One of my very favorite things brides have asked about recently are champagne shots! Not only do they make for great wedding party photos, but awesome expression shots! If you decide to bring champagne and use it for photos here are a few tips::
Buy the cheapest bottles, they are usually more fizzy and really all you are doing is shaking the bottle and letting it fly.
Try, if you can, to do this shot after the ceremony. Typically champagne flies everywhere and with that it goes everywhere! The last time a bride did this with me, champagne went all over me and a few of the bridesmaids!
Bring a few bottles. Chances are the first bottle won’t work as well as you hoped, and better to have another bottle to have more fun with
Hype up the photo! Typically I prompt the wedding party to yell and shout as the couple is opening the bottle. Makes for great shots and really a LOT of laughter!
Try to have the groom open the bottle. Brides, you probably don’t want to get anything on your dress, so stand back and let him do the work!
Andrea and Jesse grew up one block away from each other. While they were always close friends, they also had the feeling that in some way shape or form, the two would end up spending the rest of their lives together. Eventually the two began dating and today was the day they said I do to one another!
Ninety degrees and humidity was predicted for their outdoor wedding, so the ceremony was moved indoors. Despite the heat, we took advantage of the beautiful summer day and wandered around the Refuge Golf Course for photos of Andrea and Jesse and their wedding party. All of them were such a joy to be with and so easy to photograph. I felt like we had all been friends for years!
Custom Floral Designs transformed the venue into the “rustic, outdoor feel” Andrea was hoping for which made the space beautiful. The sunset for the evening was spectacular and before heading back to the reception to dance the night away, we wandered the empty golf course for some photos of Jesse and Andrea alone. It was so fun to get away and celebrate the happy couple with their closest of friends!
Jesse and Andrea, it was a beautiful day to celebrate with you! Many blessings in the days ahead!
Vendors for the day included:: Ceremony and Reception:: Refuge Golf Course // Hair:: Kelsey Neifeldt // Hair:: Tennille// Make-up:: Lindsey// Florist:: Michelle of Custom Floral Designs // Wedding Dress:: Allure from Angelique’s Bridal // Bridesmaids Dresses:: David’s Bridal //Rings:: Jesse- Rustic and Main, Andrea- Family ring// Stationary:: Vista Print // Men’s Ware:: Savvi // Catering:: Refuge Golf Course // Baker:: Hans Bakery // Jewelry:: Necklace and earrings made by Andrea’s paternal grandfather’s// Jesse’s cuff links, his paternal grandfather’s // Shoes:: Amazon // DJ:: Trustworthy Music
They met their very first day of dental school. Ali was intrigued by Jack and his friend sitting with them. As she asked the two questions, they continued to answer the same thing. Surprised by their similar answers, it wasn’t until later she discovered that Jack and his brother were twins. Four months later Jack and Ali began dating.
One year after they met, the two were up in Brainerd, Jack’s hometown, for a wedding. When the wedding was over, they decided to go to a local winery and then back to Jack’s parents house to go boating. On the way to the boat, the two stopped under the trellis that Jack’s grandfather built. While Ali was getting things ready to go on the boat, Jack said, “Ali, turn around, I need to show you something.” She turned around and found Jack down on one knee. Stunned, she said yes, and instead of a boat ride, the two headed into the house where Jack’s family was waiting and they all celebrated together.
Their June wedding day was filled with family and friends who came from all over the state to celebrate with them in the city of Brainerd that both of them hope to end back up in.
Ali’s mother passed away a few years ago, and as the youngest sister, her older sisters stepped up to love on her and make sure that she felt her mother’s presence there that day. Ali was gifted a piece of their mother’s wedding dress that she placed around her bouquet and was near Ali for the day.
The pastel color theme that Ali and Jack chose for their day was stunning against the green trees.
Both Ali and Jack love being with their family and they love the outdoors. After the ceremony, just the three of us headed to Jack’s friend’s cabin on the lake where we got some beautiful sunshine and even stepped in the water to cool down for a bit!
The night ended with toasting, dancing and conversations on the lawn of Whitefish Lodge. We even headed out to the nearby golf course as the sun was going down for some beautiful sunset shots.
Ali and Jack, what a complete JOY it was to spend the day with you, your family and friends. You are both kind, gracious and have huge hearts. I am so very, very thankful our paths have crossed and wish you a very blessed marriage.
Vendors for the day included:: Ceremony:: Immaculate Heart Catholic Church// Reception:: Whitefish Lodge and Suites // Hair:: Kelsey Neifeldt // Make-up:: Jenny Fergeson // Florist:: Stems and Vines Floral Studio // Wedding Dress:: David’s Bridal // Bridesmaids Dresses:: David’s Bridal //Rings:: E.L. Menk Jewelers // Stationary:: Minted.com // Men’s Ware:: Savvi // Catering:: Whitefish Lodge // Baker:: Reeds Market // Jewelry:: Francesca’s // Second Shooter:: Lily Watkins // Shoes:: Kate Spade Keds // DJ:: Premier Party Entertainment //
Valentine’s day is the busiest day of the year when you work in the flower industry. Melanie knew that she would be working late, and Kelley was scheduled to be in California with his family, so the two had decided on celebrating Valentine’s day together over a video chat later in the evening.
