2012 Rivets and Roses Wedding Photography Giveaway // Desiree!

Hello Blog Readers! Welcome to the official voting for the 2012 Rivets and Roses Wedding Giveaway! The three amazing couples below have all sent in their nominations and would LOVE for Desiree to be their photographer! The winning couple will be decided by you, the public! Please take the time to read each couple's story and cast your vote for who you think deserves to win this amazing giveaway!

Couple #1// Jessica & Tyler

Wedding Location// Hometown of Walker, MN

Their Story// These two officially met back in the 8th grade when Tyler was a lanky smart kid and Jessica was a pint-sized blonde. Their relationship survived high school and on thru college. Tyler and Jessica have grown together over the years and decided to take jobs at the Minneapolis/St Paul Airport together. They worked incredibly hard to save their pennies and have taken the opportunity to travel the world together.

[quote]Never in my life have I known, or do I believe I will ever meet a more unique and perfect pair. They appreciate life as it comes and they are living theirs to the fullest each and every day. They see natural beauty in all things and appreciate what the world has to offer. As individuals they are talented, imaginative, spontaneous, and appreciative of the opportunities they are blessed to have been given. As partners, they are a true example of real love, real life, and real happiness. I’ve watched them grow as individuals and also as a couple and their story gives me hope that true love is not just a fairytale. I know, more than anything, this would mean so much to both of them.  As artists themselves, they see and feel the beauty behind the work and have a deeper respect for it than most.[/quote]

Couple #2// Gena & Brent

Wedding Location// Mill City, Minneapolis

Their Story// Brent and Gena met at the preschool that she was working at at the time. His daughter happened to be in the class next door to Gena's. Brent was a divorcee and something about him just spoke to her. Maybe it was his calm, laid back demeanor or maybe it was his awesome shade of red hair. For Gena, it definitely was the way Brent was with his daughter – so loving, so patient, so genuine, and so tender. Something about him just made sense. The two finally went on our first date on a Friday the 13th. It was one of those beautiful summer nights in Minneapolis – the kind that make enduring three months of winter hell all worth it. He brought her flowers and they walked to the Modern in Northeast for dinner. Afterwards they went to the Electric Fetus birthday party and ended the night with some drinks at Mackenzie next door. All in all, it was a pretty perfect night. The most perfect thing about it was how a couple of really imperfect people were so at ease with each other the whole time. It just made sense. To Gena, she had met someone who felt like home.

[quote]We are planning a very low-key affair that is hopefully just really a reflection of us as a couple. The day really is about celebrating with our family and friends. I want our wedding to be memorable, but not in the traditional over-blown, platinum, princess type manner. I have spent more time planning out the music that will be played rather than worrying about finding a dress! We want to have an awesome photographer to capture our special day in a beautiful and creative way. We are looking for images that are both classy, but unique and edgy. We are really just a very simple couple, who have never spent money on good photography but would love to experience and own some great photos (of us, even!)[/quote]

Couple #3// Jennifer & Bart

Wedding Location// Jackson Street Roadhouse, St Paul

Their Story//A mere 3 years ago, Jennifer was perusing Match.Com looking for love, and spied a black and white photo of a coffee shop type boy thoughtfully looking at his Mac book. She thought he looked cute and quirky, so she winked at him and he winked back. The two started emailing long novels of flirty funny information back and forth. They connected over comic book movies and it was a sign, because Bart is a comic book artist! Their first date was on September 5th, and the highlight of the night was sitting in Mears Park listening to Haley Bonar while sneakily peeking at each other from the corners of their eyes. Jennifer and Bart got engaged December 15th, and unleashed a very funny YouTube video we made to announce their engagement.

