Top 5 Tips For Flawless Wedding Day Family Portraits - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Top 5 Tips For Flawless Wedding Day Family Portraits - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Your wedding day is fast approaching and you’ve been waiting for this day your entire life. It’s safe to say that you probably want everything to go perfectly. There are so many things to consider when planning the perfect wedding day that no matter how much you try to cover all the bases…there are some things that you will miss (or may not have even considered).

Over my 16 seasons as a professional wedding photographer, the one thing that I’ve found that can derail a wedding day timeline/plan faster than you can say “I DO” is the FORMAL FAMILY PORTRAITS.

Let’s face it…in any part of everyday life, if you have 5 people in a group and you give them instructions to meet at a specific location, at a specific time, and complete a specific task…someone will always be late or show up to the wrong location or not pull their weight completing the task. So on your wedding day, trying to get 30-50 people together at one location at a specific time and expect that they will ALL cooperate…is really setting yourself up for a major disappointment!

During family photos, a key person may not be on time. Another may have snuck off to grab a bite to eat and no one can find them or get a hold of them. Someone may have forgot their tie at the hotel and disappeared to go get it. The bride may have a stain on her dress and it takes 20 minutes to get her calmed down. I’ve truly seen it all happen and no part of the wedding day photos is more difficult.

But there’s good news! You can anticipate these problems and put measures in your planning to stop these time-sucking disasters from happening so your wedding day family photos will go off without a hitch and look amazing!

So pay close attention to these tips!

1) PICK TEAM CAPTAINS

Your photographer may have a list of all of your family members’ names, but with the chaos and fast pace of the day, they will never have time to memorize everyone’s names and faces. To insure a smooth family portrait session…before the wedding day, assign a family member from each side and appoint them TEAM CAPTAIN.

On the wedding day, the roll of the team captain for each side will be to gather all family members when it’s their turn for photos and call each member by name when he/she is needed for each set of photos. This way, the photographer focus on posing the group and getting awesome photos instead of wasting time trying to figure out who is who and where they are. This is a HUGE time saver!

2) PRE-GAME PLAN

The groom’s supper/rehearsal dinner (the night before the wedding) is the perfect opportunity for you to give your families a plan of action for family photos the next day. Assign your TEAM CAPTAINS (from tip 1 above) and tell them their responsibilities.

If your family photos are scheduled to begin at 1pm…Lie to your family and tell them they begin at 12:30. It’s better to have everyone there dressed, ready to go, and have to wait a bit than have 1 or 2 people show up late when they are needed. Go over all of this stuff right after dinner but BEFORE people start leaving.

3) OUTDOORS vs. INDOORS

Whenever possible, I try to capture the family portraits outside. This isn’t always possible due to weather or the wedding couple’s wishes…but there are many key advantages to photographing the families outdoors.

More room. Sometimes there’s just not enough room inside the church or venue to get a large family photo.

Natural light- there’s WAY better (more flattering) light outside than inside a dim church or venue. PLUS…if the photographer has to use off-camera lights inside the church, it’s just one more thing they have to spend time on and worry about. Shooting outside is quicker and easier for ANY photographer.

More natural looking photos-inside a church or venue, the photos can often feel stuffy and stiff. Photos taken outside just have a more natural feel to them and you can get multiple looks from different locations as apposed to every single image being in front of the alter.

4) WHY SO SERIOUS??

One thing that helps family photos look 1000 times better is if the family ACTUALLY looks like they enjoy being close to each other. Loosen up…it’s supposed to be a fun joyous occasion.

Instead of posing everyone in stiff traditional poses with hands at the side (or clasped in front) and standing side by side…opt for more loose casual posing. Arms around each other…hands on hips (ladies)…kisses on cheeks…hugs…etc…

These more candid style poses really help show the love between family members and the results are far better (more impactful) images.

5) HIRE AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Let’s face it…even if you implement ALL of the tips above…if you don’t have an experience pro there to capture all of these moments, your family photos (or wedding photos in general) won’t turn out how you hope they will. Plus if something DOES go wrong, you’ll need a pro with experience to quickly resolve and issues that arise.

You’ve dreamed of this day your entire life, spent months planning it, and spent thousands of dollars on your dress, venues, food, entertainment, decorations, favors, clothes, and much more. All of that stuff is temporary and won’t last past your wedding day. Your wedding photography, however, is the ONE THING that you’ll have for the rest of your lives…so be sure to invest in an experienced professional wedding photographer who will know how to best preserve this special day for you! REMEMBER…ON YOUR WEDDING DAY, THERE ARE NO DO-OVERS! If you have a “FRIEND WITH A CAMERA” or an “Up-and-coming” photographer shoot your wedding and aren’t happy with your photos, you can’t just do it all over again. INVEST in a pro who specializes in weddings…having that “piece-of-mind” on your wedding day is PRICELESS!!!

There you have it! Don’t leave this important moment on your wedding day to chance and luck! Use these 5 TIPS to get awesome family photos with minimal time and stress on your big day! Planned correctly (and with the right photographer)…you can get these images done while having tons of fun with your families so you can enjoy the rest of your wedding day with huge smiles and laughs.

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!

701 741 1407

Top 5 Tips To Capture Amazing Sunset Photos On Your Wedding Day - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Top 5 Tips To Capture Amazing Sunset Photos On Your Wedding Day - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Your wedding day is coming up fast and you’re looking forward to spending the most important day of your lives with your family and friends! You’ve been scouring Pintrest and Google for months looking at wedding photos to get inspiration and ideas for your big day and you absolutely LOVE the idea of capturing sunset portraits on YOUR wedding day.

