May 2019 was a VERY busy month for me, but I couldn’t have been more thrilled about it. The second weekend in I got to photograph one of my very good friend’s beautiful wedding in Mankato, Minnesota.

I’ve known Laura for so many years; we worked retail together in our Minnesota State University days and even lived together for one amazing summer (every day at the pool, lots of chipotle, an excess of fruity alcoholic beverages, etc.). She is kind, funny, insanely gorgeous, and I knew her and Derek’s wedding day was going to be fantastic. So on this beautiful May weekend, we galavanted around downtown Mankato with a group of extremely fun-loving and amazing individuals, and partied the night away at the Courtyard Marriott!

Getting Ready/Reception Venue: Courtyard Marriott - Mankato, Minnesota
Bride’s Dress: Rebecca Ingram
Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Tuxes: Mantoni
Bridesmaid Dresses: Kennedy Blue
Flowers: Le Center Floral
Rings: Williams Diamond Center
Cake: Bluebird Cakery

It’s not everyday that you get to work a wedding at your own home! I was lucky enough to be asked by my Stepbrother and his Fiance if I would photograph their amazing day, which just happened to take place at my Mom and Stepdad’s beautiful lakeside house. Gorgeous weather? Check. Beautiful people? Check. Amazing fun times? Check. WHAT ELSE does one need.

Venue: My Lake Jefferson home
Dress: Waters
Bridesmaid Dresses: White by Vera Wang
Flower Girls: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Shoes: New York Transit
Jewelry: Pandora, Stella & Dot
Flowers: Sweet Alice
Catering: Ellie Gails
Cake: Ellie Gails
Invitations: Minted

What an absolute pleasure to photograph these amazing two people. Every detail of their day was gorgeous and I was honored to be a part of it. Work doesn’t really feel like work when you get to hang out with rad people all day.

Venue: Bird House Inn & Old log Theater
Dress: Tara LaTour
Makeup: Priscilla Bruce
Bridesmaid Dresses: ASOS
Tuxes: ASOS
Shoes: SJP & Red wing Boots
Jewelry: Filigree Jewelers
Cake: Melinda Norman
Lemonade Stand: Lakeside Lemonade

Cheers to Laura & Eric!

On a beautiful August day, I got to hang out with one of my favorite group of people in the world. 

Oh, and I shot a wedding.

It's easy to forget that this is my job when I am surrounded by my best friend and her family. It was an absolutely wonderful weekend full of laughter, tears and of course some serious moves on the dance floor. The weather was amazing & worked perfectly with the beautiful green vineyards at Glacial Ridge Winery. I have known Will and Liz for a couple years now, and have always seen an amazing spark and life to their relationship. I can't wait to share these photos with you.

Thank you, Liz & Will, for an unforgettable weekend. Love you both!

-Em

Oh Kaitlin and Jake... What can I say about these two amazing, talented, loving people. 

This wedding was a dream. Not only was it a "mini-reunion" for many of our friends, but the day itself was perfect. Perfect weather, perfect couple, perfect everything. 

I met Kaitlin and Jake about four years ago when we were all going to school together at Minnesota State. Throughout these four years our "professional" relationship has gone from shy headshot sessions (me being the shy one) to an amazing secret proposal, an engagement session, countless production photos, family portraits, more headshots and, finally, the wedding. 

It's essentially the dream, folks. I'm living the dream.

Not only have I gotten to photograph these two over these four years, but I have also grown to call them some of my best friends. And I have been so blessed to have been there for these amazing moments.

So thank you, Kaitlin and Jake. For an amazing friendship, an awesome four years, and an unforgettable wedding. I love you.

p.s......... imma come hang wit u guys on that cruise. so .... make room.  :)

- em