Ashley and Luke

Ashley and Luke are a FUN couple. I think FUN pretty well sums up their wedding day (June 18). They had a beautiful ceremony in Winthrop that honored two faiths and blended two families. They had an awesome wedding party that took advantage of Ashley's pre-ceremony nervousness, placing bets on how many times she'd cry before reaching the alter - all in jest.

While rainfall at the Schell Brewery cut our outdoor picture taking short, they made the time between the wedding and reception FUN with improvisation, and we headed to a bar.

At the reception, Elisa, the matron of honor, gave one of the best toasts I've ever heard. The entire room erupted in laughter. The New Ulm Country Club is a beautiful setting, the meal was delicious, and service was fantastic.

Thank you, Luke and Ashley, for allowing me to be a part of your day. Congratulations!

HyVee did an awesome job on the flowers.

Ashley had three pairs of shoes for the day.

We literally had minutes to shoot at the Schell Brewery before it began to rain. 

Elisa's toast was one for the record books. Amazing!!

The skies cleared during the reception, and we were able to get a few photos outdoors.

This groomsman is holding the wager sheet for bets placed on pre-ceremony nervousness.

Cheralynn and Troy

I met Cheralynn and Troy over a year ago, and then learned that her dad, Ron, and I were classmates; we even rode the same school bus! We also both work at MSU, Mankato. Small world.  June 4 truly was a perfect day for a wedding - mild temps and sunny skies - and a couple so completely in love with each other, that big smiles and tears of joy ruled the day.

We began pictures at the historic Hubbard House in downtown Mankato. Troy was so eager to see Cheralynn, and even more eager to begin their lives together as husband and wife. Mary's Flowers of St. Peter did an outstanding job on the flowers. The soft pastels perfectly complemented the muted lilac color of the bridesmaids dresses and the light cream color of Cheralynn's dress.

Following the ceremony at Grace Lutheran Church, we headed to the reception at Old Main Village (click on the weddings link in the left menu). I love that venue! It is gorgeous!

I must, once again, thank Diane Schrader of Schrader Art and Photography for her assistance. It is such an honor to work with a gifted artist and mentor!

Troy, you were one eager groom, and so excited for your first glimpse of Cheralynn!

Cheralynn and Troy - you are so sweet! Really! You began to dance to the music coming straight from your hearts. Completely natural - completely unscripted.

I can only imagine how much work went into these handmade labels. Each guest received a little bundles of them.

So very sweet. So very much in love. So happy for the two of you!

Anastasia and Joshua

Anastasia and Josh celebrated their June 3 marriage with a small, intimate ceremony in Mankato at the Verizon Wireless Center, in the First National Bank Building. Simply understated...it's a gorgeous venue. They  married in front of the old bank vaults, lit by the suns rays passing through gold-toned stained glass. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is special to the couple; Anastasia teaches philosophy there. So we went there for pictures following their ceremony. Raindrops sent us running for cover for all of about 30 seconds, and then cloudy skies gave way to sunshine. I must once again thank Diane Schrader of Schrader Art and Photography for her assistance.

The marriage ceremony, held in front of the old bank vault.

A few raindrops, enough to spot the sidewalks, had us briefly scrambling for cover,

Their dog, Piper Jane, was a part of their ceremony, and wore a lei.
One of her flowers fell, and Anastasia asked me to capture a photo.

Amanda and Chad

As mentioned in the last post, I had two engagement sessions last Sunday, and the second of these was with Amanda and Chad. They'll be married in September in the tiny town of Meridan, near Owatonna. They will receive a guest book made from their engagement session images, so we had an extended shoot at Bray Park. These two are so comfortable with each other, it's as if they've known each other forever. I'll just let these pictures do the talking...

Amanda and Chad

It's so soggy here that they're probably standing in water. I know they dodged puddles getting to that spot.

One of the reasons I really like Bray Park is the paved path winding beside a meadow, and through a woods.