My name is Emily.

I love people in love.

I cry at every wedding.

I own a striped umbrella. Everyone should.

I love my pug. His name is Edward.

I dream of having a house with enough closet hooks for my scarves and hats.

Laughing is great.

I believe there is nothing better than a day with the people you love.

And I absolutely love to take photos.


And this is my blog. Expect to see people in love, expect to laugh and read, and expect to see what I love and why I love it! Welcome to my blog. I am glad you are here.

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08. 7.09
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I had the ever-most-awesome chance to drive to the BEAUTIFUL city of Wausau, WI to photograph Heather and Jason's vows!!! Not only is the drive through the middle of Wisconsin with rolling hills and blue skies scenic, but the city of Wausau is ULTRA CUTE! For real.....the next anniversary or romantic get-away MUST happen in the downtown are of this charming city for you....even the next girls weekend.....

Enough about Wausau.....Jason and Heather are MFOE (in normal terms that means MADE FOR EACH OTHER)! They are currently living in DC and you can tell that this is where they both are the thriving, SMART, lovely and IN LOVE couple! Honestly, they are cute and so passionate when they look into each other's eyes. Topped off with a fabulous wedding party the day couldn't have gotten better because we had the BEST time!

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Heather's dress came all the way from DC (where they are currently living...although slight troubles in the airport...) but isn't it GORGEOUS??? I *loved* the extra puffyness of fabric that came out the bottom beyond the satin....
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When I caught up with Jason he was finishing up writing his sincerest words about his appreciation for his childhood and parents in a little book that he gave to his them during the ceremony....made me cry when I found out what he was doing! :)
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Heather's eyes couldn't have been more blue and CAPTIVATING....hot momma!!!!
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One of my MOST FAVORITE parts about getting to shoot a wedding with an assistant are these little moments that I am not able to see....when I am down the isle shooting the processional, Katie is capturing moments like this......
Jason-Heather-dad-isle.jpgAnd just for the record, the look on Heather's face in the ones says "OH YEA...we're MARRIED!!!!"
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I *LOVED* that the wedding party wanted to walk through the downtown area to the reception spot only a few blocks away! :)
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The reception was held at The Jefferson Street Inn which was so charming and cute! The ballroom was decorated beautifully in a beach-ish theme because Jason and Heather are planning to move to Flordia after their wedding festivities end! Talk about a transition.......
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I just *adore* this photo of Heather and her Dad dancing as she fights back tears!
Jason-Heather-108.jpgAnd then of course we had to sneak outside for a few photos at sunset....
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Jason and Heather you guys are fabulous!!! It was such a treat to be able to travel to Wausau (and all of it's charm) to share in your special day. I wish you all the best as you start your new life on the beaches of Flordia....make sure to catch all the rays that you can!!!
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Linda Doescher says:

Wow Emily!! You have really captured the day in such a beautiful way for our daughter Heather's wedding. Heather and Jason look amazing, and your photography is superb. I heard so many comments from our guests about the great photographer. I can't wait to see the rest of the collection. Thanks so much!

Linda Doesher

(08.10.09 @ 9:52AM)
Ginger Ingalls says:

We were some of Jason's relatives that could not make it to the wedding. It made me sad to miss it. Thank you for putting this together. What an amazing love Jason and Heather have for each other. It brought tears to my eyes. Wonderful pictures!

(08.11.09 @ 9:57AM)
Heather Doescher says:

What an amazing photographer you are! You made all of us look like models (and that is quite a feat!). I was so happy to have you and Katie there on our special day. Thank you for making the photos so fun and easy! I am looking forward to seeing all the other photos, too!

(08.16.09 @ 10:53PM)
Becky Raab says:

The most beautiful wedding pics I've ever seen! You definitely have a gift.
I was so honored to be a part of this most special day!

(08.23.09 @ 10:30PM)
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07.31.09
So call me a bad blogger or a crazy woman or something because this session was shot ohhhhh--waayy earlier this summer! OOPS! Katie, my lovely model, was kind enough to entertain any ideas I threw her way on our lovely afternoon driving all over the world to get the *best* locations! She was cute, she was gigglie and we had a blast....I couldn't have asked for a better afternoon!!!

We started at the farm with an old watering troff and a paint-peeling barn! :)

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We even got brave enough to explore around inside! :)
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And what is a summer afternoon without a GIANT ice cream cone right?!?!?!
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And Katie had some KILLER red boots that we *had* to use! :)
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Katie, I love you and your hot!!!
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Jessica Albers says:

Cute pictures!... is that your wedding dress, Em?

(08.11.09 @ 2:05PM)
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07.29.09
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Julie and Mark are married!!!!!!!! And they are so excited for everyone to know it! :)

I was privileged to be able to share in Julie and Mark's big day last weekend in St. Paul! From flower arrangements to ceremony site and reception favors to bridal gifts this wedding was absolutely amazing. This posh pink, silver and black theme was stunning and oh so fun (especially with the personalized magenta and white rock candies on the table at the reception...my fave!). They tied the knot at the ever so magnificent St. Paul Cathedral followed by a rock-star reception at the McNamara Alumni Center at the heart of the U of M campus (their alma mater!) 

