Wedding Tips and Tricks: Rain or Shine (post by Desiree)

Rain or Shine the show will go on!  Not only will your wedding go on but it will be FANTASTIC and great photos can be taken whether it rains, shines or hails.  So no matter what the day looks like: relax and enjoy it! During the middle of July - peak wedding season - sometimes you can be hoping for a bright and sunny day for your wedding but I just wanted to let all the brides out there know that it's completely OK if it rains on your wedding day.  Believe it or not my perfect dream wedding to photograph includes a cloudy day!  Clouds help diffuse the sun making the light fall all around you just perfectly without harsh shadows.  Also, you won't have to worry about squinting your eyes into the sun.  I know it might be hard to see those clouds and not think gloom, but remember it's ALL about you and your love for the one you're marrying.  Seriously NOTHING else matters except your love when it comes down to it, right?!

A great example is the wedding of Lydia and Clayton.  It actually hailed a few hours before their wedding!  Yes.  Hail.  What did we do?  Bring the bride underneath an overhang and get some awesome photos, eventually it stopped hailing and we were able to venture further out and the grey skies were just stunning with a wedding dress in front of it!  Lydia and Clayton didn't let a thing stop them on their day.  :)

Holy Smokes it was dark!

Those clouds made for AMAZING evenly lit shots!

Maybe it's not raining but it's 90 degrees and bright as heck outside?!  Trust your photographer - they will find the right light.  It is our job to find 'the light.'

Or will your wedding be 30 degrees and freezing?!  Below: winter sun set

Our tip: just RELAX.  Know that whether it's raining or sunny on your wedding day it's going to ROCK and you will end up with some creative one of a kind photos for you to remember your special day.

On a personal note...(post by Louisa)

Hi guys! Louisa here, one of the Rivets photogs. I wanted to share a personal project with you today. It's Sunday, it's hot out, you're probably sitting around in your underpants drinking coffee and reading facebook status updates, so this should be a nice addition to your morning.

For the past 2.5 years I have been working on a photo/word collaborative

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project with my friend Christian Dahlager. What started out as an innocent gchat conversation turned into a project that now includes three books and over 500 vignettes. Basically, here's how it works: I send a photo to Christian via the interwebs and he writes thirty-five words about the photo. This is a blind collaboration, which means Christian has no say in the photo he gets and I have no say in the words he writes about the photo. Challenging? Yes. Frustrating? Sometimes. Kick ass? Always.

The first round of this project (called .onethirtyfive. for one photo, thirty-five words) went EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR. Have you ever tried this? Have you ever tried doing something every day for a year? Even brushing your teeth? Try adding another person to any daily routine and see how the difficulty multiplies. BUT! We did it. We had an art show at the oh-so-awesome-and-now-closed art gallery Umber and hung all 365 vignettes in March of 2011. This past year we eased up on ourselves a bit and decided not to do the project every day. We just finished our second year of 100 vignettes a few weeks ago. Our most recent iteration of this project came in the form of a grant from Mnartists.org. Here's what I had to say about the project on our tumblr blog (which you should totally visit, follow and put on your google reader).

Waaaaay back in December (or maybe it was January), Christian and I sat down for a meeting at the Red Stag, a hopelessly hip bar and restaurant in the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis. We put our heads together and came up with a proposal for a grant application for a project called CSA. You’ve heard of this, yes? It’s called community supported agriculture. Basically, you can buy a share in a farm and every month the farm drops off a box of veggies. You never quite know what what will be inside, other than it will be seasonal and delicious. Mnartists.org came up with an artsy-fartsy version of this: community supported art. Shareholders could pay $300 and get a box of art each month for 3 months. This meant that there were 9 grants available for $1000 each and we wanted one. Thus, the Red Stag powwow.

Fast forward to mid-May of the same year. Christian and I had received one of the grants (thanks mnartists.org!) and had been hard at work for the past 100+ days making our project. What we ended up with was and is a labor of love. We put an incredible amount of work into this project and we hope the recipients of the CSA shares love what we came out with.

For 100 days straight, I took a photo and Christian wrote thirty-five words about the photo. We compiled these vignettes into a pocket-sized book. With the exception of 4 vignettes, the entire book was based in Minnesota. All of the images were black and white and the vignettes were all identified by neighborhood. The book is 4”x5” and was designed to be portable art; you can put it in your pocket and bring it on the light rail, or to the Guthrie or anywhere you need a dose of art. The book was printed by Merit printing and bound and finished by Campell Logan Bindery, both downtown Minneapolis operations. We used hand-cut paper and hand-stamped the cover and title pages using custom rubber stamps. Each book is signed and numbered in an edition of 50.

