Grand Forks | East Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer - Summer Wedding On The University Of North Dakota Campus

Grand Forks | East Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer - Summer Wedding at On The University Of North Dakota’s Campus With Tyler & Jordan

I met Tyler & Jordan close to a year ago at a wedding show and was instantly connected to their story! I had a blast with them during their engagement session as we took some awesome winter photos which included key elements of their love story: Their home, the restaurant where they got engaged, sipping on some scotch and whiskey, their dogs, and the love of the outdoors! The only bad thing about it was that we had to wait so long for the wedding so we could have some more fun working together!

Their wedding day Finally arrived on August 24 and took place on the UND campus at the Hopper Danley and Gorecki Alumni Center. Little did we know that we would be faced with a couple huge obstacles as the day began. It just so happened to be UND Student Move-In Day! Exciting….RIGHT?? Oh…I forgot to mention that there was also major construction on University Avenue! This all created the perfect storm of things to make you stress out on your wedding day! It was almost impossible to get to the Gorecki as traffic was backed up all the way down University Ave all day! It was Crazy!

Despite all of the craziness, everyone arrived and the day began as Tyler and Jordan’s families all worked together to get the day’s events back on track! Weather-wise, it was a beautiful day out and the wedding party was so much fun to work with as we trekked all over the campus and found some stunning areas for portraits!

The rest of the day went off without a hitch and as the students and traffic gradually died down, Tyler and Jordan exchanged vows, had their first kiss, and walked back down the isle as husband and wife! It was a beautiful intimate ceremony with my first ever “scotch-whiskey unity ceremony” I’ve ever photographed!

Then it was back to the Gorecki for the celebration where there was more laughter, some tears of joy, fine food, and crazy dancing!

I’m so happy that I crossed paths with this amazing couple a year ago and I was able to tell their wedding day story! Congrats…and thanks to Tyler, Jordan, and their families for letting me into their lives over the last year so I could preserve these precious memories for you all!

Venues: Hopper Danley Spiritual Center The Gorecki Alumni Center

Dress: Allen Evan’s (Moorhead)

Florist: Hugo’s Family Marketplace

Cake: Paola’s Pastries

D.J.: Harmon Entertainment

Make-up: Kennedy Olson

Hair: Hair By CK

Event Design: An Elegant Affair

Photographer: Shawn Morrissey Photography

Watch Tyler & Jordan’s Wedding Day Highlight Film:

If you’d like to discuss working with me for your wedding day…just click the button below to reach out and say HI!

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: Julia & Kameron's Grand Forks Wedding At The Myra Museum

July 29th was finally here! For Julia and Kameron, it meant they can finally get married! I've been getting to know Julia and Kameron since November of last year and I can honestly say that they have been super excited about their marriage the entire time!

Their engagement session in May was one of the more fun ones I've done in quite a while. From us almost getting pulled over for illegal U-turns downtown right in front of a police car (oops)...to coffee, to talking about favorite movies and some life experiences...I really got to know them and it was that day that I knew I would have a great time spending the day by their side capturing all the amazing moments of their wedding come July 29th.

Like I said earlier...July 29th was here and man...was it a hot one! It was 97 degrees and humid and lucky for us all...we would be outdoors most of the day! (Light sarcasm). As me, Kameron, and all the groomsmen took off to get some pics in front of Ralph Englestad Arena...I knew I was gonna be a sweaty mess the entire day! I quickly had to shed my button-up dress shirt and immediately felt much respect for the entire wedding party who were in tuxedos and beautiful dresses all day and didn't complain a single time!

Everyone met up at Myra Museum and as we would photograph one group, everyone else sheltered themselves inside in the air conditioning and awaited their photo-op! Time flew by and soon it was time for Julia to walk down the isle. The ceremony was perfect as family and friends watched Julia and Kameron exchange vows, I couldn't help but notice how big the smiles were on the bride and groom's faces! All of their excitement to marry each had been building for the last 8 months and now they were letting it all out!

Everyone continued the celebration at the reception and as the sun began to set and the air cooled a bit, I pulled the bride and groom outside for one last photo...and as I left for the night, I knew I was lucky to watch 2 people as their life long dreams were coming true in front of my eyes (and lens). As happy as that made me...I was MORE happy to get home, sit down, and crank up the A.C. as cold as it would go!

