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I love this couple! Not only do I love them because they are stylish and cute, but they are completely genuine, caring beautiful people inside and out! I loved being able to shoot their rehearsal dinner for them at the beautiful Bar Lurcat in uptown. All the decor was incredible, and when Paul told me that his mother did everything, and I mean all the stationary, flowers and table decor, my jaw dropped about 10 inches! What an incredible evening getting to know these two even better!!
They passed each other on the first day of college at the U of M. Tom’s dad watched his son’s head turn toward the pretty blonde girl as he helped move her in. In his quiet way, Tom’s thoughts were rolling and it was only “chance” that one day the two of them were outside of their dorm at the same time in the Minneapolis cold when they struck up a conversation. Both English majors, they quickly realized how many classes they could have tougher and a friendship had begun! Years later, Tom proposed to Cassie who quickly answered yes!
With spring you never know what kind of weather you will get. When I met with Cassie and Tom to chat about their wedding day we were all envisioning slushy and cold. Surprisingly we were mistaken and got one incredible April day to celebrate their intimate exchange of vows. The 413 on Wacouta is such a romantic, beautiful building set in the heart of St. Paul. With so many places nearby, I was able to capture Cassie and Tom and their families perfectly. It was a beautiful day and I so loved getting to know this kind couple and their families!
Ceremony and Reception:: 413 on Wacouta Event Center
Hair and Make Up:: Salon Fusion
Caterer and Dessert Bar:: Deco Catering
Band:: The R Factor
Wedding Dress and Designer:: La Sposa from Brides of France
Bridesmaid Dress:: Nordstrom’s Tahari
Men’s Designer:: Men’s Warehouse
Shoes:: David Turterra from The Wedding Shoppe
My amazing second shooter:: Crystal Headberg
Tom & Cassie from Karen Feder on Vimeo.
Are you planning a wedding? If you are, I am sure you have seen them all over blogs, publications, and posts. They are the wedding details. I’m not going to reinvent the wheel; wedding details are all over publications and many other photographers and vendors have written about them. I am sure you can find other posts written on why details are so wonderful and relevant, but in my small corner of the internet, I will try to give you my take on details and why they matter so much.
In the past years of photographing weddings I have seen details as a growing trend at weddings. Where once, really not that long ago, photography was based solely on the alter photos and the groupings around them. With the influx and slant toward documentary photography there came the challenge to photographers to not only capture the groupings and candid moments of the wedding day, but also tell the entire story of the day… thus the idea of storytelling of a wedding in photos was born. 
Not only will the photographer capture the people of the day, he or she will also be capturing the elements that make the wedding day unique to the couple. Gone are the group shots on the alter, now couples are in fields with flower crowns and at barns with livestock roaming about. Hay bales are used as seating and outdoor furniture under tents are widely accepted. Food trucks and patio seating are considered just fine and as unique and interesting as the couples hosting them. 
The details of the day not only tell your story as a couple in what you love doing together, but they make the day completely your own. They are also shots that editors want to see (and if you want your wedding to be published somewhere) things you need to inform your photographer to shoot, but most likely if you have them, they will be shot. 
One of the things I have made the change in doing in the past few years, is showing up early to a wedding and documenting the small details before my contract begins. I have found it super helpful because I have the time to shoot these beautiful details without feeling rushed, and also because my brides love them and they are ordering these shots to go in their albums. It also gives me more of a portfolio to give to editors and also just gets my creative juices flowing. So there you have a few thoughts on detail shots, any other ideas/ thought feel free to comment below!
They lived in the same dorm while they were at the University of Minnesota and happened to run into each other on a daily basis. After so many times, they finally struck up a conversation that lasted quite a bit longer than they both anticipated, and ended up hanging out until they were officially dating!
Because they met at the U of M campus, we decided to take a trip back there for their engagement session. I am so looking forward to spending their April wedding day with them!!
He was hard to miss. Daniel and his American adopted family walked into the church service while Brittany and her family sat in the back bleachers. Over six feet tall, coming in late, a protruding mohawk, cowboy boots, and the leather jacket with the American Flag had Brittany intrigued.
