Becky + Justin: 01.05.08

Becky and Justin were one of Cory Ann's weddings for January. As I said before, I love that people take a chance and do something different in our winter months! Now, if there was only a wedding the weekend we had the big snowstorm in March....
Before Becky and Justin's wedding, I was instructed to visit the men as they prepared for the day at a house in Brookings. Now, I had the address, and I had directions, but no one told me there were two houses with the same street number AND the same house number!! Needless to say I picked the incorrect house, knocking on the door of a very nice older gentleman, who was obviously NOT the groom! After explaining my situation, he was very helpful and pointed me and my camera just up the street to the correct location. I'm glad that I wasn't the only one that got a kick out of my mistake!

Thank you to the namers of the streets of the city of Brookings, for keeping my life full of surprises!
Maria

Ashley + Jonathan: 01.12.08

Even though there was freezing temperatures and snow on the ground, Ashley and Jonathan's wedding was packed full of fun and warmth.
I was very excited that these two were not afraid to schedule their day during one of our coldest and snow-packed months; it made for some unique images (not ALL people get the opportunity to see snow in their lifetime) and who doesn't just want to cuddle with the one they love when the wind's blowing? Needless to say, it didn't take much to see the love between Ashley and Jonathan while shivering during some portraits.
After the ceremony, we traveled about 30 miles to where the reception took place in Marshall, MN. Eveything was decorated with beautiful snowflakes and lights, along with the scrumptious looking cake and a full candy "bar". I had such a fabulous time, and enjoyed the energy and fun that Ashley and Jonathan's friends and family brought to their day. Thanks you two!
Maria


Before the ceremony, I had a chance to steal Ashley's shoes and capture this.

Some alone time right before heading down the isle.

What spunk Ashley had the entire night!!

Billy + Sheena: 11.10.07

A few months before their wedding, Billy and Sheena came in for their engagement session. It was refreshing to have a couple with such spunk and laughter in their lives! They had such a sparkle for life and I knew right away that their wedding was going to be a blast! Thanks for such a great time you two!

For this wedding I had a special treat - Cory Ann got to be my tag along! (You would think that life would get stressful with your boss watching you work your magic...) It was actually a perk, because Cory Ann was able to spend some time with the guys while I checked in with the ladies.

Knowing what the gentlemen are doing is something I think every bride wishes to capture on that day. It is always a completely different atmosphere than it is in the bride's room. On my wedding day Kris and the groomsmen had a grand breakfast and hung by the pool, while I was running to the hair salon, applying makeup, and stressing on the thought that I had forgotten to buy a garter! It brought such laughter to know how laid back they had all been!

Here's some images from the day.
ML

Tiffany + Eric: 10.27.07

The afternoon of their wedding day, I was asked to travel to the hotel Tiffany and her family were staying in, to and spent time with Tiffany while she prepared for her big day. It was refreshing to see how calm they all were, even though there were many activities going on.
The wedding took place at a lovely church on the West side of town. It was a fun experience for me because I have never really ventured out in that area of Sioux Falls. (I will admit that I got a little lost trying to find the church...) Before the ceremony we had a chance to steal Tiffany away for some kick butt portrait time - as always, a great way for a for a bride to relax!
The reception was beautiful, and of course very emotional. But, nothing gets a crowd moving quite like the song "Thriller" and Eric's outstanding ability to pull off looking like Michael Jackson in a cowboy hat!
That's how we do it here in South Dakota!
ML

Corinne + Blake: 10.06.07

I had been waiting a long time for this day to come! You see, Kelly, Corinne's mom, works with my mother-in-law. For months we had been talking back and forth about all the excitement and planning that was being put into this amazing wedding! I am so happy that I was able to share this day with all of you!

The wedding was beautiful, with every detail taken into account. The array of October colors set the tone, and reflected the atmosphere surrounding the entire day.

Following the ceremony, we rode around town to find a couple interesting places to take some more portraits. -Corinne, I still admire you for getting up on the edge of that bridge in your gown! Surely something not every bride is willing to do!

Thanks again for letting me share your day!
Congrats to the both of you!

ML


During their first meeting prior to the ceremony, I happened to notice dozens of peering eyes watching us through a neighboring window. It seems that everyone had gotten the memo about the first meeting and didn't want to miss out! But who would want to miss this?

Aren't they beautiful?!

Shane + Stephanie: 10.05.07

From the moment that I met Shane and Stephanie, I could see how much in love the two of them were. They have this aura around them that surrounds each other and their children! Their wedding reflected this love with a small, intimate ceremony of friends and family.

