It’s weddings like Pepper and Brendan’s that make things about as easy as they can get on a wedding photographer: beautiful weather, a church full of character and color, bubble-blowing kids, delicious food, and most of all a ton of very happy people. In fact, I think the image that will stay in my mind from this day is Brendan’s Mom, smiling nonstop with this expression that said, Isn’t this the greatest day ever?

You can see more photos from the day on my Facebook page. While you’re at it, join the party and become a fan!

Thanks again to Pepper and Brendan for having me along for such a warm, personal day. Best of luck to you both and to your families!

Recently I had a chance to photograph some engagement portraits for a couple whose wedding I’m photographing next spring. I really enjoy the chance to shoot engagement sessions; it’s a great chance to build trust and rapport with a couple, and to show them what they’ll look like in photos that I take of them. Plus they’re just fun.

The evening Jackie and I had talked about shooting was sketchy weather-wise – threatening clouds all afternoon, severe thunderstorm warnings not too far away. We talked earlier in the day and decided to call it off. . . then we called it back on. . . when we finally got rolling dusk was falling, and the streetlights came on. Luckily we were in the park near the Bloomington Central Light Rail stop, and there are much cooler-than-average streetlights (and fountains). Perfect!

Thanks guys – looking forward to the wedding!

How cool is this: not only are you getting married, but you’re a sculptor, and you’re saying your vows underneath your very own artwork, in the middle of one of the biggest public art spaces in the Midwest? It’s pretty cool.

Rebecca, the bride, also constructed the cupcake stand and the gold flowers left on the chairs as gifts for the guests.

This was definitely one of the most personal weddings I’ve had the privilege of photographing, and it was really fun to see a day play out that Rebecca and Ben had clearly put a lot of themselves in to.

When I started the latest photo shoot for the Sample Circuit, I figured I had a pretty good idea what I was in for: hang out with chef Craig Johnson and shoot some portraits, showcase their new restaurant space in a way that highlighted its deck and general Mediterranean-ness, shoot some food. Then they said they wanted a shot of owner Tony Nicklow with one of their signature dishes, saganaki. Turns out saganaki is an Asiago-like Greek cheese that is doused in brandy tableside then lit on fire. Flames erupt, everyone yells “OPA!” the flames recede, and the tray is set in front of the happy diners.

Now that’s a subject! First of all, you’ve got to know that I love cheese. Second, beautiful as the new Santorini is, it’s not actually the Mediterranean. It’s a very nice restaurant in an Eden Prairie strip mall. Tough to muster maximum excitement for that kind of setting. But you throw in some flaming imported dairy, held by a guy who’s been serving this dish for over 30 years? My attention had been piqued.

But first, chef Craig Johnson. Great guy, fun photo subject in part because he actually did the non-standard things I asked him to. Case in point.

Then it was time for Tony and saganaki. A testament to his true professionalism: no eyebrows were harmed in the making of this image.

I had the chance recently to photograph a wedding at the Mill City Museum, my first at that venue. Man, what a great spot: amazing textures and colors everywhere, beautiful facilities, and an 8th floor observation deck with a phenomenal view of the river (see last image in this set).

Many and repeated thanks to Megan and Nick for having us around to document. You made Johanna and me feel right at home, and it was a pleasure to share some time.

Just before Nick's first look at Megan in her dress