Wendy Woods Photography

Jim and Jen

This was a 10 1/2 hour wedding but it flew by! Such is life when you are having a really great time with great people and great locations. Jennifer Farrer and Jim Schweigert are 'Sconnies - with his huge tribe coming from Wisconsin. They live in rural Plattesville where Jim is a manager of Monsanto's corn seed operations and Jen is a retirement planner with Prudential. Their rural roots, though, were not in evidence in their choice of one of the most contemporary reception hotels and locations - downtown Minneapolis at the Milllennium Hotel. In fact, for our engagement session we photographed them at the new Walker Art Museum downtown. They prepared at the hotel, Jen and her gals dressing in the penthouse Nicolette suite with floor-to-ceiling windows. Then it was time for their private meeting in the mod martini bar off the lobby, a really exciting space as you can see. The ceremony was at the Woodbury Baptist Church, performed by pastor Frank Nelson, then it was back to the Millennium for a reception that spanned the Horizon, Satellite, and Dome rooms. Their good looks were matched by their great personalities, and everything was story-book perfect. These are the first few images from the day, the rest will be online in a few weeks. We look forward to your comments so please leave them here for Jim, Jen and me. Thank you for stopping by! Click on any image to view larger in a separate window.

Anna and Jason

What never ceases to amaze me is how different every wedding is - there are of course similarities in the customs and sequence of events - but every family is different and every wedding has its own unique flavor. That's what keeps us fresh and our work exciting. Anna Dubiak just graduated from law school, and Jason Lima, an engineer, is about to go for a master's degree in business in Chicago. His family is from the Azores. Their ceremony was at St. Odilia Catholic Church in Shoreview. If you saw a gaggle of red and white balloons floating over Woodbury, it was because they were released as the couple emerged from the church. Their party bus from Total Limo stopped at Woodbury's Central Park, a great indoor photography spot for wedding party photos. Then onto the reception at the Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury's Wedgewood neighborhood where the decor, the food, and the hosts were absolutely charming. All throughout the day we got a chance to try out our new dedicated infrared Canon Rebel XT camera - what fun! The images - the 5th and 6th ones below - have a ghostly monochrome look. Lexington Floral provided amazing flowers with cream roses and pink orchids. Please leave a comment here for us and for Anna and Jason! Click on any image to open larger.

Lindsay and Brent

What a fun wedding yesterday! Lindsay Lekander and Brent Decker were married at St. Andrews Church in Mahtomedi. They live Eau Claire, Wisconsin - Lindsay is a customer service rep for Wells Fargo Bank and Brent is a business analyst with Lorman Industries - but they came here for the wedding and chose this spectacular light, airy church, and the Dellwood Country Club for their reception. (And who was there but Molly and Gene Tannuzzo, whose wedding I photographed in 2005, and Cassandra Lawin, whose wedding I will photograph in January! That was wonderful to see them again, although as always during weddings I barely have time to talk, there is so much going on.) It was great seeing green and pink for Lindsay's bridesmaids' colors - they aren't just spring colors but look good any time. Lindsay was a doll in a gorgeous Marilyn Monroe style gown and the most amazing flowers by Oneka Floral. Brent was very GQ in his black suit and gray tie and cufflinks supplied by his mom. What a great family, lots of love and great to be around. Becky, Lindsay's mom, a nursing staff supervisor at Fairview Medical Center, was the life of the party, clearly hitting it off with Jane, Brent's mom. It's such a wonderful job I have, being able to document how families come together at these celebrations. Here are some of the first photos. Click on any one to enlarge. Please tell us what you think! Leave a comment!

Lindsay gets ready, Ashley who sang, was personal attendant, helper for photographer, and great dancer, in background

Lindsay just before her private meeting with Brent.

Brent and Lindsay Decker.

Randy, Lindsay's dad, walks her down the aisle.

Receiving line in St. Andrews Church.

The bridesmaids. Alex, in the middle, is Lindsay's sister and maid of honor.

Toast in a classic limo.

The groomsmen. Ryan, the best man and Brent's brother, is on left.

First dance with Randy.

Photojournalism for you!

Anne and Jeremiah

Anne Janiga and Jeremiah are engaged to be married next June. Anne is a student in medical school, and Jeremiah is an investment banker and a musician. We used the Como Park Conservatory for their engagement session a couple of weeks ago. Here are some of the fantastic images we made together. They are a really cool couple, they love photography and were a joy to work with. Click on any image to open larger.