90 years young {by leslie}

In a bit of a more unusual job for me, I got to shoot a pretty special birthday party last month. Instead of the usual child's party with pin-the-nose-on-the-clown, I got to spend a morning with someone turning 90 and his immediate family. It was amazing to hear about all of the accomplishments and things celebrated during his toasts. I'm so used to hearing what people hope for a couple at weddings, that to hear how appreciative everyone was for this man's help and life lived was a nice change of pace.

My Week in Review (by: Marc James)

This past week I had the pleasure of working a few different projects. One of which had me working with Rhymesayers artist and local legend Toki Wright, one put me in the depths of strange night in local Hip Hop at the 'Group Therapy' show, but first I would like to show you this. I had great time shooting with local model Allison Reimer for a little Lumberjack themed shoot. Though we were not in the heart of northern Minnesota we made it work and came out with some great images!

These are from my shoot with Mr. Toki Wright. Make sure to take listen to his music and see what all the fuss is about. He just put out a great new podcast which gives you a look into what this local artist listens to and what his life is like.

Last but not least I have the madness that was the Group Therapy show. All in all it was a great night but what really made the night was this. Next door to the 7th St Entry Public Enemy was performing. We were able to get in for the encore and when Flava Flav came out I heard this, "What Up Indianapolis!!!"... Flav you were everything I hoped, you retarded little savant you.

Brudesalongen // Vendor Love (post by Desiree)

I've been walking by Brudesalongen in Stavanger for weeks now. Admiring, finding inspiration, and staring in awe at their beautiful window displays! I knew it was a must to pop in to say hi and see their dresses up close. The owners Birte and Hege, both trained as tailors and designers, met in the theatre department and decided to partner up to open Brudesalonngen 8 years ago. Brudesalongen translates literally to 'Bridal Salon' from Norwegian! They've transformed this adorable antique building into a modern bridal boutique with one of a kind service, gorgeous gowns, and accessories. I think they offer some of the best dresses in the area and most of all they care about their brides and customers!  "We're not too old and we're not too young - we can relate! We want the bride to be comfortable and be true to their personality." says Hege.  For their own line of dresses they get inspiration from following the latest trends, magazines and nature, but also "We choose what we'd want to wear ourselves." she says. The two travel across Europe and love going to the London trunk shows hand-picking every gown to hang in their store as well as unique fabrics to design and sew their own!  "We are quality tailors and we want to make sure the dress fits very well." I have noticed that weddings in Norway are a bit different from American weddings so I was courious to ask the two what  changes they've seen in the last few years and how the American bridal market has changed their business.  Birte mentioned,

"Norwegians are a bit more laid back when they shop, sometimes a bride will come alone to pick a dress out herself. But now they see they want something different, something magical, something to share!.  So, it's a challenge for us but of course it is our service!  Brides that are watching the TV show 'Say Yes to the Dress' are influenced by it. They want to have an experience similar. They want to find a dress and share an experience with their friends and family. It should be something extraordinary. "

Stop in to see their own line of dresses and the cute wallpaper (see below...aaadorable!) - or check out their website online and view the incredible designers! They feature Norwegian designers Sadoni and Leila Hafzi, who has a very bohemian look and uses a lot of silk. They also offer Danish, Spanish, and English designer gowns!

Below: Birte dressing a mannequin for the window display.  The pink dress is one of their own designs!

Below: Hege

The salon also carries to-die-for, designer shoes, hats and accessories!

 Rivets and Roses, Brudesalongen, and Leila Hafzi will all be showing at an upcoming bridal fair this winter.  We're pumped for it - so stay tuned for more info!

Desiree is in Norway (by Desiree)

You may have been noticing a few blog posts and Facebook updates at the wee hours in the morning.  You may have noticed some photos from new places and quite a few coming from a little Scandinavian country especially!  It's because I'm living in NORWAY!  :) I'm maximizing my passion for travel and I love taking photos all over the world!  I'll have to thank my mother for instilling in me this desire to travel and the need to constantly be wanting to see new and exciting things.  I'm what many would call a "Vagabond," which also describes my photographic style.  This truly does shine through in all aspects of my life, just ask those who know me personally...they'd probably agree! I had lived in Norway before and was drawn back in September, just at the tail end of the wedding season in Minnesota, and I'm now living in a town called Stavanger.  (Pronounced sort of like: Sta - vaughn - er) I'm here with my super amazing boyfriend, Yrjan, who I've known since college and met while working together as photographers at the University of North Dakota. (Go UND/SIOUX) Yes, I have a difficult time pronouncing his name....still.   Slowly, I'm learning to speak Norwegian and luckily my Minnesotan/Norwegian heritage helps me fit in just fine with the Norwegian people.  What a learning experience it has been so far!