[quote] I would say anyone that has found that better half and is getting married deserves for it to be documented through the eyes of a camera. Being married for 4 years, I often think back to that day and look through my pictures, feeling every happy moment over again. Pictures speak to us and they remind us of wonderful happy and emotional times. When you have 2 people that are so perfect together like Jenny and Bart, you can't help but feel that their love is little more unique and rare. Never have I seen 2 people who seem like more of a perfect fit. We always tease Jenny that she has found the male version of her. When I first met her, I was like wow this girl is a goofball and we became fast friends. Never ever did I think I would meet anyone like her… and then I met Bart, who is just so in-sync with her, it is ridiculous. So in my mind, yes I feel that they are more deserving to have amazing wedding photos because I want them to look back and feel the joy of their wedding and love for each other over and over again. - Laura, the Maid of Honor[/quote]

Voting is open from//

March 8th @12:00pm - March 15th @11:59pm

You are allowed to vote for one couple per day.

The polls reset 22 hours after your last vote!

[poll id="3"]

2012 Rivets and Roses Wedding Photography Giveaway // Louisa!

Hello Blog Readers! Welcome to the official voting for the 2012 Rivets and Roses Wedding Giveaway! The three amazing couples below have all sent in their nominations and would LOVE for Louisa to be their photographer! The winning couple will be decided by you, the public! Please take the time to read each couple's story and cast your vote for who you think deserves to win this amazing giveaway!

Couple #1// Kirsten & Graeme

Wedding Location// Juliane James Place, Finlayson, MN

Their Story// Kirsten and Graeme’s story reads like it's from a different era.  They met at a Phish concert last fall and completely fell in love.  Within two months they got engaged and they thought, why wait? They just knew. The fact that they live in different countries didn’t even stop them! Kirsten and Graeme chose Sept. 22 , 2012 as their wedding date, because it is the autumnal equinox.

[quote]They believe in love the way you can only hope a couple believes in love when they get married.  Some people think that sort of love is foolish but some of the greatest love stories started when people just trusted their instincts and went with it like Kirsten and Graeme are doing.[/quote]

Couple #2// Abby & Brian

Wedding Location// San Francisco, CA

Their Story// Abby and Brian are both from the Midwest, but met out in San Francisco while looking for love on Match.Com. They two clicked on their first few dates and decided to be exclusive from then on. Six months later, the couple moved in together and two years after that, Brian surprised Abby on a beach with an engagement ring.  She never saw it coming but was more than excited to shout yes!

[quote] I am pretty silly and goofy and am up for almost anything.  Brian has the style and thoughtfulness, not to mention he is very good at making cocktails.  We are both laid back in different ways. and love to run, hike, surf and hang out in parks with the dogs. San Francisco is a fun city and I think Louisa, as a photographer and artist, would like it, along with the redwoods and bridges - and who doesn’t love a good trolley ride![/quote]

Couple #3// Rachel & Matt

Wedding Location// Shoreview Community Center

Their Story// Rachel and Matt met through an online dating service in June of 2008. They instantly connected and their mutual love of music and performance has played a big role in their relationship, as they spent many early dates singing karaoke at local bars. The couple also took comedy improv classes together, performing several times in front of audiences. In June 2010 they attended W00tstock at the Guthrie Theater a "special event for geeks and music." Matt contacted the organizers and planned a proposal in front of the entire audience, and was even aided by actor Will Wheaton. Rachel and Matt were married in a civil ceremony on February 1st, 2012 and are now planning their reception!

[quote]My sister and husband's wedding reception is going to be as unique as they are, and completely nontraditional. Not being ones to conform and take part in the typical wedding traditions, they opted for a quick 5-minute ceremony during the week and chose to stray from the traditional wedding garb. For their reception they are having a potluck and are requesting that each guest bring a dish to share. Additionally, they decided that if this a reception to celebrate their union then it should include things that they enjoy doing together. That being said, an improv comedy troupe will be performing for wedding guests, there will be karaoke, and their table centerpieces will be board games. I believe Rachel and Matt deserve to win because being nontraditional as they are, they cut all possible costs when planning their ceremony and reception - this includes hiring a photographer. Having had a small wedding myself, I too did not have a photographer and have always said that was my one regret - not having any great photos for that special day. Their reception promises to be so fun and unique, it would be a shame not to have someone as talented as Louisa capture those moments. I love my sister and brother-in-law dearly and want them to have beautiful photos to remember their special day.[/quote]

Voting is open from//

March 8th @12:00pm - March 15th @11:59pm

You are allowed to vote for one couple per day.