Whether you’ve found the perfect wedding photographer for your big day, or are still searching for one…capturing beautiful sunset photos on your wedding night is no easy feat…so you’ll not only want a photographer who knows how to technically capture these photos, but who also knows the planning involved to get them. In most cases, it’s MUCH MORE than “Let’s go outside now and stand in front of the sunset and get some amazing shots”.

To help you formulate the perfect wedding day sunset portrait GAME PLAN, I’ve come up with these 5 tips that will get you some awesome shots while not slowing the pace of your reception and keeping your guests waiting.

Here we go!

1) TIMING IS KEY

This may seem super obvious, but to plan for perfect sunset photos…you need to know the exact time the sun will set on your wedding day. Don’t wait till last minute to do this. You can check sunset times on your wedding date months in advance by simply Googling sunset times for your city (Example: “Seattle Sunset Times”). Then just go to the calendar date of your wedding and it will tell you the precise time the sun will set. Now…you’ll want to schedule your sunset photos about 30 mins prior to the sunset time for the absolute best outcome. (EXAMPLE: If sunset time is 8:37 pm…schedule your sunset pics for 8:07 pm).

2) COORDINATE WITH DJ/BAND

Now you know the time you’ll need to leave the reception to take your sunset pics…DO NOT just think you can simply try to leave at the appropriate time. First of all, you don’t just want to disappear and leave your guests and DJ/Band looking for you when it’s time for your speeches or first dances. Secondly, you won’t be able to make it far without 20 guests stopping to chat with you on the way out.

That’s why you need to coordinate your plan to capture sunset photos with your DJ or Band. Most DJ’s/Bands formulate a timeline of events during your wedding reception to insure a smooth stress-free evening for you and your guests. Disappearing for 20 minutes without letting them know beforehand can screw up their entire timeline and leave them (and your guests) frustrated. Meet with them before the wedding day and tell them about your plans to escape the reception to take sunset photos. Let them know the exact times you’ll need so they can work it into their timeline.

3) SCOUT THE LOCATION

If you want amazing sunset photos, you need to do as much planning ahead as possible. You don’t want to wait until your wedding night, get outside right before sunset, and there’s nowhere around your venue to capture the sunset in your photos. Don’t leave this once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity to chance! Ask your photographer (or you can do this as well) to go to your wedding venue on a night about a week before the wedding right around your designated sunset time to look around and see where the best possible locations will be to capture your photos on the night of your wedding.

Doing this will not only give the photographer a great idea of the lighting condition the night of your wedding, but also where to best place you and your partner. If there are no favorable locations on the venue’s property, maybe your photographer can find one within a short walking/driving distance and add it to your plan.

The key here is to do your homework beforehand to ensure the best outcome with the least amount of surprises and stress on your wedding night!

4) DISTRACT GUESTS

Remember when you coordinated your plans with your DJ/Band in TIP #2 above???? Now is when you’ll see WHY we did that!!! If you need to leave the reception for 15 minutes precisely at 8:07 pm…without a plan, you’ll find that as you make your way to the exit through the crowd of guests you’ll be stopped by literally every person you make eye contact with! They’ll want to congratulate you, hug you, or just chat your ear off for 5 minutes. It can take you 40 minutes to make it to an exit without a plan and that will ruin your chance for sunset pics.

Having previously coordinated with your DJ/Band, they can now make an announcement at the appropriate time that the Newlyweds will now be going to take some sunset photos and to let them escape without mobbing them. The DJ/Band can then entertain the guests with fun activity or few songs that engage the crowd to keep them busy until your return. Good ideas are the Hokie Pokie, Chicken Dance, Electric Slide…or a few songs just for the kids!

5) FRESHEN UP

You’ve planned, scouted, coordinated, and escaped the crowd! Now before you head out and take your sunset photos…take a minute to freshen up. Chances are, it’s mid-reception and you’ve already begun to unwind. You’ve ditched your heels for flats, let your hair down, and your make-up may be worn off. Your new groom may have ditched his jacket, loosened his tie, and rolled up his shirt sleeves.

Before taking your sunset pic, you’ll want to touch up your make up just a bit, unbustle your gown, and put your heels back on. Your groom will want to straighten his tie and put his jacket back on. These small fixes will pay huge rewards when you see your final photos!

There you have it! Don’t leave this important moment on your wedding day to chance and luck! Use these 5 TIPS to get awesome sunset photos with minimal time and stress on your big day! Planned correctly (and with the right photographer)…you can get these images done and get back to your party in under 10 minutes! Get the amazing photos you want AND spend the most time possible with your family and friends!

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!

701 741 1407

HOW TO ROCK YOUR WEDDING VENUE TOUR- Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

HOW TO ROCK YOUR WEDDING VENUE TOUR- Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning (now that the proposal has finally happened!) is choosing the perfect wedding venue for your dream wedding day! Let’s assume that you already have spent hours online viewing websites of countless venues and have narrowed them down to a handful of favorites. Beautiful churches, scenic outdoor landscapes, rustic spaces with modern touches…there are so many choices!! How do you finally choose the right one?? Well, the only way you get a TRUE feel for the venue is by visiting the venue in person and taking a tour.  

The Ultimate Guide to Your Wedding Venue Tour

5 Things to Look For In a Wedding Venue:

• Cleanliness

• Friendly, organized staff

• Clear, concise answers to your questions

• Amenities - Does it have everything you’ll need on your wedding day: Parking, Restrooms, Getting ready space, heat/AC, etc…?

