6.01.2009
angela + ryan {wed}
It's not every weekend I get to be IN a wedding, let alone play the role of Maid of Honor AND photographer, but this particular weekend I was. My brother, Ryan and his beautiful wife Angela tied the knot on April 25th! It was so much fun!!
It was a cold and windy day, but we found an awesome blooming tree in front of a brick building downtown Storm Lake {Iowa}, that made for the perfect backdrop and some of my favorite shots from the day.
In the alley behind the building there was a fire escape... perfect!
Across from the fire escape was the back alley door to a flooring business...
painted some awesomely cool colors!
Dads share a laugh...
Our sister Kris (who was also a bridesmaid) was in charge of the wedding cake, perfectly matched to our bridesmaid dresses. It turned out awesome.
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Our crafty mom did the grooms cake, to honor Ryan's love for John Deere tractors since childhood. Complete with black licorice tires!
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It was a fabulous day full of love, family, fun and lots of laughs. Special thanks to my cousin Kathy Olson-Anderson and my boyfriend John for helping with the photography when I needed to switch 'hats' throughout the day. Congratulations Ryan and Angela on your beautiful wedding and for having me be such a big part of it! Welcome to the family, Angela :) {s.j}Labels: wedding
5.29.2009
erin + andy {wed}
We had a beautiful spring drive down to Davenport, Iowa recently to witness my college friend Erin's 'tying of the knot' with her adorable guy, Andy. Though I was able to kick back and enjoy their wedding as a 'guest' rather than 'the photographer', I'm sure it comes as no surprise that my camera was in tow anyway. Below are a few of my favorite photos of their awesome day.
This little guy kept bending down like the photographers to get
a photo of the first dance.
TOO CUTE!
Father - Daughter dance
Congratulations Erin & Andy... its about time you two lovebirds made it official :) We had a blast at your wedding -- come visit us soon here in Minneapolis! :) {s.j}Labels: wedding
11.18.2008
{lauren & matt} destination mexico: part 2
I'm not quite sure how to start this blog posting -- I have so much to say!
First off, let me give you a little background story. In August 2007, I accompanied my Aunt Vicky from Phoenix, AZ on a fabulous cruise of the Mediterranean. We were with a big group of people from the Southwestern US and flew into Venice on the same flight. After exploring Venice all day, we needed to report to the cruise ship port at a specific time. As we boarded the water taxi to take us there, I recognized Lauren and Matt from our flight. I hadn't met them yet, so I didnt' say much... but noticed that Lauren kept looking at the ring on her finger and seemed really quiet, almost in shock. Little did I know, Matt had JUST 'popped the question' a little while before while riding on a gondola! They told the whole romantic proposal story later at dinner on the cruise ship when we all formally met. Throughout the course of the week, we got to know each other a little more. There was a karaoke contest on the ship, so Matt and I had fun taking part in that. (We both made it to the finals!)
So, flash forward to last winter, when I got a call from Lauren & Matt (who live in Dallas, TX) telling me they want to do a small destination wedding with family and friends.. and would like to have me come along for the trip to do their photos! I was more than THRILLED!
I flew into Cancun on a Wednesday, and met up with the group at the resort in Playa del Carmen. On Thursday we went snorkeling (so amazing!) and had a fabulous welcome dinner in the evening. I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about this group of people. Their hearts are as big as Texas...and their lifelong friendships speak volumes.
Lauren and Matt's big day was Friday. We were all thinking positive weather thoughts as the dark clouds kept lingering in the distance. Despite some serious humidity and ever present clouds, the ceremony was simply storybook. Their love for each other is so evident and REAL, it makes every photo glow. Matt is such a sweetheart, so genuine ... and Lauren is by far the 'spunkiest' bride I have ever photographed! Their personalities compliment each other in every way possible. They are so much fun to be around.
I could have photographed them for hours and hours more, but the sun went down not long after the ceremony. Unfortunately, the rain came pouring down shortly after the reception started so the party was moved into a covered place close by. Everyone was a little soggy, but it didn't put a damper on the fun - everyone danced the night away!
Words can't even describe how great of an experience this was. Lauren & Matt... family and friends; thank you for including me on this fabulous adventure! I will never forget it!
This weekend, they are having a huge reception at Lauren's parent's house in Austin, TX. Knowing them, it will be nothing short of a rockin' good time! Hopefully its a little (okay a lot) less rainy than the reception in Mexico!! :)
Here are just a FEW of my favorites from their beautiful wedding day...
{sj}
First off, let me give you a little background story. In August 2007, I accompanied my Aunt Vicky from Phoenix, AZ on a fabulous cruise of the Mediterranean. We were with a big group of people from the Southwestern US and flew into Venice on the same flight. After exploring Venice all day, we needed to report to the cruise ship port at a specific time. As we boarded the water taxi to take us there, I recognized Lauren and Matt from our flight. I hadn't met them yet, so I didnt' say much... but noticed that Lauren kept looking at the ring on her finger and seemed really quiet, almost in shock. Little did I know, Matt had JUST 'popped the question' a little while before while riding on a gondola! They told the whole romantic proposal story later at dinner on the cruise ship when we all formally met. Throughout the course of the week, we got to know each other a little more. There was a karaoke contest on the ship, so Matt and I had fun taking part in that. (We both made it to the finals!)
So, flash forward to last winter, when I got a call from Lauren & Matt (who live in Dallas, TX) telling me they want to do a small destination wedding with family and friends.. and would like to have me come along for the trip to do their photos! I was more than THRILLED!
I flew into Cancun on a Wednesday, and met up with the group at the resort in Playa del Carmen. On Thursday we went snorkeling (so amazing!) and had a fabulous welcome dinner in the evening. I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about this group of people. Their hearts are as big as Texas...and their lifelong friendships speak volumes.
Lauren and Matt's big day was Friday. We were all thinking positive weather thoughts as the dark clouds kept lingering in the distance. Despite some serious humidity and ever present clouds, the ceremony was simply storybook. Their love for each other is so evident and REAL, it makes every photo glow. Matt is such a sweetheart, so genuine ... and Lauren is by far the 'spunkiest' bride I have ever photographed! Their personalities compliment each other in every way possible. They are so much fun to be around.
I could have photographed them for hours and hours more, but the sun went down not long after the ceremony. Unfortunately, the rain came pouring down shortly after the reception started so the party was moved into a covered place close by. Everyone was a little soggy, but it didn't put a damper on the fun - everyone danced the night away!
Words can't even describe how great of an experience this was. Lauren & Matt... family and friends; thank you for including me on this fabulous adventure! I will never forget it!
This weekend, they are having a huge reception at Lauren's parent's house in Austin, TX. Knowing them, it will be nothing short of a rockin' good time! Hopefully its a little (okay a lot) less rainy than the reception in Mexico!! :)
Here are just a FEW of my favorites from their beautiful wedding day...
{sj}
Labels: wedding