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Kathy and Austin’s Wedding at the Long Lake Lodge in Brandon Minnesota by Phodot Photographers Mark and Stacy Milburn

As our weather starts to turn cooler this fall we love reflecting back on the warm and beautiful Minnesota days we encountered this past summer. For us we agree that Austin and Kathy’s outdoor August 16th wedding day at the Long Lake Lodge in Brandon Minnesota was the warmest wedding day we had this past summer.

The Lodge provided space for the bride and groom to get ready in comfort, separately. They also have rooms for the couple, the wedding party and guests to stay the night. Kathy and her bridesmaids choose to get ready in the air conditioned farm house at the Lodge.

As Kathy’s grandmother wrapped Kathy’s wrist with her pearl bracelet she shared the story of how she hand picked the pearls with her groom overseas years ago.

The farmhouse at the Lodge was filled with beautiful summer light all day long and it provided the rustic charm that Austin and Kathy wanted as a backdrop to their wedding.

Mark and I loved the old buildings, the lake and the natural background that the Long Lake Lodge provided. We had so many options for photos.

Austin and Kathy choose to include late summer flowers in their bouquets, boutonnieres and decor. Their choices were heat hearty and lasted through-out the day. The best way to have floral that lasts the entire day is to choose plants and flowers that are in season when and where you are getting married.

In line with tradition, Austin and Kathy choose to see each other for the first time during the ceremony. We captured many photos before the ceremony but we worked together to make sure that their paths did not cross until the ceremony. Hard work paid off as we got to capture Austin full of emotion at the altar waiting as Kathy and her Dad walked slowly down the aisle.

Often we hear the bride described as a DIY personality but for this wedding the groom Austin provided himself quite the carpenter. He built the entrance to the ceremony.

Austin and Kathy choose to do the wine mixing ceremony to symbolize their wedding union.

Kathy & Austin purchased a guest signature wedding book full of images from their engagement photography session with us at Spicer Castle. Austin proposed to Kathy at the Castle.

Instead of traditional wedding cake Austin and Kathy went with a cheesecake bar. Guests had their choice of dessert toppings.

Austin and Kathy choose to gift engraved flasks to both their bridesmaids and groomsmen. Girls in pink, guys in black.

No party is complete without a little Red Solo Cup.

Austin also hand crafted an anniversary box in which they sealed two bottles of their favorite wine.

Austin got the party started as he danced his way to Kathy for the garter removal.

Guests kept their lips moist with Kathy and Austin’s signature chap-sticks.

We finished the night with a couple shot just outside the reception hall. If you would like more information with regards to Phodot wedding photography please visit http://www.phodot.com/about-the-photographers

Phodot Wedding Photography at The Little Log House Pioneer Village in Hastings Minnesota

August 8th, 2014 was a beautiful, sunny, Minnesota summer day for Dale and Kerry’s wedding at The Little Log House Pioneer Village in Hastings. Mark and I enjoyed spending the day with Kerry, the bride and Dale, the groom, while capturing their wedding day for them.

Mark had a blast photographing Dale, the groom and his groomsmen all over the village.

The Little Log House Pioneer Village was full of vintage charm and it offered so many wedding photography options. Kerry had me begin photographing her day after her hair and make-up was complete but before she put on her dress. Above, I photographed Kerry’s wedding dress hanging just outside the Dress Shoppe in the village.

Kerry surrounded herself with friends as she got dressed. The Little Log House Pioneer Village offers separate spaces for the bride and groom to get ready. I loved the light from the stain-glass windows as it fell on Kerry as she got ready.

Kerry and Dale choose to see each other before the ceremony. We choose the garden as the location for the reveal keeping Dale in the shade and cool as he waited for Kerry to arrive. After the reveal we photographed the wedding party and family formal photos all before the ceremony.

Kerry and Dale full of smiles as they spend their first moments together on their wedding day.