(Stavanger is known for Preikestolen, or 'Pulpit Rock'...that's me teetering on the edge of a cliff above a fjord)

(Left: Yrjan and I atop a mountain called Dalsnuten, with the city of Stavanger behind us!  Right: A much warmer place)

I'm so fortunate to be able to experience these new things everyday, like looking out my window to watch boats sailing by, seeing the stunning view of the mountains, watching the hustle and bustle of Norwegians wearing wool knitted sweaters downtown, catching cheap Ryan Air flights to other European countries, and hearing 4 different languages simply by going to the market for a loaf of bread.  I'm so glad we're in an age where flights are abundant and we have many ways to communicate and see each other.  Most of my family is now spread out with siblings living in Minnesota, Colorado, sometimes Israel, South America, or Germany....keeping in contact is a MUST and I LOVE iPhones free FaceTime and Skype.  I've been meeting new clients and friends on Skype meetings so please, give me a call anytime.  :)

(I LOVE Skype.  Here I'm video chatting with my twin sister, Kelly!  Who's Who?!...Take a guess.)

I've been meeting with vendors here who travel globally and sharing with them what Rivets and Roses is all about.  (Stay tuned for a Vendor Love post!)  It's quite a different wedding market here and it's been interesting learning all about it.  Traveling inspires me and I feel like it's a fast track in making me a better photographer!  I can't wait to work with more amazing people and create inspiring photo shoots.  I'm currently taking wedding bookings in Minnesota and Europe....book me here!

(Below: I can't believe it...but this is the view from my living room window.  OMG is right.)

(Did you know Edvard Munch was Norwegian?)  In lieu of the season...I've decided to share below this holiday reindeer special with you all.)

If you'd love to see more feel free to follow me on Instagram!  There is sure to be tons more photos of Norwegians on skis and wool knitted sweaters!  Oh, and Happy Holidays!

laura + toby, married {by leslie}

So, as I mentioned earlier, I got to shoot the wedding of this amazing couple after just meeting them face-to-face a few days before. You guys, we had so much fun! The wedding was over at the gorgeous Semple Mansion, and all of the friends and family thoroughly enjoyed themselves -- which made it a great time for us as well.

Special thanks to Marc for helping me to shoot this one!

Aparna + Ajeet (post by Desiree)

Aparna and Ajeet are quite the international couple.  Originally from India, they've lived all over the States and now have come to Norway!  Aparna really wanted to do a shoot with her husband wearing their traditional clothing from India!  She's wearing her mothers sari and necklace - absolutely stunning and beautiful.  We had so much fun, dodging the rain, exploring vintage vespas, and grabbing coffee downtown at the local hang out 'Bøker & Børst.'  We incorporated some of their fun ideas into the shoot...who doesn't love the mustach!?  Thanks to both of you for making me love what I do!  :) Aparna and Ajeet wrote down what they meant to each other and kept it a secret until they saw their photos for the first time!

RAW Awards Show (by: Marc James)

laura + toby engaged {by leslie}

Last week was such a fun surprise. I got to meet Laura and Toby for their engagement shoot out in the woods. Because they live in NYC (and had just escaped the hurricane and a blizzard), we had never met face-to-face before, and getting in a shoot (and meeting) before their wedding was important. And you guys? It was so much fun! I am so fortunate to have such wonderful clients, especially considering their wedding was two days after our very first meeting. The morning of their engagement shoot was stunning -- we saw several deer, and it was so quiet and lovely. I've posted a few of my favorite shots below. Come back next week to see the wedding, which was ridiculously pretty as well.

Silver Spoon Supper Club (post by Desiree)

Tis the season for Food! I had the pleasure of photographing (and eating!!!) food for the coolest club... Silver Spoon Supper Club. It's run by Ampy Basa, who's originally from Texas and has been living in Oslo, Norway for over 5 years. This motivated girl has combined her 2 passions, cooking and entertaining, to create a 'Different Dining Experience.' It's a supper club run from the comfort and style of her own home! Ampy serves family style meals, in a warm and relaxing atmosphere for those who aren't looking for the traditional restaurant scene.  It's by invitation and word-of-mouth only...I'm telling you, it's one of a kind!! : )Her latest was an Autumn Feast, and since Norway doesn't have a Thanksgiving...we got to celebrate a bit early. Ampy styled the table setting herself and cooked one fabulous meal! How adorable is the apple theme? Who's planning an Autumn wedding!?! Here's one idea for simple, classy and cozy....

