the big easy {by leslie}

Last week I was lucky enough to escape the Minnesota cold for a few days and head down to New Orleans. It was my first time there, and man could I get fat in a city like that. Between the beignets, praline bacon, po' boy sandwiches and fried chocolate pecan pie (omg, so good), it was a cholesterol-raising trip for sure. And since I've returned, I've been dining on chicken broth, smoothies and broiled fish in an attempt to regulate my bloodstream. One of my favorite moments was when it dipped down to 32 degrees and the locals at the bar were all discussing how they could keep their yard chickens warm in such weather. They decided to move space heaters out into the yard. Ha!

Anyway! I thought you might want to see the photos. One note: If you see xxx on a grave, it's a voodoo king or queen's tomb and the xs represent favors asked or granted. Fascinating. Enjoy!

alethea + jarl, married {by leslie}

A few weeks back I was lucky enough to shoot an intimate wedding on a cold winter day inside of a cozy home packed full of friends and family. Oh  man, do I love the small, casual wedding! Alethea and Jarl traveled all the way from their London home to get married surrounded by the ones they love, and it was so great to be a part of their special day!

Also! Special thanks to the wonderful Jackson for second shooting this one with me.

Leah and Brian // New Year's Eve (Post by Thea)

Leah and Brian have a truly amazing story. When I first met them, I also met their daughter Samantha, a playful and wise little girl. Through a touching series of events, Leah adopted Samantha after growing close to Brian, Samantha's father, some years back. The three have an impenetrable bond but they keep their family and friends close as well. Though their wedding day was epically cold, they threw a delightful party at the McNamara Alumni Center. It included 40 children who were treated to a special reception all their own, complete with movies, activities, and glow sticks. This inclusiveness plus the faith and culture of a traditional Jewish wedding made the day one of a kind.

alex + donny engaged {by leslie}

Shooting an engagement session this holiday season is both thrilling (because OMG I love the snow!) and terrifying (because OMG IT IS SO DANG COLD OUTSIDE!). Part of this challenge lies in finding a location that will allow for lovely images both inside and out, and luckily for us the Como Zoo and Conservatory did just that. The other part that is important? Couples that are totally low key and who just want to have a good time and enjoy the shoot. Holy cow, these were those people. We had so much fun catching the end of the day's light and playing in the snow -- even if it was about 2 degrees outside. I am so excited for the wedding this summer!

elizabeth and mike, engaged {by leslie}

Finally! I got to shoot an engagement session in the snow! Not just with snow on the ground, but full of flakes coming down from the sky! It was lovely. And the adorable couple didn't hurt any, either. I had so much fun meeting Elizabeth and Mike for the first time in person (they live on the East Coast) and photographing their engagement session the weekend before Christmas. Not only were they kind and gracious, but they were totally willing to lose their coats and run out in the snowfall for a few shots. I love it when couples come to play!

Annika's Holiday Portrait (Post by Thea)

Lately, I've photographed many families for their annual holiday portrait. Last week, after a shoot with a little boy in the studio, I managed to get Annika in her holiday dress and her hair brushed so that I could snap a few portraits. As with most toddlers, we had just under 5 minutes before things unravelled. Here is Annika, not quite 2 years old. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday, especially the newlyweds and newly-engaged!

Kaitlin and Mike // Married (post by Desiree)

Take style and class mixed with the right amount of awesome and you get Kaitlin and Mike. Naturally these two were both totally relaxed and enjoying their big day despite the rain showers in November.  It still made for a beautiful wedding at St. Kates Chapel. After meeting these two during their engagement session I knew their wedding was going to be sooooo much fun and they did not disappoint.  One beautiful bride in her stunning gown, one dapper groom, love, friends, family...it was perfect.

naughty or nice {by leslie}

Since winter is almost here, and weddings are starting to wind down for a few months, I thought I'd share some outtakes from a recent dog shoot I worked on. I do a lot of personal sessions for people, but on this particular day I set up a traveling studio at a local doggy daycare and shot holiday images of the pups for their owners (to use as gifts or with their holiday cards). As you can imagine, not all dogs are enthusiastic about santa beards and reindeer antlers. Here are a few of the outtakes:

To see some of the shots that turned out as planned, you can look here. Enjoy!

Melissa & Laura | Married {post by natalie}

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not normally at a loss for words! I've been trying to wrap my head around everything that this day meant to Melissa & Laura...somehow capture that in words & spill it all over this page for you to soak in...oh how I wish you all could have been there for every wonderful moment! From the nervousness of getting ready to the anticipation of that first look...& then to that moment, standing before their friends & family, legally committing themselves to one another...ohhh! & the party!!! This was such.a.beautiful.perfect.day. So, instead of trying to spell it out, I'll just let you re-live it with me in the imagery...congratulations Melissa & Laura! Enjoy!

Jennie and Tom // Sep. 21, 2013 (Post by Thea)

Narrowing this post down to a set of images was not an easy task. There were just too many awesome moments to choose from. Jennie and Tom's wedding was an old-fashioned meets modern affair in St. Paul early this Fall. There were gold and glittery details, wispy and monochromatic bridesmaids dress... DIY touches in every corner, then a sky-high reception at the carousel on the 22nd floor of downtown St. Paul's Crown Plaza. I would do this day again. It was just that fun. Congratulations to Jennie and Tom!

