Class of 2014: Branden

Branden impressed me.  He comes from a wonderful family that I know well.  [See their recent session HERE.]  But apart from them, he is an amazing guy all on his own.  He is kind, thoughtful, easy-going and works hard.  These qualities will carry him throughout his life and will be noticed in years to come.  We had a great time during his session- here are a few images: 

 

Selecting A Photographer: Top 3 Tips

I was interviewed today for a feature on a wedding website (more to come on this later!), and one of the questions they asked really got me thinking.  They wanted to know what wisdom I would give to a couple as they plan for their wedding and begin the process of selecting a photographer.  Here was my answer:

There are three main pieces of advice I would give to any couple preparing and planning for their wedding day:

1. Personality.  Get to know the photographer's personality and style.  They will be with you throughout the most important day of your life and you want them to add to, or enhance your day, not only by capturing it beautifully, but by shaping a great relationship and knowing how to work with everyone from your 101 year old great-grandma to your one year old flower girl.  You want to really 'click' with them on every level- and that includes both photography services and personality.

2. Style & References.  Look at their style, peruse their website and Facebook page, and ask for references from past couples they have photographed.  This way, you will have a great grasp of what style they have not only in their work, but also the experience you can expect to have in working with them.

3. They say you get what you pay for and this statement is never more true then when it comes to wedding photography.  If people are doing well with both their photography and their client relations skills, they will be busy and booked- thus, able to price their services accordingly.  This is one aspect of your day that you don't want to 'skimp' on as it is one of the only aspects that will remain in 10, 20 and 50 years from the day you say 'I do." Whoever you select for your photographer, make sure they are a professional. 

Milaca Family Photographer: The Holm Family!

To say the Holm's are special to me would be an understatement.  I have watched them go from a family of five to a family of 10 in just a few years- and it is a beautiful thing!  I have been honored to photograph family portraits, a beautiful wedding, two grad sessions, a newborn session and then, this summer, another, wonderful (and busy!) family session.  I love this family. I love that they care for another, live life together, support each other in every way possible and love one another in the most real, practical ways.  This love translates to the pictures- you can see it in their eyes and in their smiles.  It is beautiful.  Here is a glimpse at a few of the images captured this summer:

A Lovely Little Mountain Chapel Wedding: Cate & Dave

   Sweet, sweet love.  Oh how I adore it!  Cate and Dave were married on September 7th, 2013. Who would guess it would be my hottest wedding of the year!  It was humid, sticky, and within moments of stepping outside, you had to convince yourself that you were not going to melt!  As a result, this bride and groom wanted to stick indoors and lucky for me, the Little Mountain Chapel in Monticello, MN provided the most beautiful backdrop to capture their love and laughter!  This historical building is simplistically gorgeous, clean, and classic.  I LOVED it.  

  Country chic is such an amazing trend this year. I literally found myself giddy as I arrived at their reception- their details were beautiful and the perfect portrayal of these two together.  Cate and Dave know who they are, have deep roots and a deep love that has matured over three years of being together.  He makes her laugh a wonderful, full laugh and his eyes were glowing with happiness throughout their day.  What a fun event this was to be a part of!  

Here are a few of the images captured from their big day- If you happen to love wedding day details done right, or couples who are perfect together, you may want to sit down. :)

Love this couple and like their images? Write a comment below; If they get 20 comments, they will receive a free 8x10 print!