The polls reset 22 hours after your last vote!

[poll id="2"]

2012 Rivets and Roses Wedding Photography Giveaway // Marc!

Hello Blog Readers! Welcome to the official voting for the 2012 Rivets and Roses Wedding Giveaway! The two amazing couples below have sent in their nominations and would LOVE for Marc to be their photographer! The winning couple will be decided by you, the public! Please take the time to read each couple's story and cast your vote for who you think deserves to win this amazing giveaway!

Couple #1// Stacey & Brian

Wedding Location// Detroit, Michigan

Their Story// Stacey and Brian first met each other at a mutual friend's BBQ and had an instant connection from a far. Fast forward to Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day in Detroit – an unofficial local holiday – almost a year after that BBQ. Brian headed to a bar for a little pre-game snack and a bunch of his friends showed up, along with Stacey!  They instantly dove into learning about each other and their first date was one week later...the rest is history!

[quote]The inspiration for our wedding is classic meets modern rock. We knew we wanted to started the day in a historical church in Detroit (built in 1841) followed by a newly built music theatre to allow our guests to dance the night away. We deserve the giveaway  because we are genuinely in love and full of life! it’ll be easy and deserves to be captured on camera. A photographer is last item we need to book for our wedding. We have such a love and appreciate for beautiful print work we’re having a hard time finding the right photographer to capture our day. When we saw your work via Style Me Pretty, we just LOVED it![/quote]

Couple #2// Megan & Dylan

Wedding Location// Minneapolis, MN

Their Story// Megan and Dylan met at a game of kickball in Kenwood Park. They hit it off, but didn't really think much of it. A few weeks later Megan went to the Electric Fetus to buy some tickets to Stereolab and Dylan was working behind the counter. As he handed over the tickets, they both agreed they should "hang out sometime." They did, and the rest is history!

[quote]Beyond the fact that they both are music nerds, they work their asses off round the clock trying to finish schooling (both are top students) and keeping up with their jobs. This couple deserves to have a low stress fun celebration with their families and besties! They're crazy, willing to mess around and be funny, and do things the non-traditional way - albeit with traditional influences. They're also just all-around amazing people who deserve to have gorgeous fun photos of what is sure to be a ridiculously great day.[/quote]

Voting is open from//

March 8th @12:00pm - March 15th @11:59pm

You are allowed to vote for one couple per day.

The polls reset 22 hours after your last vote!

[poll id="6"]

A Minnesota Winter Wedding {by Desiree}

It turned out to be an absolutely GORGEOUS day last weekend for Danielle and David's superbly creative and lovely wedding. Danielle is a super talented fashion designer here in the Twin Cities so it was without a doubt that her dress and the rest of the wedding crew would be looking incredible.  It was SUCH a joy photographing these two who have been together for over 7 years already!  Danielle has got to be the most calm, cool, and collected bride I've ever worked with and I LOVED that she was even adding additional touches to her gown and sewing moments before she put it on.  Wearing wool coats and hats, their friends and family braved the Minnesota winter cold on Raspberry Island in the middle of the Mississippi River. Check it out!  // Danielle and David were featured in the St. Paul, Pioneer Press TODAY.

Thank you Danielle and David for letting me be a part of this incredibly special day!

presents! {by Leslie}

Last weekend I shot one of the "wedding parties" over at Crate and Barrel. The store opens up to registered couples during the morning on Sunday (while the store is closed to the public) and they have lots of staff there to answer questions about items you may want to register for (so what *is* the best coffee maker, anyway?). They also have all this great food to sample (like french toast! and espresso! and cupcakes!) and several vendors there to answer questions. Including us from Rivets and Roses to take free portraits. Anyway, below are some of the photos of the event, in case any of you were thinking of checking it out.