Kerry and Dale choose to perform a sand ceremony to represent their union. I love the signature glass cube they had made for the ceremony.

Kerry was all smiles as she walked arm in arm with her dad down the aisle.

Guests were happy to fan themselves to keep cool during the outdoor wedding ceremony with the programs.

After the ceremony as guests made their way to the reception hall onsite at the village we ran around the grounds with the wedding party photographing them at various spots. Below we captured the wedding party under the Drive-in sign.

As photographers we just had to make use of the railway car and the telephone booth at the village.

Kerry and Dale’s purple and grey heart shaped card box carried the couples wedding colors.

The cake and cupcakes also echoed the wedding colors. The custom cake topper with names and wedding date set the couple’s cake apart and provided a focal point.

Dale and Kerry’s photogenic friends helped the couple celebrate their wedding all night long.

All eyes were on Kerry and Dale as they danced their first dance. They crowd only increased as the father-daughter and the mother-son dances took place. There is no better backdrop for the dance photos then the smiles of friends and family as they watch you dance the night away.

A night photo in the neon is a must at the Little Log House Pioneer Village for every couple that ties the knot at the village.

Minnesota Professional Photographers Assoc. (MNPPA) Summer Shoot-Out 2014 at the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth

On July 21st, 2014 the Minnesota Professional Photographers Association MNPPA hosted their annual summer shoot-out at the Glensheen Mansion on the historic Congdon Estate in Duluth Minnesota. Professional photography at the mansion is limited to booked weddings taking place at the estate so it was a true treat to have access to photography on the grounds with models. Professional Photographer Mark Fitzgibbons of Fitz Photo, a MNPPA member and a local Duluth resident, led the event and shared some of his favorite tips and lighting tricks for on-location photography sessions. Following his presentation we were set free to create and capture images at the estate. Below are a few of my favorite images that I captured during the afternoon. The MNPPA will be hosting two events on Monday October 6th, 2014. Both events are open to members and non-members. Please visit the MNPPA event registration page to learn more and sign up.

Leia and Tim’s Wedding at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum by Phodot Photographers Mark & Stacy

On August 2nd, 2014 wedding photographers Mark and Stacy Milburn captured Leia and Tim as they stood hand in hand during their American wedding ceremony at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN. This was Leia and Tim’s second wedding. They celebrated their Hmong ceremony only a few weeks earlier. With a shared passion in gardening and bonsai the MN Landscape Arboretum is one of Leia and Tim’s favorite places to visit. Their love for the Arboretum also made it the perfect venue for their wedding ceremony and reception.

Leia reflects on her final touches before seeing Tim for the first time.

Tim is all smiles as he turns to view Leia during their reveal.

The bridesmaids all wore flower rings that reflected Leia love for plants.

Leia’s bridal bouquet with just a touch of pink.

Leia and Tim next to one of the main fountains at the Arboretum. Storm a brew in the sky before the ceremony.

Leia and Tim all smiles after their ceremony as they walked down the bubble filled aisle.

The wedding party led the way up the hill to the hall for the reception as a light rain began to fall right after the wedding ceremony.

Guests all received little boxes filled with tea and treats.

Brianna and Steven’s Catholic Wedding at St. Francis Xavier Church in Buffalo Minnesota photographed by Phodot Photographers Mark & Stacy

On July 26th, 2014 Phodot photographer Mark Milburn and I enjoyed capturing the hometown wedding of Brianna and Steven at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. Below are a few of our favorite photographs from the day.

Brianna and Steven choose to see each other before the ceremony. We set-up a private meeting in the new addition at the entrance to the church. The big beautiful windows lit the room and cast a soft glow over bride and groom. From the start Brianna and Steven were all smiles and ready for fun.

Every bride should make sure to give dad a hug before he gives her away to her new husband. The love and emotion from that hug sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony.

Brianna and Steven choose choose to symbolize their union with the exchanging of rings and the lighting of a unity candle.

