Carrie + Tyler Wedding 6.7.2014 | Longville Church Wedding Ceremony & Lazy Moon Backstage Bar at Moondance Jam site Wedding Reception

I was privileged to shoot the wedding of Carrie and Tyler in Longville, MN and then Walker, MN for the reception. First, the gals all had their hair and make up done at the Beehive in Walker. After they were all dolled up, the gals finished getting ready at the church. Next, the weather was perfect when we headed a few miles south of Longville, to their cabin on the lake for some fun bridal party shots. Their neighbors were gracious–like family!–and allowed Carrie and Tyler to have their first-look moment on the dock in front of their cabin. No one was as astonished as I was how comfortable Carrie was, walking down a hill in her GORGEOUS Bridal gown to meet her groom in the loveliest way… WHILE the entire cabin “family” and the bridal party watched from the decks, and up the hill. It was the sweetest!!!! How special to have so many people surround you on your big day!

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After we headed back to the church, we took some shots outside the church near a gazebo that I had heard about from both Carrie and her mom as a place they envisioned taking lots of pictures. So, it was fun to make that vision a reality! The bridal party was decked out with all the bridesmaids in Black Dresses, each a little different and all the groomsman and ushers in perfectly grey (gray?) tuxes. The flowers were white and purple, roses and Irises mostly, with lovely white ribbon accents and SUCCULENTS… which also adorned the Bride & Groom’s cake at the reception. The guests enjoyed an Italian buffet, snacks, drinks, and followed up the dancing and games with scrumptious cupcakes at the reception.

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What to Wear: Summer | Leech Lake Walker, MN Family Photographer | Blue Green Black White Yellow Navy Tourquoise Khaki Jeans

Here is an example of a large family group photo session. This is an extended family group, including Grandparents, Their two children & spouses, and Their children. So, it was a fun shoot, complete with reenacting an old family pontoon photo when the grandkids where just tykes. This family had two of the five cousins going into their senior year, so we combined a couple of Senior Sessions in with the big family pictures. It was a blast! I love their outfit changes. They started with everyone in a white polo, and gradually added different shirts and pants. There were Khaki, Blue Jeans, teal or tourquoise shirts, robin’s egg blue skinny jeans, shorts, pants, yellow, green, stripes, solids, lacey cream tank tops, layers, barefoot, sandals, and all sorts of family combinations going on. It was splendid. AKP Lanie Senior-002 AKP Lanie Senior-013 AKP Lanie Senior-041 AKP Lanie Senior-086 AKP Lanie Senior-095

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What to Wear: Summer | Bemidji, MN Family Photographer | Blue Green Pink Yellow Teal Purple Jeans Ruffles Stripes

Here is an example of a family of 6 in summery colors. They mix and match: but none of them are wearing the SAME thing. It is a good combination of pink, purple, blue, yellow, green, jeans… I love the girls’ decals on their jeans. It’s a good touch to give the denim some texture. You can also notice the different stripes on the guys’ shirts. And it looks great! Don’t be afraid to mix it up.AKP What to Wear-010

the T family portraits | Milaca, MN Family Photographer

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Tell you what, our Lord gives and gives when it comes to His love for us. I am so thankful for this couple and their family of SIX! Tim and I have been mentored and loved on by these two for so many years. In high school, Tony was our youth leader, and Laurie the BEST youth leader’s wife. We’ve learned so much watching these guys live life. They are wonderful examples of living for Him. Raising a family for Him. And for them, I am grateful!

This was such a treat to spend the afternoon with these guys and get our kids (the boys!) together.

Welcome, too, to their newest addition. He was only 8 days old in these pictures… He’s adorable, and looking at mama, you’d NEVER guess she JUST had a baby! Go Babe!!!

S Family Photos | Bemidji, MN Children and Family Portrait Photographer

Hey, cute family! I am having a blast looking back at these photos from our quick and chilly November mini session. These kids. If you haven’t met them before, let me do the honor of introducing you to some of the most passionate children you have ever met. They are caring and kind, and give you every ounce of energy they can compose. They have hearts for the Lord, each one of them, and devote everything they have to telling you every story of imagination, food, creation, and friendship. They read books, they play games, they are sporty, and they’re fun! This couple lived in Chicago for a few years at Moody Bible College, and now are in Bemidji building relationships with Native Americans, stretching them and challenging them in a walk with the Lord. We serve with these guys at Oak Hills Center for Indian Ministries. What  blessing to photograph a sweet sweet family like these guys.

Kaya Wedding Part Two: White | Itasca State Park, Mississippi River Photographer, Bemidji MN

 Remember these lovely newlyweds? They were married in September and had their formal portraits taken at Itasca State Park. The leaves were perfectly golden, the grass still green, the roads cluttered with fallen leaves, while the trees stood firm. It was a cold and misty day, but it was beautiful, nonetheless.

Mr. & Mrs. Kaya were fun to work with, and got more and more comfortable in front of the lens as the hours passed. I am so grateful to have shot this wedding. It was just stunning to see the lovely hand-made bridal head piece that Christina wore. She was the most stunning bride with the long ribbons, pearls, and lace cascading down her back. They trailed over buttons from her dress and stood out in their soft peachy highlights against her delicate dress.

Interested in more? email me at amykastenbauer@gmail.com  and request to see a Wedding Catalog or ask any questions you might have.

Kaya Wedding, Part One: PINK | Itasca State Park, Mississippi River Photographer, Bemidji MN

Last month, I had the awesome privilege of photographing this gorgeous bride and groom, along with their bridal party. I learned that making EVERYTHING by hand results in several beautifully crafted gowns, ribbons, jewels, and head pieces. AMAZING.

Christina was the most becoming bride in her hot pink dress. Zosim stood out as the groom in his sharp pink shirt, too. The bridesmaids wore a gold color and the groomsmen wore a gold color with khakis.

Again, I am so happy I got to be a part of this special week! Congratulations for EVER, Kayas!!!

Tierra, Class of 2014 | Bemidji, MN Senior Portrait Photographer

Hey!

Have you seen my sneak peeks (on facebook) of this snappy senior!? Tierra is lovely, isn’t she!? And, she is ON THE BALL. She’s already in process of applying and hearing back from colleges!

What an inspiration to the procrastinator in all of us. 

She was saying how her dad was trying to nag her to get going on applying, and she’s like, “Dad, I’ve already heard back from them!” She has some testing to do, and then she’ll be waiting to hear a little more before she makes her college decision. I’m sure she’ll do great!

Tierra, I had so much fun working with you the other week. Thank You so much for the opportunity to photograph your senior pictures. Girl, you are going to do great this year.


Congratulations on accomplishing a successful move from school to school, and then working hard to do well this year! I wish you the very very best with your senior year at BHS, and with your decision on school for your next four years.

CONGRATS and lots of love,
Amy