Congrats Julia & Kameron!! 

Venue: Myra Museum  2405 Belmont Rd, Grand Forks, ND

Florist: East Grand Floral 1521 Central Ave NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721 218-773-3400

Cake: O For Heaven's Cakes N More 1726 S Washington St Ste 68, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58201701-757-2253

DJ: Killin' It Entertainment  1234 s 14th st, Grand Forks, North Dakota, ND 58201701-317-8044

Hair: Dawn @ Ultimate Look  701-330-2574

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: Kathy & Kevin A Grand Forks Wedding At St. Michael's Church and The Alerus Center

Last winter is when I met Kathy and Kevin for the first time. Right away, I could tell they were the perfect couple for me to work with and I was so excited when they chose me to photograph their special day! 

It was late morning when the hustle and bustle of the day began in St. Michael's Church. I could hear laughter filling the church basement as I arrived and I could see everyone's excitement in their body language while they prepared for the ceremony to come.

I really enjoyed chatting with members of both families, as well as, friends of Kathy and Kevin's throughout the day and the photos seemed like they were taking themselves! As the start of the ceremony neared...the church got quiet as everyone took their places. 

One of my favorite things about photographing Catholic wedding ceremonies is that I love the art and symbolism used. St. Micheal's is a beautiful historic church and every time I photograph inside...it feels different somehow. 

As Kathy and Kevin's ceremony went on, emotions ranged from tears to laughter as the couple exchanged vows, kissed, and took their literal "first steps" as husband and wife back down the isle and out the church. 

The celebration continued at the Alerus Center where family and friends met to share heart-felt speeches, drinks, great food, cake, and dancing to help the newlyweds ring in their first evening as husband and wife. By the end of the evening I realized 2 things: I ate WAY too much gourmet popcorn! More importantly, I realized how blessed I was to be a part of such a meaningful day in the lives of such great people! 

Venues: St.Michael's Church   520 N. 6th St., Grand Forks, ND 58203  701-772-2624

              Alerus Center             1200 42nd Street South Grand Forks, ND 58201  701.792.1200

Florist: All Seasons Garden Center 5101 S. Washington St, Grand Forks, ND 58201 701-746-7777

DJ: Backspin Productions   1815 Demers Ave., Grand Forks,ND 58208  701-757-4300

Dress: Affairs By Brittany   224 N. 4th St., Grand Forks, ND 58201    701-772-3022

           Designer: Maggie Sottero

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: A Summer Wedding At The University Of North Dakota

July 1st had finally rolled around! I met Kitty and Scott 9 months ago...and since then, I've had so much fun meeting with them, getting to know them, and having the chance to brave -22 degree temperatures to get some engagement photos! 

The morning of their wedding started out with a downpour of rain, which had me worried because I was hoping for a lot of outdoor photos throughout the day...after all, we would be celebrating their marriage at the Hopper Danley Spiritual Center on UND's campus which is a favorite area of mine to photograph outdoors! 

By the time we all arrived at the Hopper Danley, the rain had stopped, the sun had come out, and the whole area was pretty much dry. Kitty and Scott both looked amazing and Scott's Mom (Cindy) was such a great assistant helping us trek all around the area as we stopped at location after location to take advantage of the beautiful landscape and warm summer sun! By the time we stopped to get ready for the upcoming ceremony, the bride and I were discussing who's shoes were killing their feet more....her's or mine! 

The ceremony, though brief, was packed full of heartfelt emotions and special moments...and as the couple walked back down the isle and out of the spiritual center, they were greeted outside by family and friends as husband and wife! 

The celebration didn't end there! In fact, it continued over at The Gorecki Alumni Center. The evening ended with some awesome food, delicious cake, Chippers (I ate more than I should have...but they ARE my favorite!), meaningful speeches and toasts, and the Bride and Groom making their very first memories as a new family! 

It was such an awesome day and it's been an absolute pleasure and honor to get to know Kitty and Scott over the last 9 months and to have the privilege to capture their special day! 