After the ceremony we darted down to Buffalo Lake for some fun wedding party photos on the dock before heading to Minnesota Pioneer Park in Annandale.

I loved the bright sunny colors of the bridesmaids dresses next to the yellow station at Minnesota Pioneer Park. The light short dresses were a perfect match for the heat of the July sun. Pioneer Park is full of old colorful buildings. It is one of our favorite locations to do wedding portraits near Annandale. Keep in mind that you will need to make a donation in order to use the grounds.

Mark had a lot of fun photographing Steven with his groomsmen all over Pioneer Park. From the photos it looks like the guys were having a good time too.

From Pioneer Park we crossed the highway and made our way to Reichel’s in Annandale Minnesota for the wedding reception. Steven and Brianna had custom wedding signs created to decorate the space.

Brianna and Steven treated every guest to a custom designed glass mugs as a take home party favor.

Steven dipped Brianna and ended their first dance with a kiss,

Brianna’s dad was all smiles when he got his turn to dance with his daughter.

Phodot wedding photographers Mark & Stacy capture the wedding of Bobbie & Mitch in Prior Lake MN

Saturday July 19th, 2014 high school sweethearts Bobbie and Mitch each said their “I do” to each other at 3:00 pm at the Shepard of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake Minnesota. Wedding photographers Mark & Stacy Milburn captured the wedding day from getting ready to the garter toss. Below are a few of their favorite photos through-out the day.

Mitch waited to see his bride for the first time just outside the church next to the lake and the gazebo. Bobbie and Mitch choose to see each other in private before the ceremony so that they could have all of their formal family and wedding party photos before the ceremony.

Bobbie’s wore a Justin Alexander wedding dress adorned with beautiful bead and lace details.

Mitch was ready and waiting to take Bobbie’s hand at the altar.

The wedding party stopped at one bar in Prior Lake to celebrate a bit before heading to the reception venue. Their stop gave guests the chance to arrive and get situated at reception before the wedding party so that the bride and groom could truly make a grand entrance.

The reception took place at the clubhouse at The Wilds Golf Club in Prior Lake Minnesota. Bobbie and Mitch grew up in The Wilds neighborhood so it was the perfect place for them to celebrate their wedding.

The pergola just outside the ballroom was a popular spot for the wedding guests to enjoy the beautiful July day. It was also a inspirational spot to take this artistic black and white portrait of Bobbie.

Bobbie and Mitch’s wedding party was full of friends and siblings who made the day fun and playful for Bobbie and Mitch. Here’s the wedding party tug-o-war contest before the reception grand march.

Bobbie and Mitch purchased a 8×8 wedding guest signature book full of their engagement session photos from Phodot. The pages were chuck full of warm wedding wishes and messages by the end of the night.

Each couple danced into the reception to a different dance song and the crowd cheered as the wedding party broke out the grand march Harlem Shake finale.

Bobbie and Mitch opted for a cheesecake desert buffet and guests loved the many flavors and choices.

The guests enjoyed the kiss and copy game.

Bobbie and Mitch enjoyed sharing their father-daughter and mother-son dances at the same time.

If you are interested in more information with regards to booking Phodot photographers Mark and Stacy Milburn for your wedding or event please visit http://www.phodot.com/

A Oak Marsh Golf Club wedding in Oakdale Minnesota by Phodot photographers Mark and Stacy Milburn

Bonnie and Rick booked us for their Oak Marsh Golf Club wedding in Oakdale back in March at the Twin Cities Bridal Show. We are so excited to share the photography from their June 28th, 2014 wedding. Below are a few of our favorite images that will give you a brief look into their wedding day.

Mark started the day off photographing Rick with his groomsmen. We think it’s fun to capture all of the little details during a wedding. They hold a story all their own. Above are all of the accessories any groom needs including: shoes, watch and wedding band.