Julie and Mark couldn't be more perfect for each other and it is especially evident in how much they simply laugh together---it was contagious and inspiring to be around all day! :)

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Isn't she just stunning?? I told you! :)
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I have to admit that I was thoroughly impressed at how absolutely GORGEOUS the flowers were. Kathy and Lenis from Expressions by Kathryn pulled together not only some amazing stems but some hot and artistic styles in both the bouquets and boutonnieres! I *just loved* the angel hair that they used for the wrap on those bouts!
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MR AND MRS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I am tellin ya that it didn't take much to make Julie giggle....a true sign of love if you ask me! :)
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The McNamera Alumni center is a ROCK STAR reception venue! Not only is the staff 500 % awesome but the venue itself is so creative. I could stand in awe of this place for hours.....I really loved it!
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Another "PROPS" to Julie on these details! LOVE 'EM!
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There were many different speeches through the evening and I couldn't have laughed, cried and felt more a part of Julie and Mark's life when hearing them; they were HONESTLY some of the BEST I have ever heard. The maid of honor, Marnie, even wrote a Julie and Mark inspired kids book about 2 dinosaurs who fell in love (and the girl dinosaur liked to go shopping just like Julie!)
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Julie and Mark your wedding was STUNNING and I couldn't have asked to be a part of a more fun and generous family for the day! I wish you many naps on the beaches and nights of relaxation in Hawaii!!!
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Julie Holthaus says:

Emily, these are amazing thank you again so much we love them! You and Katie were so wonderful and fun to work with. I love them all!

(07.29.09 @ 11:08PM)
Katie says:

My absolute fave is the one where Mark is holding your train and you can't see your faces...so great. And I truly love the one of you Julie by yourself - you are just laughing so hard, it's perfect!
Congratulation you two!

(07.30.09 @ 12:15PM)
Krissi says:

Mine too Katie!! All of them are so amazing, I can hardly wait to see the rest! Thank you Emily and Katie for making Julz and Mark's day even more memorable, I would be willing to bet they couldn't have found a pair of photographers who fit in better then the two of you- wounder where they found them : ) Just like you said Emily, it is like we've known eachother for years. So thanks again for all the smiles and laughter, and capturing it so beautifully!!!

(07.30.09 @ 9:54PM)
Mom says:

Emily, These photos truly have captured the spirit of the day and the beauty of the bride and groom and all the rest! Great job! Can't wait to see the rest.

(08. 1.09 @ 11:24PM)
Bev says:

Emily, You are truly gifted as a photographer and your creativity shines through every photo. Julie and Mark will have stunning visual memories of their big day. We're looking forward to seeing the rest!

(08. 2.09 @ 1:32PM)
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07.17.09
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Lauren and Keanan tied the knot over the 4th of July weekend surrounded with many family and friends. The BEAUTIFUL grounds of the Round Barn Farm couldn't have been a better backdrop and scene setter for their GORGEOUS and eclectic affair! With a goal to bring people together to have a good ol' time Lauren and Keanan brought out their favorite of fave lawn games, had amazing food catered by the AWWWEESOMME Chowgirls, and partied the night away with wonderful entertainment by the Alpensterne polka band. And of course they had to end the night by going into the city and celebrating with some fireworks to end a lovely holiday weekend!

The flowers were stunning, the people were cheery and the bride and groom couldn't have been happier! A beautiful wedding with so many amazing touches!! I am tellin ya that not only is the round barn just a fun place for a reception but the grounds of the Round Barn Farm are stunning!

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Keanan's nephew, Liam, was born to be an entertainer, and at the ripe age of 10ish he is already starting his career. We got there and not only was he playing away on his new ukulele, but he shared many stories about his new toy with us. He made me laugh the whole night with his young sophistication!
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And of course their pup Gus was sporting his best attire for the beautiful ceremony! :)
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I kept eyeing up Lauren's freshwater pearl earrings all night. I am tellin' ya the details of the wedding were just STUNNING!
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And I couldn't get over how amazing the flowers were! Even the boutonnieres were fresh and so fitting with the natural setting.
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The guests had a great time playing lawn games, walking around the amazing grounds and having a coctail while chatting the night away!
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And they had AMAZING chocolates made set at each place setting for the guests! Soooo cute!
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Lauren and Keanan we had an absolutely lovely time at your wedding and couldn't have asked for a more amazing event for you two! We wish you all the very best as you embark on your new adventures in Chicago!!!!


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maren says:

AMAZING!!! Sooo beautiful!

(07.17.09 @ 11:14AM)
Shayna says:

Wow, looks like something straight out of The Knot magazine! Gorgeous! I can't believe how TINY she is!!

