I pretty much post one of the below shots for each blog post now… because I pretty much think the brides always look gorgeous!!! :)

I love the light on the left, and the photo on the right - completely un-staged and a totally natural moment where Ali looks stunning!

A little pre-wedding relaxing. :)

Ali and Tom had a first look moment.  *Heart!* More time for portraits. :)

The shot on the left was taken by my 2nd photographer, Tim Cothran.  Great shot! :)  And why not - here is one of my bridal party shots, too.

Who’s afraid of full sun portraits.. not me! ;)  The left - Tim’s view.  The right?  My view.

My wide-angle lens belongs with the Landmark Center.   :)

I’m not sure if I’ve ever posted a grand march photo before… but I really liked how this photo describes the celebration!

Thank you so much for making me a part of your day… and being in a Gopher state this may be risky to post… from from a Nebraska girl to a Nebraska Groom - GO BIG RED!

1.  Their story.  It’s incredible…. and here comes the part where I will try and retell the story they told me at our first meeting months ago.  I hadn’t written it down and I’m going on my memory, so I hope I’m telling this accurately!  Tim and Heidi lived in the same apartment complex.  At the time, they hadn’t met before.  One day, they were both in the laundry room… they chatted- a little, and then parted ways.  It was a fleeting moment, just a passing conversation.  Some time later - (Tim, I can’t remember how long… was it over a year?)  Either way, the name ‘Heidi’ popped into Tim’s head.  He thought and thought - “where did this name come from?”  Finally he made the connection where the name came from.  They had both since moved on from the apartment.  Tim was able to get Heidi’s contact information from the landlord, and then asked her to dinner.  I’m pretty sure Heidi wasn’t sure about things at first, given the randomness!  Eventually Heidi agreed to go out with him…. and let’s just say here we are! :)

2.  It’s impossible to NOT feel joyful after hanging out with them.  Not only are they completely in love, but they are the most positive and energetic couple ever.  It’s very inspiring.

3.  The como conservatory.  It’s a historical landmark for St. Paul, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

4.  I had a wonderful friend and assistant, Karin, tag along for the day.  These first two shots are hers actually! :)

They chose to have a first look moment… Love! :)

… and some time to fit in a few portraits before the ceremony.

Did I mention the conservatory was beautiful?

… and yet another cool thing for the day.  See the guy on the right?  That’s Heidi’s son, Matt.  I had NO idea of this connection - but I worked with Matt for a while at the computer lab at Bethel.  When I photograph, I get in the zone.  While I ’see’ the scene, I’m thinking so fast I don’t have time to process certain things.  I didn’t even notice it was Matt while I was taking this picture.  When I was photographing the ceremony I zoomed in to the people standing behind Heidi and Tim, and that’s where I saw who he was…. and I was like all ‘NO WAY!’  Heidi is Matt’s mother.  Crazy small world!

Love this moment…

…. another great shot by Karin, and a great moment by Heidi and Tim!

The ceremony was followed by a brunch!

This was another sweet opportunity I was excited for - a carousel ride after the brunch.  What’s not to love about a beautiful antique carousel in combination with a beautiful couple like this?!

Thank you so much for making me part of your day, Heidi and Tim!  - Betsy