• The guest experience – How did it make you feel? How you felt is probably how your guests will feel.

3 Things to Consider During Your Venue Tour:

• Most importantly, can you two picture yourselves getting married here?

• Can you see yourself working with the wedding planning team?

• Does this venue fit within our budget?

Questions to Ask During The Tour:

• How long do we get the space on our wedding day?

• Is there a dressing room on site? (Or will you have to arrange a different place to get ready the morning of your wedding?)

• Who would be your point-of-contact through the planning process?

• Do they have in-house caterers or a list of preferred vendors, or can we choose our own?

• Is there anything you’ll have to provide on your own?

• Are there any restrictions? (Like noise ordinance, curfew, parking)

Other Helpful Tips To Make The Most Of Your Tour:

• You should only bring the ‘decision-makers’ to your tour. It’s fun to bring along all your closest friends, but choosing your venue is an important decision…it’s best to only have yourself, your fiancé, your parents, and/or any financial contributors at the tour.

• You should make a list of questions to ask during the tour. During the tour, you may be excited, full of emotions, and may get distracted with all the ideas swirling around in your head while viewing the space. You may easily forget any questions you may have had and regret not asking them. Come with a list!

• Ask if the person giving the tour can be the same person who will be your point of contact after your book (should you decide to book). This way you can get a feel for the person you will be working with the entire journey from booking the venue to your wedding day. Is this person easy to get along with? Do they answer all of your questions clearly? Do they seem to care about your vision? You definitely want to meet who you will be working with before you book.

The only REAL way to choose the perfect venue for YOUR wedding is to visit it! Take in all of the sights, sounds, smells, and FEEL the vibe. You’ll have that “gut feeling” when you walk into that perfect venue and that’s something you should definitely pay attention to! So take these tips, go visit your favorites, and get started on this crazy adventure of planning your wedding!

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!

701 741 1407

HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT WEDDING DAY SURVIVAL KIT - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT WEDDING DAY SURVIVAL KIT - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Your wedding is right around the corner and you are probably still right smack-dab in the middle of the planning process. Working to create a wedding day timeline is a very smart idea and hiring a wedding planner to do all of that for you is also worth it’s weight in gold…but the truth is…no matter how rock solid your wedding day timeline is…THINGS WILL GO WRONG!

A wedding day’s timeline (no matter how rock solid) all depends upon dozens (if not hundreds) of people all working together in perfect harmony with no mistakes. No matter if these people are family, friends, or hired professionals…some of them will make mistakes during your wedding day. A groomsman may get lost and show up late for photos. A florist may forget to drop off the boutineers. Your Mom may forget to grab that special item that you tasked her with bringing. Whatever it is, if you assign 100 people with tasks that all need to be completed perfectly on a strict timeline…not all will come through.

Planning for these mistakes happening will help relieve stress and keep your wedding day running on track. Enter the Bride’s Wedding Day Survival Kit! This survival kit is something you can work with your Maid/Matron of Honor on and create for you to have on hand the day of your wedding to help combat any hurdles the day throws your way. There are many items on this list and you may not need all of them…it’s up to you to choose the ones that are most likely to be useful for your specific wedding day. Purchase a bright bag, purse, satchel that is easily seen to put all the items in and put someone in charge of knowing where it is at all times.

So here are the items to arm your survival kit with:

1. Water

2. Flip-flops, flats – Weddings involve a lot of walking, wearing your 4″ heels everywhere will make your feet miserable really quick!

3. Sewing Kit

4. Nail File

5. Blotting papers

6. Sunscreen

7. Tide to Go Pen

8. Tide to Go Stain Eraser

9. Scissors

10. Lint Roller

11. Straws – don’t let the bride mess up her lipstick

12. Baby powder – Hot summers, crowded receptions and pesky nerves lead to sweat

13. Q-Tips

14. Face Mist – One spritz of a high-quality face mist or makeup setter can do wonders

15. First Aid Kit – even just a few band-aids are helpful

16. Mints – Have your maid of honor hand you a couple before you walk down the aisle for minty fresh vows and first kiss

17. Non-Drowsy Allergy Pills – Allergies happen. Especially at outdoor weddings

18. Bobby Pins – Black and/or brown to match hair colors

19. Granola Bars – Stay hydrated and well snacked

20. Dental Flossers – thanks to #19 above, you now have granola stuff wedged in there

21. Clear Nail Polish – Classic trick for runs in nylons and tights

22. Lotion

23. Chapstick

24. Aleve/Advil/Tylenol – you get the picture.

25. Hand Wipes

26. Earring Backs

27. Eye Drops

28. Safety Pins

29. Tissues – have your maid of honor handy with these

30. Deodorant

31. Dryer Sheets-For outdoor weddings…A few dryer sheets hidden in your bouquet or stuffed in your dress can ward off misquitos.

32. Hand Sanitizer

33. Mouthwash – Leave your bridal suite as fresh as can be

34. Bug Spray

35. Antacids

36. Small umbrella

So there you have it! You are now armed with the perfect kit to help you survive potential wedding day disasters. To make life easier…you can purchase a prepackaged Survival kit from Amazon that has a majority of these items. However you choose to purchase your kit…it IS essential that you have a plan for when things happen that can drastically alter your wedding day timeline! Get rid of the stress of worrying about things going wrong and be confident on your wedding day that you can handle any emergency!

