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Happy Monday to you all! After a wonderfully fun weekend of shooting, I am excited to share one of the 3 events I photographed this weekend. (The other two coming after they are published with their organization!) Hope your weekend was relaxing and wonderful!!
Robbin and Steve
He smiled and tenderly watched her as she pinned his boutonniere on him. His Bride, his wife. Max was so excited to be marrying the girl of his dreams. After a night of soft candlelight and spaghetti, Max reached into his pocket and proposed across the dinner table to Carissa. Smiling she accepted and the two began planning their April wedding.
After a wonderful March in Minnesota, the weather could not have been any better for this beautiful couple. Tulips, Lilacs and Daffodils were in full bloom, a month early. And the day held a beautiful sunny sky and a warm breeze.
Thank you Max and Carissa for including me in your day. It was as beautiful as the both of you. Many blessings to you both as you start your life together!
Here is your slide show!
Friday I was glad to be featured on Home Confetti, a cute blog focusing on being a place of creative ideas to make celebrations extra special. Check out this great blog!
Max and Carissa’s day could not have been any better! The April weather was perfect and so was the day! Many thanks to all the vendors that helped make this day beautiful.
Dress: The Wedding Shoppe
Carissa’s hair: Katie at Studio 4 Salon in Eagan
Jewelry (necklace, earrings & bracelet) were gifts
Rings: Jarrod and Kay Jewelers
Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal
Florist: Dakota Floral
Ceiling draping, lights and table linens: Illuminations by Lori Cole
Cake: Taste of Scandinavia
Desserts: Sue Bernlohr
Chocolate fountain: Chocolate Cascade Heaven
For the first 2 years of my business I shot with an assistant. My husband. As much as I knew he loved weddings (insert sarcasm here) he loved me more. So he agreed to be my assistant for the day. He carried around my gear, helped me man my list of shots, told people where to go, and was a huge help. After we had our first child, and my business continued to grow, we knew it was time to move on to the next phase. He needed to be home with our daughter and I went on the hunt for another assistant/ second shooter!
My dreams came true when my sister volunteered to step into the role. With a love for photography, she was a perfect fit. Plus I got to hang out with my little sister who now worked full time. For the next 3 years, we toured throughout Minneapolis and Wisconsin on our weekends. But over time, after working a 40 hour week, my sister needed her weekends and I was on the hunt again.
I have to say the process was not an easy one. I had some assistants that were wonderful people, but just did not fit my style. Then Elena and I were introduced at a very random party for a mutual friend. We got to chatting and a few weeks later she was in my living room with her 6 month old son and portfolio. With a background in photography and a being at a similar stage in life, we clicked. We tested out the waters with a few weddings, and now 5 years later we are still working together.
There are so many benefits to me and to the client in having a long term second shooter. Not only is Elena my second shooter, she also shoots her own weddings. She is also a good friend and she knows me. All I have to do is look in one direction and she is there shooting at another angle and seeing with another pair of eyes. There is little direction that I need to give her because she knows the drill. When I am standing on one side of the ceremony, she is in the other. Also, Elena knows tabletop photography. She is amazing at it! She will do many of the details at the reception, while I am off photographing the Bride, Groom, and wedding party. She is my other pair of eyes on the day of a wedding. 
A few photo angles that Elena and I took together (mine on Left, Elena’s on right).
It really is wonderful. I am so thankful for Elena, her friendship as well as her gift.
Great post, Karen! I love the photos from our wedding that your assistants took too. They added such a unique perspective to the day!
Yay! It’s fun to see the side-by-sides! Rocking the gear too ya’ll!
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.
