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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06.25.09
SHAYNA + JOEL ARE MARRIED!!!!!!

Hold on folks, because this is going to be a long one! :) I had the amazing privilege of being a part of Shayna and Joel's special day while they exchanged vows and partied the night away last weekend. I was honored and...well.....SO EXCITED for these two because they gosh darn-it deserve every second of their happiness. It is these kinds of weddings that I wish my camera had sound and could record all the giggles, leaps of joy, tears, special moments and shouts of excitement that happens on wedding days; and that is *exactly* how Shayna and Joel's day was.

These two have an increadible story that is unbelievably inspiring with a downright contagious love for each other! The story of how they met, fell in love, and are now starting their future together will make you cry, laugh, and kiss your own spouse when you are done! Folks, it is THESE weddings that I fall in love with! :)

Now...onto some photos.........
I was able to spend not just a few hours, but the ENTIRE day with the wedding party and wouldn't have wanted anything less! So, I met the ladies at the salon! :)
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I think that both Katie and I were tearie eyed when they got to see each other for the first time...
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And then off to some "them" time away from the hustle and bustle. Shayna and Joel got married downtown Minneapolis at Augustana Lutheran Church so we were able to hop the streets for awhile for their time together.
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MY FAVE!!!! :)
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Don't you love the accessories that the girls wore??? *wink wink*
Apparently they were some thrift store finds that the ladies thought would be a fine addition to their ensemble! :)
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They also had a SMOKIN HOT, old, red car to jet away in after their vows!
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Both toasts at the reception were down-right hilarious from Shayna's sister and Joel's older brother.
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The coolest thing of the day, however, was when Shayna and Joel got up to thank everyone after dinner and toasts---the shared their story, why they are head over heels for one another and how thankful they were for their families. There was not a dry eye in the house, including the bride and groom, and I can say that it was one of the most captivating speeches by a bride and groom I have ever heard! :)
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And then the PAARRRTAAAAAYY started with the Roy Rogers Band kickin it off! They are phenomenal and if you need a band for your wedding, honestly, contact them---they played FREE BIRD for the 2nd song. How funny is that??
(a request from the bride and groom of course)
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Shayna and Joel, I sure was thrilled to be a part of your big day. Honestly. You guys rock and I CAN NOT wait to see what the future holds for you two love birds! :)
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Katie says:

Emily, you are hands down the most FUN photographer in the world to work with. You made us feel at ease and we had soooo much fun with you all day. These pictures are GORGEOUS!!! I cannot wait to see the rest of them!!!!!

(06.25.09 @ 11:54AM)
Cindy says:

You are one of the most incredible phtographers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting! Looking forward to seeing the 'other' 2500 photos..lol!

(06.25.09 @ 7:05PM)
Amy says:

That pic of Shay and Deanna on the dance floor is so perfect. If I had to sum up their relationship in a photo frame, that's what it would look like. Well done!

(06.25.09 @ 10:55PM)
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06.24.09
Despite the down-pouring raininess of cats and dogs that happened on Matt and Sue's big day a few weeks ago they had an extremely beautiful wedding!! Surrounded by their closest family and friends Matt and Sue tied the knot at Our Lady of Peace church and followed it with a wildly hoppin' reception in a beautiful ballroom near the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis! 

We had a blast running around with umbrellas all day and you could tell that nothing was stopping these 2 love birds! :)

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I absolutely *ADORE* this series between Sue and her Dad right before they walked down the isle! They had the cutest relationship and from the looks on their faces you can tell this is a very important moment for both of them.....
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The reception was *a blast* for everyone! The toasts were great and full of fun stories and hilarious advice for the newlyweds! AND the best part was that THE DWEEBS came to entertain everyone for the night....
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Some of the girls ended up with some of the glasses from stage and wore them around all night! Aren't they cute!?!?!?
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I wish you all the best Matt and Sue and I hope that your honeymoon was PERFECT! :)
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Laura Ivanova says:

Wow, that series between the bride and her father is priceless. I love moments like that and you captured it beautifully!

