Right as Rain

The perfect wedding day is all about attitude

Tad and Jeanna certainly didn't have to wait long for their marriage to be tested.

The minutes of weather without rain on their wedding day could seemingly be counted on one hand.

However, when the Bloomington, MN couple's outdoor nuptial was about to unfold, they never wavered on whether or not to go ahead as scheduled. That's because there really wasn't another option.

The bride and groom had chosen a beautifully landscaped residence in Delwood, MN as their ceremony site. Stunning as the venue was, the private home certainly wasn't set up to accommodate dozens of guests for an indoor ceremony.

So, when the clock neared the ceremony start time of 3 p.m., the couple put its best face (and umbrellas) forward and proceeded without hesitation. Many of the wedding party and guests were without shelter throughout the event, but if Jeanna and Tad are as good as the company they keep, their marriage is certain to be in great shape. Everyone was in high spirits and not a complaint was uttered. Jeanna and Tad were characteristically light in mood and appeared to be entertained by all the commotion in the sky.

Tad and Jeanna certainly didn't have to wait long for their marriage to be tested.

The minutes of weather without rain on their wedding day could seemingly be counted on one hand.

However, when the Bloomington, MN couple's outdoor nuptial was about to unfold, they never wavered on whether or not to go ahead as scheduled — because there really wasn't another option.

The bride and groom had chosen a beautifully landscaped residence in Delwood, MN as their ceremony site. Stunning as the venue was, the private home certainly wasn't set up to accommodate dozens of guests for an indoor ceremony.

So, when the clock neared the ceremony start time of 3 p.m., the couple put its best face (and umbrellas) forward and proceeded without hesitation.

Many of the wedding party and guests were without shelter throughout the event, but if Jeanna and Tad are as good as the company they keep, their marriage is certain to be in great shape. Everyone was in high spirits and not a complaint was uttered. Jeanna and Tad were characteristically light in mood and appeared to be entertained by all the commotion in the sky.

In those few moments without precipitation, the newlyweds and I were even able to explore the grounds and create some emotional imagery.

Following the ceremony, everyone was chauffeured via coach bus (nice touch) to Tad and Jeanna's home to celebrate with a low-key reception.

A luau-themed spread was set to coincide with the couple's honeymoon destination: Hawaii. The guys swapped their tuxedos for sophisticated Alohawear (at least one coconut bra was also spotted) and everyone was encouraged to relax in the convivial atmosphere.

Proteas, Birds of Paradise and other exotic flowers were used as centerpieces to play on the tropical them. And a buffet fit for any Big Kahuna was supplied by Angela Johnson and the crew from Town and Country Caterers who grilled up about 600 kababs on site! Did I mention they were also mouth-wateringly delicious? (I'd definitely try to get my hands on a chicken skewer with Caribbean coconut curry sauce — yum!)

Throughout the day and evening Tad and Jeanna were smiling and oblivious to the weather many would find less than desirable — proof that happiness is all about perspective, and that Jeanna and Tad have a long and happy road in their sites.

Click HERE to view more photos from this event.

This isn't your mother's scrapbook

Anthologie announces a project fit for any man cave

There's only so many BBQ accessory kits, boring DVDs and socket sets one man can take — oh, that new Lithium-Ion Sawzall would be just fine though ... hint, hint! That's why in honor of Father's Day 2010, Anthologie is announcing a special promotion just for dads, especially for the ones that really don't need a gift or are just too darn picky. You can just hear Tim Allen grunting and demanding "more power," can't you?

For any regular session booked today through Father's Day (which is June 21, by the way), we will also include 3 brag books: one for dad, one for the kids, one for ... hmm, a jealous neighbor. These mini books are the perfect way to show off your favorite dad's best talent. We will spend one hour photographing your dad in his wood shop, in the garage, heck — on the computer, wherever it is that your father really shines!

Your images will then be expertly edited and presented to you in a password-protected website for online ordering and photo sharing. Finally, a photo story about dad's special hobby will be designed and published just for you. Best of all, these little books come in some pretty manly cover materials, including the aviator leather (pictured above). Did I mention that they're also included in the cost of your photo session?

