I usually don't post any non-wedding related events I may shoot...but the event this post focuses on was awesome to be a part of and it gave me the chance to meet some amazing people...all while having fun.

A couple months ago, I got wind of a new place opening up in downtown Grand Forks and from what I heard, I was eager to find out more. I met with Collin Hanson who was kind enough to give me a tour of the work in progress and explain to me what it was going to be all about.

It's called "The 701" and it's a co-working space by Evolve Grand Forks designed for freelancers, remote employees, and independent professionals to work together and share resources and ideas. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Forks, The 701 provides a unique environment that promotes creativity and provides a sense of community for remote and independent professionals. Building a vibrant community of professionals not only makes for a fun place to work, it allows for access to a broad range of disciplines, practices and personalities, making it possible to expand one’s professional network in diverse and exciting directions.

Sounded like an amazing concept and I thought it was something that our area definitely needs. So when Collin told me about the Grand Opening I surely wanted to show up! Then I was asked to photograph the whole event with the Mayor and both ND Senators in attendance for a literal "ribbon cutting". Heck yeah!

The grand opening was pretty cool. The place was packed and there were no shortage of speeches from supporters including Mayor Brown, U.S. Senator Hoeven, and U.S. Senator Heitkamp just to name a few!

I was honored to be asked to photograph the event and would urge anyone interested in a place like The 701 to contact Collin Hanson or Brandon Braumbach and go check it out. It's always amazing when a community supports new ideas...especially ones that promote entrepreneurship, creativity, and individual growth.

The 701

33 S. 3rd St. Suite D | Grand Forks ND 58201 | 701.335.7638

The 701 Facebook Page

Evolve Grand Forks Facebook Page

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