Paul and Amanda: Engagement

Last weekend was Paul and Amanda's engagement session. (As busy as I have been I am a little behind with staying up to date on posts... trying to play catch up as time allows. =)) The three of us met on a quite chilly morning at the Mill City ruins. Man do I love this location! So many great spots and textures and colors at every turn. To make it even more perfect in particular for them, there was an unexpected chalk heart with their initials on one of the walls-- it was fate to use this spot! Paul and Amanda came prepared for the session: 100% in love. They wanted to make sure that their photos were natural and not too posed which turned out to be quite as easy as these two had zero problem getting snuggly, making one another laugh and pretending like I wasn't there. =) 

Paul and Amanda will wed next summer and I couldn't be happier for the two of them! We all braved the slightly more than crisp air and managed to get some spectacular, and adorable, images. Enjoy! 

    

Kari & Garrett Get Married

Man, oh, man I am behind! Lots of updated posts coming soon! 

This gorgeous couple was hitched in Duluth, MN earlier in September and it was such an amazing day! Kari and Garrett really got creative for their wedding day focusing on a 50's theme. From the wedding decor, guests' attire (some fantastic outfits!!) and down to the late night milkshakes all gave an amazing vintage vibe. The couple's day started with a first sight on a gorgeous beach and since Kari lived in Duluth for several years, she knew all the great locations to go to. The day had showers on and off but I made sure to use this to our advantage! Tons of usage with reflections in puddles and the dramatic clouds in the sky with a hint of sunshine was awesome! 

Of course the couple looked amazing! Kari's BCBG dress had great structure and design giving the bride a perfected modern vintage look from head-to-toe. Her broach bouquet was absolutely gorgeous, and heavy, again pulling the vintage into her overall look. The bouquet also was her 'something borrowed' since most of the broaches came from family and friends. Garrett looked quite dapper as well in a light gray suit topped with a matching fedora. Before the ceremony we buzzed around town and got some great shots at Park Point, of course used the Lift Bridge as a backdrop, the lighthouse and the gorgeous rose garden. We made sure to get a little "urban" feel as well and found a fantastic alley for a cool dramatic background. 

Kari and Garrett made sure to treat their guests right! As we were taking pictures around the city, their guests enjoyed a pre-ceremony picnic at Brighton Beach where the ceremony took place. Hot dogs, veggies and treats served the guests as they waited the arrival of the bride and groom. As the weather proved to be "on and off" with rain all day, it did start to rain as the ceremony was to begin on the beach so guests crowded intimately beneath the pavilion and surrounded Kari and Garrett as they said their vows. It created such an encompassing environment and truly made the ceremony so-so special with friends and family gathered around the couple. 

The fun definitely got started at the reception where tables were adorned with 50's get-up at every inch! Instead of chargers there were vinyl records; instead of table numbers there were musicians like Buddy Holly; each place card was a small vinyl record charm attached to martini glasses; and black and white polka dot lamps with feathers topped as the centerpieces. Instead of the traditional wedding cake, Kari and Garrett went the cupcake route made by a family member (so yummy!). There they continued the vinyl record decor which cleverly served as cupcake stands. Of course, we cannot forget the couples change of attire. Kari rocked a white halter dress with a fantastic red petticoat and adorable red shoes and belt to match! 50's music rang in the first few of hours of the reception and these guests sure could do-the-twist! To add even more great lighting effects, the dance floor had a section with mirrors on the ceiling so I definitely had tons of fun with that too! 

Kari and Garrett, it was so amazing to be apart of your day! Here is a taste of the images I captured--enjoy!