eventually we both moved out of the city and landed in the same suburb not many miles away from each other and within the past year ended up at the same church.
As the kids have grown, I have been blessed to see them grow up. two years ago I photographed her son as a senior and this year, her daughter. Unfortunately for us, but fortunatelly for them, their family has now landed in a southern state where their kids will be attending college.
I’m sad to see this incredible family move away, but so excited as they take on this new adventure of being Midwesterners to Southerners… I know they will do it so well, but we sure will miss them!
It has been an honor getting to know Emily and her family over the years. In 2018 we met one snowy morning to do her maternity photos and from there, I have photographed her daughter as a teeny baby with a full head of beautiful hair, to now being a preschool sweetheart.
When Emily and Derrick found out they were having a little boy, Emily reached out again and a few months ago we did her maternity session. Upon meeting this little one, I realized how much he looked like his sister, with that full head of hair, but how much his family was so gad to have him.
With so much love to go around, I can’t wait to keep seeing this family over the year and watching this little man grow! Congratulations Emily and Derrick!
Katie Nick’s June wedding at Seven Vines Vineyard was the perfect blend of timeless elegance and joyful celebration. From the classic black-and-white wedding party attire to the dreamy golden hour portraits among the vines, every detail felt effortlessly sophisticated.
Surrounded by their favorite people and endless love, these two kicked off married life in the most beautiful way.
Baby Mary has arrived and is already so deeply loved by Nicole and Aaron.
I’ve had the true honor of photographing this family since their oldest was born over 16 years ago, and watching their story grow through each new season has been something really special. From newborn snuggles to busy, full family life being invited back again and again is something I never take for granted.
This family is deeply rooted in the world of forage, county fairs, and raising and showing lambs and sheep, so it only felt fitting to include a little lamb hat for baby Mary’s first photos. A small nod to a big part of their life and traditions.
Rob and Sarah’s wedding day was a beautiful blend of faith, family, and thoughtful design. Inspired by Monet’s garden paintings, their celebration was filled with soft spring colors, meaningful heirlooms, and intentional details at every turn.
After a joyful ceremony at Eagle Brook Church, surrounded by family and friends, they celebrated the night away at Silverwood Park with beautiful florals, heartfelt speeches, lakeside portraits, and dancing.
One of my favorite details? Sarah changed into her mother’s wedding dress for the reception, while flowers made from that same gown were sewn into her veil.
Welcome, to the world sweet Julia! It was such a blessing to see Travis, Marisa, and Jalen again! What joy Julia has brought to this family! Congratulations!!