The ceremony took place at a quaint church near Augustana, which brought back memories of my time spent there. The reception was in the Great Hall of the Washington Pavilion and had an array of food and tables beautifully placed for an intimate gathering.

On a side note, Cory Ann has been teaching me to drive her manual car. Apparently I'm still not that great at it. Upon leaving Shane and Stephanie's ceremony to head to the reception in Cory Ann's car, I attempted to leave the parking lot with the emergency break on. Not such a good idea. Needless to say, I held up the guests that were trying to reach their cars as I sat in the lot trying to figure out what was wrong... you know how you go about 1 foot and then it dies? I eventually figured it out -after one gentleman kindly pointed it out to me- but my excuse is that I drive an automatic and always have! This is all still new to me!

ML


Getting ready

The ceremony

Hors d'oeuvres

Megan + Michael: 09.29.07

Megan and Michael's wedding took place in a small town country church, with the beauty of the fall harvest all around.

Megan was a good sport before the ceremony, and let Cory Ann and I take her to some great locations around the church for some great portraits. We had fun trying to lock Michael in the kitchen while we snuck Megan past each time!

As the time drew near for the ceremony to start, Megan was busy playing with her nephews, being as calm as ever. (I think I was more nervous that she was!) I think she enjoyed trying to keep them from eating too many Twizzlers!

The reception was beautiful, and again we got to take advantage of the great location and grab some unique portraits. Thanks you two for such a fun day!

ML

Cassie + Josh: 09.22.07

For Cassie and Josh's wedding I traveled with Cory Ann to Chamberlain, SD. I have driven through the town many times on my way to western South Dakota, but I've never actually stopped and looked around. Luckily, with the new GPS system, Cory Ann and I got the scenic tour to arrive at the ceremony and reception location. (Only after attempting to find the Dairy Queen the GPS told us was there -which has been closed for years and has tall grass growing around it!)

Cassie and Josh couldn't have picked a better day for their wedding. The weather was warm, but the breeze from the surrounding hills kept us cool and dry. I don't think there was a single cloud in the sky!

By the way, I absolutely love fall weddings. There's always such a beautiful array of golds, browns, oranges and reds. I think that if I got to plan it all over again, I would definitely have my wedding in the fall!

Here are some of the images from the day.
ML

Father and daughter walking down the isle.

Walking down the isle.

Cedar Shores

Laura + Chris: 09.01.07

On a side note I apologize for the lack of posts. Things have been crazy - as some of you know my husband is living in Mitchell attending culinary school while I am working and living here in Sioux Falls. It's tough to only see your husband for 48 hours each week. Plus that whole full time job thing... But, no excuses, right?! I hope that you all stay patient with me and keep checking for the newest happenings.

Laura and Chris...
these two must be the sweetest people I know! Their entire wedding circulated around their personalities and taste for life. From the church and reception magnificently decorated with arrangements of flowers, to the "take home" sweets and individual chocolates at every guest's plate. I don't think there was the slightest dull moment the entire day!
They have such an energy and joy about them, and I wish them both much happiness in life!

ML


The ladies during some portrait time. (Check out the beautiful dress and bouquet colors!)

Laura makes this all too easy!!

Laura and her father excitedly waiting to walk down the isle.

Coordinator: Accents Event Planning
Church: St. Mary's Catholic Parish, Sioux Falls, SD
Florist: Josephine's
Live Music - DJ: David Jones
Reception: CJ Callaways, Sioux Falls, SD
Cake: Jackie Kennedy
Videographer: Family Focus Productions
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Audra + Kenny: 08.31.07

Although I was not able to attend Audra and Kenny's ceremony, I did have the priveledge to meet up with them at their reception. I love being able to see the tables, chairs, and decorations before any of the guests arrive! I always feel like I am seeing something that I shouldn't! The colors were vibrant, and the treats of hot tamales and sprinkled mints kept the guests coming back for more!

ML

Some alone time.

How interesting it is to watch the parents, grandparents, B&G, family and friends during speaches and bride and goom slideshows. I get to see how much people care, and how close a bond they have with each other.

