Guest Blog: Hailey, the owner and lead designer of Essen Events, answers your biggest wedding planner and day-of coordinator questions.

Many couples are electing to do what we in the industry call a “first look.” And it’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. A couple takes a private moment to see each other for their first time before their ceremony. But why would a couple choose to do a first look?

Ask any photographer and they’ll tell you it’s not the gear that makes the photographer, it’s the person behind the gear.

I bet you $1000 that Sierra and Beau did not anticipate snow on their October wedding when they started their wedding planning. Sure, it’s not totally uncommon to have snow in October in good ol’ Minnesota. But when it does, it’s usually in late October…not in the middle of the freaking month! Despite the wind, […]

Ah young love! Is there anything as sweet and precious as that? I’m going to say no because Savannah and Zac are possibly the sweetest couple to walk this fine earth. They started dating at the tender age of 15 and have been together ever since. Savannah and Zac’s Hidden Greens Event Venue wedding in […]

This November I attended my first ever photography conference. I’ve attended workshops, retreats, and put together my own styled shoots but I’d never been to a conference before. Truth be told, I didn’t know there were such things for the photography industry. Those were things that business executives and people with “real jobs” attended…not something […]

You said yes to the dress, you found the perfect shoes, and now you’re on the quest to find those oh so special bridal accessories. We’re talking earrings, necklaces, and bracelets – all of the items that will complete your wedding day look.

But you don’t want just any jewelry. You don’t want jewelry that a hundred other brides will wear on their weddings, right? You want bling that’s just as unique and one-of-a-kind as your ring and your dress. In other words, you want custom designed pieces, hand-crafted by individuals who care about you.

You’re in luck! Why? Because I’m sharing my personal favorite accessory vendors with you!

Ever since FIVE Event Center in Uptown Minneapolis, MN opened it’s doors I’ve been dreaming about photographing a wedding there. Kory and Andrew made that dream a reality with their gorgeous wedding.

And when I say gorgeous, I mean GORG.E.OUS! If there was an award for the best dressed wedding party and family, it would, without a doubt, go to Kory and Andrew’ and their peeps.

Ojiketa Regional Park, located outside of Forest Lake in Chisago City, MN, has a cute little camp perfect for outdoorsy, canoe loving people. It also is the home of Strom Hall, the venue for Jess and Hannah’s summer wedding.

And when I say camp, I’m not talking about the sleeping in tents type of camping you’d normally associate with regional park camping. Rather, there were clean cabins some with had actual showers!

The Lumber Exchange in downtown Minneapolis, MN artfully weds cool city textures with sleek, chic elegance and makes for the perfect venue for modern weddings. This was oh so clear at Nora and David’s July 2019 wedding.

The day started with the most hilarious first look ever! Together, Nora and her wedding party schemed together and somehow procured a dinosaur costume. One of their groomsmen wore it and walked towards an unsuspecting David. David turned around and…everyone broke into belly laughs!