Venues:

Hopper Danley Spiritual Center & Gorecki Alumni Center

Contacts: Amy Sansaver   Email: amys@thegorecki.com   Phone: (701) 777-2611

                 Keeley Gregoire  Email: keeleyg@thegorecki.com   Phone: (701) 777-2611

Dress: Kristen's Bridal, 2650 32nd Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201   Phone: (701) 775-0567

Cake: O For Heavens Cakes, 1726 S Washington St, #68, Grand Forks, ND 58201  Phone: (701) 757-2253   Email: oforheavenscakes@yahoo.com

Florist: Wy's Floral   3001 S. Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58203  Phone: (701) 775-4677

VIDEO SLIDESHOW

(Be sure to click the HD button on the video player!!!)

There are still some 2017 dates available for your Fall wedding. I'm also booking for 2018! Contact me now to see how I can help you with your photography needs!

GRAND FORKS & FARGO WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE PHOTOGRAPHY

One of my favorite things of being a photographer is getting the chance to meet other business owners and being able to collaborate with them to create something special while helping each other in the process. As 2016 neared it's end...I was fortunate enough to be able to meet and work with some great people, businesses, and amazing venues! 

Though, almost all of my time as a photographer is spent photographing people, these collaborations focused on venue, design, and detail photography...which are all a bit out of my comfort zone. I always feel that if you continue to stay inside your comfort zone, you will never increase your skill set and you will eventually become stale and boring...therefore I usually try to push myself to try different things...even if I am uncomfortable (fake it till you make it)! 

Ann Vossekuil, from the Ramada in Grand Forks, gave me the chance to come in and shoot the reception hall for one of their last weddings of the year. I got to meet, and work with, Sadie Gardner of Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling, North Dakota who beautifully transformed the, already  beautiful, Ramada Ballroom into something truly elegant and unique! Then, a couple of weeks later, I ventured to The Avalon Events Center in Fargo, where I met Jackie Bruenjes (the social events & marketing manager), who gave me the chance to capture Sadie's talent yet again.  

Photographing both events was an awesome experience! I love being even just a small part in helping to create something great and I hope that I did Ann, Sadie, and Jackie proud. Thanks to all of them for trusting me to show off their talents and venues!! 

Grand Forks Ramada, 1205 43rd street Grand Forks, ND 58203

Ann Vossekuil (701) 775-3951

Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling, North Dakota

Sadie Gardner (701) 317-3255

Avalon Events Center 2525 9th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103

Jackie Bruenjes (Social Events & Marketing Manager) 701-219-3433

Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling, North Dakota

Sadie Gardner (701) 317-3255

5 Tips For Better Engagement Photos - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer

5 Tips For Better Engagement Photos - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer

Congratulations! You’re engaged! Now-a-days, engagement photos have taken on a life of their own. Couples use engagement photos for Save-the-Date announcements, wedding invitations, wall art for their homes, gifts for family members, greeting cards, photos to display at the wedding reception, photos to view in wedding slideshows, social media updates...You name it!

So...how can you make sure that your engagement photos stand apart from the rest and leave friends and family members talking about them??? Follow these 5 tips and you'll be on your way to get some truly unique and memorable photos.

1. DON’T WING IT.

For most couples, getting engaged and married is a once-in-a-lifetime experience so it’s something you should have an experienced professional guide you through. This is an important time in your life and you’ll later regret choosing to have a “Friend with a camera” take some pics for you over HIRING AN EXPERIENCED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WILL GIVE YOU AN ENTIRE EXPERIENCE.

You’ll want to find a photographer who will meet with you BEFORE your scheduled engagement session (whether in person or via zoom) to chat about your ideas and come up with a solid game plan for your session. You don’t want to spend all the time and money to hire someone to capture these special moments and they tell you, “Wear whatever you want, Let’s just meet at the park, and we’ll go from there.”

Let your photographer get to know you as a couple, learn your likes & interests, give you some valuable tips, form a plan and come the day of your session…things will move smoothly , you’ll have much more fun, AND your photos will be much more awesome.

2.       Comfort is Key

Being in front of the camera can be a little unsettling sometimes…especially when you are asked to show intimacy with your fiancé in a public place. To make this insecurity a “non-issue”, set up a consult with your potential engagement photographer before your photo session. That way, you can ask questions, talk about ideas, and most importantly…you can see if you all “Click” and will be a good fit to work together.