Deeeeelicious Appetizers! YUM.

Waiting for your First Kiss (post by Desiree)

Would you wait to kiss until your wedding day? There is something special about a couple who has the willpower to save their love for the one and only person they will marry.  When you're just 15 years old, how do you know?!?  I went to middle school and high school with these two and watched their relationship go from Sarah giggling on the sidelines watching Jeff play football, through graduation, and onto their wedding day.  Sealing your love and promise to each other with a kiss on your wedding day is a special event...but for Sarah and Jeff, it meant so much more!  I asked Sarah to share a bit about her experience and why they choose to wait.

Photography by: Karen Feder

Q: Why did you choose to wait until your wedding day to have your first 'Real 'kiss? 

#1 - I knew I didn’t want to date someone I COULDN’T marry so in some ways I had thought about marrying Jeff, but because we started dating so young (10th grade) I didn’t know for sure that he would be my husband. (Although I was hoping he would be!) That being said, we both wanted to respect and honor our future spouse and save the next kiss for them. It was a way we could each guard our hearts and each others.

#2 – It seems like so many things in a romantic relationship get watered down and lose their meaning. The words, “I love you” don’t have the same meaning when you say it to multiple boyfriends who, in the end, you don’t end up “loving” after all. In the same way, I wanted my kiss to mean something. It was a physical way of showing my husband I was committed to him for life and that it was worth making sacrifices now so that he knew how much he meant to me. Jeff didn’t tell me he loved me till the day he proposed (and that was the first time I’d told him). It was one of the sweetest sentences I had ever heard.

#3 – Not kissing freed us to focus on our friendship more than our physical boundaries. As ironic as it feels, setting clear boundaries we both agreed on was really freeing. I didn’t have to wonder if I “should” kiss him or if my kissing was causing him to lust. We didn’t have to worry that kissing would lead to the next thing, and to the next. We were committed to save ourselves for our spouse. We didn’t have to worry about being that awkward PDA couple. We were free to spend time together and really get to know each other as a person rather than a set of lips. ;)

Q: How long did you wait? (after you decided to not kiss) Was it tough?

A: We had been dating for about a year when we decided to save our next kiss. We had been dating 4 years when he proposed and it was just over 5 years we’d been dating when we said “I do” and kissed as husband and wife. Was it tough? I asked Jeff and his immediate response was “Yes!” I think for both of us in some ways, yes, but in others, no. The benefits so outweighed the sacrifices – I wouldn’t do it any differently.

Q: Do you think it was especially tough since you had actually already kissed in the past? A: In some ways yes. We knew what we were giving up. But again, the benefits were much more important than the temporary satisfaction.

Q: Once you decided to wait, did you know you wanted to marry each other? A: I knew I didn’t want to date someone I would never marry so he was always a candidate. And actually, in 7th grade I specifically remember thinking I wanted to marry someone like Jeff. I guess I decided “Why try to find someone like him? I’ll just marry him!” As time went on in our dating relationship I knew I would say yes if he asked! I think even if we wouldn’t have ended up married, and maybe even more so, I would have been glad we saved that next kiss for our future spouse.

Q: When you finally kissed on your wedding day, were you nervous? A: I think I was more nervous to have all the attention on us as the bride and groom at the front of the church than for the actual kiss. I’m not a huge “center stage” kind of girl, but it was probably one of my favorite and one of the most important decisions I have ever made to stand at that alter and say “I do.” The kiss was like the cherry on top.

Q: What did you friends and family think? A: I think our families were really supportive. I don’t remember talking about it a ton with them, but I know they trusted us together! My friends? Some I think were really supportive, I’m guessing some didn’t understand, and others maybe thought we were crazy, but looking back at the possible regrets we likely avoided, I don’t mind being a little crazy.

(Oh boy...I'm on the right in the light purple.  WAY back in 2005!)

Q: Anything surprising about the overall experience? A: I think this decision has given us more opportunities to tell others about the most important relationship we have with Jesus Christ. He is really the reason we decided to honor each other and our future spouse. He has changed us and blessed us in ways we could never have imagined and I think He’s used this part of our relationship for us to be able to share Him. Our verse for our relationship, inscribed inside our rings, and used at our wedding was Psalm 37:4. It says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Delighting in the Lord was not the means to an end, but when we made that our first priority, our heart’s desires have been surpassed countless times.