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!

701 741 1407

THE ULTIMATE POSING GUIDE FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING PHOTOS - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

THE ULTIMATE POSING GUIDE FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING PHOTOS - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Congratulations…You just got engaged!!! Take some time and soak in all the excitement. When you’re ready, you’ll start the search for the perfect photographer to capture your engagement photos and the precious moments of your wedding day. If you’re like most couples, you may be a bit anxious when it comes to being in front of the camera. You may have thoughts swirling around in your head like, “I’m awkward in front of a camera”, “I never know how to stand or what to do with my hands”, or even “My fiance and I are camera shy…how will we get great photos that we’ll both love?”

All of these are completely normal thoughts and the most common question I get before engagement sessions is, “We really don’t know what to do…will you be able to give us some pointers and show us how we should pose?”

Hi…I’m internationally published, award-winning wedding photographer Shawn Morrissey and I’ve been photographing wedding couples for over 15 years! During that time, I’ve created a VERY SIMPLE method of posing my couples to get images that come across dramatic, timeless, and at the same time very natural.

My simple system of posing has been narrowed down to 4 basic foundation poses…that’s it! Each one has variations and each variation can be photographed from different angles and distances to create hundreds of completely unique photographs!

So…if you are wanting to feel confident and relaxed during your engagement & wedding day photos, study this guide and even PRACTICE with your fiance.

LET’S GET STARTED!

THE ULTIMATE POSING GUIDE

As I stated before…this guide is based on 4 VERY SIMPLE poses:

• Open

• Closed (7th Grade Dance Pose)

• 45 Degrees (the V pose)

• Groom Behind Bride

3 of the 4 poses are based on what I call “HINGE POSING” which I will explain. Also…each one of these poses can be used both siting or standing…super close together, or with space in between…and each pose can be photographed close up, mid range, or wide to create a dozen unique looks from a single pose. This system is meant to be simple so you can gain confidence quickly and enjoy your session.

1) OPEN POSE- Stand side by side to your partner both looking forward with your shoulders slightly touching. Imagine you are each covers of a book that is opened to the middle and your shoulders are hinged together in the middle. This is called “OPEN POSE” and simulates an open book. A very simple concept. This pose can be used with the couple very close together or the couple is holding hands (creating the hinge) with some distance between them. It can be done standing or sitting. The couple can both look at the camera or each other. And more variations can be created by tweeking how you pose the hands or how each person stands. Very basic…but it’s the foundation for the HINGE POSES.

Here are some examples of the OPEN POSE:

2) CLOSED POSE

So…you are still that open book hinged in the middle. Now imagine that you are closing the book and the 2 covers are now completely facing each other…this is called “CLOSED POSE”…or what I like to call “7th GRADE DANCE POSE”…(because it’s basically how you looked when you would dance at school dances). Kidding aside, it’s a powerful pose and can create TONS of intimacy. The more places the two bodies touch (touch points)…the more intimacy the pose creates. Touch points of the legs, waste, and heads can create lots of intimacy and having hands touching faces can maximize it!

Here are some examples and variations of CLOSED POSE:

3) 45 DEGREES or THE “V”

Still hinged at the center…we will now open the couple up to half way between being a completely open book and a completely closed book so your bodies are slightly angled towards each other forming a small V opening towards the camera. This pose creates the most natural feel and can be used with the couple wedged close together or with a bit of space to create drama. The couple can look at camera, each other, or even off in the distance. This one is excellent both sitting or standing.

Here are some examples and variations of the 45 DEREES POSE:

4) GROOM BEHIND BRIDE

OK…the last 3 poses were based on my HINGE posing system…this pose is not. It’s a super simple pose and is basically self explanatory…but I’ll go over it because it IS a very effective pose. I call it GROOM BEHIND BRIDE but this pose does work well with same sex couples too…but one partner must be a bit taller than the other for maximum effectiveness. Basically, you put the groom behind the bride and create some touch points. My personal favorite is to have the bride look at the camera while the groom is either looking at the bride or kissing her cheek or forehead…This creates a very dramatic and intimate moment. This pose can be done sitting or standing and can look amazing from all different angles.

Here are some examples and variations:

HANDS and FEET

You’ve learned the 4 basic poses but many couples still may ask…”what should I do with my hands?”…or “How should I stand?” There are so many variations you can do with hands and stances, but here are the absolute basics when in doubt. For the bride…you can always put one hand on your hip and “pop” that hip out a bit for dramatic effect. If your other hand is free (not holding a bouquet or your partner’s hand), simple play with your hair, earring, or necklace. You can also cradle both arms or even play with your veil. For the groom…always stand up straight, with shoulders back, and feet a little wider apart than shoulder length. The groom’s free hand can go in his pants pocket or clasp his suit edges near the chest area.

Here are some examples of Hands and Stances:

There you have it!!!! Those are the 4 basic poses I use to create most of my images. I try and keep it as simple as possible so my couples quickly gain confidence and have fun during their photo session or wedding day AND come out looking like models in their images! There are so many variations of each pose that a good photographer can use these 4 simple poses to create a gallery of tons of unique images that will blow the couple away!

Your engagement AND wedding photos will be such a HUGE part of your wedding day story and feeling confident and relaxed is one of the keys to create amazing timeless images that you’ll love for the rest of your lives.

There are many other keys that go into creating amazing award worthy images of your engagement and wedding such as planning, wardrobe, hair & make up, location, etc…

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!