And if dad doesn't have a passion for bird houses, tying flies or rebuilding transmissions that's fine, too. We are happy to extend this promotion to photographs of some of his other favorite pastimes, like his kids, his dog or his lawn!

Included in the Manly Collection: • one hour on-location, custom photography • edits and enhancements of your best images • online gallery, active for 30 days • image disc with ownership rights of your photos printable to 4x6 inches • (3) identical, 3x3 brag books with photo story design

Price: $150

Call 952-232-5830 or use the contact form on this website to reserve your session today!

The not-so-fine print: • All sessions must be reserved by June 20, 2010 • Session times are available through Oct. 31, 2010 • All sessions must be paid in full at the time of making your reservations •We do not offer refunds, but are happy to apply your booking fee towards another session if you are unable to make it to your session date

Mother Nature's cruel sense of humor

The Bruce family figured that waiting until May was a safe bet for scheduling family photos along the banks of the Mississippi River (as did I). But as true Minnesotans know, you can't can't count on Mother Nature to cooperate.

As is often the case with our "No Foolin'" promotion — set to coincide with changing seasons — we found ourselves questioning whether or not the kids could withstand 30-miles-per-hour wind gusts, and if short sleeves were a good idea.

Despite the chilly conditions (ha!) and a bit of wintry precipitation (did I mention it was May), the Bruces decided the show must go on — both kids were nearing their birthdays and the family wanted their latest photo experience to pay homage to their summer tradition of boating along the river. Their determination paid off in the images, and I think the kids showed that they can be more resilient than adults when confronted with a cold front.

Thanks guys. You proved "No Foolin'" can mean "no excuses," too.

Seniors: tell your story

Time flies when you're having fun It's hard to believe. Though the 2010 high school seniors have yet to receive their diplomas, it's already time to start thinking about commencement 2011! Knowing just how quickly 12 months can pass, Anthologie has designed graduate collections that will honor your senior year and preserve these memories for the rest of your life. Aside from a generous time allotment for photo sessions, every 2011 collection boasts a print package, ownership of digital negatives and a keepsake, hardcover photo box to store your wallet-sized photos.

In addition, two different graduate collections include archival books, including our signature Graduate - Anthologie, which allows for photography on two separate dates, a feature story that captures your personality and a 30-page, leather-bound book.

Click HERE to download the 2011 Anthologie graduate flyer. Specific details of the 2011 graduate collections are in the post below.

2011 senior collections are here

Graduate Premiere Collection

• 2 to 3 hours location photography

• unlimited wardrobe changes (as time permits)

• edits and enhancements of your best images

• web hosting of your best images to a password-protected

gallery for convenient online ordering and photo sharing

gallery remains active for 60 days

• personalized, hardcover wallet photo box (pictured above)

• 48 wallet photographs (up to 6 unique poses)

• (1) 8x10 photo

• (2) 5x7 photos

• ownership of digital negatives printable to 4x6

• downloads of all images at web resolution

$250

Graduate Feature Collection

All the amenities of the Premiere Collection are included in the Graduate Premiere. However, a 20-page, hardcover coffeetable book has been added to enhance this collection. This book, featuring lay-flat pages, displays your favorite photos while providing space for signatures and personal messages from friends to help you to remember this key moment in time. Please flip through below to experience the design of the Graduate Feature book.

$450

Graduate Anthologie Collection

All the amenities of the Premiere Collection are also included in the Graduate Anthologie. However, this collection has significant upgrades, including:

• An additional 1 hour of photography coverage at a different event date (sports photos, drama club, hanging out with friends)

• A 30-page, legacy quality book with a leather cover and foil stamping

• A feature story written about you and your high school experiences

• Scans and captions preserving your personal memorabilia

Please flip through below to experience the design of the Graduate Anthologie book.

$650

Call 952.232.5830 or use the contact form on this website to schedule your session today.