The Florist's "Superbowl" day {by Leslie}

Well, I went back to Spruce during the lunch hour on Valentine's day, and man-oh-man were they swamped! Surprisingly, there weren't lines of men at the counter as I had imagined (there were a few, but not hoards), but the store was overwhelmed with getting all of the deliveries out for the day -- which makes sense now that I think about it. I had never pondered the coordination of sending out orders by a) time needed and b) geographic location and the puzzle that may be! Amy, the owner, explained that the lines of men I was expecting would probably arrive around 4:30 as they tend to pick up flowers after work. I wish I could have gone back to the store then to shoot that, but my own man had a Valentine's dinner surprise for me, so I didn't make it back. Below are the photos I got during the lunch hour though. Man, what a lovely shop!

Valentine's day prep {by Leslie}

I've always wanted to do a photo essay on a local florist getting ready for the boom that is Valentine's day, so I called up Amy over at Spruce this year. I love this flower shop — the design of  the store is impeccable, as is all of the logo work and even the address numbers above the door. As a designer, I really appreciate these small details. But what I love most about her shop (besides the scent) is all of the air plants and succulents she offers. I've never been much of a flower girl, but I love a good arrangement/bouquet that is made up of more unusual things such as artichokes, kale, air plants and succulents. So Spruce was the perfect match for me!

Below are images from the staff getting the shop ready today. I also got to eavesdrop as Amy was doing a wedding consultation, and ladies? This woman knows her stuff. If you're looking for a florist with a unique eye, check this shop out.

A Brief Introduction to the Man of R&R (by Marc James)

When I first was presented with an opportunity to shoot for Rivets and Roses I was both excited and a bit nervous. I had never seen myself as a wedding photographer and frankly was not exactly interested in it. I got my start as a photographer shooting concerts in the Minneapolis area and from there with my background in design began working with musicians on album design/photography, promotional material, etc and that is something I will always do, but I yearned for more. I truly enjoy documenting the events of the night at a said concert but to me there wasn't enough substance or emotion. I always left satisfied but I felt I was in need of documenting something with a bit more depth.

When I first met Eliesa I expressed my concern that I had been told that a wedding photographer could not be considered an artist but the more I became familiar with her work I began to realize that this is far from the truth. Through Rivets and Roses I have been given the oppertunity to not only retain my artistry but to document the most important time in someones life. I have always been afraid of creating something 'conventional' or 'boring' and now that I have found Rivets and Roses I know that this is something I will never be. I don't strive to be an average photographer, I will always strive to be something more and I am so excited to bring my unique vision to lives of the people I work with.

Now another thing I wanted to touch on briefly was what I am looking to accomplish in the wedding world. As you can tell already I am staying away from the conventional. I am looking to carve a new path in this world and I am excited to see who will go there with me. This is my opportunity to basically define a new style in wedding photography while creating images that will truly last froever for each and every couple I work with.

I am more than excited to continue to share my vision with you and I hope that we may get the chance to work together in the future. I am not just looking to be there on the day of your wedding with my camera in hand, I want your experience with me to be more than that. I am not just a photographer, I am an artist, and through Rivets and Roses I have been given the oppurtunity to let my work carry over into the wedding world.

So here goes nothing.

m.james

2012 Rivets & Roses Wedding Photography Giveaway!

[quote]I'd love to work with a couple who is ridiculously in love, has a great sense of style & a passion for art & beauty. Whether it be a large wedding in an extravagant location or a small intimate ceremony in a backyard, I'd love to photograph a wedding with unique details. Above all else, I am very much looking forward to working with a genuine, fun loving couple on the most important day of their life![/quote]

Click here to view Natalie's Portfolio!

Want to send your nomination to Natalie? E-mail her [at] natalie@rivetsandroses.com

[quote]My biggest goal this year is to work with more clients who have little, tiny weddings. I love the fanfare and hoopla of a a day with 200 guests, but this year I also want to challenge myself to photograph events with 50 attendees or less. I'd love to give away a wedding shoot to you if you're having a backyard ceremony, a potluck wedding dinner, if you're eloping to a far-off destination or if you just want to have a low-key day. I can't wait to meet you and hear your stories and find the perfect wedding giveaway couple![/quote]

Click here to view Louisa's Portfolio!

