Nicole + Joe | Married

Almost 8 months ago, I met up with Nicole and Joe for their e-session on the shore behind her lakeside home. After a few shots, it was apparent how genuine, tender, and sweet their love for each other was. Add to that a little risk taking, and you've got the chemistry for amazing photos. Sure enough, we found ourselves wandering through mud, breaking through tall brush, and warding off an ornery man who yelled at us from his car for crossing onto the edges of a private community beach. We smiled at each other, snapped a few great shots, and then booked when we saw his reverse lights come on. I knew then that this would be a photographic match made in heaven, and couldn't wait for their big day to finally arrive.

Great locations + lots of light + color = gorgeous shots. There's no doubt that I had it easy with Nicole and Joe: they had all the essential elements to perfect photos with some help from above on the weather. And while it would have been tempting to shoot their formals in the light-filled sanctuary of their church, once again they were willing to go outside-the-box and venture into the woods for a truly beautiful backdrop. The reception was at White Bear Lake Yacht Club, which currently stands as one of the greatest locations I've had the privilege to shoot at. Gotta love those blue walls! The docks behind us proved to be a great spot to get away from it all and capture quite a few "destination"-looking shots. Luck would have it, however, that this particular evening would be the time when all the mayflies decided to hatch. To solidify how amazing Nicole and Joe are, they pressed their way through thousands of those little creatures all for the chance at a few breathtaking sunset pictures. I think it's safe to say it paid off...yet another proof that you get out of your photos what you're willing to put into them.

To Nicole and Joe, thanks for a fantastic day and your passion for great images! The bridal party was a blast and your wedding was a photographer's dream!

Vendors that impressed us...

Hair: Mode Salon
Florist: Martha's Gardens
Ceremony: St. Andrew's Lutheran Church
Reception: White Bear Yacht Club
Desserts: Cocoa & Fig