After the long, tiring day, Melanie returned home, put on warm sweats and got a text from Kelley asking her to go out to the shed to find her gift there. When she walked in, she was greeted with pink Christmas lights surrounding a card and a rose. She read the card and when she got to the end, she was instructed to turn around. Upon doing so, she found Kelley, in person, down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.
Melanie’s parents gifted her with the beautiful pearl earrings and necklace from Qatar. They paired perfectly with her white dress.
Their fairy tale engagement continued on a beautiful June day where the two were wed on Melanie’s parents property. Family and friends that gathered from all over the central Minnesota area to celebrate this beautiful couple. It was a gorgeous day for an outdoor ceremony and reception on the property.
Because Melanie and her family grew up where they had both their ceremony and reception, we utilized so many meaningful places.
Images By Karen created a beautiful up do for Melanie and her bridesmaids and the rings from Thurber Jewelers proved to be a perfect fit for Melanie and Kelley.
Melanie’s lace dress from Bridal Aisle Boutique was stunning when paired with the navy suits Kelley and his groomsmen wore from The Groomsmen Suits.com. The girls wore periwinkle dresses from Bridal Aisle as well and the blooms from Stems and Vines Floral Studio (where Melaine used to work!) were full of stunning peony’s, roses and greens that popped when put against the dresses.
Catering by Jason provided a perfect meal for the outdoor evening and Shari McMullen provided the delicious cake for guest to enjoy during speeches.
Melanie and Kelley, congratulations to you, it was an honor to spend the day with you and your sweet families. I wish you the best of luck as you travel to your next destination in life!!
Vendors for the day included:: Ceremony & Reception:: Private Residence // Hair:: Images by Karen// Florist:: Stems and Vines Floral Studio // Wedding Dress:: Bridal Aisle // Bridesmaids Dresses:: Bridal Aisle //Rings:: Thruber Jewelers // Stationary:: Cold Spring Record // Men’s Ware:: The Groomsmen Suit// Catering:: CH Professional Catering // Baker:: Shari McMullen
They had been up north all weekend for a wedding and as they were trying to get cleaned up for the day, Sam casually asked if when they got home, he and Kate could take their dog Mac for a walk. Kate brushed it off with a sure, and thought nothing of it.
When they got home for the day, Sam asked again if Kate was ready for a walk. They day was a sweltering 90 degrees and the humidity was like a blanket, but Sam insisted they take Mac for a walk. Kate agreed and as they walked along the lake, she noticed something in the distance. As they got closer, she saw they were pictures of the two of them in frames. As they neared this part of the lake, Sam got down on one knee and asked Kate to marry him. The day could not have been more perfect as she agreed!
Their spring wedding day could not have been more perfect. A perfect 80 degree day greeted guests from near and far as the two were wed at Green Acres Event Center in Eden Prairie. Both Kate and Sam wanted an outdoor wedding and we were all so thankful to have gotten one.
Kate’s ivory white Maggie Sottero gown purchased at the Wedding Shoppe was a perfect fit for the last day of May. Maddie from Viva Voce Salon, did Kate’s hair and make-up for the day making her look radiant.
Kate’s beautiful diamond from Shane Co paired perfectly with her earrings and necklace from the Wedding Shoppe.
We headed over to Centennial Lakes for photos with the wedding party and family. What a beautiful day we had and thankfully we were able to catch some of the late blooming lilacs!
Sam’s suit from Milbern’s Clothing was the perfect shade of gray and his groomsmen complimented him with the same gray suits. and lavender ties.
The beautiful spring blooms from Event Labs held up perfectly on the hot May day and looked stunning against the lavender Mori Lee dresses from the Wedding Shoppe that Kate’s bridesmaids wore.
Being with friends and family was really what this couple desired. Having s’mores over the bonfire, drinking wine on the patio, eating great food together, and catching up with great conversation while celebrating their wedding day was the perfect celebration for them.
The Thirsty Whale created the most beautiful wedding cake for the couple who loves donuts, which were also included in part of their day!
Jimmy from Instant Request and the Vintage Silver band kept the party going all night long while Chris Jopp captured the entire day on video for the couple.
Kate and Sam, I was honored to be a part of your day, thank you for making me feel like a long time friend and for allowing me to be a part of your sweet celebration.
Vendors for the day included:: Ceremony and Reception:: Green Acres Event Center // Hair & Make-up:: Viva Voce Salon// Florist:: Event Labs // Wedding Dress:: Maggie Sottero purchased at Wedding Shoppe// Bridesmaids Dresses:: Mori Lee purchased at The Wedding Shoppe //Rings:: Shane Co and Diamonds and Gold International// DJ:: Jimmy from Instant Request // Men’s Ware:: Milberns// Catering:: Sterling Catering and Events serving Green Mill // Baker:: The Thirsty Whale // Band:: Vintage Silver // Video:: Chris Jopp // Shoes:: Hers:: Nina His:: Cole Haan // Earrings and Necklace:: Wedding Shoppe // Bracelet:: Borrowed from family friend // Second Shooter:: Lily Watkins
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!!