Their wedding KISS!  :)  Thank you Sarah and Jeff for sharing this special part of your life  with us!

Almost wedding time! {by natalie}

I am beyond excited to be photographing Katie & Jeff's wedding this coming weekend! We set aside some time last week to get together & chat about the specifics around their wedding day...but first we headed out to one of my favorite little sunny spots for some engagement photos! It's always hard at this time of the year to pick a good sunny evening...seems like it gets cloudier and darker by the day but we had some beautiful light to work with! Congratulations you two & can't wait for this weekend!  

Why are you getting married? (post by Desiree)

Vows.  The whole point of your wedding. Solidifying yourselves as a couple, into a marriage by making promises to each other.  Right?...The whole reason you're standing up there with your beautiful love on your wedding day.

I got to thinking the other day about my very favorite part of a wedding day and I realized I've changed over the years and especially since becoming a wedding photographer.  I used to love receptions.  Rockin' out and eating cake til the weeee hours of the night.  While I've gotten older, I still like to get out there and 'cut a rug,' but my absolute favorite now are the VOWS.  I am one big tear fest when it comes to the vows.  There is something SO touching and POWERFUL about watching a couple exchange their promises and commit to one another.  I find it exciting to be taking photos of the bride and groom, waiting on the side or back of the pews, to be a witness during this incredible moment.

So...then I got to thinking... What do vows mean to YOU?  Every relationship is different and special.  Every couple defines their marriage in their own unique way.  Some people choose to honor the more traditional vows, depending on their religion.  Some people write their own vows and suprise one another on the wedding day with their personal promise.  Some find inspiration in books, movies, television shows to help describe their own love.

Now, I'm not married but my twin sister is.  She married the love of her life, her HIGH SCHOOL sweethart, Ryan.  :)  I was the Maid of Honor for her wedding and remember how awesome it was watching them profess their love in front of friends and family.  I asked her what her vows meant to her and she said this -

"Everyone is different, but vows to me are a representation of your marriage.  It's your mission statement. It's can be easy to get wrapped up in the wedding day, but my vows are what help remind me what's important."

Kelly and Ryan created their own vows by pulling ideas and inspiration from one of Kelly's favorite movies, 'Shall We Dance.' (Yea, the one with J.Lo.)

I bring myself to you this day to share my life with you. I promise to care about everything. The good things, the terrible things, the mundane things...all of it, all the time, everyday. When our love is simple and when it is an effort. Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness. I believe in you, and I will be there to chase away your fears, wipe away your tears and love you always.

And check out the YouTube clip!!!  Susan Sarandon ROCKS!

(Photography by: Davis Photography)

"I can go back and look at something and be like, what are our core values?  How are we going to recreate that? If Ryan and I are having a rough time I can go back and ask 'Am I caring about everything?  What can I do to do that?'  They help get us back on track. Bring it back to your vows."

Look!  I'm over there in the left corner holding a bouquet instead of a camera...with a giant lump in my throat holding back sobs  ;)

 "Sometimes caring about 'EVERYTHING' is a challenge.  'I don't care' shouldn't be in our vocabulary.  Besides, that's mean!" - Kelly Vredenburg

Below: I cried at every single one of these weddings.  Seriously I'm such a SAP.  I LOVE watching and photographing these awesome moments. What an honor.

Jenny and Bart wrote their very own individual vows and shared them for the first time on their wedding day. It was soooo touching and cool.

What are you favorite moments? What did you do/are you going to do for your vows? Share below...We'd love to know!

We're Hiring // Join the Rivets and Roses Team!

 

Woo hoo! Our Rivets and Roses team is looking for 1 perfect photographer to join our company as a lead!  Our amazing photographer, Louisa, has been with us for two amazing seasons and is embarking on her own journey after this year, so we are looking for one more incredible individual to join us! We have incredibly high standards and expectations for this position, so we are looking for someone who:

• Has experience
• Has developed their own photographic style and processing
• Loves to shoot (but not necessarily loves to run a business)
• Loves weddings
• Is incredibly passionate about photography
• Believes in outstanding customer service
• Loves working in a team
• Commitment
• Inspiring Personality

If this is you, then we would LOVE to consider you for this position! Please send samples / links of your work and a resume to: eliesa@photogen-inc.com

The deadline for applications is Friday, November 16th, 2012.

