Wendy Woods Photography

Courtney and Dave

Courtney Kirt and Dave Klocke held their wedding ceremony Saturday three hours north of the Twin Cities at Grandview Lodge, a really charming resort deep in a mature forest near Brainerd. This fantastic location included a spa, where Courtney got ready, an Italian restaurant so authentic looking it could have come from the Italian alps, a grand lodge worthy of presidents, a promenade down to the beach lined with a rainbow of begonias, and a beautiful beach with docks. This was Courtney and Dave's second shot at a wedding, the first was postponed after their venue burned down! This time they were luckier, except for the burning heat! But it was mitigated by the cool breeze from Gull Lake and plenty of tree shade. They held their private meeting in the little Italian restaurant, the ceremony in a glade just below the lodge, and the reception under a spectacularly decorated tent with the most amazing finger food stations we have ever seen. Courtney and her bridesmaids glowed and Dave and his groomsmen, dressed casually in linen and sandals, set the perfect fashion tone for the day. These are my first few photos, the rest will be online at their Web site in a couple of weeks. Click on any image to open larger.

The wedding party!

Courtney and her bridesmaids pose.

Dave with groomsmen and ushers

Courtney and Dave's private meeting in the Italian Garden restaurant.

Moments later, outside. What a cool couple!

Just married! Dave spontaneously picked up Courtney.

A moment alone.

Grandview Lodge beach at sunset.

Courtney celebrates with a stogie.

Dancing on the boat to reggae music!

Sailing into the sunset!

The Grandview Lodge, early evening.

Shannon and Ryan

If I could have brought back Italy with me, it would have looked like the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul. But we are fortunate to have it already, a stunningly beautiful building with interiors a photographer can only dream about. Marble arches, a spectacular atrium that soars 6 floors high. Ornate chambers restored to the grandeur they had with this was the Ramsey County Courthouse a century ago. Shannon Johnson and Ryan Tucker chose this as the setting for a wedding which was as perfect as they come. Even on such a hot day, the interior of this building is cool and beautifully lit. Shannon was gorgeous and svelt in her gown and veil, Ryan so handsome and tall and gallant. Shannon and Ryan were so patient with me as we went from place to place, capturing their love amid the gorgeous environs. The colors of blue, pink, and lavender worked beautifully in the flowers, chair sashes, cake, and bridesmaids' dresses. The tall, pink lanterns behind the main table and the table settings were inspired. Shannon and Ryan are off to Hawaii now for a honeymoon, and we wish them all the best. Click any image to open larger.

Paige and Doug

Heaven on earth - Lake Ontario between Buffalo and Rochester. The setting for Paige Doughty and Doug Washburn's wedding, at Paige's family's lakefront cabins. We flew out Thursday and photographed all the magic of this idyllic place. The designs were inspired, all yellow gingham check, sunflowers, bottles of honey on the tables. Paige, the bride, was a goddess, in a spectacular gown, with a bouquet of blue hydrangeas, Queen Anne's lace and sunflowers. We have never seen a wedding in such a beautiful location, with such an attractive couple, and the sweetest family and wedding party crew. It was a delight and we went nuts trying to photograph every little detail. Thank you Paige and Doug, Ruth, Robert, Jim and Charlene, for being such wonderful hosts. We were honored to be a part of this New York State celebration. Click on any image to open larger in a new window.

Joel and Laura

Saturday's wedding! Laura and Joel of Becker, Minnesota, are an absolutely great couple, and it was our pleasure to be the photographer for their wedding day. The Catholic ceremony took place at Saint Alphonsus Church in Brooklyn Park, with reception at the Edinburgh USA. Everything went beautifully. Laura is a financial advisor but could clearly toss that job and become a professional model if she wanted :) and Joel is a carpenter. The bridal party was a riot, especially the groomsmen. Special thanks to maid of honor Amber for helping organize the family sessions. And thanks to Lynn, Joel's mom, just for being so nice to us. Our previous wedding clients, Rachel and Kevin Lucas, were there too! Married two years now and still going strong! Here are some moments Nick and I captured from the day. Click on any image to open larger.