Over time their paths crossed again as Daniel joined the college age group at church. It was here that a friendship between the two blossomed when Brittany discovered that this German native also shared her interest in country music, a dire love for coffee, sharing new adventures, a love for children, the Bible, and finding joy and humor in any situation. Eventually the two began dating and Brittany realized the man she was with reminded her more and more of her own sweet father.
One spring afternoon Daniel invited Brittany over to his apartment and asked him to give her opinion an on a couple of project ideas that he had for his students. Because she was not the teacher as Daniel was, she declined and pressed to move on. Daniel persisted saying that he really needed her help. Begrudgingly she lifted a paper towel off some peaches (her favorite fruit) that he had been carving out to find the words “YOU & ME” in them. Not fully understanding what he was getting at, she frowned and moved on to the next project which was under a blanket in the living room. Lifting it up, “Will you marry me?” was spelled out in glow sticks and Daniel sat on one knee waiting for her answer. Everything now came together as she respond a resounding yes.
Their winter wedding was amazing. So many intricate details made it it personal. Everything from the table runners that her mother sewed to the centerpieces that were cut down from trees in Indiana on her uncles land to the German interpreter, and the American flag that Daniel purchased when he came from Germany to America. The fingerprint tree that Daniel’s father brought all the way across the world with his grandparent’s thumbprints and the coffee bar that they had for guests as they arrived on the cold Minnesota day were other details that made it unique.
On a personal level, it was one for me that was incredibly rewarding and meaningful. Crazy enough, our family has know Brittany since she was 12. We have spent numerous days together as she was our babysitter throughout middle and high-school. She grew up in our home and knows our family so well. (Actually while I was shooting this family photos during the wedding, Ben leaned over to me and said, “the Chaffins are kind of like our family, right mom?”) He couldn’t have been more correct and we couldn’t have been more honored to share in their wonderful day. Brittany and Daniel, we love you and can’t wait to spend more time with you as your marriage grows. You are both amazing, God-fearing people that we are blessed to call family.
Vendors that helped make this day even more beautiful::
Ceremony:: Central Lutheran Church
Reception:: The Carousell Works
Wedding Planner:: Lonnie Peterson
Hair:: Jarae Ehr
Make-Up:: Lauren Chaffin
Florist:: Branch and Vine Design
DJ:: Alex Wallner
Stationary:: Invitations by Dawn
Wedding dress:: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses:: David’s Bridal
Men’s Designer and where purchased:: Jones New York, Men’s Warehouse
Bride’s Shoes:: Kelly & Katie:: DSW
Rings:: Shane Co.
Jewelry:: Charming Charlie’s
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.
Bride:: @katie_koplien
Groom:: @nickl3w21
Venue:: @7vinesvineyard
Hair:: @sunbearspasalon
MUA:: @sunbearspasalon
Caterer:: @creativecateringbymollyllc
Florist:: @floreinspired
Ice cream truck:: @lildippersoftserve
Wedding Dress:: @casablancabridal
Wedding Dress Shop:: @bellabridalbtq
Rings:: @weddingdaydiamonds
Menswear:: @menswearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses:: @azazieofficial
Stationary:: @theknot
Videography:: @alexandrafilms_
Photography:: @federphotography
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.
Welcome to the world, sweet girl
Spring soirée perfection.
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.
Congratulations, Rob and Sarah!
Ceremony:: @eaglebrookchurch
Venue:: @silverwoodpark
Planner:: @eventsbyjess
Caterer: @chefjeffmpls
Photographer::@federphotography
Florist:: @malanasophiafloral & @merci_garden
DJ:: Will @midwestsounddj
MUA:: @thebeautycollectivellc
Her Ring:: @princessbridediamonds
His Ring:: @embellirgems
Jewelry:: @helzbergdiamonds
Suit:: @stateandliberty
Baker:: @siftglutenfree
Linens:: @festivitiesmn
Video:: @gadescreativefilms
Wedding Shop:: @flutterbridalco
Wedding Designer:: @colbyjohnbridal
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!!
Based in the Twin Cities area and available for travel worldwide.