701 741 1407

5 WAYS TO ROCK YOUR NEXT WEDDING SHOW - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

5 WAYS TO ROCK YOUR NEXT WEDDING SHOW - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Congratulations…You just got engaged!!! Take some time and soak in all the excitement. Ok…if you’re reading this, you’re probably ready to begin planning your wedding (if you haven’t already started). Where do you start? There are so many things you need to figure out, people you need to talk with, businesses you need to book, clothes you need to try on, food you need to taste, and so much more!! If you’re one of those brides that wanna have a PLAN and make this whole process as efficient as possible, you MAY wish to consider attending some wedding/bridal shows.

Wedding shows are a great way to visit with, and try out, many different wedding professional services all in one place at the same time. You can chat with venues, photographers, dress shops, caterers, and pretty much anyone else you will need for your upcoming wedding. Though this may seem very convenient, if you are attending a wedding show for the first time…it can seem crazy and overwhelming. This quick little article will hopefully give you some helpful pointers on ways to make the most out of the wedding shows you attend. So…let’s get to it!!

5 WAYS TO ROCK YOUR NEXT WEDDING SHOW

1) MAKE A LIST

Before going to any wedding show, make a list of all of the vendors/services you still need to book and put them in order of importance to you. If you know you need a photographer, dj, and a cake put them in order of how important of a role they will play in your perfect wedding day scenario. If having amazing photos of your day is more important to you than what kind of cake you have…put the photographer at the top and the cake last.

This will help you come up with your plan of action once the doors open!

2) BRING EXPERIENCED BACK-UP

This is vital especially if attending your very first wedding show. Most brides-to-be go with their maid/matron-of honor, or their mom’s. Think about also bringing a close friend who may have recently been married and just went through everything you are going to experience. This ‘seasoned pro” can tell you who/what to avoid at the shows, as well as, give you suggestions on how to make your planning process so much easier (things you may not have even considered). Having an experienced trusted friend by your side can give you that extra advantage when heading into these uncharted waters!

3) THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

You’ll want to arrive at the event BEFORE the doors open. If the show opens at noon…be there by 11:30 am. Why so early??? Do you remember the list you made from Tip #1 above?? Well, most shows provide a map of where all of the vendors are located. If you arrive early…while waiting for the doors to open, grab a map, and bring out your list. Remember that a photographer was top on your list? Well, find all of the photographers on the map. There may only be 1 or there may be 7. Either way, find one that you want to visit first. When the doors open and everyone else is piled around a table filing out registration forms, you make a B-Line right to your photographer.

Now you have their undivided attention and can have an actual conversation with them about what you are looking for for your wedding day. While the crowd is still piled up by the doors you should have a good 10 minutes to go to your most important vendors from your list before they get mobbed by the crowd. That uninterrupted 1-on-1 time can be KEY for choosing the right professionals for your wedding day. You can always go back to the doors and register, but you’ll never get such valuable alone time with these businesses for the rest of the show.

4) STICKERS

At most wedding shows, a majority of the vendors will have drawings for free items or services at their booths. To enter each drawing, you will have to fill out a separate entry form at each booth. If there are 50 booths…you do the math on how much time at the show you will actually spend filling out the same info over and over again. You will have a definite advantage over other brides AND you will save SO MUCH time if you order custom sticker labels with all of your basic info printed on them. Then when you go to a booth and they have a drawing for a prize you want, you just peel off a sticker, slap it on their form, and you’re on to the next booth while the other brides spend their time writing out everything each time.

The info each booth will require will be different but if you want to play it safe, here are the basics you should print on your sticker labels: Your Full Name, Your Fiance’s Full Name, Your Cell #, Your Email, Your Wedding Date, And Your Wedding Venue(s).

5) MAKE A DAY OF IT

A wedding show can be a bit intimidating. Knowing that you have this giant list of businesses you need for your wedding day and the thought of trying to figure that all out, let alone the money you will need to pay for everything…can get quite overwhelming. But remember…it’s all for your big day.

If you are bringing your girlfriends, your mom and your sister, or just you and your fiance…you should make it a day to remember. The morning of the show…schedule a manicure, pedicure, massage (or all of them) for yourself and whomever is going to the wedding show with you. After you are all relaxed and looking amazing…head to the show. There will usually be wine/champagne as well as food samples at the show…so be sure to indulge a bit. After the show, go out for dinner and drinks with everyone. That way, you can discuss everyone’s thoughts about the vendors you spoke with at the show. Make the day a fun adventure that you will look forward to instead of just another tedious task on your planning checklist!

There you have it! If you are planning on attending any wedding shows in the near future, you should have a “leg up” on all the other attendees and will make the most of your time at the shows. Remember that it’s part of the journey towards the most special day of your life…so why not make the most of it and GET THE MOST FROM IT that you can!

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!

701 741 1407

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 | East Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer - Summer Wedding In Crookston

Grand Forks | East Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer - Summer Wedding In Crookston

I first met Ariel last Fall at a bridal show and when I got to hear a little bit about their wedding plans up until that point, I knew I wanted to be a part of their big day! June 22 came extremely fast and the day began with steady rain showers which worried us because we all had high hopes of doing a majority of our photographs outdoors at various locations.

By the time everyone was dressed and ready to go, most of the rain had stopped and I was able to take the groomsmen and 1 groomswoman (groomspeople) outside and get some great shots in downtown Crookston. Then we hid the groomspeople as we sneaked the bride and her bridesmaids outside for some fun shots around the church.

