Sarah + Brian = Engaged. St. Paul, MN

Naughty blogger am I.

I should have blogged about Sarah and Brian long ago, as is obvious from the next few engagement photos we shot, by the snow in the background!

We had a great time getting to know Brian and Sarah back in February, Sarah is a fellow St. Olaf alumn, whilst shooting in the always scenic Rice Park, St. Paul, MN.  Since that time, this friendly couple has “tied the knot.”  So, stay tuned for wedding photos coming soon!

Until then, check out these lovely pictures taken inside the glorious Landmark Center.

Katie & Joe – We Talked About Vegetables…

Katie & Joe met working after-school jobs at Cash Wise grocery store. Katie noticed him right away, and even told a co-worker jokingly, “I’m going to marry him someday.”

Joe noticed Katie too. He saw a chance to talk to her, when he couldn’t figure out what to do with a coupon. Katie gave him the wrong advice, and he got in trouble. However, Joe’s not a guy to harbor foul feelings against anyone, especially for someone so cute. So, he asked for her number and they hung out with some other friends and watched a movie together at Joe’s place. Katie fell asleep during the movie, which they both admit she does often.

“We were friends first,” admits Katie, “I was still in high school, so you know…”

They spoke on the phone a lot, and their relationship naturally blossomed. “It was so easy talking with her (Katie), I felt like we could talk about anything. We’d go off on these tangents, and start talking about vegetables or something.”

I hear you Joe. Katie and I met at Daylily Salon in St. Cloud over 3 years ago, and since my first experience with her we’ve chatted up a storm. We’ve become good friends over the years, and she’s naturally candid and honest about herself. I won’t go to anyone else.

Joe and Katie both grew up Catholic, and were married at St. Anthony’s Church by Joe’s uncle, Fr. Donald Wagner.

Katie radiated on her wedding day that special bridal glow, and being “a do-it-herself” kinda gal, she couldn’t resist giving her attendants her personal attention in the beauty department.

Katie “killed two birds with one stone,” so to speak; as she wore the blue garter she had worn (sewn by herself) to a Prom she had attended with Joe.

While the women put on their final touches, Joe and the guys arrived at the church ready for a few quick candids.

It’s uncanny how much Fiona, Joe’s niece, resembles her uncle.

After the ceremony, Katie quick pinned up her hair using beautiful rhinestone brooch/hairpins, with the help of ultimate personal assistant, Dani.

Next it was off to downtown St. Cloud for some q.t. with the newly married couple.

Boy, do these kids ( I only say that now that I’m in my thirties…) know how to have a good time! Makes life as a photographer so easy, when all the guests are having such a great time.

Thanks you two for the fabulous day! Katie, I’m having a really bad hair day…so, I’ll see you on Tuesday. Our best to a truly wonderful couple.

Grant & Michelle- A Perfect Match

“I ride my bike, I roller skate, don’t drive no car…”
-Melanie, Brand New Key

Grant hired Michelle to work part-time at his tanning salon, Planet Beach.

Michelle was a bit bummed she hadn’t dressed up for her interview. Instead, she had ridden her bike in the rain and hadn’t anticipated her future boss (and husband) would “be so cute.”

Later, this couple would have an instant love connection while discussing their likes and dislikes at a company party. In Grant’s own words, “You (would be) the perfect girlfriend.”

In a pre-wedding interview I asked Grant to elaborate. He told me he admired Michelle’s “down to Earth-ness.” He was impressed that she would ride the public bus, or her bicycle to classes at St. Thomas University.

“Everyone drives everywhere…no one takes the bus. She rode her bike and just didn’t care what anyone thought.” He knew she was something special.

Michelle laughs at this. She was impressed with Grant’s chivalry as he offered to drive her to class.

She notes that even their families agreed they were the perfect couple.

Their September wedding ceremony took place at
Sacred Heart Catholic church in Robbinsdale, MN blocks away from Michelle’s childhood home. Which, incidentally, neighbored Adam’s childhood residence, these two bonded over “Triangle Park” right away…

The bridesmaids looked like celebrities in their gold dresses ready for the red carpet. However, in this case, it would be a hot pink carpet…as you can see that would be more fitting.

Heavy clouds hung in the sky, and fortunately we were able to head outside before the ceremony for some quick pics with the couple.

The ceremony was quite the family affair, as the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom sang a duet, Michelle’s sister sang a solo, and Michelle’s brother played the guitar. What a talented family!

After the ceremony, the rain came, and the couple ducked out of the church together promptly.

It was off to a lovely reception at the Earle Brown Heritage Center
If you haven’t been here, you should go. It’s sooo cool. Imagine a farm in the middle of the suburbs!

We ended the evening with a stroll around the “farm.” I only wish I could have seen this place in its “hay day.”

Our best to the perfect couple!