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!

Rivets & Roses Photography

I know with a title like that you may be wondering what this post is even going to be about and why am I posting it on Valentines Day. Well a week ago I had the pleasure of shooting a Celebration of Life party for Marylou Kenrick. Marylou was 68 years old and for the past 2 years she had been courageously battling cancer. I was lucky enough to be with her friends and family as they gathered in Stillwater, MN to celebrate the wonderful life she had lead. The day was filled with tears of joy and pain alike, and though it was clear the Mary Lou only had so much time left, it was apparent the impact that she made on everyone’s life. 4 Days ago around midnight Marylou took her final breathe with her family by her side, so this is for you Marylou, we all love you

Rivets & Roses Photography

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.

Rivets & Roses Photography

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

Rivets & Roses Photography

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!

Click here to view Natalie’s Portfolio!

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

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!

Click here to view Louisa’s Portfolio!

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

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.

Click here to view Marc’s Portfolio!

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

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!

Click here to view Desiree’s Portfolio!

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

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.

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

Rivets & Roses Photography