Hopefully, we will be re-releasing this book in another form down the road for all of our followers. In the meantime, enjoy the photos and stay tuned for the release of our second year of .onethirtyfive. The book is compiled and ready for print…we just have to figure out where to print it to get the best quality and price. Cheers!

wedding tips & tricks: where to get ready {by leslie}

While Louisa talked to you all about how to get the best family photos on your big day, I'm going to talk about the importance of where you get ready. Now, I don't think any wedding photographer expects a bride to think about light when choosing the church or ceremony location (but if you do, hooray!). Many times the location is chosen for personal reasons, and we photographers understand that. But where I *do* want you to consider lighting is at your "getting ready" location.

In my opinion, some of the most gorgeous photos come from the bride and groom preparing for their wedding. It's when you see several generations working together, lots of nervous laughter, and things that we don't normally do -- like applying fake eyelashes or tying bow-ties. There's a lot of nervous energy, and it's so fun to capture that. But it's not so much fun if we're trying to capture it in a dark and moldy church basement with buzzing fluorescent lights.

Many couples don't put much thought into where they will be getting ready until the last minute, but finding a place that is large enough for your wedding party, clean and has clutter-free corners near large windows will make an enormous difference in your photos.

Having natural light in your "getting-ready" space is crucial because while we photographers have many tools that can help us fix bad light (flashes, light stands, reflectors), using them in a room with five to seven women and all of their clothes, makeup and hot hair appliances is asking for disaster. This is one of the times (as well as the ceremony) where we want to be nimble and pretty much ignored. We want to be documenting this from "behind-the-scenes," and we want to stay out of everyone's way. Not only because it's the courteous thing to do, but also because people may be running a little behind, and we certainly don't ever want to be the cause of tardiness to the ceremony.

So when choosing a place to get dressed before the ceremony, these are the things I'd keep in mind:

• Is the space large enough for the bridal party, the parents who will be stopping by, all of the dresses and hair and makeup supplies plus snacks and drinks as well as any photo or video staff you may have hired?

• Are there mirrors? You would be surprised at how many places don't have them...

• Are there large windows or skylights that will allow for natural lighting? By the way, the photographers aren't the only people who will thank you for this -- your makeup artist needs that sunlight as well.

• Is there an area of the room where everyone can stash their street clothes, purses, makeup etc. so that when the photographer is shooting everyone putting on dresses, the background isn't cluttered?

• Does the door lock? You will be leaving many valuables here during the ceremony, and you don't want anyone worrying about their things.

Considering these points will make your wedding prep go even smoother, making everyone more relaxed before the big event.

stephanie and aaron {by natalie}

I am going to have to apologize a head of time for the absurdly long post...I just couldn't help myself! Stephanie & Aaron were married in at Sylvan Lake Lodge in Custer, South Dakota. Minneapolis is home but family & friends traveled from as far away as Japan to celebrate their wedding day with them! Sylvan Lake Lodge was the perfect backdrop for their wedding...from the amazing rock formations that surround the lodge (the beginning of the Needles!) to the beautiful lake side ceremony, everything about this outdoor wedding was a reflection of Stephanie & Aaron's laid back, natural style. I thought for sure we were going to get rained on during the ceremony but the huge dark cloud that swept into view only stayed long enough for me to get a few dramatic photos (no complaints!). It was lovely to see how attentive & sweet these two were with each other all day long & I am absolutely thrilled that they are now officially Mr. & Mrs! Congratulations!

Nick & Allison (Post by Louisa)

My favorite time of day to shoot photos is at the crack of dawn. This poses an interesting problem most of the time, because I like to take pictures of people and most people are not early risers. This couple, however, rose to the challenge. We met at 8 am (okay, I know that isn't quite the crack of

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dawn, but close enough!) and these two rolled out of their car looking like they'd just won the gene pool lottery. Fresh-faced and classy with coordinating outfits, they were a dream to photograph. Can I also just take a moment to point out that if Allison looks half as good on her wedding day as she does in these photos she may win a beauty contest? Seriously. Okay, enough talking. Let's let the photos speak for themselves!

Wedding Tips and Tricks: Family Portraits (Post by Louisa)

Today I am going to kick off a new series of blog posts where the Rivets and Roses staff talks about some great tips and tricks to make your wedding even more beautiful than you've already planned it to be. Between the five of us here on the Rivets staff we have quite a bit of wedding experience and we love seeing couples who find inventive ways to heighten the quality of their photos. We thought we would share some things we've seen at weddings with some things we've learned over the years to help you maximize your photography budget and get images that you'll love for the rest of your life. These are all just suggestions, so feel free to take these ideas and interpret them in your own way for your own big day! I'm going to start things off by talking about group photos, specifically the family portraits. Generally this is everyone's least favorite and most stressful part of the day, but it doesn't have to be! Family portraits can go smoothly and look beautiful with just a little bit of planning and since these are the images that are going to hang on your parents' walls from now to eternity, use my top 5 tips to get great family shots.