(06.25.09 @ 12:08AM)
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06. 4.09
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Dawn and Dave are married!!!

They tied the knot at the beautiful Stonebrook Golf Club on a bright, sunny, very windy early summer day! And when I say windy....I mean BLUSTERY and wiiinnddddy! But that didn't stop the celebration of love for these two from their intimate gathering of family and friends. Dawn and Dave met and blossomed their romance while both working for Best Buy. They fell in love and the rest is history!

Their day was stunning with intimate touches throughout. Guests stood and watched the ceremony from the balcony while family members had a closer look from the chairs set up nearer to the couple! It was magnificent day and Dawn looked absolutely radient! All the details were beautiful and everyone was incredibly eager to share in the excitement with the two love birds!

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And OF COURSE Dawn (Ms. Best Buy) is emailed, texting and keeping up on her Blackberry! What else would a girl do on her wedding day right??? :) Dawn-Dave-004.jpg Dawn-Dave-005.jpg Dawn-Dave-006.jpg
Dawn's Dad, Charlie, was the cutest ever. You can tell that both Dawn and her Dad have a very sweet and real relationship with one another; he was glowing all day just watching his girl!
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Did I mention that it was windy??
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If you'll notice in the photo above the 2 collums on either side of Dawn and Dave are being wonderfully displayed. But if you'll look close at the photo below both sets of flowers are ON THE GROUND! In the matter of a split second both sets were toppled over from the gusts.....

But it didn't stop anyone, especially Dawn, from sharing her I do's with the man she loves!!! And she even "popped her foot" during their first kiss.....everyone cracked up!
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Dave *loves* to golf and *loves* this course so we headed out to a few holes to get some Dawn + Dave time. The course is amazing and we ended up snapping tons because it was so beautiful!
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We headed back to their party while the guests eagerly awaited their arrival. The room was filled with laughing, joking, catching up with old friends and MUCH ooow-ing and awee-ing at the newlyweds!!
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This is Dave's reenactment of the blustery ceremony! HA!!!
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We wish you all the best you two love birds!!! It was a fantastic day and we were thrilled to be a part of it! :)
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Dawn Hamilton says:

Love the blog...you tell a good story. We got to relive the day through your pixs and words.

(06. 7.09 @ 12:03PM)
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(can you hear me screaming it like Ty Pennington does on Extreme Makeover Home Edition when he yells "MOOOVEEE THAAAT BUSSSSS!!" ???? Well....I digress....)

BUT I absolutely *adore* these two beautiful models, Alex and Jess, that I had the pleasure of photographing last week. They are hot and they know it....they even got in a little kissy kiss on the stairs (which you will see later...). Our group of 6 photogs (including myself) trapsed them all around downtown Stillwater, MN and enjoyed every click of the camera!

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*my fave*  Those eyes and THOSE DIMPLES! :)
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GORGEOUS ALERT!
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The pre-kiss...
JessAlex-051.jpgAnd then SMAKAROOO!!!!
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Jess and Alex....you guys ROCKED...I am so THRILLED that you were brave enough to get into that frigid water!!! :) And props on your gorgeousness....it's all you baby! :)

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Tom Ward says:

Great images! This was so much fun!

(05.15.09 @ 6:13PM)
Candice Brumm says:

Those are awesome! I missed the kissy kiss one!

(05.19.09 @ 9:16PM)
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So I have to start by saying how amazing is it that their names rhyme??? I am sure over the course of their lifetime that they will (and are) getting hints on what to name their kids once that time comes.....like Drake! I mean for real....didn't all of you want to marry someone with a rhyming name....like Emily and Schmemmelie??? Well, that one didn't work but you get the point......

