Just going through some shots and I found a few favorites that I wanted to share.  Isn’t she just lovely?

Rivets & Roses Photography

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working at the Wisconsin State Ballroom Dance Championships. This was the 25th year celebration and it was quite a wonderful weekend. A special thanks to Dan and Becky Messenger who put together an amazing event and congratulations on 25 YEARS!!

Rivets & Roses Photography

These two lovely people got married on a chilly, grey day in Madison last weekend. I think we made the most of it

Rivets & Roses Photography

Some of you may or may not know that I’ve been teaching a course at the University of Minnesota this semester. It’s my first time tackling this kind of work, and it has been invigorating and inspiring and… exhausting. I was pretty naive going into the semester about how much work would be required to put together my lectures. But anyway, summer break is almost here and that portion of my workload is finally lightening up. So why am I telling you all of this?

Because I finally (finally!) had time this weekend to shoot some photos for myself. April 21 is Record Store Day (every single year), and it’s one of my favorite “holidays.” Labels release special editions and all kinds of rare music on vinyl, and in general I love how the community comes out to celebrate these small, struggling local businesses. I make a point of visiting one or two of my favorite shops each year, but this time around I wanted to visit five. I chose the Electric Fetus, Treehouse Records, Hymie’s Vintage Records, Fifth Element and Yeti Records.

These shops span a variety of “genres” of customer, but they all have the same details that I love: hand-drawn signage and a good sense of humor about them. Below are a few of my favorite shots of the day.

So next year, you guys should join the party. There’s lots of great music, some good food and even live performances around the city — and it’s always fantastic people watching as well!

Rivets & Roses Photography

We are incredibly excited to announce that for every wedding booking from now on for the 2012 wedding season, $200 from each booking will be donated to charity! Each of us have chosen an organization to support that has been very close to our hearts and we’re excited to give back. As a studio, we are all about finding the perfect photographer that fits your style. Now is your opportunity to not only have amazing wedding photography, but also to make a change and donate to an amazing cause, in honor of your big day!

I am thrilled to announce that a percent of my proceeds will go toward the Animal Humane Society. As most of you know, I love taking photos of animals, and especially puppies. I have two very large dogs of my own that I rescued, and I’m a big supporter of saving dogs that are in need of a home. Donating some money to help adopt out more dogs is something I am really happy to be a part of. – Leslie

I have an old childhood friend who was diagnosed with ALS a few years ago. I’ve thought about him often since then and I feel like this is a way to be supportive to him and his family and friends. -Louisa

I have chose to work with the organization ART START. The purpose of ART START is to nurture the voices, hearts and minds of at-risk youth through creative arts workshops conducted daily inside homeless shelters and alternative to incarceration programs throughout New York City. With structure and connection to opportunity, art can be the starting point of a process that turns project achievements into life achievements. – Marc

Giving and helping NAMI is important to me as they are committed to helping those who struggle with a mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. They also focus their efforts on helping the family members and friends of those who struggle with these illnesses. I feel it’s important to educate the public about mental health and NAMI is out there to promote community programs, improve services, and reduce stigma. This is close to my heart as I have family members who struggle mental illness and I’d love to be able to help everyone! – Desiree

Find Your Photographer

If you are interested in being a part of this amazing opportunity, please check out our portfolios and also the charities we support!

Leslie’s Portfolio & The Animal Humane Society

Natalie’s Portfolio & Camp Get-A-Well-A

Marc’s Portfolio & Art Start

Desiree’s Portfolio & The National Alliance on Mental Illness

Louisa’s Portfolio & The ALS Association

Feel free to contact us directly for more information and pricing. Cheers to giving back!

- Team Rivets and Roses

Rivets & Roses Photography