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! :)
I think that both Katie and I were tearie eyed when they got to see each other for the first time...
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! :)
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! :)
(a request from the bride and groom of course)
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)
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!
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!
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!
Love the blog...you tell a good story. We got to relive the day through your pixs and words.
(06. 7.09 @ 12:03PM)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!
*my fave* Those eyes and THOSE DIMPLES! :)
And then SMAKAROOO!!!!
Those are awesome! I missed the kissy kiss one!
(05.19.09 @ 9:16PM)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!!! :)
Wonderful job Emily!
(05. 5.09 @ 12:15AM)you do great work! Can't wait till S & J's wedding!
(05. 5.09 @ 1:20PM)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)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
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.
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! :)
These little ones were singing a song to Ann and Kevin and Ann thought it was the funniest thing ever!
We had an awesome and couldn't have laughed harder with them....you guys ROCK! Thanks for such a fun time last Friday...
These are beautiful, Emily. I love that church at Hamline! It was great to meet you yesterday!
(01.22.09 @ 10:36PM)



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)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)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)