I said it before, and I'll say it again, Dennis...(Nikki & Jeff's adorable dog)...is a star.  And he proved it.  He gets a page all on his own.  Don't you just want to pick him up and hug him?  More pictures of Dennis can be found on Nikki & Jeff's previous blog features here and here.

Kaeli & Derek's beautiful Brainerd wedding is also featured in the Real Weddings section of the Minnesota Bride.  Their story was one of complete emotion...Kaeli's sister and Matron of Honor went into labor on the morning of the wedding.  Needless to say...it was an eventful and unforgettable day.  More from their amazing day can be seen here.

There isn't anything much more romantic than Rice Park on a snowy day...

My favorite picture from their session...

Mike and Angela...I can't wait for your wedding day...it is going to be fabulous.

One thing is for sure...these babies are going to be uber-photogenic.  Look at these two...

Jake and Rachel...your babies are so blessed to be entering such a wonderful family.  You are going to be amazing parents!

The whole day took place at the Carlson Center.  It was gorgeous.

You will commonly find the two of them like this.  This is not a pose...this is how they are together.  If you don't believe me, scroll down to the pictures from their first dance.  They are just that much in love.

A romantic evening...

One of my most favorite father-daughter dance moments...

These last photos are dedicated to Benj.  This is his dad...who has a very serious side.  It is proof that everyone felt like celebrating.  And why not...this wedding was meant to be celebrated.

This is what he does...he makes her laugh...

When I did their brief engagement session, I was 8 and a half months along... so we were limited with how long I could tromp around in the woods.  We were lucky enough to get there right around sunset...and it turned out perfect.

The two of you really are good together...you know that?

I love you both.  It's about time you tie the knot.

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
I don't mean a phone
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight

~written by J. Javits and P. Springer
originally sung by Ertha Kitt

I love me some Kate Spade...drooling now...

Scott loves him some Nice Ride...Scott, you make me smile.

As is common for attorneys, Scott has an appreciation for the bow tie...and he claims to be able to tie it himself.  I waited for about 20 minutes to see if he could get it right, but left before he finished...I'm still not sure that he actually tied it himself...

Julie...you are simply stunning...and I love your laugh...

This photo gives me goosebumps...

Scott gave Julie a jewelry box for their wedding...just like his dad did for his mom on their wedding day...so sweet.

The anticipation of the First Look is the best...

And this is how they really are...Scott is so in love with her...

Her dress was one of my favorites from the season. Sophisticated and gorgeous.

I love those moments when there is not a soul on the bridge.  It's awe-inspiring.

These next two photos are some of my all-time favorites...it's all about the cathedral length veil...

Scott can go from adorable...

to strikingly handsome in the same second. 

Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis is marvelous.

These cuties win the most darling children prize...that kiss was all him.

And being the new mom that I am, I was so impressed that both Scott and Julie's sisters had babies within one week and two weeks of the wedding...and stood next to their sides like nothing had changed.  Of course, everyone fawned over these little munchkins...they are so precious.

These guys are the best.  I could have photographed them all day. 

If you follow the blog, you know I love making the groomsmen dance with the bride...it is so entertaining to just step back and click away while they run with it. 

Julie's ring is jaw-droppingly beautiful...

A bow tie affair...

this little guy even sported a bow tie...

Some alone time after a long and wonderful day is always a nice way to wind down...

The two of you are amazing.  Thank you so much for inviting me into this beautiful moment in your lives...

Behold...the little blue bag...

Justine....you are so beautiful.  No wonder you have Phil wrapped around your little finger.

Phil's dad is from England...and somehow he inherited the English dry sense of humor...which totally cracks me up.  Obviously, Justine thinks he's pretty funny too.

Some urban art to match their colorful wedding day theme...

Have you ever seen socks this color??

Thank you for holding hands boys...it was totally worth it...

Justine's sisters...they're still not sure about Phil...don't worry Phil...they'll eventually see your charm ;)

Sneaking outside at sunset...always a good idea.

May your lives always be full of fun surprises.

I see a lot of skin in this business.  No, not like that.  I mean facial skin.  And Mary has BEAUTIFUL skin...people would probably kill for a face like hers...and her eyes...
and her smile....isn't she gorgeous??

As a photographer...I think sunny days are quite difficult for photographing.  The sun makes people squint, the colors get washed out... but somehow...it worked for them...and this photo is my personal favorite...

Ok - I have total boot envy...these are some killer heels...

Good job, Andy.  Dip her like you mean it.

By the end of this post, you'll see why Matt fell in love with this girl.  She is bubbly, adorable...and SO beautiful...and super witty too!

I took a lot of pictures during this session...but for some reason, this one is my personal favorite. 

That's a plane...just thought I would put that out there for those of you trying to figure out what type of bird that is.

Matt and Ashley love cooking together...so we set up a scene special to them...a little picnic...and it made it one of the most fun engagement sessions I've done...

One of the best parts about photographing friends is that I can boss them around...and make them do dumb things, like wear a chef's hat... (ok, let's be honest, I boss everyone around if given the chance)...Matt was not liking it...but Ashley and I were.

Ok Ashley...you could be a Covergirl...seriously.

Another instance of me bossing Matt around.  Hey, I like the bibs.

A little icing goes a long way...

This next picture might be a little random, but it is proof that my engagement sessions can also be a nature tour, if you let them.

Matt and Ashley...I'm so excited for the two of you.  I could not have been happier when I heard about your engagement...you are so perfect together.

Natalie is strikingly beautiful...when I was growing up, I always wished I had been born with "strawberry" hair...Natalie was one of the lucky ones...and her green eyes match perfectly.

Travis was so worried about being awkward...but I think he did a pretty darn good job!! Laughter is the key.

My favorite photo from the day...they are so good together...

Natalie MADE these!! I think they are absolutely adorable!!

Happy Sunday everyone.  May all of your current worries be water under the bridge...

I never can resist the babies...

Mandi (Maranda) calls Mike, Michael...maybe she's hoping it will bring out the serious side in him...but I know he's just a goofball at heart...

What you don't see here...is that Mandi is wiping tears away...

Mandi...you are simply stunning...and look at those gorgeous honey-colored eyes...

This church was beautiful...

I love this...this is so them...

Mandi's dad was the most emotional father of the bride I've seen yet...it was so sweet...and being in the uber-pregnant state that I was...I got emotional just watching him.  It is clear that he loves his baby girl.

One of these things does not belong (in that Sesame Street singing voice)...

It's all fun and games...until someone gets their eye poked out with the champagne cork...

First stop...Enger Tower...thank you to those in the wedding party who made the trek to the top...I know how hard that is!!

This is why I love Duluth...look at that view...

Ok, this is Mandi's little sister, Lindi (and her hubby Jeremy)...she went to high school with us too..and at the wedding she was the adorably pregnant Matron of Honor...and now she has a beautiful baby boy...congratulations you two!!

I just love her laugh...it's more like a giggle...

Mike is a police officer...so a little frisking was necessary...I only hope she knows her Maranda rights...(ok...too cheesy??)...

Next stop...Grandma's.  I spent a fair amount of time here in college...waiting outside...so this is special to me too...

and I spent a good deal of time on this dance floor here too...but this is more special to them...because it is on this very dance floor that they met...

And a jaunt down Canal Park...my favorite photos from the day...

Some people just can't hold a straight face...don't worry Mandi...I'm the same way...

Final stop...the DECC...where the reception took place...

I'm pretty sure these beautiful girls got their mother's smile...

What a sweet father-daughter dance...

At the end of the night it was raining...and I mean down-pour material...but that's ok.  There was enough scenery on the inside...

May you two have a long and happy life together...