As we were finishing, it started raining again which put a damper on our plans to head to a nature center for Ariel and Bryce’s First Look. We had a “plan B” for this to take place inside the church but when I asked Ariel what she REALLY wanted to do…she said, “Let’s go to the nature center!” (My kind of bride!).

The groom and I drove out to the nature center and the gate was locked! I had to find a place to stash the groom because the bride was about 5 minutes behind us and if he simply stayed in my vehicle...they would've seen each other. So he hid around the corner of a nearby building (outside in the rain). When the bride arrived and her father unlocked the gate, we had to cover the car she was in with umbrellas so we could move the groom into position. Once we did that, we had to have the bride's father drive her right up behind the groom because the grass was knee high and it was soaked from the rain! At this point, my feet were soaked and my pants were as well from the knee down. We finally got them both into position and the father (and other helpers) drove back out and we did their first look. All of that was totally worth it because the groom's reaction to seeing his bride for the first time was priceless!

The rest of he day was so much fun and everything else went off without a hitch! We DID have some slight coordinating to do as we literally stopped traffic to get a shot of the entire wedding party in the middle of the street in downtown Crookston…but other than that, everything was amazing!

The church was packed with friends and loved ones who all came to see Ariel and Bryce become husband and wife. There were plenty of laughs and tears and soon the entire group was partying and celebrating as the brand new husband and wife shared their first meal together!

It was quite the adventurous day and I couldn’t be more honored that Ariel and Bryce chose ME to capture all of these amazing moments! Congrats to the newlyweds!!

Venues: Trinity Lutheran Church Crookston Inn

Dress: LeAnn’s Bridal Fargo

Florist: Crookston Floral

Cake: Susan Winger

D.J.: Thunderbolt Sound & Light Show

Make-up: Evan Hartjen

Photographer: Shawn Morrissey Photography

If you would like to chat with me about your upcoming wedding…simply click below to reach out and say HI!

Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer: 5 Reasons Why An Engagement Session Is A Must!

Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer: 5 Reasons Why An Engagement Session Is A Must!

If you’re recently engaged and starting the amazing journey of planning your wedding…Congratulations!!! The engagement phase in a relationship is so exciting and you’re probably going to get sick of answering the questions that all of your friends and family members will throw at you (I.E….How did he pop the question? Have you guys set a date? Can I see the ring? etc…) Let’s be honest though…Telling the story of your proposal will probably never get old!

Now, you may be the type of person who has Engagement Photos as the first thing to do on your list…or you may be the type of person who thinks, “We don’t need engagement photos because we already have tons of pics of ourselves on our phones!” You might even be somewhere in between maybe wanting some engagement photos but having so many questions in your head. No matter which of these molds you fit into, I’m going to give you 5 Reasons Why An Engagement Session Is A Must so you can document this amazing time in your lives and be able to look back decades from now and relive everything with your precious family you’ve built over the years! So here we go….

Reason Number 5: Awesome Photos

Most couples would be shocked that this isn’t the #1 reason to get engagement photos taken (more on this later)! Every couple needs amazing photos (that aren’t cell phone selfies) for save-the-dates invitations, and announcements. Most couples love their engagement photos so much that they can’t wait to show off a gorgeous piece of Wall Art or a keepsake album. Plus you can elevate your social media game with dramatic and bold PROFESSIONAL images that will set your pages apart from the pack. Hopefully, this time in your lives happens only once…so make sure you invest in a pro who will help capture your unique love!

Reason Number 4: Being Your Best Selves

You waited your entire life to get engaged! Now that you’re finally here, it’s your time to SHINE! So be sure to make the most of it! Go a little outside of your normal everyday “look” and put your very best selves forward! Wear that stunning dress and pair of heels you’ve been wanting to try out. Get your hair and make-up professionally done. Have your partner stand out in that suit and tie you love them in. You will most likely get multiple wardrobe changes, so why not use one to look (and feel) like movie stars for a short time and live it up?

Close your eyes right now and imagine it’s 10 years in the future and you’re sitting down looking through your engagement photos. Picture one of the images in your head. Do you see yourselves in t-shirts and jeans in front of a brick wall? Or do you see yourselves in a Killer black dress and black heels with your full bodied hair blowing in the wind laughing as your fiance in his black suit and tie holds you tightly as you sit in front of the beautiful sunset? When you look back 10 years from now on this very special time, how do you want to see yourselves?

Reason Number 3: Intimacy

During your engagement session, you will get the chance to cuddle, hold hands, hug, and even kiss your fiance. It’s such a wonderful experience and many couples leave their engagement session even closer than they were before! Use an engagement session to enjoy being intimate with your future partner and build an experience for both of you to remember as one of the many you will have together!

Reason Number 2: Gaining Confidence

As you look though other peoples’ engagement photos online to get ideas and inspiration, you may notice that they all look like models who have been posing for photos for years. You may get thoughts in your head like, “My photos will never look like that!” or “I never take good pictures because (insert insecurity here)!” Guess what? More often than not…those couples you’re comparing yourselves to felt the exact same way! A lot of couples are either shy or insecure in front of the camera and that’s totally OK! The last thing you want to feel on your wedding day, though, is insecure. That’s why it’s important to have an engagement session…so you can get some experience in front of the camera, and working with your photographer, so when you see your photos (if the photographer did their job) your insecurities will melt away leaving you stress free for your wedding day. Picking a photographer who is easy to work with and guides you every step of the way will help you build confidence and soon, some future bride will be looking at your photos online thinking that YOU were probably some model who’s been posing for pictures for years!