Family Style Back Yard Brides Dinner {post by natalie}

When I showed up to the Brides Dinner & saw the cans of Contadina Tomato Puree I just knew these were going to be my kind of people! This backyard Brides Dinner was simply perfect. From the family style set up & checkered table cloths to the twinkling lights & the puppy's tux...yes, the puppy's tux...Melissa & Laura couldn't of had a better night with their family & friends! While I was there I had the opportunity to sneak Melissa & Laura away for a bit...goodness how I love the excited nervousness of a couple as they start to realize that tomorrow, TOMORROW they will be married! And how truly exciting that we live in a state where Melissa & Laura would be able to make their commitment to one another legal! Very proud to be a Minnesotan on this particular night...enjoy!

the pacific northwest {by leslie}

I have a confession... I just got back from a glorious vacation. I am always torn about taking a big trip in October because it's such a high time for weddings, family portraits and high school seniors. But October is the month of my own wedding anniversary (14 years next week!) and the month of my husband's birthday. So I take the time away from work to focus on my guy and what's important. This year, we went to the Pacific Northwest, and what an awesome decision that was! We began in Seattle and then drove down the coast to a gorgeous cottage in Gearhart, Oregon. Hey brides! This would make a fantastic honeymoon spot. I'm just sayin'. We took all kinds of day trips down the coast (watched surfers, visited aquariums, hiked in the woods, visited cheese factories) and then we spent another day exploring nearby wine country (tastings, tastings and more tastings). I cannot suggest this trip enough. And if that doesn't convince you, maybe you should check out the photos...

See what I mean?

Sneak Peak: Jennie and Tom (Post by Thea)

Jennie and Tom's wedding day was romantic, fun, and beautifully planned.  Full post on the way!

Beyond Boundries (post by Desiree)

I wanted to push my creative boundaries and try something new. So I went out into the the woods and did the opposite of what I normally do during a photo shoot.  I liked it!

2,457 Days | First Look {post by natalie}

2,457 days after their first date...they got married! I shared the first part of Sarah & Luke's wedding in a post a little while back...just in case you want to check out all of it's loveliness click HERE! But what I couldn't wait to share with you was their first look! We weren't allowed to post these images until Orchestra Hall officially opened after their extensive remodel...but it was worth the wait! The newly remodeled space is absolutely breathtaking. The gray-and-white color scheme, granite floors, glassy staircases, various levels and large glass-enclosed atrium was the perfect backdrop for this beautiful couple! My heart skips a beat every time I look at these images! And a HUGE thanks to my amazing second shooter Melissa! Some of the below images are hers...love working with such talented people! Enjoy!  

Meghan and PJ // August 24, 2013 (Post by Thea)

Meghan and PJ had a wonderful day. Their ceremony was held at an historic cathedral in downtown St. Paul with a reception following at the AMAZING Heartland Restaurant in Lowertown. The two chose Heartland because they really wanted the feeling of a large family dinner for their reception. Totally a success. The menu was phenomenal, giving each guest many choices when it came to salad, entree, and dessert. With such an intimate setting there just wasn't room for a dance floor. But, at the end of the night, the Maid of Honor surprised everyone with a special song for the newly married couple. So they danced, one dance, together amongst their guests. Congratulations to Meghan and PJ!

xo, thea

Sneak Peak (Post by Thea)

amy + kevin, married {by leslie}

I was fortunate enough to shoot a wedding last weekend in Lake Tahoe, and oh my was it gorgeous up there. The first day I arrived, I spent two hours driving around the lake taking photos of the scenery, dreaming of the spots I could put this bride and groom for their portraits, and generally just so thrilled to have such an amazing location. And then the wedding day came, and it rained all day long. Seriously, all day. I think there was a ten minute break! But, it all went wonderfully. The wedding party and guests all pitched in 100% to help relocate the ceremony and the reception to the lodge where they were all staying, and it was a wonderful, beautiful day and ceremony. And you better believe I used that 1o minutes that it stopped raining to get the adorable couple outside for a few photos (before it then started coming down even harder).

Also, you'll see a critter in the photos below. That bear? That was trying to break into the lodge the morning of the wedding! This day was nothing but adventure, I tell you!

Anyway, through all of this, Amy and Kevin just laughed and rolled with the punches. It really showed me that they make such a wonderful team, and clearly they are ready for whatever life throws their way. Congrats you two!

Jason & Rodney // Aug. 16, 2013 (Post by Thea)

Jason and Rodney are two very handsome guys. But they are taken. August 16th, 2013 may have been their "official" wedding day, but these two have been married for 10 years. In fact, 10 years ago on August 16th, they wed in Vermont, where same-sex marriage was legal at the time. Their wedding at the Guthrie was a great mix of family, friends, cocktails, and dancing. Lots of dancing! Style Architects planned the day and did a fabulous job bringing their two visions together. Congratulations Jason and Rodney!

xo, thea

the great minnesota get together {by leslie}

One of the first things I fell in love with when I moved to Minnesota ten years ago (well, ONE of MANY things I fell in love with) was the state fair. I had never seen (or tasted) anything like it. I used to go for the food, then I would go for the people watching. But now? Now I go for the photos. You see, I loooooooove taking photos of goats. And chickens. And piglets. Will one of you get married on a farm already? Haha! Anyway, here are a few of my favorite shots from my day at this year's state fair. Enjoy!