Bonnie hired a professional hair & make-up artist to create her wedding day look. Professional make-up is a must if you are getting married on a wet, humid, summer day in Minnesota. Bonnie and her bridesmaids got ready at The Holiday Inn & Suites in Lake Elmo which was just a short 5 minute drive from Oak Marsh.

The Groomsmen have their own way of preparing for the wedding day.

Bonnie loves horses so she choose boots as her wedding shoes. Added benefit her feet were comfortable from ceremony to the last dance. Bonnie’s bouquet was a collection of paper flowers that she created herself. Bonnie also created the bridesmaid’s bouquets and all the boutonnieres for the men.

The final touches before the ceremony. Rain or sun professional make-up will keep you looking flawless all day long.

Bonnie and Rick had hoped for an outdoor ceremony but a June storm chased us inside. Thankfully the Oak Marsh Golf Club had plenty of room inside for the ceremony. The large western windows poured beautiful natural sunlight into the room.

Bonnie and Rick choose to tie the knot as part of their ceremony.

During our formals after the ceremony it started to pour rain. We found ways to keep the photos fun and moving.

The exotic mashed potatoes were a hit.

The staff at the Oak Marsh helped to make the event exciting and personalized for Rick and Bonnie right down to their signature cocktail.

Bonnie choose to decorate her reception with starfish on every table. She also wore a starfish in her hair.

Complete Entertainment kept Bonnie and Rick dancing and full of smiles.

Bonnie and Rick love ferrets. Two ferrets in love atop their cake.

The storm earlier in the day gave life to a gorgeous sunset full of color over the golf course. What a beautiful way to end your first day together as a married couple. If you are interested in more information regarding Phodot wedding photography please visit http://www.phodot.com/

Rustic Barn & Vineyard Outdoor Wedding Photos by Phodot photographers in Hillman MN

Blessed with a gorgeous summer day at the Rum River Barn and Vineyard in Hillman Minnesota, Nadhia and Nate declared their love and commitment to one another in an outdoor wedding ceremony. Below are a few of the wedding photos Mark and I captured through-out their wedding day.

The Rum River Barn and Vineyard venue offers private spaces for both the groom and bride to get ready. While I was busy photographing Nadhia in the bridal preparation suite, Mark captured the groom’s details along with photos of Nate getting ready in the main house.

The bridal suite offered Nadhia a private and comfortable space to get dressed along side her bride’s people. Nadhia choose to have her closest friends, male and female, stand up for her during her ceremony.

If you look closely you can see Nadhia over Nate’s shoulder, on her way around the barn to see Nate for the first time. This type of meeting before the wedding ceremony is called a reveal. The reveal gives the bride and groom a little alone time before group and family formal portraits to see each other for the first time when the majority of formal photos must take place before the ceremony.

The Rum River Barn & Vineyard offered limitless rustic and natural options for wedding photography backdrops and the mosquitoes in the woods and tall grass were few despite the wet weather northern Minnesota has experienced this spring and summer. When mosquitoes are an issue a little spray can go along way to keep everyone red bump free.

Arm in arm Nadhia and her father wait for their walk down the aisle as they watch the wedding processional take place.

Nadhia and Nate choose a naturally shaded area next to the Vineyard to stage their outdoor ceremony. The Rum River Barn and Vineyard also offers a covered area to stage an outdoor ceremony in case of rain.

Nadhia and Nate, such a lucky couple, are blessed with talented friends and family who helped them by providing beautiful music for their wedding ceremony.

Nadhia full of smiles walking arm in arm with Nate, husband and wife, ceremony complete.

Nadhia and Nate choose the space in the barn loft for their reception. Short Stop Custom Catering provided the food. Nadhia and Nate choose a vegetarian meal with a Mexican theme and Short Stop Custom Catering served each table. The family style service encouraged friends and family to mix and mingle at each table.

Nate’s mom hand picked the knickknacks that decorated the reception and complemented the rustic vintage charm of the barn wedding.