And The Number 1 Reason That An Engagement Session Is A Must: To Build Trust With Your Photographer!

You don’t want the first time you work with your photographer to be your actual wedding day! If you’re not used to your photographer’s methods or techniques, you may be distracted, or even annoyed, by them on your special day. Plus, your photographer is the one person who will be right there by your side more than any other person (even your fiance)…so it’s SUPER IMPORTANT that you feel at ease around them and even enjoy it. You don’t want to find out on your wedding day that you can’t stand your photographer’s personality…TOO LATE…you’re stuck with them for at least 8 hrs now! Consider an engagement session a “Trial Run” on building trust with your photographer. If you’ve worked with them before your wedding and know WHY they do things a certain way and get to see how awesome your photos turned out…then you will be totally at ease come your wedding day because you now TRUST your photographer. That trust is how your photographer gets the best wedding day images possible!

So…as you’ve just read, an engagement session is WAY more than simply getting photos taken. It’s an experience where you get to be your best selves, gain confidence, get intimate, build trust with your photographer, and YES…get some amazing photos of one of the most special times in your lives! So find that perfect Photographer for you (click HERE for my tips On How To Find The Perfect Photographer For You) and schedule an engagement session so you can experience everything you just read and get one step closer to having that perfect wedding day! Congrats!!!!

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!

701 741 1407

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: North Dakota Wedding Show At Naastad Acres

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: North Dakota Wedding Show At Naastad Acres

2019 Bliss In The Barn Bridal Expo

Naastad Acres, Hatton, ND

April 14th, 2019 12pm-3pm

April 14th is less than a month away and we are working hard on making sure everything will be ready for our 2019/2020 brides who will attend the area’s newest, most unique, bridal/wedding show.

Bliss In The Barn will take place in Hatton, ND at Naastad Acres on Sunday April 14th from 12pm-3pm. If you are beginning (or in the midst of) your wedding planning journey, then this event is being brought to life JUST FOR YOU!

Come out to Naastad Acres on April 14th and from noon until 2pm, you can visit with nearly 30 specialized wedding vendors who have come together to help you find the perfect pieces to fit your wedding planning journey! Then from 2-3pm, you will become a guest at the venue for 4 different stylized weddings where you will actually get to witness some of our amazing vendors in action so you can see how certain aspects of your wedding could be handled!

There will be booth drawings unique to each vendor and a very special Grand Prize Giveaway at the end of the event that you won’t want to miss! Below is a list of participating vendors:

Naastad Acres wedding venue and HOST

Shawn Morrissey Photography Wedding & Engagement Photographer/video

Sadie’s Couture Floral & Event Styling Wedding Planning, Floral, Event Design

Brooke’s Floral/Events/Styling Floral & Event Styling/Design

Tip Top Tux Formal Wear Rental

Kristen’s Bridal Wedding Dresses & Formal Wear

Katie Aasen Photography Wedding & Engagement Photographer

Paola’s Pastries Wedding Cakes/Desserts/Bakery

Ground Round Food/Catering

The Pedal Health/Fitness/Wellness

Rodan & Fields Skin Care/Eyelashes

Generations Salon Hair/Spa

Signature Jewelers Jewelry

Jadie Shue Hair/Make up

Point Paradise Stables Horse & Carriage Rental/Stables

Dance Man Dan DJ/M.C./Reception Entertainment

Hud Sun Wellness Health & Wellness

Abbergail Graphic Design/Stationary/Invitations/Save-The-Dates

Ramada Inn Grand Forks Evens/Receptions

An Elegant Affair   (Decor and rentals

Harmon Entertainment   (DJ and Music)

Bon Voyage Travel   (Travel Agency)

Herbie The Photobooth Camper owned by Gathered - Boutique Rentals & Events     Moorhead, MN

Deitrich Bus Service Bus Rental

Heart & Soul (Live Musicians/Band)

Don’t Miss Out On Our Awesome V.I.P. Experience!

We will be offering a unique VIP experience for the first 48 brides who register to attend Bliss In the Barn (Yes…there are still some spots available)! As a Bliss In The Barn VIP, you will get to come out to Naastad Acres an hour early (11am) get a swag bag and sip on champagne while getting a Private group tour of the beautiful Naastad Acres venue and property. Then you can meet with me (Photographer Shawn Morrissey) and get some fun photos with you and your entourage that you can share on social media and then see a small bridal photoshoot where I’ll demonstrate (and educate) how I work with real brides and you can see the final photos later in the show!

This extra experience is only for the first 48 brides how register to attend…so if you want to be one of our 1st VIP’s ever…DON’T WAIT! Sign up below NOW!

Don’t forget to like/follow our Facebook Page so you can get updates:

Bliss In the Barn Facebook Page

We hope to see you April 14th at 12pm for the very first Bliss In The Barn! Please share this post with anyone who is engaged! Thanks and we’ll see you soon!

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: A Grand Forks Wedding At Freedom Church And The Grand Forks Ramada With Katrina And Lukas

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: A Grand Forks Wedding At Freedom Church And The Grand Forks Ramada With Katrina And Lukas

I met Katrina and Lukas last Fall and quickly realized how much fun I was going to have working with them! We ran ourselves ragged during their engagement session which only ended because we each had other plans set up which we were going to be late for! 