Want to send your nomination to Louisa? E-mail her [at] louisa@rivetsandroses.com

[quote]Hello world, I'm Marc. I'm the man of the Rivets and Roses team and I'm looking for a couple that has some true style and swagger. I'm a newer photographer to the wedding scene, so my ideal client is someone with a big personality who is willing to run with all of my creative ideas and think outside the box.[/quote]

Click here to view Marc's Portfolio!

Want to send your nomination to Marc? E-mail him [at] marc@rivetsandroses.com

[quote]I'm thrilled to be giving back to others as I feel I have received so much from so many good people in my life!  I really enjoy getting to know the couples that I photograph and know their love story so I can connect with them.  I'm inspired by artful, creative people who like to do things a little bit different and if photography is important to you then I could be your photographer![/quote]

Click here to view Desiree's Portfolio!

Want to send your nomination to Desiree? E-mail her [at] desiree@rivetsandroses.com

[quote]I love live music, dogs and living in Minnesota. I could talk your ear off about the local music scene, horrible sci-fi movies and the latest recipe I have fallen in love with. If you are looking for a photographer to make your big day even more "fairytale" like, I might not be it. But if you want to have a lot of laughs along the way and photos in the end that are beautiful, creative and have an edge to them, I'm the perfect fit. I want to document your day as it happens from a journalist's point of view, catching all the important details of your big day. [/quote]

Click here to view Leslie's Portfolio!

Want to send your nomination to Leslie? E-mail her [at] leslie@rivetsandroses.com

 All nominations must be submitted to the photographer of your choice by Friday, February 17th! Once we receive all of the nominations, we will narrow them down to the Top 3 couples per photographer. From there, we will post the candidate's stories on the blog for YOU, the public to vote and choose the winning couple who you think deserves our mad skills! We are accepting nominations from all around the world, travel fees may apply.

Happy Nominating!

- Team Rivets and Roses

To Have and to Hold (by Louisa)

On this grey February day I just wanted to share a few lovely bouquets from last year. Enjoy!

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summertime wedding {by natalie}

This winter has been so brown! Oh how I've been yearning for a little color! While it's nice to have a little snow now to freshen everything up, I still long for green & gold summer days & purple & blue sunsets...which made me think of this pretty little wedding I photographed! Ben & Megan were married in the month of June at a friends house. Personally, one of my favorite parts of their day was stealing them away to get photographs of the two of them alone...such an amazing couple & such a perfect summer day! ciao!

High School Sweethearts {by Desiree}

These two started dating when they were in 11th GRADE.  Through it all - college, long distance dating, and more they stayed strong.  They're also two of the coolest cats in town.  They were married in the beautiful big church at St. Kates here in St.Paul.   It was an ABSOLUTE BLAST photographing their wedding here in the Twin Cities. Cheers!

A Tale of Two Dresses (by Louisa)

Sam and John. John and Sam. Sweeties for the past six years, when both of them were even younger youngsters than they are now. They got married at the beautiful Trellis Center in Stillwater, Minnesota and I was overjoyed at all of the pretty things that they made for their wedding day. Sam loves beautiful things so much that she had not one, but two dresses! One of the best moments of the day was when Sam walked down the aisle in her long, GORGEOUS formal dress. John had no idea that dress #2 existed and the expression on his face was priceless. It goes without saying that I wish these two all the best and I can't wait to see what's next for them.

