Blog
Love stories and more
Look for my favorite wedding planning tips and tricks, behind the scenes tidbits about my life, and, of course, features of many of the beautiful couples who spend time in front of my camera.
I promise it’s worth your while.
Creating a Wedding Day Photo List
Let’s face it - planning a wedding isn’t always a complete walk in the park.
But your photos don’t need to be a source of stress!
In the weeks leading up to the big day, your photographer will likely ask you for your preferred shot list.
3 Most Important Things to Look for in a Wedding Photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer is a big freaking deal! You’re going to be spending as much time with them on your wedding day as you will with your new spouse…seriously. It’s worth finding someone you love!
When you’re on the hunt, here are my three recommendations for what you should keep in mind…
What to do with Your Wedding Photos
It’s finally arrived. THE EMAIL. Your wedding gallery is ready!
Excited, you immediately log in and begin to slowly scroll through the photos, falling more in love with each image you see. All the emotions from your wedding day come rushing back and you feel like you’re right back at the altar, back witnessing the incredible sunset that lit up the sky that night, and back on the dance floor for your first dance.
Anniversary Sessions
You’re already married…do you really need more photos?
Yes!
Your relationship grows and changes over time. It’s true that your wedding photographs will stand the test of time and are a testament to the love and commitment you shared on that special day.
How to Have a Relaxing Wedding Day
Your wedding day should be joyful and fun, not stressful! But all too often it seems like brides wind up feeling overwhelmed and unable to live in the moment how they had hoped…and I don’t want that for you!
After photographing countless weddings over the course of the last eight years, here are my five best tips for having a relaxed, stress-free wedding day:
How to Write Your Own Vows
Right in the heart - it gets me every time!
Writing your own vows brings a unique, personal touch to your ceremony and can be a sweet way to share a bit more of your love story with your guests.
Here are my top tips for writing them!
Why You Should Have an Engagement Session
Do you REALLY need to book that engagement session?
It should come as no surprise (at least if you read the title of this blog post!) that I think they’re incredibly valuable - and I’ll tell you why!
Benefits of a Second Shooter
When it comes to budgeting for a wedding, every dollar matters. Is getting a second shooter worth the money?
It might be the right choice for you if…
Why to Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer
Your cousin got a nice camera for Christmas last year and your aunt loves taking wildlife photos when she’s on vacation.
Wouldn’t it just be easiest to have one of them photograph your wedding?
Easy is one thing. But a choice you’ll still be happy with 25 years from now? That’s something else entirely.
3 Ways to Make Your Photographer’s Life Better
Okay, okay, I know! Your wedding day is about YOU, not your photographer.
But what if I were to tell you there were three things you can do before your wedding day to make your photographer’s life easier - which in turn means they’ll do an even better job hyping you up, keeping you on schedule, catching special moments on camera, AND they will love you even more than they did before?
Cheers to the Groomsmen
We were driving across Wisconsin last week when I asked my husband, “If we were planning our wedding again, what is something you wish you had known more about?” in hopes of catching a little inspiration for my next blog post. Naturally, he read my mind and knew exactly why I was asking him that question out of the blue so his answer surprised me.
Uneven Wedding Parties
Here’s a wedding trend that I hope sticks around for a good long time: couples doing whatever the heck they want!
One example of this is? Uneven wedding parties. When you want the most important people to stand next to you on your wedding day, it may not always include the same number on both sides - and that’s okay!
Successfully Planning Family Photos on Your Wedding Day
Would you have guessed that the family photos on a wedding day is one of the largest stressors I see for engaged couples?
Even before they fully jump into wedding planning, it's on their minds. For instance, over half the people I spoke with at the MN Bridal & Wedding Expo yesterday asked me how I handle family photos.
Editing Your Wedding Plans
It's easy to get a bit carried away when planning your wedding! There is inspiration everywhere you look and it's fun to get swept up in trends and suggestions from bridal magazines and well-intentioned family and friends.
Dollar Dance Alternatives
If you’re not familiar with the term, the wedding party collects money from guests so they can dance with one of the newlyweds. Not only does it round up a little spare cash for the couple to put towards a honeymoon or other future plans, but the real benefit is that it gives you time to chat with your dance partners one-on-one for a little while during a day that FLIES by.
What I Wish Everyone Knew About Their Engagement Session
Four things I wish everyone knew to feel more relaxed and have a great time during their engagement session
Choosing a Date for Spring Flower Photos
Spring in Minnesota is a gorgeous time of year, but anyone who has spent any time here knows it is a finicky season that likes to throw us some unexpected curve balls...which makes planning a session to coincide with the spring blooms p-r-e-t-t-y challenging.
What to Wear for Winter Engagement Photos
Winter engagement sessions: the perfect excuse to snuggle up with your love while making the most of the Midwestern snow (because let's face it, it's going to be here whether we like it or not...so you might as well get some cute photos).
Reasons to Attend a Wedding Fair
Whether you’ve been dreaming about your wedding since you were young or just got engaged and have no idea how to start planning, a wedding fair is sure to have something for everyone!
The Bridal Suite
The bridal suite you choose can make or break the photos capturing the quiet start to your day as you chat with your bridesmaids over mimosas, step into your dress for the first time, and your mom zips you in.