{Better Together} Marshall, MN Wedding Photographer

Ceremony: St. Mary's Church in Holy Redeemer School

Reception: Family Farm Marshall, MN 

Hair: Saavy Salon Marshall, MN

Bridal Gown: David's Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal 

Flowers: HyVee Floral Department

Dinner: Rib Shack Sioux Food Truck Sioux Falls, SD

Cake and Cookies: Woodlake Baker-Paula

Mini Cupcakes: Kornerstone Kravings Canby, MN

Videographer: Tobey Krafft Twin Cities, MN 

I had the privilege of photographing a beautiful wedding in Marshall at the end of June. The day was perfect, the weather was gorgeous and you could not find anyone more in love than this bride and groom. Their love and passion for each was evident; it was an honor to be in the presence of such happiness! Denise and Chad are an amazing pair! They are so sweet and welcoming they really made my job easy the day of their wedding. I met Denise at the salon the morning of the big day to capture some photos of the getting ready process and then we headed to the church so the bridal party could get dressed. The shining moment had to be when Denise and Chad's little guy, Jax, came bounding in the room to see his momma; she had just gotten dressed and they were able to share a moment just the two of them. Stunning really did not begin to describe Denise. She was absolutely glowing and to see her with her baby made her beam even more. Chad and Jax got to share a similar moment right before Chad saw Denise for the first time. Chad made a handsome groom and seeing his little guy made him grin from ear to ear. I set up a first look along the side of the church, Denise came out the front door and walked over to her groom. Chad's reaction was priceless, you could see the love they had for each other-they were both so relaxed and comfortable with each other capturing authentic moments came very easy. 

Their ceremony was beautiful, the church was intimate and had an incredible balcony that was perfect for taking pictures from. After the ceremony, Denise and Chad chose to travel around Marshall to take some fun photos with their wedding party. Their wedding party was INCREDIBLE! They were up for any of my wacky ideas, including hiking up a hill in 85 degree weather to get some great shots. We took photos at Independence Park and under a bridge near Justice Park. We also got some great group shots on the farm once we arrived to the reception. 

The reception took place on a family farm and they thought of everything! They had photo spots set up including a couch made out of hay bales, bouncy houses for the kids, bean bag games, lawn games, food, drinks and desserts! Dinner was fantastic and the cupcakes were delicious! Before their first dance took place I was able to steal Denise and Chad away for some romantic photos just the two of them, this is my favorite part of the day when the couple can relax a bit, enjoy some one on one time and I can capture the love they have for one another. Denise and Chad's first dance as husband and wife was incredible, it was set in a farm building and you could tell they were completely lost in the moment. After their dance the party began and the dance floor remained full for the rest of the evening. 

It was truly a glorious day, photographing there two and their wedding party was an honor and I can honestly say I gained two friends from this wedding. Nothing makes me happier than when I can capture heartfelt memories for people as nice as Denise and Chad!

{Simplicity} Lakeville, MN Photographer

The more I learn about photography, the more I fall in love with documenting everyday images. I love documenting moments that cannot always be supported by props, extravagant backdrops or locations because all of that takes away from telling a story. My days are filled with routines involving my two little guys and a big part of our day is our "getting ready" routine. I am sure most moms know that the time it takes to get the kids ready can test even the most patient of mothers; in spite of that, bathtime is still one of my favorite routines with my little guys. It might take some convincing to get my little ones (especially my older one) in the tub but once they are in there they love to splash and play. My favorite part is the snuggles I get afterwards, when they are all fresh, clean and snuggly! This morning after their baths, we had a little extra time so I decided to play a game of peek a boo with my littles in order to capture some artistic shots, telling our morning routine story in a different way. The set up was so quick and simple. I just used a queen sized flat sheet, a white bedspread, some pillows and in about ten minutes I got some new favorite shots of my boys. I am always thinking of new ways to document my kids' childhood and to capture my kids real expressions; scenarios that push my creativity while keeping my kids engaged (and safe!). I am in love with these because instead of interacting with a prop they really are interacting with me as I am pulling the bedsheet up and saying "peek-a-boo!" 

Do you have a favorite family routine or tradition? Maybe you are taking your first child to the zoo or an amusement park for the first time. Maybe you just bought your first home together. Maybe you bake, read, put together puzzles or do an activity outside together. Whatever those routines are that make your family unique--let me help you capture those moments while your kids are still small so you can remember them forever. To book your lifestyle session email me at alyssa.francis@outlook.com.

{K Family} St. Paul Family Photographer

Many of my clients hire me not because I am great at "posed" photos, but because of the "in between" moments. The moments that capture their family as it is. Posed photos are great and all but those in between shots, those are the ones that I take and I instantly think "that was my shot, it was perfect." 

The K family had their session photographed at the Union Depot in St. Paul, and it included a lot of those "in between" moments! The venue is absolutely beautiful! It was a gorgeous backdrop to capture some moments for this beautiful family. The building itself had so much character I found myself photographing from the floor quite a bit because the ceiling was so spectacular. 

The order of my sessions are usually dictated by the kiddos and what they want to do. If the energy level is high, I have them run, jump and play. If the energy level is low, that is when I will tend to get up close and get those more quiet moments between the child and parents or the child by him or her self. We play games and at times it feels like chaos, but the hope is that the experience above all else is a good one for the kids as well as their parents. 

There was so much love in this family that is was easy to capture the relationship between the parents and the children and I am so in love with so many images from this session, I couldn't help but post a blog about it!