Greg+Amanda's Big Day

Lately I have been trying to sow positive seeds into my life. Give and you shall receive. Well, I don't really give so that I will receive.. I give because I enjoy it. It gives me joy to see others genuinely excited about something I have to give, offer, or help out with.  

A couple of days ago, I was running errands and made a stop at the mall. As I drove around the mall parking lot to find a spot, I noticed an older woman walking around looking for her car. Ok.. who hasn't lost their car in the parking lot? Well, it was really cold outside and I watched her walk through several rows of cars looking quite confused and discouraged. I have this soft spot in my heart for older people... I'm not quite sure what it is, but I am always watching out for them. (I might have inherited a care taking gene from my mom.) Anyways, I finally caught up to her, rolled my window down and asked her if I could help her find her car. At first, she turned me down assuring me she would find it... but I kindly said... I need a spot, and I could just take yours. I will drive you around. Now finding a parking spot was NOT my main concern, but I knew she was a little hesitant to get into a strangers car. She finally obliged. She was the sweetest lady with the purest blue eyes. "Wow... there is a blessing waiting for you. There really are great young kids out there. I can't wait to tell my friends about you. Bless your heart." My day that had been stressful, frustrating, and disappointing seemingly turned around in a matter of minutes. 

Moral of this story: Be attentive and help someone in need. At some point.. God will send someone to do the same for you when you need it.

Greg+Amanda's wedding was Saturday, Feb. 7th. I know Amanda through a mutual friend, and love being around her. She is very free spirited and fun to be around. I was not hired as her wedding photographer, but thought this could be a great way to give back and take a back seat on the wedding day. No directions given by me... just a "second shooter" of sorts. I haven't done this in quite a while as I am always in the mix running the show... but I had a great time just kicking back and watching the day unfold from a different spot. I was sooo excited with so many shots, and it brought me that sense of joy because I knew many of these shots were going to tug at her heart. I also had a special place in my heart for Amanda because her dad has been fighting cancer for the past year. As many of my readers know... I lost my grandpa and uncle a year ago (almost to the day the Amanda's dad was diagnosed) to cancer. 

Moral of the story: Do something out of the ordinary and unexpected for someone... it will make you feel good inside :)

Thanks for reading... now on to the pics!

Check out Greg's smile when he first sees Amanda.
This is one of my favorite first look shots I've ever gotten. I looooovvvvveee it.



She's so cute and has a fabulous attitude.. even in the freezing MN winds.
Seriously.. they are so cute.
This was one of my favorite candids of the day... check out Greg (in the center) and a couple of the guys crackin' up.
These are the shots during the ceremony that I just love, love, love.
Love the light.
The guys "chillin'"... literally.. freezing :)
Amanda and her dad did a polka for their father/daughter dance. It was sooo much fun.
Greg's mom was quite emotional.. and look at how genuine he's looking at her.
One of my favies from the day.
I heart first dances.
Greg, Amanda, family and friends... I can't wait for you guys to see the rest. Thank you for letting me tag along for the day!

A lil' something extra for Tim & Steph

I had to add this image... I think it is so fun. It feels like it could be in a old bar.. back in the 50's. Gotta love your girls!

I wanted to add a slideshow for these two, family and friends. Enjoy!!!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW!!

Tim & Steph are Hitched!

I haven't blogged a wedding in quite some time, as the holidays have been filled with many families and kids and the wedding season has died down. I was lucky enough to be able to share my last wedding of 2008 with Tim & Steph. They were a very fun couple and had an awesome wedding party.  Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this outstanding day! 

Lots of photos to blog since I haven't had a wedding in a couple months.

Isn't it great to have so many girlfriends who have your back? ;)

A little vintage touch.

On her way to the first look... 

Laughter is sooo key.

Seriously.. they are this cute. And check out those blues on him!!

This was Steph's facial expression I caught several times through out the day... It's the "We're getting married" face. 
You look AMAZING!
I absolutely LOVE how the green pulls the color of their eyes out. (Click on the image to see their rockstar blue eyes closer up.)

Work it.

When you get married in MN in the winter.. it is a must that you venture outside for some shots. They were so awesome about it. We even walked over a slight ice patch.. luckily all three of us were hanging onto each other because we almost went down! :)


The best man's toast (who was Tim's older brother) was absolutely hilarious! It had everyone crackin' up!
Ready to party!!
Everyone had a fabulous time.
This has such a romantic feel to it.... One of my absolute favorite shots from the entire day!
Tim is surprising Steph on the location of their honeymoon.... how sweet is that! A surprise like that takes a lot of work to hold in. I hope you too have an amazing time! Call me as soon as you get back :)

Tyron + Derelle: Married

Ty & Derelle have known one another for quite some time as they have been going to the same church. Actually, they not only attend, but work together in the teen church at Speak the Word International. Derelle is always on the go, and Ty is a little more laid back. "We balance each other out," Derelle told me as she spoke of their relationship.  

I grew up at Speak the Word and actually remember Tyrone when he was probably 4 years old! I bet you didn't know that Ty! 

As Derelle walked up behind Ty to see him for the first time, instead of turning around, he put his hand out and said "take my hand". It was very sweet and spontaneous. 
I love this shot.
I love the emotion here. Thanks to my other photographer, Amy, who came along with me.


Gettin' dolled up. 
The ceremony was quite meaningful for both Ty and Derelle as Ty's dad, Randy, is the pastor of the church. He has instilled the word of God in both of them, guided them and now wed them. 
Although we only had literally 5 minutes outside before it began to rain... the bridal party looks to be having a great time. Thanks to everyone for running in the rain with us.

The soul train line was quite fun.... and everyone had their own twist.




Tyrone is very tall. I love how Derelle looks up to him with such admiration. 
The dance floor filled up right away and everyone was enjoying themselves.

A special thanks to one of my best friends, Raechel, and her husband, Howard, for the referral. They have been married almost two years, and obviously the passion is still there.