For real though, last weekend this wedding was crazy great! The wedding party was a blast, the bride was STUNNING (you will see how amazing she is in some of these photos), the flowers smelled amazing and the party was hoppin! When I showed up to the River Falls Spa and Salon Blake was glowing and didn't stop the whole day.....her grin just got even more pronounced when she saw Jake for the first time. These two love birds met in high school and have been gaa-gaa ever since...going to college together, buying their first house and then moving back up to their hometown to tie the knot! They are truely in love and man did it show!!! :)

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I have to tell you that Jake and Blake's Mom's were pretty much already BFF's before these two even decided to get married....can't you tell??!?!?! :)
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Her dress was super cute and looked STUNNING on her!!!!
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Blake was going to get a new little sister, Kelsi, and if you can't already tell by the giggles, Kelsi was wildly EXCITED that today she could officially call Blake her new big sister!!!!
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She is even stunning walking out of a pile of weeds!!! :)
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First of all Blake looks amazing in this next series of 3 and secondly don't you just love them? They are my fave!!!
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The BLLLIIING!!!!
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OK....OK....so this next photo needs some intro! During the traditional "thank you" by the parent's of the bride after dinner, Blake's Mom decided to stop in the middle of her speech, lean down and pose for the camera (since I was conveniently crouching on the floor near her)! The ENTIRE room of people burst out laughing and it gave way for what was a killer room full of dancing people! HA...she cracks me up!!!!
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You guys rocked it and I had a blast!!!! I can't wait to hear about the big suprise of a honeymoon (good call with that one Jake)!!!! :)
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Cindy says:

Wonderful job Emily!

(05. 5.09 @ 12:15AM)
cindy says:

you do great work! Can't wait till S & J's wedding!

(05. 5.09 @ 1:20PM)
Lynette Bushnell says:

Emily! Great Job! Everyone was so impressed with you! You will be highly recommended. Can't wait to see the rest of the pics!

(05. 6.09 @ 12:23PM)
MARY HELMER says:

Emily these are awesome, I am so glad it worked to get pictures at Troy Bourne, they are wonderful. I too will make great recommendations.
And look forward to seeing more

(05. 6.09 @ 2:38PM)
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Ann and Kevin chose to tie the knot last Friday with a temperature of 14 degrees and a windchill of zero! But Ann made her intentions clear as to why they choose this date.....her reason: so that on their anniversary Kevin can take her some place warm every year...I like her thinking :)

The day was perfect and the bride was all smiles and giggles. When looking through these images I am not sure that I have ever been to a wedding with so many different "faces" on the bride and groom. Their pictures capture their eye rolls, snickers, smurks and gut laughs which are an everyday part of Ann and Kevin's love......kinda contagious if you ask me. I think that Katie and I got a good workout shooting these two because they were making us laugh behind camera quite a bit!

Their ceremony was held at the beautiful sanctuary at the United Methodist Church at Hamilne University and the reception was stunningly decorated with wreathes and individualized cakes at each table at the Hudson Golf club in Hudson.
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And the fun started with Kevin when he first saw Ann...his face turned from sillyness to 'WOW...you are stunning" (and she was if I might add)
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I told you they made eachother laugh easily!
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I told Kevin to grab Ann and wrap her up in his arms to warm her up...and this is what we get??!!?? Their lives are honestly better because I just know that each night they sit down and gut-wrenchingly laugh together....I just know it! :)
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These little ones were singing a song to Ann and Kevin and Ann thought it was the funniest thing ever!
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The Maid of Honor, Ally, was giving advice from some of her students and one of them was "Tell your wife she is pretty even if she looks like a truck...." (their reaction is HILARIOUS...)
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The first time as Mr. and Mrs. Urbik....
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We had an awesome and couldn't have laughed harder with them....you guys ROCK! Thanks for such a fun time last Friday...

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Sarah says:

These are beautiful, Emily. I love that church at Hamline! It was great to meet you yesterday!

(01.22.09 @ 10:36PM)
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