An Island Wedding (by Desiree)

Prince Edward Island to be exact! The adorable little Island in Canada where Anne of Green Gabels comes from. : ) I can't tell you how fabulous it is to see two people SO IN LOVE and two people who make each other the best person they can be. Rachel and Matt are these people. I was correct in expecting a lot of tears at this wedding...tears of JOY of course...but yes, they did last about all day. (That's 'about' with a Canadian accent.) Their love overflows and reaches everyone they know and meet. It was very clear how incredible these two are and how awesome their families are. Twin sister Kelly and I jammed all my gear into her Honda and we drove from Washington D.C. to Prince Edward Island. We spent an incredible 3 days at a beautiful home on the red sand beaches. Let me tell you, Island life is freeeeking shweet. Thank you to both the Cutcliffe and Harper families! You made us feel like family. : )

winter wedding

Well hello there! I just wrapped up this December wedding, which was fun because the light and accessories are so different in these colder months (hello fur wraps!), but sadly it did not snow. I dream of the wedding that is surrounded by large, fluffy snow-globesque flakes. But I guess I'll have to wait another year for that one. Anyway, Katie and Nate were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with their reception at Silverlake nature center. Both were gorgeous venues and it was an amazing day. {Leslie}

Thomas Fox {a homespun vintage wedding}

This wedding was an especially special wedding for me to photograph...Mary is an actor {who has traveled the world, moving back to the twin cities to both direct & act} & Blake is a musician {who captivates his audiences with his guitar & "honey-wiskey" voice}. Mary is my sister-in-law & Blake is her husband. This entire day was completely Mary & Blake. From grandpa's suit & a wedding dress worn by two aunts & her mother, vintage wine glasses found at thrift stores & china borrowed from friends...to the all organic feast & home baked pies...everything that Mary & Blake are, everything that they believe in, was reflected in every last detail of their wedding day. Congratulations to two of the most amazing people I know! {x! ciao! natalie}  

FOUND Event // January 20th - You're Invited!

 

Rivets & Roses will be hosting a fabulous fine art event called FOUND // The Art of Wedding on Friday, January 20th! Stop by to see some amazing art installations, as well as meet all of our new photographers! Minnesota Bride will be there, giving away copies of the newest issue and the first 75 guests to arrive will leave with some sweet swag!

For more information, please visit FOUNDEVENT.COM and follow the event on twitter @FOUNDEvent. Hope to see you there!

Alex and Elisa get married!

Here's a note to those of you who decide to get married in California: Please invite me to come with you! Elisa and Alex were wed in a beautiful mission on the University of Santa Clara campus, where they met years ago. Except for a little snafu with the groomsmen's ties, their day went off without a hitch. I was so thrilled to be a part of this day and to have my dear and talented friend Amelia come with me as a fabulous assistant. This wedding was a perfect way to end the 2011 wedding season. Congrats to Alex and Elisa!

So I love you because I know no other way (by Louisa)

There are some things in life that fill you with absolute joy. For me, Melissa and Jamie’s wedding was one of those things. Melissa has been one of my bestest, most wonderfulest friends for almost 9 years and yesterday she married the love of her life.

Jamie and Melissa are honest, beautiful, sincere, gracious…the list goes on and on. Having two brides to photograph was AMAZING, as I got to shoot two bouquets, two dresses, two sets of jewelry, etc. You get a bit more chaos with two brides (!) but at the end of the day, watching these two tie the knot and declare their love for each other in front of family and friends was one of the highlights of my life. (Side note: ridiculously hard to shoot photos while crying like a baby)

Melissa and Jamie: I love you both dearly and I could not be happier for you. You make beautiful brides and even more beautiful friends. May you continue to make each other laugh, be kind to each other and find joy in your life together.

Ali and Riley tie the knot (Images and post by Louisa)

What do you get when you match a handsome hunter with a gorgeous dead-ringer for Taylor Swift? You get an amazing yacht club wedding with a beautiful young couple. Despite rather intense heat and humidity, their day went off without a hitch. They got ready in a family home on Manitou Island and were wed at the White Bear Yacht Club, my new favorite place to shoot. Floor to ceiling windows? Check. Amazing wallpaper in every room? Check. Ali and Riley were surrounded by friends and family from all over the country and I was so delighted to be a part of the day's events. I hope you enjoy looking at these images as much as I enjoyed making them.