Betsy Wall Photography

This is Sarah and Matt.  They were married one year ago on June 27th… and also happen to be my amazing brother and sister (in-laws).  You’ve probably seen these two in my portfolio- that’s because so far, each milestone in their relationship (dating, engagement, marriage, anniversary) marks a major point in my photography career.  I owe much credit to Sarah as her encouragement has led me to be a professional photographer.  

Saturday was their one year anniversary.  Husbands listen up:  here is how to earn some major points with your wife.  Matt surprised Sarah with an anniversary evening out.  He purchased her a white J. Crew dress (she’s wearing her wedding earrings), took her out to dinner, and then visited important places that were part of the wedding day a year ago.  They were married at CPC in Edina and had the “first look” in the gazebo outside.  Matt called me up and asked if I could meet them there to surprise Sarah with a mini photo session… even though I just returned from shooting a wedding, there was no way I could pass this up!  So I hid and watched them walk to the place they first met each other on the wedding day…..  I then popped out of the bushes with my camera and said something like “Hi!  Fancy seeing you here.  I was just doing my evening spying….  what a coincidence!” 

The gazebo…. 

This is my favorite photograph (last frame shot that night)…  one year of marriage means you have time to develop a super-secret handshake.  (This is why I love these two so much.. they are hilarious!) The handshake is long and complicated - complete with a breakdancing solo! 

Happy Anniversary Sarah and Matt!  Not only did I marry a husband who is my best friend in the whole wide world, but I completely lucked out with the best in-laws ever!

Kaylen and Dan met through Navigators, a college ministry organization, and were married at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis on Saturday.  The day was very fun and relaxed- and I was truly blessed to be included!  :) 

The birds in this picture are part of a larger mural….  I think they are cute. 

This is Sarah - we both recognized each other but couldn’t figure out exactly from what.  As it turns out - we both went to Bethel University….  I also knew the sound guy at this wedding - another Bethel grad.  So funny how many people I recognize from going to a smaller college!  

I loved loved loved Kaylen’s hair!  

The first look!  

I loved this - Dan took the mike before the processional even began and spoke to the audience- giving thanks and welcome.  

The reception was filled with love, laughter, and sweet things.  

Bubble guns for exiting the church.  I love this picture! :) 

I had another one of these shots with the best expressions… but the bubble placement was right over Dan’s eye and Kaylen’s mouth!  With these types of pictures, it’s sometimes a luck shot (when it comes to not having any obstructions!) 

Off to the Mill District area for a portrait session.  I tell all of my clients- if at all possible, try to set aside some time for photojournalistic portraits.  Sometimes formal group shots eat up wedding day time… but I truly think that these types of photographs are the ones that will be printed, framed, and most cherished!  

This may be one of my favorite pictures from the day.  

We saw about four other wedding parties around this area (giving mutual ‘congrats!’ to each party).  With them were other photographers…. I’m always curious how each of them interprets the setting.  

I hope you are having a fabulous time on your honeymoon!  Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your day.  You all were truly wonderful to spend the day with.  Thank you!

I met up with Holly and Jim in White Bear Lake yesterday for a few maternity pictures.  Holly is about 33 weeks along and this is their first child!  It was a very relaxing evening - beautiful setting, fun people, and perfect weather.  Enjoy!

Some people were nice enough to let us use their private dock area on the lake.  It made for a wonderfully serene and private setting for the session.  So thank you for so kindly letting us shoot here!

This is why I love to schedule sessions in the evening.  Can’t beat that summer sunlight!

Congratulations Holly and Jim!  Keep in touch and I cannot wait to see pictures of the little one! :)