Beyond Boundries (post by Desiree)

I wanted to push my creative boundaries and try something new. So I went out into the the woods and did the opposite of what I normally do during a photo shoot.  I liked it!

Lumberjack Knickers Boudoir (post by Desiree)

Red, black, with just a touch of pin up and you get a sexy lumberjack!  The 2nd edition of Mrs. Depew Vintage.  These awesome lumberjack knickers are handmade by Ohhh Lulu lingerie and Apparel, based out of Ontario, Canada.  The store carries aaaaadorable "romantic lingerie with a vintage flair," and it's all custom made to fit!  Check out more of her collections HERE.

A Stroll Downtown (post by Desiree)

This week is a week of inspiring meetings and prepping for our upcoming Bridal Fairs! Before catching the bus on my way home this morning, I snapped a few photos.  Yep, it's quite cold and people are bundled up here in Norway too! (ok, maybe it's not as cold as Northern MN..hehe) Let's embrace the cute hats and scarfs...the bit of sun....and the cold?!  ;)

A Wintery Golden Love (post by Desiree)

I throughly enjoyed myself collaborating with Chelsea of Chelea's Cool Cakes on this GORGEOUS winter cake shoot! We wanted to push our creative minds so we literally drove out into the Norwegian woods and found the perfect spot with aaaawesome golden light! Maria, our model, was such a trooper sticking out the cold temps.  With Scandinavian clean and Norwegian red magic happened! Wether you're getting married in January or having a February Valentines theme, I hope you find some inspiration here!

Brudesalongen // Vendor Love (post by Desiree)

I've been walking by Brudesalongen in Stavanger for weeks now. Admiring, finding inspiration, and staring in awe at their beautiful window displays! I knew it was a must to pop in to say hi and see their dresses up close. The owners Birte and Hege, both trained as tailors and designers, met in the theatre department and decided to partner up to open Brudesalonngen 8 years ago. Brudesalongen translates literally to 'Bridal Salon' from Norwegian! They've transformed this adorable antique building into a modern bridal boutique with one of a kind service, gorgeous gowns, and accessories. I think they offer some of the best dresses in the area and most of all they care about their brides and customers!  "We're not too old and we're not too young - we can relate! We want the bride to be comfortable and be true to their personality." says Hege.  For their own line of dresses they get inspiration from following the latest trends, magazines and nature, but also "We choose what we'd want to wear ourselves." she says. The two travel across Europe and love going to the London trunk shows hand-picking every gown to hang in their store as well as unique fabrics to design and sew their own!  "We are quality tailors and we want to make sure the dress fits very well." I have noticed that weddings in Norway are a bit different from American weddings so I was courious to ask the two what  changes they've seen in the last few years and how the American bridal market has changed their business.  Birte mentioned,

"Norwegians are a bit more laid back when they shop, sometimes a bride will come alone to pick a dress out herself. But now they see they want something different, something magical, something to share!.  So, it's a challenge for us but of course it is our service!  Brides that are watching the TV show 'Say Yes to the Dress' are influenced by it. They want to have an experience similar. They want to find a dress and share an experience with their friends and family. It should be something extraordinary. "

Stop in to see their own line of dresses and the cute wallpaper (see below...aaadorable!) - or check out their website online and view the incredible designers! They feature Norwegian designers Sadoni and Leila Hafzi, who has a very bohemian look and uses a lot of silk. They also offer Danish, Spanish, and English designer gowns!

Below: Birte dressing a mannequin for the window display.  The pink dress is one of their own designs!

Below: Hege

The salon also carries to-die-for, designer shoes, hats and accessories!

 Rivets and Roses, Brudesalongen, and Leila Hafzi will all be showing at an upcoming bridal fair this winter.  We're pumped for it - so stay tuned for more info!

