Big eyed and happy to help me with my camera, this little one kept running towards and touching the lens. Maybe it was the way she babbled on and on about absolutely nothing that made her extra adorable.

I was so excited to shoot these photos, not only because he’s my only brother, but because she’s my only sister. Relaxed and easy, they took each step side by side eager to embrace each other as husband & wife. As owner of Second Avenue Cakes, Shannon was all about the details and her cake was second to none. Travis, a graphic designer and photographer himself, added to the charm and beauty for their special day by “branding” their wedding wonderfully. Together, their creative talents made this wedding a truly beautiful sight to behold. I was glad to be there, as a sister and as a photographer. Enjoy a sampling of each smile and I hope you too can feel the energy of their devotion.

Congratulations Laura & Luke for taking the plunge – it was such an amazing, love-filled day, we’re happy to have been a part of it. Not to mention the fact that your bridal party was so photogenic! It’s great to see such support for a wonderfully matched couple.

The day began in Spicer, growing up together, it was only a matter of time until these two love doves said “I do.” The wind was raging and a storm flew in early and lasted right up until 25 minutes before the photos were set to start. I think they had a lot of people looking out for them and praying for good weather, because when the lens cap came off, everything lit up. A short trip to Melvin’s via decorated white party bus followed the ceremony, and then it was off to the reception at the Holiday Inn. Laura’s mother truly transformed the space, and the ambiance was warm, inviting, cozy and elegant all wrapped into one. It was a perfect day.

Kids photography makes me appreciate a good zoom lens.

Little boys in particular keep moving and it’s a fun challenge just to keep up with them. I prefer to see what happens, to have a general understanding of what will work and then take those happy accidents and work with them. Next time your little inspiration throws a fit over something insignificant, capture it because it’s those moments that remind you of just how far they’ve grown when you look back at them.

Sometimes it’s fun to go to weddings and not be the official photographer – there is zero pressure and a girl can actually wear heels. Ed & Jocelyn’s wedding had such an intimate feeling of eloquent romance and classic charm. Set on the campus of Carleton College, in Northfield, their day seemed relaxing and meant to be. She wore a unique dress found at a quaint boutique and blush colored pearls given to her by her only sister. Ed, bearded, beaming and full of life couldn’t stop smiling. Their ceremony was short and sweet, which was to many of the guests approval as the sanctuary lacked air conditioning.

I find evening weddings to be the most romantic. The low light cascaded into the chapel with such elegance and the easy going beauty of their relationship was just that much easier to capture. With camera in hand and a gift in the other I couldn’t resist but snap a few. Congratulations to a couple in love, bonded by a friendship everyone could see.

Choosing a color scheme for your wedding day can be overwhelming. There are so many wonderful combinations out there! But, what if you want to be different, ahead of the game, a little trendy, and maybe not the 16th “empress lilac” wedding you’ve been to? Instead of flooding your brain with wedding images out of magazines (which can be a great source of color inspiration), try kuler by adobe.

It can be a place to go to be inspired by a color that truly reflects how you want to feel that day. Not only can you browse existing themes, but by creating an account, can upload a photo and save out your own color palette from an image you love. How about that old photo of your first date together, or your grandmother’s cherished quilt? The wealth of images that mean something to you can be a perfect springboard for the color palette for your fairytale.

Don’t forget we also offer portrait photography – for more information or to schedule a session, contact use at photos@shawnleeweddings.com. It’s not just for seniors anymore, earmark your birthday, anniversary or schedule an outing for you and your girlfriends and have fun being your own fashion models.

Here are a couple other photos that embody who this couple is. Growing up just a few short minutes off a gravel road from each other I felt it was important to include one that explains their roots. They also grew up with each other on the lake so water seemed to be a recurring theme in their relationship. The other thing I noticed is how playful they were with each other, and that refreshing energy led to the personality at her grandma’s barnyard door. What a great texture – a mixture of old history and new vibrant, colorful beginnings.