Minneapolis Family Photographer | Ozkar's Third Birthday

Pig masks, pinups and perfectly prepared donuts — it sounds like a your ordinary birthday for any three year old, right? Hardly. But I can't say I'm surprised the the items above were on the agenda for Ozkar's third birthday. Ozkar and his parents are unique to say the least. I've been working with this handsome little guy since he was only a couple of weeks old. We've had the meaningful tradition of doing photo sessions on his actual birthday for the past three years. And with this most recent being Ozkar's Golden Birthday, I knew something fantastic would be in store. What was the most special about the event, though, was simply the fact that I was along for the ride. You see, the family just went about their typical routine, as if it were any other Saturday, spending time together doing what they love. I was there to document the moments while the family did a couple of Ozkar's favorite things: shopping for records, and eating amazing donuts! It's the type of photography I enjoy the most.

We started the morning off with a trip to The Electric Fetus, a record store (yes, they still exist) that I frequented as a teenager. While I have to admit I embrace the digital age and dabble in streaming music, it was refreshing to see the concept of thumbing through albums being passed on to the next generation. Ozkar was gifted the opportunity to select his own record to bring home. He chose the latest from Minnesota's own, Trampled By Turtles. The store was peppered with Halloween décor and costumes, hence, the pig mask reference at the lede of this post (it was a stretch, I know, but I'm a sucker for alliteration).

Next we made a stop to satiate the taste buds of even the most discerning three year olds (or 30-somethings for that matter). Ozkar's parents had a delicious surprise waiting for him when they arrived at Glam Doll Donuts. The artists had prepared a wonderfully monsterous donut spread for Ozkar to dive into — and he did. Ozkar made sure all around could see just how much he enjoyed the sweet creations. I was keen on having, ahem, the Girl Next Door, an unexpected pastry featuring provolone and muenster cheese. Hello awesome!

Oh yeah, and in between bites we were able to get some tasty photos of the family, too! Thanks so much to the staff at Glam Doll Donuts and The Electric Fetus for makings all feel at home!

Happy birthday, Ozkar! I'm wishing you another year full of memories that will last a lifetime.

Architectural Antiques Wedding Photos

I'm a little biased to my own wedding, and for good reason. While I enjoy each and every event I'm fortunate to be a part of as a wedding photographer, there aren't many that make me think: A-ha, this is how I would do it if I married my wife again. Well, Jacob and Karina, with the two of you I had that a-ha moment. From the relaxed nature of the day, to the gorgeous look of every detail, to the lip-smacking food offerings — I kept saying over and over to myself: "Why didn't I think of that?" I couldn't duplicate your vision. Your wedding day was all uniquely you and that's what makes it wonderful. I'm sure some of your brilliant ideas, however, just might inspire some weddings to come.

Hair and makeup: Salon Sa Bel (www.salonsabel.com)

Hotel: The Hotel Minneapolis (www.thehotelminneapolis.com)

Wedding gown: L'Atelier Couture in Minneapolis. Designed by Elizabeth Fillmore (www.lateliercouturebridal.com)

Hairpiece: Pink Pewter (www.amazon.com)

Pocket square: Heimie's Haberdashery, St. Paul (www.heimies.com)

Rather than uniform bridesmaids dresses, Karina had all of her attendants choose their gowns from whatever source they desired. "I just requested a mix of greys, silvers, beiges and champagnes," Karina said. The results were stunning, bringing everyone together for a unified and vintage look without the ladies looking costumed or overly done. The guys were given similar instructions. These unique touches extended throughout the wedding day.

I think what struck me most about Jacob's and Karina's wedding day was just how personalized and genuine every detail came out to be. There was no pretense. Everyone came as who they are and celebrated their individuality. Even the desserts were one of a kind. Several guests were tasked to bring their own dessert bars and recipes to share with everyone — I might have snagged a lemon bar (kudos to whoever made those!). Jacob and Karina proved over and over again there's no standards you need to follow to leave a lasting impression. Who would have thought an Edwardian headpiece would play alongside perfectly with an ooey-gooey stuffed hamburger? These guys did!

And did I mention just how delicious the custom-created "I Do" Burger and foodie-fave Gatsby Burger were from The Blue Door Pub? Don't get me started! Let's just say I daydream about ground chuck stuffed with brisket braised in a red wine reduction on a daily basis (yup, meat stuffed with meat). Pat and Molly from The Blue Door Pub did a fantastic job catering to such a large crowd. I don't think a morsel was left over. When you see the eclectic mix of, well, just about everything at Architectural Antiques you'll see every facet of Jacob and Karina's wedding made perfect sense.

Flowers: Secret Garden of Rice, MN

Post-ceremony libation: Indeed Brewing Company Taproom (www.indeedbrewing.com)

Catering: Blucys from The Blue Door Pub (www.thebluedoorpubmn.com)

Venue: Architectural Antiques, Minneapolis (www.archantiques.com)

Music: Patty and the Buttons (www.pattyandthebuttons.com)

From the bride and Groom: "We met with several wedding photographers who were quite talented, but there was something special about Anthologie's photos. We were drawn to Dan's style of capturing beautiful moments in a photojournalist style. When we met with Dan, we sensed his true desire to capture the unique and special moments of our wedding, rather than the trappings of traditional wedding photography. Indeed, Dan and his partner for the day, John, made themselves invisible to us, but were always "there" at all the right moments to capture things as they were happening, knowing and sensing what mattered most. Dan was easy to work with, professional, and extremely thoughtful. We couldn't be happier with his photos from the day. They are truly stunning and we feel grateful to have stumbled upon his talents."

I'm blushing over here, guys! Wow, your kind words mean a lot and John and I couldn't have been happier to find such a great couple to work with. We were honored to be a part of your day. Cheers to you and your happiness!