(07.17.09 @ 12:38PM)
Jenn says:

Beautiful job, what an awesome location! All of your detail shots are fabulous!

(07.17.09 @ 1:25PM)
Lauren says:

Emily, you are amazing, thank you so much!!!

(07.17.09 @ 4:39PM)
Devin Joesting says:

Wow, these are absolutely stunning images! The light in some of those last shots.... magical!

(07.19.09 @ 9:55PM)
jen says:

absolutely gorgeous-i love the off center color picture of the new couple and the last one-the black and white. the dog is adorable and the triptychs you put together are amazing! what a gorgeous place and wedding-great job capturing the feel of this day and this place.

(07.23.09 @ 2:36PM)
Anonymous says:

These may be some of your best wedding images yet, in my opinion! Nice job EM!

(07.28.09 @ 9:12PM)
Jon Maggs (Lauren's florist) says:

these are awesome!

(08. 5.09 @ 7:13PM)
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07. 7.09
I was *THRILLED* to be a part of Dan and Sinead's lovely vintage inspired, family centered wedding this weekend. With 5 kids eagerly awaiting to become an official family they surrounded their new parents with love, support and "happy tears" as their little girl Gabi told me! :)

Their celebration started with a ceremony at Calvary Baptist Church in downtown Minneapolis. Live music, Italian food, a giant bouncy thing for kids and plenty of lawn games set the stage for their romantic carnival themed wedding reception in a private backyard. Armed with a popcorn machine, kids of all ages had a blast and Dan and Sinead laughed the night away with their closest family and friends as they all celebrated together!

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I arrived to find the ladies assembling not only the flower arrangements for the church and reception site, but the wedding party bouquets AND boutonnieres too! Folks, if you have some floral needs....there is raw talent right here! :)
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I know....I know....I went a little overboard with the makeup shots, but doesn't she just look STUNNING! I simply couldn't help myself! :)
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The girls were excited to do anything they could for their Mommy and jumped on the opportunity to help her with the ever-so-important task of shoes! :) I just love this one!
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The bridal room was conveniently located with a stellar view of everyone walking into the church for the ceremony....so Sinead was anxiously announcing the arriving parties as she was getting ready!
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Since both Dan and Sinead are not only extrememly musically talented themselves, they have an endless supply of amazing musican friends. Needless to say the ceremony was a tear-jerker through THE ENTIRE thing because the music was ahhh---mazing!

Dan started the whole thing out by coming out and playing a song on the piano (with his 3 groomsmen on the instruments) before Sinead walked down the isle, which got the tears rollin for everyone in the house....
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After the ceremony we headed to their favorite spot, The Spyhouse Coffeeshop for a few portraits of the new MR and MRS!
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The thing I *most adored* about their wedding is not only did they have their BFF's standing up for them as their wedding party, but they also happened to be the most influential and inspiring couples to surround them in their lives. How cool is that???
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Annnnd the BLLLLIIIINNNG! :)
sunead-and-dan-046.jpgI hope you 2 are *soooooo* LOVING your Italian vacay away from the kidos, snuggling every night and smooching all the time! I was blessed to share your day with you both!!!!!!!!!!


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Devin Joesting says:

This is pure gold! Love the personality of the couple, the seem to hip, and you totally captured it! I love the one of the daughters helping with the shoes too!

(07. 7.09 @ 6:35PM)
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06.30.09
Combine a beauty with a heart of gold and add humor and spontaneity...that is what you get when you combine Jen and Steve. I think the entire day both Katie and I were laughing hysterically at Steve's jokes and in awe at how sweet and beautiful Ms. Jen was! These 2 are so darn laid back that it didn't feel like work as we watched them tie the knot on Friday at Tanner Brook Golf Club! It was a gorgeous outdoor setting, a balmy 97 degrees out and no wind in sight...boy, IT WAS A HOT ONE! But the troops braved the heat as friends and families gathered to watch Jen and Steve and share in their special day!

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There is a gosh-darn cute, red barn at Tanners Brook so of course we decided to start some photos there! :)
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Aren't the flowers gorgeous!?!?!? I love how they look not only with the black dresses but how stunning they are with the green and blue sky.......so, thank you Mr. Sun for allowing this triad of colors to look so darn good with your bright and hot, hot, hot light!
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OK...so PROPS, HIGH FIVES, and many SHOUT OUT'S to the wedding party for humoring me when I made them trapse into this giant field of weeds for these shots. Not only did we not get bit by any snakes, but ya all look HOOOOOTTT! :)
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Again, thank you Mr. Sun for your amazing light! :)
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Jen and Steve...you guys ROCKED IT on your wedding day. Not only were people in awe of your gorgeousness, but every single person that was a part of your day had a story with you and that was so COOL! I am wishing many snugglie nights up north on your vacay and I can't wait to see you when you get back! :)
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