Desiree is in Norway (by Desiree)

You may have been noticing a few blog posts and Facebook updates at the wee hours in the morning.  You may have noticed some photos from new places and quite a few coming from a little Scandinavian country especially!  It's because I'm living in NORWAY!  :) I'm maximizing my passion for travel and I love taking photos all over the world!  I'll have to thank my mother for instilling in me this desire to travel and the need to constantly be wanting to see new and exciting things.  I'm what many would call a "Vagabond," which also describes my photographic style.  This truly does shine through in all aspects of my life, just ask those who know me personally...they'd probably agree! I had lived in Norway before and was drawn back in September, just at the tail end of the wedding season in Minnesota, and I'm now living in a town called Stavanger.  (Pronounced sort of like: Sta - vaughn - er) I'm here with my super amazing boyfriend, Yrjan, who I've known since college and met while working together as photographers at the University of North Dakota. (Go UND/SIOUX) Yes, I have a difficult time pronouncing his name....still.   Slowly, I'm learning to speak Norwegian and luckily my Minnesotan/Norwegian heritage helps me fit in just fine with the Norwegian people.  What a learning experience it has been so far!

(Stavanger is known for Preikestolen, or 'Pulpit Rock'...that's me teetering on the edge of a cliff above a fjord)

(Left: Yrjan and I atop a mountain called Dalsnuten, with the city of Stavanger behind us!  Right: A much warmer place)

I'm so fortunate to be able to experience these new things everyday, like looking out my window to watch boats sailing by, seeing the stunning view of the mountains, watching the hustle and bustle of Norwegians wearing wool knitted sweaters downtown, catching cheap Ryan Air flights to other European countries, and hearing 4 different languages simply by going to the market for a loaf of bread.  I'm so glad we're in an age where flights are abundant and we have many ways to communicate and see each other.  Most of my family is now spread out with siblings living in Minnesota, Colorado, sometimes Israel, South America, or Germany....keeping in contact is a MUST and I LOVE iPhones free FaceTime and Skype.  I've been meeting new clients and friends on Skype meetings so please, give me a call anytime.  :)

(I LOVE Skype.  Here I'm video chatting with my twin sister, Kelly!  Who's Who?!...Take a guess.)

I've been meeting with vendors here who travel globally and sharing with them what Rivets and Roses is all about.  (Stay tuned for a Vendor Love post!)  It's quite a different wedding market here and it's been interesting learning all about it.  Traveling inspires me and I feel like it's a fast track in making me a better photographer!  I can't wait to work with more amazing people and create inspiring photo shoots.  I'm currently taking wedding bookings in Minnesota and Europe....book me here!

(Below: I can't believe it...but this is the view from my living room window.  OMG is right.)

(Did you know Edvard Munch was Norwegian?)  In lieu of the season...I've decided to share below this holiday reindeer special with you all.)

If you'd love to see more feel free to follow me on Instagram!  There is sure to be tons more photos of Norwegians on skis and wool knitted sweaters!  Oh, and Happy Holidays!

Silver Spoon Supper Club (post by Desiree)

Tis the season for Food! I had the pleasure of photographing (and eating!!!) food for the coolest club... Silver Spoon Supper Club. It's run by Ampy Basa, who's originally from Texas and has been living in Oslo, Norway for over 5 years. This motivated girl has combined her 2 passions, cooking and entertaining, to create a 'Different Dining Experience.' It's a supper club run from the comfort and style of her own home! Ampy serves family style meals, in a warm and relaxing atmosphere for those who aren't looking for the traditional restaurant scene.  It's by invitation and word-of-mouth only...I'm telling you, it's one of a kind!! : )Her latest was an Autumn Feast, and since Norway doesn't have a Thanksgiving...we got to celebrate a bit early. Ampy styled the table setting herself and cooked one fabulous meal! How adorable is the apple theme? Who's planning an Autumn wedding!?! Here's one idea for simple, classy and cozy....

Deeeeelicious Appetizers! YUM.

A Norwegian Bug (Post by Desiree)

Hey friends! I'm currently roaming the streets of Stavanger, Norway! I'll be here for the winter season. I'm getting out and about on these adorable cobblestone roads. When I saw this yellow bug sitting outside one day I KNEW I needed to photograph it.  What is cooler than a pop of yellow on these streets lined with little white wooden houses?  Maybe the bohemian models?  Thank you once again to the girls who helped me out and made my vision happen.