1. Have a detailed, and I mean DETAILED list of each and every shot you want to get during the family portraits. My clients generally keep this time of the day reserved for parents, grandparents and siblings, but be specific and list out every combination of people with their names, who they're related to, and how. Work with your photographer to figure out how much time (realistically) this will take. I usually work with my clients to budget 45-50 minutes for family photos, even though it usually doesn't take quite that long.

2. Consider doing all of the family shots with the couple as a unit. For example: instead of doing a shot with the bride, the bride's parents and the bride's siblings and ALSO doing a shot with the bride and groom (or the bride and the other bride!), the bride's parents and the bride's siblings, just do the shot with the couple together. For one or two combinations of people, this isn't going to cut much out timing wise, but once you get 30 combinations of family members it can actually cut out big chunks of time. Consider whether your parents and family members will want a group shot on your wedding day without you in it.

3. Think ahead when planning a location. I am a big fan of shooting family portraits outside. I find that religious buildings often have terrible lighting and too much stuff in the background. I try to find a large expanse of brick wall or a shady area with trees in the background for my clients. Again, these photos are going to be hanging on people's walls. If you're able to find an outdoors spot where people can meet, your images might be cleaner and the lighting will be better.  If you're going to be driving from one location to the next, get a map for the people in the portrait group, or caravan so that everyone knows exactly where to go.

4. Smile! Yes, we know it is a long day and we know that having your parents, grandparents and siblings (not to mention your bridal party and your vendors!) talking to you all day can be tiring, but these are the people who love and support you the most and they aren't going to be in every single photo. Make sure that they get a chance to shine...after all, you might not be where you are without them! These are also the photos that will last forever in your family history. When grandparents and parents start to pass away, you'll still have a beautiful memory of everyone together on your wedding day. It's worth spending the extra 15 minutes to get everyone together and smiling.

5. Dress to impress. This is something that may not be possible for all couples to accomplish, but the more coordinated the clothing choices, the more cohesive the family shots. I recently shot a wedding where the colors were black and white with pops of red. The bride asked her immediate family to dress how they liked as long as they were either wearing black or white, or a combination of the two. The result was a shockingly beautiful and put-together portrait that I'm sure they will be proud to have in their home. Everyone was wearing something that flattered their body type and they felt comfortable in their choices. Depending on the personality types in your family, you may be able to accomplish this same look. Pick a color scheme for the people who will be in these large shots and ask them to dress accordingly. It's an easy way to make photos with lots of people look as great as they can.

Happy Anniversary Ali & Riley!

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babies everywhere! {by leslie}

I don't know what's in the water around here, but I have been slammed lately with baby and maternity requests. I had never shot a maternity session before this summer, and I was pretty nervous about having a session that felt like me and captured my style and ... was not cheesy. But I have to say, I had an amazing time on these shoots. One of my very favorite things about being a photographer is taking pictures of people who "always take horrible photos" and showing them how gorgeous they really are. I think this comes through in both senior portraits and maternity shoots a lot because the more your body is changing, the more unsure you are in your own skin. Um, or at least that's how I was as a teenager -- I won't speak for all of you.

Anyway! Showing people how amazingly beautiful they really are is by far the best part of being a photographer, and these sessions that I was so nervous about just reaffirmed that for me. So take a look at these gorgeous women!

Jessica and Tyler (post by Desiree)

These two darlings are getting married THIS WEEKEND! I'm so pumped for their wedding. We met up the other night to go over some last details and snapped a few shots downtown Minneapolis.  Stay tuned for their vows. ;)

Emily & Adam (Post by Louisa)

One of my favorite parts of shooting engagement sessions is when the couple

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gets totally into it. Emily & Adam not only chose this gorgeous location of the Japanese gardens at Normandale College, but they were also willing to stand on every bridge, sit on every bench, kiss under every tree and even take their shoes off and stand in a stream for me. I'm very much looking forward to their wedding at the Landscape Arboretum this summer. Based on the engagement photos, I know their chemistry on their wedding day is going to be utterly delightful. Hurrah for willow trees and afternoon light and black puppies named Charlie!

