Minnesota Professional Photographers Assoc. (MNPPA) Summer Shoot-Out 2014 at the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth

On July 21st, 2014 the Minnesota Professional Photographers Association MNPPA hosted their annual summer shoot-out at the Glensheen Mansion on the historic Congdon Estate in Duluth Minnesota.  Professional photography at the mansion is limited to booked weddings taking place at the estate so it was a true treat to have access to photography on the grounds with models.  Professional Photographer Mark Fitzgibbons of Fitz Photo, a MNPPA member and a local Duluth resident, led the event and shared some of his favorite tips and lighting tricks for on-location photography sessions.  Following his presentation we were set free to create and capture images at the estate.  Below are a few of my favorite images that I captured during the afternoon.  The MNPPA will be hosting two events on Monday October 6th, 2014.  Both events are open to members and non-members.  Please visit the MNPPA event registration page to learn more and sign up.

Leia and Tim's Wedding at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum by Phodot Photographers Mark & Stacy

On August 2nd, 2014 wedding photographers Mark and Stacy Milburn captured Leia and Tim as they stood hand in hand during their American wedding ceremony at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN.  This was Leia and Tim's second wedding.  They celebrated their Hmong ceremony only a few weeks earlier.  With a shared passion in gardening and bonsai the MN Landscape Arboretum is one of Leia and Tim's favorite places to visit.  Their love for the Arboretum also made it the perfect venue for their wedding ceremony and reception.  

Leia reflects on her final touches before seeing Tim for the first time.

Tim is all smiles as he turns to view Leia during their reveal.

The bridesmaids all wore flower rings that reflected Leia love for plants.

Leia's bridal bouquet with just a touch of pink. 

Leia and Tim next to one of the main fountains at the Arboretum.  Storm a brew in the sky before the ceremony.

Leia and Tim all smiles after their ceremony as they walked down the bubble filled aisle.

The wedding party led the way up the hill to the hall for the reception as a light rain began to fall right after the wedding ceremony.

Guests all received little boxes filled with tea and treats.

Brianna and Steven's Catholic Wedding at St. Francis Xavier Church in Buffalo Minnesota photographed by Phodot Photographers Mark & Stacy

On July 26th, 2014 Phodot photographer Mark Milburn and I enjoyed capturing the hometown wedding of Brianna and Steven at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, Minnesota.  Below are a few of our favorite photographs from the day. 

Brianna and Steven choose to see each other before the ceremony.  We set-up a private meeting in the new addition at the entrance to the church.  The big beautiful windows lit the room and cast a soft glow over bride and groom.  From the start Brianna and Steven were all smiles and ready for fun. 

Every bride should make sure to give dad a hug before he gives her away to her new husband.  The love and emotion from that hug sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony.

Brianna and Steven choose choose to symbolize their union with the exchanging of rings and the lighting of a unity candle.

After the ceremony we darted down to Buffalo Lake for some fun wedding party photos on the dock before heading to Minnesota Pioneer Park in Annandale.

I loved the bright sunny colors of the bridesmaids dresses next to the yellow station at Minnesota Pioneer Park.  The light short dresses were a perfect match for the heat of the July sun.  Pioneer Park is full of old colorful buildings.  It is one of our favorite locations to do wedding portraits near Annandale.  Keep in mind that you will need to make a donation in order to use the grounds. 

 

Mark had a lot of fun photographing Steven with his groomsmen all over Pioneer Park.  From the photos it looks like the guys were having a good time too.  

 

 

 

From Pioneer Park we crossed the highway and made our way to Reichel's  in Annandale Minnesota for the wedding reception.  Steven and Brianna had custom wedding signs created to decorate the space.  

 

 

Brianna and Steven treated every guest to a custom designed glass mugs as a take home party favor.

 

Steven dipped Brianna and ended their first dance with a kiss,

Brianna's dad was all smiles when he got his turn to dance with his daughter.