Love Potion

Happy Almost Valentine's Day, everyone! I've been so excited to share more from this Valentine's Day styled shoot, but I wanted to hold off until it had been published (which was so incredibly hard to do since I've wanted to share every bit of it). Now, I can gladly say our shoot has been published! Go check out our feature on 100 Layer Cake today!

When we started planning this shoot months ago, we felt inspired by the Valentine's Day theme but wanted to do something a little different. Instead of the holiday's conventional bright reds, we favored a subtle blend of mauves and soft pinks for a wedding that is minimalist and modern, yet full of charming, handcrafted touches that bring warmth and romance. Instead of a classic wedding cake, we chose a colorful galette and tart to match our aesthetic (which was quite possibly the best desserts I've ever tasted, I might add), and instead of a ring box, we used my grandmother's heirloom jewelry box for a unique and sentimental touch.

After planning and being a part of this shoot, I've become even more thankful and proud of the community of vendors I get to be a part of. I never thought I would love styled shoots as much as I do, but getting to work with an amazing group of creatives is what I love doing the most. Check out all the creative people involved below!

Photography | Forth & Able

Videography | Alma Films

Hair + Makeup | Lady Vamp Artistry

Florals + Styling | Sister Honey Floral Co

Planning + Coordination | Availed Events

Venue, Desserts + Cocktails | The Lynhall

Gown | a and bé

Rings | Wixon Jewelers

Headpiece/Crown/Earrings | a.b.ellie

Table/Chairs | Collected and Co

Flatware | Arlee Park

Calligraphy + Stationery | The Keen Bee

Bride | Maddie Danzberger

Groom | Rahmaan Patterson

Gray Duck Chai

You guys. It has been WAY too long since I have blogged any of our work. In fact, I think I only have about 3 blogged sessions on here from our two, full years of business (which is incredibly sad). So here's what I'm going to do about that: I'm spending the rest of this slow, winter season blogging sessions that happened a million months ago, because I love each and every one of these sessions so much, and they deserve to be seen.

With that being said, here's one of my favorites from 2017: Gray Duck Chai. Curtis and I spent a few months helping them rebrand with fresh photos for their social media and website, and it was 100% one of my favorite things ever. Why? First of all, the owners are incredible. Second, their chai tea is amazing; not only does it taste good, but it's natural and healthy as well. Lastly, we have a ton of chai tea after shooting. Win, win, win.

So take a peek below at their tasty chai, and then go buy some at your nearest Whole Foods or Lunds.

Click here to learn more about Gray Duck Chai!

Megan & Greg

I've known these high school sweethearts for almost ten years now, and I've got to say - their love is just as sweet as when it began all those years ago. Every smile and laugh between them is completely genuine, and during our session, it was almost as if there was no camera there at all.

Loved running through the fields and forest with these two, and we are extra excited to be shooting their wedding next June in Chicago!

2016 HIGHLIGHTS

Sometimes, it's easy for us to look back and say, "Did 2016 really happen?" 

When Curtis & I had just gotten married, we had the opportunity to shoot a wedding. It was something I had always wanted to try, but never did because I was so nervous. Finally, my chance came along when a friend from school was in desperate need of a wedding photographer. I reluctantly agreed, knowing my anxiety would surely kick in.

On the day of the wedding, I had no feelings of nervousness, no anxiety, and a confidence that I was not expecting. I loved every minute of getting to play a role on someone's most important day, and nerves were no longer a factor. So.... we decided to take on another wedding. And another. Annnnd another. Until soon, we were choosing our business name, making a website, and creating our logo with a graphic designer. 

Overwhelming, right? What's even MORE amazing, is that Curtis and I have already almost reached our goal for 2017 weddings, and even have some booked into 2018! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I could make my passion a full-time job, but here I am today, loving every minute of being a photographer & getting to meet incredible people every day.

We are so thankful for all you amazing clients who have made this dream possible for us! In honor of...well, YOU, here are some photos of our favorite 2016 moments. Looking forward to making some 2017 moments as well!

-Nikki

WILL & ALLEKS

white bear lake anniversary session

Will & Alleks, our dear friends, just celebrated their 3rd Anniversary - which of course meant a special anniversary session! 

We decided to do a sunset shoot, and little did we know, we would be attacked by a swarm of mosquitos throughout the majority of the night. But it was SO worth it - even after realizing I would have itchy red bites all over my arms and legs for days (and I do mean DAYS).

These two are a such a perfect example to Curtis and I what a godly marriage should look like. Obviously, not everything in marriage is perfect or easy, but Will & Alleks are still there supporting and loving each other every step of the way. 

Happy Anniversary to our wonderful and beautiful friends! 

brian & rachael

minneapolis engagement

Brian & Rachael are two of the kindest people we have met. When Curtis & I heard they wanted to have their engagement session at their favorite bar, we got pretty excited. We LOVE when couples choose to do shoots at places that are meaningful to them; when the place is meaningful, the pictures are meaningful!

dan & annie

chicagoland wedding

One of my favorite parts of being a twenties-something is seeing some of my dearest friends get married; so, when I get a chance to take pictures for a friend on her biggest day, I always jump at the chance!

Annie and I have known each other since grade school, and it was so amazing to catch up with her and get to know her new husband, Dan! Love this couple and their love for one another.

andrew & larisa & melodie

The last time I blogged about something, it was July. Many things have since changed- including the fact that we bought a brand new camera & lens (which work wonderfully by the way), got a crazy pup that likes to dig huge holes in our yard, and....oh yea! Our beautiful niece Melodie was born.

I may be biased, (okay, yes, I am totally biased here) but this was seriously one of my favorite family shoots of all time. Amazing family + Autumn vibes + Forest at sunset = Pure bliss - at least, in a photographer's world. 

Enjoy. xoxo 

exploring our neighborhood.

ever since we decided to plan a wedding, curtis & I have barely gotten around to taking pictures around our neighborhood. or our house. there has always been something to do... call the caterer, finalize the wedding count...you know, all the fun stuff. 

but now...

the wedding is over & we can go back to our spontaneous way of living life! 

so, here's to our first real shoot around the new house & neighborhood... & of course, many more.