We're excited to be growing and can't wait to see all of the talent and opportunity out there!

LOVEe

Worth the Wait (Post by Louisa)

Marci and Rob first met in college. Their eyes locked across the room at a party and the rest is history...well...sort of. The rest actually goes like this: like many young loves, life took Marci and Rob in different directions. They both made other lives for themselves. Over 20 years later, both finding themselves single, the reconnected and let me tell you something...their eyes still lock from across the room with the same energy and love that I imagine was there when they first met. It was an absolute pleasure working with these two on their wedding day and I hope that 20 years from now they will still hold on to that same loving gaze as they did on this day.

missy + mike, married {by leslie}

Remember when we gave away those free wedding photography packages? Well this was mine, and holy moly was it wonderful! This couple stole my heart from our very first meeting when they talked about nature being the theme of their big day and that the ceremony would be held in the woods on the shores of Lake Michigan -- but I had no idea how much *fun* their wedding was going to be. There was zero stress, and I think I might have photographed more laughter shots than ever before. In fact, I think the mother of the bride might have had as much fun (maybe even more?) than the bride and groom! Beyond that, there were some amazing personal touches like the bride and groom brewing their own beer for the occasion (Holy Matrimarzen) or the mother of the bride surprising everyone with a new tattoo that matched the bride's. It was really incredible to be a part of such love, tenderness and laughter. Congratulations to everyone involved.

And special thanks to my fabulous second shooter for the day, Meredith Westin.

A Tale of Two Hummingbirds (Post by Louisa)

I have never been entirely sure that I believe in love at first sight, but when I meet couples like Kirsten & Graeme, there is no denying that the phenomenon exists. These two lovebirds met while living in different countries and despite all of the odds, they were married a few weeks ago in the northern woods of Minnesota at the beautiful Juliane James Place. Kirsten & Graeme love each other in that way we all want to be loved; completely, unselfishly and quietly. Their wedding wasn't flashy, stressful or dramatic; instead it was mellow and warm, and filled with people who loved them. Kirsten & Graeme: congratulations on winning the Rivets & Roses wedding giveaway; I hope you love these photos!

Mazel Tov! (Post by Louisa)

Whew! Emily & Adam had one. classy. wedding. You guys would not believe the attention to detail and the flawless execution. Can I also just say that the guests at this wedding may have been the best dressed of all time? Emily & Adam will always be a special couple for me because this was my first Jewish wedding. You'd think that since I am Jewish I would have had an opportunity like this before, but Emily & Adam are the first! They are a lovely couple who each waited a long time to find the right match and based on the way they GAZED at each other all day long, I think the wait was worth it. Emily & Adam: Mazel Tov on your beautiful wedding and on finding each other. Thanks for having us at your big day!

Love at the Zoo (Post by Louisa)

When I first met Julie & Erik I was immediately taken with their warm and mellow personalities and with the respect that they showed towards one another. When they told me that they'd met in college in geology club and that their wedding would take place at the Minnesota Zoo I

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knew I had to win them over. They must be mine!!! The way they handled their wedding was just how I expected. Their friends and family were kind and generous, the decor was bright and fun and Julie & Erik spent the entire day grinning ear to ear. The thing that impressed me most, though, was the fact that at our consultation these two asked me if I was okay with same-sex marriage. They wanted to make sure that they were working with vendors who shared their beliefs that all love is equally valid and important. If I hadn't already been on board with having them as clients, this was what put me over the edge. Julie & Erik: thank you for inviting me to share your day and for being the open, caring and inclusive people that you are. I wish you many, many happy years together.

shea + jason married {by leslie}

Last weekend I took a beautiful drive on a two-lane highway out west to shoot this lovely couple getting married in Granite Falls, MN. It was a stunning day, but more importantly, a fantastic couple. I have known (and adored) the bride for awhile, but I didn't know the groom that well. Luckily for me (um, and for the bride) he turned out to be AWESOME. We had so much fun at this wedding, and I couldn't be happier for the adorable couple.

Also, a special thanks to the lovely Margaret who was not only in the wedding, but snapped up my second camera to grab a few extra shots as the day progressed.

alex + gigi married {by leslie}

Last weekend I was lucky enough to shoot Gigi and Alex's wedding. Man, what a gorgeous day for a wedding! This was one of the sweetest weddings I've ever shot. The couple's family and friends were front and center all day, and there was nothing but love emanating from everyone present. The weather was outstanding as was the locale (Loring Park with a reception at The Butcher and the Boar). Congrats you two!