As part of the fabulous Independent Wedding Association, I was involved in two styled shoots over the summer that are featured in the new quarterly magazine Hearten (together with photographer Becca Dilley).  The first feature shows how stylish a church basement wedding can be and showcases the amazing food of the Chowgirls (including their modern take on jello molds and mini tater-tot hotdish!), Minnesota-shaped pies on a stick by Cocoa & Fig, Norwegian-inspired florals by Ashley Fox, and lovely paper — including a recipe-card guest book — by Armato Designs. For the second shoot, we did a modern take on Paul Bunyan and his Babe in the deep woods of a Minnesota State Park.  You must check out the tackle-box and fishing-inspired florals by Sassafras Gardens, the locally-made jewelry by JWP Jewelry, and another amazing invitation suite by Amy Armato.

The issue also features a flow chart for planning the timing of your wedding day photographs, a glossary of floral terms, and other real Minnesota weddings.  So go check it out!  Hearten Magazine.

Ashley Fox provided a turquoise and red bouquet with black lace accents and a great alternative to a corsage for the mother of the bride.  Towering flowers from Distinctly Debbie lined the varsity theater stairs.  The wedding parties’ clothes and styling were selected by Posh Bridal Couture and complemented by the vintage hair and make-up by Brett Dorrian Artistry Studios. Amazing letterpress by Armato Designs programs continued the circus theme.  The very moving wedding ceremony was performed by Rev Derek.   Jessica’s Cakes created an amazing circus carousel cake. Following the ceremony and cake-cutting, dance instructor Monica Mohn gave a short lesson (a great tip to get your guests on the dance floor — hire an instructor for the first hour or two).  Music was provided by Urthema String Quartet and Jason Price‘s jazz trio.

Chowgirls Killer Catering catered the reception with a fabulous spread of breads and cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, some of the most delicious (and colorful!) roast vegetables I’ve ever had.  I think it was the first time I’ve ever enjoyed a beet! In addition to the carousel cake above, both Cocoa and Fig and Sweets Bakeshop provided samples galore — cupcakes, macaroons, cake pops, chocolate shooters oh my! Other vendors participating in the fair included wedding planners Elizabeth Anne and Stephanie from Table 6, florist Sassafras Gardens, styling and letterpress from Paperista, the funky and modern hair accessories from Posh | Rebel, event services and rentals from Festivities, DJay entertainment from Adagio,  and, of course, the Traveling Photobooth!

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And as this was yet another wedding where I was on crutches, it was co-shot by the very talented Minneapolis wedding photographer Becca Dilley.   I can’t thank her enough for her help.

** I’ll note that right before the ceremony started my main camera (a Nikon d700) unexpectedly died and just wouldn’t turn on, no matter what I did.  I pulled my back-up camera out of my bag and kept shooting.  One of the most important things a professional can do is have multiples of all of their equipment.  This couple would have no images of their ceremony if I hadn’t been prepared!

And this summer, the worst came true:  I broke my leg and had to find someone to take the lead at Brian & Kathleen’s wedding.  The hero of this day:  Jeannette of Wild Curl Photography.  Jeannette stepped up and joined the bride, groom, and wedding party on a trolley through the Twin Cities for some pre-wedding portraits, including these at the Twins’ new home, Target field.  

I waited back at the Crowne Plaza Northstar hotel in Minneapolis, and was able to second shoot the ceremony and reception with Jeannette.  And what a lovely rooftop the hotel has for an outdoor wedding ceremony!  The sun was just setting and it was a beautiful evening.

Venue – Crowne Plaza Northstar Minneapolis
Flowers – A Precious Petals Florist
Cake – Queen of Cakes

The wedding was held in the beautiful patio space at the tapas restaurant Cafe Malaga in McKinney, Texas.  I just adored the flower arrangements, done by the amazing Ashley of ashlilium.  I especially loved that the succulents in the bridal bouquet could be planted after the wedding, and they would just grow in place.  What a wonderful post-wedding keepsake.  And it wouldn’t be a 2010 wedding without a cupcake table.  Here the cupcakes were from the national cupcake powerhouse Sprinkles, and I can vouch for their deliciousness.

Here’s the album’s custom cover:

And the rest of the pages.  The albums included in my wedding packages typically include 20 pages.  This album clocked in at 31 pages, but you’ll see why below:

I’d like to give a shout-out to all the other vendors who participated this weekend.  First, to the fabulous Becca Dilley who was the brains and inspiration behind the fair.  Festivities Event Services decked out the Five Event Center with beautiful tableclothes, flowers, and candlelights.  They really helped create a beautiful, luxurious atmosphere!  Hailley from LeEvent Designs, a wedding planning service specializing in day-of coordination, was on hand to give planning advice.

In between the informative panels, the Urthema Quartet string musicians played beautiful music. They would be a wonderful addition to your ceremony or cocktail hour.  Downstairs, Radio K had a booth at the fair and would be a modern, fun alternative to the traditional DJ.

Jessica’s Cakes brought some beautiful cakes for display and lots of yummy samples for tasting.   The lovely ladies from Sweets Bakeshop brought their delicious corn cupcakes, orange cupcakes, brownies, and vanilla macaroons for tasting.  They also had the most elegant cupcake display I’ve ever seen ~ and of course, I didn’t bring my camera!  Finally, the Chowgirls Killer Catering had a beautiful spread of antipasta, cheeses, and a wonderful pea pesto pasta.  I kept stopping by when I thought they weren’t looking.

Three florists brought a burst of spring with them.  Just Bloomed, Distinctly Debbie, and Diana’s Floral Affairs showed what a range of options are available for weddings from traditional to ultra modern and chic.

Several other photographers participated as well! It was great to finally meet folks I know only online, including Katrina of Studio Laguna and Krista of Never Miss a Moment. Maribeth of Red Ribbon Studio, and brand new mom Jennie of Sewell Photography were there with some inspirational displays! I love talking shop with other photographers. The guys from The Traveling Photobooth also had their booth up and running.  What a fun addition to any reception!

Two lovely invitation designers had their creations on hand – Paperista and Armato Design.  I know when I redesign my branding I need to incorporate some letter press elements.  I just adore the way it looks and feels.

JWP Jewelry Design showed off her beautiful and classic jewelry, perfect for a bride or as a gift for your girls (or mom!).  I was seated next to the lovely Knit N Jules and folks couldn’t stop touching her soft and gorgeous wraps.  She has some great dress options for flowergirls, too.  The flower and bead necklaces by Jessica of  Liebling Designs are beautiful and for sale on her Etsy site!

I am just kicking myself for not bringing my camera ~ I had so much to carry with my sample albums and large canvases that I left it at home.  But there will be some photos on the Independent Wedding Fair site, so you’ll have to check those out.

As part of the fair, I offered a free engagement or “day-after” engagement session to all packages booked between now and March 1st.  I’d like to extend that offer to all of my blog-readers, so just mention it when you set up your consultation!