Since their wedding day was on June 2nd, we planned for some awesome outdoor locations for photos because, let's face it, Grand Forks weather is ALWAYS perfect for outdoor activities...right??? We couldn't have been more wrong! The weather did not cooperate AT ALL! It was rainy, windy, and sorta cold. Luckily, for us, Freedom Church had a cool "commons" area and some empty office space with amazing natural light coming in so we had some non-traditional options for photos. A couple of photographer "hacks" and some moved furniture later...we were able to get some creative shots and lots of memorable moments documented...(and no one had to get wet or wind blown)!

The ceremony was filled with special moments that made some teary-eyed. There were some moments that made me laugh, and others that made the guests chuckle and smile. Katrina and Lukas exchanged vows (and rings), shared their first kiss as husband and wife, and then headed back down the isle together as a new couple to join their friends and family at the Ramada for some fun!

Once the celebration began...it didn't slow down as everyone enjoyed lots of delicious food, flowing drinks, memorable speeches and toasts, dessert, and some kickin music! A huge celebration to cap off a wonderful journey for the brand new couple! Congrats to Katrina, Lukas, and their families! Thank you for trusting me and giving me the honor of documenting your special day! I had a blast!

Venues:  Freedom Church                  Ramada Grand Forks

Dress & Tuxes:  Kristen's Bridal & Tuxedo

Florist: All Seasons

Cake: Hugo's Family Marketplace

Make-Up: Carly Irene Artistry

Hair: White Horse Salon

Watch Katrina & Lukas's Video/Photo Fusion slideshow below!

Click the button below to talk to me about your special day!

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: A University Of North Dakota Wedding With Samantha & Trevvor

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: A University Of North Dakota Wedding With Samantha & Trevvor At Hopper Danley And The Gorecki Alumni Center.

After hearing what Trevvor and Samantha had envisioned for their wedding day way back when I first met with them...I really really wanted to be the one to photograph their big day! They told me their wedding would include elements from Star Wars, Lord Of The Rings, Game of Thrones, Video Gaming, etc...

Basically all of my favorite things wrapped into wedding-form! Needless to say, I was super excited when they wanted to work with me and over the next few months we worked together to make sure when summer rolled around, we would have a solid game plan for their wedding day!

When the big day finally arrived...it was soooo hot outside! I believe it was 96 degrees! That didn't really stop anyone from enjoying every second. The fun started at The Gorecki and then over to the Hopper Danley Center as we got tons of fun photos of Samantha and Trevvor! I told them that I could've stayed at the Gorecki all day photographing all of the cool little details they had set up for the upcoming reception!!

As the ceremony began, I think everyone was a bit relieved to finally be in the cool air-conditioning! As the two bathed in the warm natural light let in from the Hopper Danley's many large windows, they exchanged their vows in front of family and friends. Then with help from their awesome ringbearer, Star Wars droid BB-8 (watch video below!), they were able to exchange rings and were pronounced husband and wife! 

Then it was back to the Gorecki to start the celebration! Awesome food, games, music, and laughter began the evening as the new couple shared their first meal and dance with their friends and family. The entire day was so much fun for me and I genuinely enjoyed talking with all the guests throughout the whole experience. As the evening drew to a close for me...I snuck the couple away for a few last photos as the sun was setting. 

I was honored that Samantha and Trevvor chose to trust ME with documenting their awesome wedding day adventure and I hope that I did them justice! They (and all of the wonderful vendors) were amazing to work with and their wedding will definitely be remembered as the most unique one I've worked at so far!

Venues: The Hopper Danley Spiritual Center                      The Gorecki Alumni Center

Florist: Sadie's Couture & Event Styling

Cake: Oh For Heaven's Cakes 'N More

DJ: Backspin Productions

Catering: Hugo's Family Marketplace-Catering

Watch Samantha & Trevvor's Video/Photo Fusion slideshow below!

To find out how to get your very own Fusin slideshow for your wedding day or to book me for your special day...click the tab below!

 

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 Engagement Photographer: Engagement Session With Crystal & David-University Park, Downtown Grand Forks, And Sunflower Silo Farms In East Grand Forks

When I first met with Crystal and David, I had so much fun talking with them that I knew they were going to be a blast to work with! Before their engagement session, we met a few times...and each time, it felt like I could've stayed and talked with them for hours. The last time we met, we set a date and a time for their engagement session and looking at the forecast a week ahead of time...it looked like it was gonna be a scorcher! (97 and humid). We were all sort of dreading that, but it was the only date we could schedule.

Luckily...when the day finally came, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening! I think it was 82 degrees and not humid at all. So we accepted our perfect evening and began at University Park. The mosquitoes were instantly eating us alive so we worked fast, had some great laughs, got some sweet photos, and packed up to head downtown. 

As we walked all over downtown, we were able to share some life stories in between photos and really enjoy ourselves and before we knew it...we had already been shooting for a couple of hours! But before we called it quits...we had one last stop!

Earlier this summer, I reached out online to small business owners in the local area looking to see if anyone had a unique venue, space, or business property that they would possibly let me showcase in an engagement (or Bridal) session. Ashley, from Sunflower Silo Farm in East Grand Forks, was awesome enough to give us access to their amazing property and we took full advantage! We got to the farm right as the sun was setting for some of my favorite photos ever! Thanks so much to Sunflower Silo Farm for their gracious hospitality!

As we finished up for the evening, I was covered in bug spray, sunscreen, sweat, and my feet were aching from the thousands of steps we took...but it was all worth it because I think we all had such a fun time. It was a pleasure spending time with Crystal & David (again!) and I can't wait for their wedding this fall! Thanks Guys!!