Church: St. Nicholas Catholic Parish, Tea, SD
Florist: JMD Designs
DJ: Music in Motion (Not a vendor of choice for us!)
Reception: Holiday Inn Starlite Room, Sioux Falls, SD
Cake: Jackie Kennedy
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Second Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

Katie + Travis: 08.18.07

Katie and Travis' wedding was such a blast! After spending time with the ladies when we first arrived at the church, I had the opportunity to spy on the gentlemen. Since they had previously gotten ready, I found them sneaking into the church gym. They didn't go to shoot some hoops, but to catch the score on the ball game and play a few rounds of Foosball! Even Travis' dad had to join in the festivities! (Maybe it's just us photographers that notice this, but men at weddings are WAY more relaxed than any of the women...)
The ceremony was beautiful, and it was almost hard for me to not cry while watching the bridesmaids reach for their tissues to dry their eyes. At the reception Katie and Travis' head table was positioned in the middle of the room with family and friends surrounding them. The best part was watching all the guests work their way to the table to serenade the newlyweds with a love song to convince them to kiss!
Thanks for an awesome day!

ML

I love the random items scattered around.

What a beautiful way to end a first dance...

Church: St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, Brookings, SD
Florist: Main Street Floral and Gifts, Hendricks, MN 507-275-3999
DJ: The Dance Machine
Reception: Swiftel Center, Brookings, SD
Cake: Sue Steffensen
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Second Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

Desirae + Troy: 08.04.07

Desirae and Troy's wedding was the first of the two weddings in Huron. (The second being Melissa and Kevin's.)
The whole day was exciting and bursting with energy from the entire wedding party.
When the wedding was over, Desirae, Troy, and the bridal party piled into a 12 passenger van and followed Cory Ann and I to a nearby field where the horse roamed and the electric fence purred. Later we proceeded to downtown Huron where we had some time to play and get some great images. The reception was beautifully decorated and reflected the personality of Desirae and Troy.
I am very lucky to have been a part of their day. (Plus, I enjoyed Joey shooting Cory Ann's camera!!)
Thanks you guys for a great time and opportunity for me!

Isn't her dress gorgeous?!

Where the horse roamed and the fence purred...

This woman cracked me up the entire night! Everytime she spotted me with my camera in her general direction she thought of new and interesting poses for me to capture!

Reception: Crossroads Hotel and Huron Event Center, Huron SD
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Second Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

Melissa + Kevin: 08.05.06

I was able to photograph two weddings this past weekend. Saturday I had the opportunity to second shoot for Cory Ann, and Sunday she became my sidekick. *hehe*

Melissa, who is a cousin of my husband, had asked me to photograph her wedding in Huron - which I was more than happy to be a part of.
The day of the wedding, one of the salons opened their doors just for Melissa and pampered her with a French mani and pedi, as well as gorgeous looking hair. Later at Melissa's parent's house, we set up the bride and groom's first meeting outside the home. What a better way for them to see each other than with family members silently
onlooking from the porch?!
After stopping at the church for family pictures, we rode to Grandpa Bud and Grandma Rita's house for some portrait time. Besides the few spiders *yuck!* we had a great time.

The day was over all too quickly, but I'm happy I had the opportunity to capture their memories.

Here's a few pictures from the day.

This one brings me back in time.

Kevin couldn't keep his eyes (or kisses) off Melissa the entire day!

And to think that they started out walking??

Reception: Crossroads Hotel and Huron Event Center, Huron SD
Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

Bo + Jen: 07.28.07

Awhile back I traveled with Cory Ann to Eureka, SD to shoot Bo and Jen's wedding.

*sidenote*
Now, to anyone who knows Cory Ann, you'll understand when I say that I really got to bond with her on a five hour middle of the night drive with a watered down McDonald's iced coffee - both ways. (Only the second time it was good C-Store Starbucks Frappachino.)

*back on track!*
Bo and Jen were a great couple, and I found Eureka to remind me a lot of my small hometown- even down to the Lakeside Motel.
It was a beautiful day with smiling faces and gorgeous weather. Had we not had to drive so far to get home again, we would have stayed another night to make more friends!

Just look at her laughter!

Daily Day

I've decided that even though I haven't posted many pictures, I'll fill everyone in on what has been happening recently.
On Friday I traveled with Cory Ann to Eureka, SD for a wedding and had quite an experience driving hyped up on coffee in the wee morning hours! We even had a great time following the bridal party and being referred to as the paparazzi...
This weekend is also a big time for me- I'll be headed to Huron, SD for a couple of weddings and some family time. (Two weddings in one weekend!? Whew!) I'll be traveling with the lovely Cory Ann again, so I'm bound to have a great time.
As a last thought, I promise to post some pictures as soon as possible to keep you up to date in my visual world! Here's one to hold everyone over!