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: 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: 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!

Teaching My Very First Photography Class

Art 280 Photography I Class

There have been a lot of "FIRSTS" for me in 2016! In late 2015, I was approached for a teaching position for the spring semester at Lake Region State College. I had never taught a class before but it's something I've always wanted to do. Though it was frightening to think about and I felt VERY insecure, I didn't let those negative thoughts sway me from accepting this great opportunity.

Luckily (for me), the class size was very small and I felt that if I could just plow through the nervousness and make it to the end of the first class...it would be a breeze from there!

Man...was I wrong! I struggled to find my way most of the first half of the semester. Once Spring Break came I reevaluated  my teaching strategy and made some changes and from then on, things seemed to go A LOT smoother. The students responded better and I felt that I had worked through my "learning curve" and got into a nice stride! 

Now that this semester is over, I can only hope that the students walked away knowing that there is more to photography than just an i-phone and Instagram! Teaching is a very difficult job in today's ADD/ADHD society. I definitely have a new-found respect for those in the education field! 

If just one student walked away feeling inspired and wanting to learn more about photography, I will feel I've done my job. If not...I can only hope to have another chance, make some changes, and try harder to reach that one student next time. After all, if I were amazing at everything the first time I did it...life would be pretty boring, predictable, and I would never know what determination and hard work were!  

Here's to trying new things, continuously improving, and not letting your fears and insecurities keep you from taking new paths in life!

"CHEERS!!"