Julie & Erik. Total Rockstars. (Post by Louisa)

When Julie and Erik came to my studio a few months ago for our consultation I knew right away that I wanted to shoot their wedding. They are lovely people with whom I have a lot in common, but the two things that sealed the deal were: they met in geology club in college, and they are getting married at the Minnesota Zoo. How could I NOT want to work with such an awesome couple?! We shot their engagement photos around Lake Harriet and the Peace Gardens on a grey afternoon last month. I had such fun

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getting to know them better and seeing how sweet on each other they are. Julie & Erik: your wedding is going to be so killer! Can't wait until the big day.

Missy and Mike {by Leslie}

You guys remember Missy and Mike? They won my free wedding a few months ago, and I got to shoot some engagement photos for them this weekend. We decided to shoot around Minnehaha Falls as Mike works for the forestry service... or something (he does something with nature and trees and these two are very outdoorsy), and we wanted nature to be a big part of the photos. Several times while hiking around to various spots Missy or I would ask what kind of plant/tree we were seeing, and he could tell us. It was awesome. These two are getting married in the forest on the edge of Lake Michigan in the fall, and I cannot wait to shoot their wedding. I think they make for some pretty lovely images.

Crazy cool cats (post by Desiree)

These crazy cats are too cool for words. Which is why last Sunday we took lots of engagement photos in Minneapolis last weekend! Jenny and Bart are seriously hilarious and m.a.d.e. for each other. If you're with them for even one minute you would see how crazy they are about each other. Bart makes Jenny laugh like no other and seriously...check out her smile. GORGEOUS. I'm pumped for their wedding this summer.

Boom...yea, we're fierce.

Once upon a time there was an enchanted barn... (Post by Louisa)

This. Wedding. Was. Awesome. Mimi & Brian (who are not only beautiful but also ridiculously nice) got married last weekend at The Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale, Wisconsin and I cannot wait until someone hires me to shoot there again. Seriously. This place was nuts! Horses roaming around, a barn with soft, dreamy light and, oh yeah, the most incredible staff...seriously. SERIOUSLY. Brides: if you don't have a venue yet, let me just go ahead and recommend that you check this place out. Okay, enough waxing poetic about this perfect location. Let's talk for a moment about the handsome groom and his merry band of seersucker-clad groomsmen. Dapper for days. And then there was our bride Mimi, decked out in a Tara LaTour gown that couldn't have been more perfect for this bucolic location. All in all, I'd have to say this was one of the most picturesque weddings I've had the pleasure of shooting. Mimi & Brian, I am so thrilled that Jess and I got to be your photographers on your wedding day! We grinned the whole time and I think you're going to like the images we made for you.

Home is where the heart is (by Desiree)

Sometimes home really is where your heart lies...so why not profess your love and marry your favorite person at home?  It's ridiculously fitting for these two.  Here are a few favorites of mine from last weekend with the super awesome Photogen-Inc. crew!

Travis & Teresa Tie the Knot (Post by Louisa)

The Sunday before Memorial Day was supposed to be 96 degrees and raining. You know what happened instead? The weather was GORGEOUS. It was hot and sunny and windy and gorgeous. You know what else was pretty gorgeous? This fine-looking couple. They were married in a quiet ceremony in front of their family and then had a rocking party at the Crowne Plaza. These two thought of everything and their day was spectacular; from the dramatic floral arrangements to the way their entire family dressed in black and white (resulting in some seriously killer family portraits) to the fact that they rented a vintage Ford to drive us around for portraits. Travis & Teresa: thank you for choosing me and for letting me be a part of your lovely wedding day. I wish you all the best!

Raincheck (Post by Louisa)

Minnesota is an unpredictable place. It's hard to know when you can schedule outdoor events and have them go off without a hitch. For instance, you may have scheduled a whole test shoot for a new makeup company with a florist and models and a beautiful location...and then it might rain. And you might not have a backup plan. What to do then? Well, then you make lemonade out of those darn rainy lemons. You call makeup artist Alice Berman and Lisa Roy of Flora Bella and you even convince an old family friend to model for you. If everything goes the way you hope it will, you end up with images like the ones below (and some really tasty lemonade). Special thanks to Elizabeth Messina for inspiring this shoot.

A few favorites {by Desiree}

Just going through some shots and I found a few favorites that I wanted to share.  Isn't she just lovely?

The Dance by: Marc James

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working at the Wisconsin State Ballroom Dance Championships. This was the 25th year celebration and it was quite a wonderful weekend. A special thanks to Dan and Becky Messenger who put together an amazing event and congratulations on 25 YEARS!!

Sneak Peek

These two lovely people got married on a

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chilly, grey day in Madison last weekend. I think we made the most of it :)