The vintage theme echoed through-out their wedding even in their photo booth experience where friends and family used playful props and their own cell phones to capture fun photos of themselves.

Are you planning a wedding or event at the Rum River Barn and Vineyard? We would love the opportunity to photograph your event. We are happy to travel to Hillman again. The Barn is just a brief 20 minute drive from our lake home in Onamia so we do not charge travel or hotel fees. If you are interested in more information about Phodot wedding photography please visit phodot.com.

Tom & Annie’s Wine Country Wedding Day in Glen Ellen California as seen by photographers Mark & Stacy Milburn

On May 29th Mark and I boarded a Sun Country Flight to San Francisco. We were on our way to photograph Annie & Tom’s wedding in Glen Ellen California. We know Tom (a photographer himself) and Annie are super excited to see their wedding photos so below are some of our favorite moments from the day.

Surrounded by her bridesmaids Annie got ready at the Jack London Lodge Warm Springs Cottage.

While I was busy photographing Annie and the bridesmaids Mark spent time with Tom and his groomsmen at the Hill House in Glen Ellen where he captured the details for the groom.

For their reveal Annie and Tom choose the Benziger Winery. The winery showcased large vines and beautiful rolling hillsides and it was only a brief climb for Annie.

Annie and Tom choose She & He Flower Company for their flowers. I loved the soft peach and yellow tones against the bright colorful California backdrop. The colors also complimented the grey tones in the groomsmen’s suits.

Annie and Tom choose a good friend to perform their wedding ceremony at Jack London State Park. Wine Country Party & Events provided the chairs and set the scene for the wedding ceremony. Annie and Tom choose to incorporate a wine blending ceremony to demonstrate their new union and the blending of their lives together.

Jack London State Park was full of huge trees that provided amble shade for wedding guests and the wedding party. The park also has fantastic old farm buildings full of texture which makes the park a hot spot for photography and weddings.

The red door at Jack London State Park was a got to have it wedding photo location for Tom & Annie.

Following the ceremony it was a short drive to the Jack London Lodge in downtown Glen Ellen for the wedding reception. The weather was beautiful and the patio was a perfect place for an out-door California wedding reception. Friends and family circled the couple as they entered their party.

Annie & Tom choose to tempt the taste buds of their guests with several favors of cupcakes from Cupcake Wars award winning Sift Dessert Bar. I don’t often partake of the dessert but the cheesecake cupcake was calling my name.

Annie, Tom and their guests partied the night away. High Hand Productions Peter Wallace kept the crowd and the bride and groom dancing all night.

Krystal and Tony’s Wedding at St. Anthony Catholic Church Photographed by Phodot Photography in Watkins Minnesota.

May 24th, 2014 was a beautiful Minnesota day and we had the pleasure of photographing Krystal and Tony’s wedding in Watkins. Krystal and Tony choose Meeker County Park for their semi-private reveal. To compliment the day and summer like weather Krystal choose bright purples and oranges as her accent colors. We love the way the color pops in photos.

From the park we traveled to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Watkins for wedding party and family photography formals as well as the ceremony.

Father Tony, a family friend, blessed Krystal and Tony’s marriage.

In need of refreshment after the ceremony while en-route to the reception the wedding party bus stopped at the Third Street Brew House in Cold Springs for a cold one. We made use of the giant windows and staircase for some fun wedding party photos.

From the Brew House we headed straight to the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud for the wedding reception. Krystal and Tony (not cake fans) choose to reward their wedding guests with their choice of ice cream treat for desert following the meal.

Games can be a great way to get all eyes on you for your first dance photos. Krystal and Tony choose to entertain their guests with the Shoe Game. Looks like everyone is a winner at the Shoe Game.

When we get the chance, we love to photograph an end of the wedding day photo with just the bride and groom. If interested in more information about professional wedding photographers Mark & Stacy Milburn please visit http://www.phodot.com/