Hiring a photographer who you can get along with and who can make you feel calm and “at ease” is VERY important…especially if you decide to hire them for your wedding day because they will be with you the entire day!

An engagement session is WAY more than just getting beautiful photos taken of you and your partner…it’s also quality time to work with (and get to know) your photographer which will help build trust between you. This is KEY if you want to feel confident and stress-free on the wedding day!

3.       Location, Location, Location!

Meaningful places help make engagement photos all the more special…but don’t be afraid to think outside the box here. If you want your photos to be different, then you can’t shoot in all of the same locations as everyone else. If your city has a landmark that EVERYONE has their photos taken at, avoid it…plain and simple.

Talk with your photographer about ideas for a unique photoshoot. Are there places that are special to you and your fiancé that can help tell your story? Does your city have other, less known, landmarks that help define it? Look for areas with different textures and colors. A lot of photographers come from ART backgrounds and know about things such as color theory, composition, leading lines, contrast, and juxtaposition…so discuss these things with them and don’t be afraid to use (and trust) their creativity.

4.       Wardrobe, Hair, Make-Up…

If you are unsure about what to wear or you don’t have a stylish wardrobe, consider consulting with a stylist. Go outside the realm of your regular everyday wardrobe. After all…this is a one-time event (hopefully). You want these engagement photos to stand out and make an impression on your family and friends.

Spend a little extra money and splurge on that dress you had your eye on…or that sport coat and watch your fiancé has been eyeballing. Avoid anything that will make you look dated. You don’t want to look back on these photos 10 years from now and wonder why you wore those skinny jeans and lady Gaga T-shirt! Also…avoid trying to match each other’s outfit. Instead, try and complement each other’s outfit. Don’t forget to bring accessories like shoes, socks, belts and jewelry too.

As for Hair and Make-up…Get both done by a pro and you'll not only look amazing, but the extra confidence will shine through. If you are hiring a makeup artist for the wedding, they will likely want to do a practice run, and the day of your engagement photos would be a great try out. If you are doing your own makeup, consider wearing matte since it photographs best.

If you want unique, memorable photos…the key here is to pretend you are movie stars, get all dolled up, present the photographer with the best versions of yourselves, and do something different. Most photographers allow a wardrobe change or two so you WILL be able to get some photos in clothes that are more casual…but definitely take advantage of this opportunity and get some images in some formal-semi formal attire! You won’t regret it!

5.       Watch the weather…and the clock.

So…when IS the best time of day to shoot engagement photos?? Most photographers will tell you that the light is best in early morning, or late evening…and I’m sure most photographers will tell you that early mornings aren’t for them. So that golden time right before sunset is perfect.

The common misconception is that bright sunny days are great for shooting portraits. Quite the opposite is true. Mid-day, when the sun is directly overhead, causes many problems…such as harsh downward shadows over faces, Raccoon Eyes, squinting, Bright Blown-Out Highlights, and a few other troubles. So try to avoid scheduling your engagement session around mid-day, if at all possible.

If, however, it is overcast, foggy, or even drizzling outside….it can favor your photo session with soft even lighting and you can get some interesting, great looking shots during mid-day.  

For the most part, it would be safe to schedule your shoot 1-3 hrs BEFORE sunset for the most flattering natural light possible.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE AWESOME TIPS, INFORMATION, AND GUIDES…BE SURE TO JOIN MY FREE VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SCHEDULE A FREE ZOOM CONSULTATION TO SEE IF YOUR DATE IS AVAILABLE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT MY WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE…CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW!

A Bridal Session With Janelle

In mid-March of this year, I met Janelle and her wonderful Mother, Robyn at Janelle's Aunt's home for her Bridal Session. (For those of you who aren't familiar with what exactly a Bridal Session entails...you can find all the info you need RIGHT HERE!) 

Our intent was to capture some relaxed photos of the Bride-to-be in her stunning dress with no stress or time restrictions. Not only did we get to do that, but we also filled the afternoon with plenty of storytelling, laughs, idea sharing for the big wedding day, and even a bit of fun with Janelle & her Fiance, Mike's dog! 

All in all, I got some great images I think we could all be proud of, I met some awesome new people, and best of all...I think we all had a great time! 

If you are getting married in 2016/2017 and would like to book me for your wedding, bridal session, or engagement session...

Contact Me NOW!