Clara + Zach. In-Home Session.

This in-home session has been on my list of things to blog for awhile now. It took place in the fall of 2017, and I’m so pumped to finally be sharing it! Clara and Zach moved to Minneapolis pretty recently (like a year ago or so) and bought the cutest little house.  Clara really wanted to use their home for their engagement session, and I LOVE in-home sessions, so I was pretty excited about that. It ended up raining that day too, so it was a good thing we spent much of it indoors. 

I had so much fun with Clara and Zach during their in-home session last fall! They made me homemade pizza, and it was delicious. We laughed a lot and I had a great time getting to know them more. Here are a few things Clara and Zach love: Music Festivals. Cats. Tea (although Zach loves coffee as well). Reading Books, and generally being cozy home-bodies. 

I might not be a cat person, but I’ll gladly spend any rainy day sitting at home with a good book and a cup of tea, so we hit it off pretty well. I cannot wait for their wedding later this year.  It’s for sure going to be a good one! So without further ado, here are some of the photos from our gloomy day, happy hearts, in-home session.

Location: Minneapolis, MN
cordelia haugen in-home session
cordelia haugen in-home session
cordelia haugen in-home session
cordelia haugen in-home session
cordelia haugen in-home session
cordelia haugen in-home session
cordelia haugen in-home session

2017. Year in Review.

It’s been such a great year! 2017 was filled with so many wonderful couples.  Each one unique and all of them awesome. I got to work with people from all over the US, from the west coast (California) to the east coast (Boston). I even had one bride all the way from Brazil. And I didn’t ever have to leave the midwest. I had the best of both worlds. I got to meet so many cool people from all over, but I got to stay close to home so I could spend the most time with my three little girls.

This year, I shot more weddings than ever before, and even got to shoot my own mom’s wedding! That one was pretty special. I feel so honored to have been a part of each and every one of the weddings. Thank you for sharing your love stories with me.

I also had so So SO much fun shooting engagement sessions this year!!  So many adventures were had.  I got invited into homes and fed dinner. I went on hikes, and explored new places.  I got rained on, I got a few bruises, and I broke a few rules, but I got to know some truly awesome people.

In 2017, I also started exploring other sides of photography. I took some photos of my explorations into baking. I made french macarons for the first time…and then probably 5 more times after.  Also, a carpenter welcomed me into his workshop, and I got to capture his process making beautiful barn doors. (check that out here) I’m looking forward to doing more things like that in the coming year. Side note: If you own a small business and would like to do something like that, let me know! I’d love to be a part of telling that story.

Thank you.

I had so much fun with all of you.  Thank you for helping me to build my business. Thank you for supporting my family. Cheers to you and the last year, and here’s to 2018. The best is yet to come. 

Nicole + Jacob. Stonewall Farms Wedding.

Nicole and Jacob got married at Stonewall Farms in the middle of nowhere AKA Willmar, MN. It’s a gorgeous venue and the family the runs the place is just as lovely. BUT this story isn’t about them. It’s about two of the kindest, most caring high school sweethearts and the day they said “I do.”

It was a beautiful August day, and when my husband and I got to the venue, Nicole was quietly getting her hair and makeup done. It was so peaceful in the room. You could tell Nicole was ready to marry the man of her dreams.

And he was DEFINITELY ready to marry her.  When Jake talks about Nicole, his eyes light up. Not just his eyes. His entire face. He genuinely cares more about Nicole than he does himself, and it’s pretty awesome to see. (If you ever meet Jake. Just ask him about his wife.  You’ll see what I mean.)

Nicole and Jacob’s ceremony at Stonewall Farms was one of the most Christ-centered, beautiful ceremonies that I’ve been able to witness. It took place under rows of tall pines while standing in front of a cross. They had a foot washing ceremony to symbolize their willingness to put themselves aside and serve one another. Then, they took communion together before turning and serving communion to all of their guests. It was truly special. The entire day was.

At the end of the night, Nicole asked if we could grab some night portraits. I don’t often shoot portraits at night, but I’m so glad she stretched me to do it! I think they turned out so well!  Afterwards, they were going to get ready to leave straight from Stonewall Farms and head to a family cabin for their honeymoon. I’m sure they had a fabulous time! Now, go ahead and take a look into their wedding day!

Vendors
Venue: Stonewall Farms
Hair and Makeup: Cristina Ziemer Beauty
Bridal Gown: Allure Bridals
Dress shop: Aubony Bridal
Florals: Blessings & Blossoms
Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations
Videography: Narrate Studios 
stonewall farms cordelia haugen photographer
stonewall farms cordelia haugen photographer
stonewall farms cordelia haugen photographer
stonewall farms cordelia haugen photographer
stonewall farms cordelia haugen photographer
stonewall farms cordelia haugen photographer
stonewall farms cordelia haugen photographer

Clair + Brian. Intimate Backyard Wedding.

I am sort of in love intimate weddings.  The small group of friends and family that are present always make me feel like I belong there. I get to hear stories about the couple from the people that know them the best.  The guests don’t treat me like a wedding vendor, but like I’ve been a friend all along.   Clair and Brian’s intimate backyard wedding was no different.

Last year, Clair and Brian bought a property with lots of windows and a gorgeous 5 acre lot. The house may have been dated, but the natural light and vision for what the place could be made them excited about buying the property.  So, they’ve spent the last year or so upgrading and making the house their own.

Both of them wanted a small wedding. Since, they’re both homebodies, having an intimate backyard wedding on their own property seemed like a great way to have their friends and family over to see all the work they’ve put in at the house, AND have a beautiful outdoor setting for their wedding.  It was truly a win-win situation.

Anyway, their wedding was one dreams are made of.  Clair spent so much time perfecting every detail and shopping thrift stores for flatware and glasses.  They built permanent structures to drape lights across their yard.  It came together beautifully in a vintage, soft, romantic way. But still fun! There were yard games galore and an outdoor dance floor. And 7, yes, SEVEN different cakes!  I didn’t try them all, but the ones I had were all delicious.

I could going on and on, but I’ll stop.  Let’s face it. You’re really here to see the images.  So, here is a glimpse into Clair and Brian’s intimate backyard wedding…

VENDORS
Florals: My Own Creations, St. Croix Falls, WI
Cakes: Theresa Kornitzer
DJ:  Day One DJ

Chloe + Peter. Minnehaha Engagement Session

I’m so excited to share Chloe and Peter’s Minnehaha engagement photos! They’re such an awesome couple! First of all, Chloe + Peter are a pair of really intelligent, really adventurous, and really super fun people.  Whew! That’s a lot of really’s!

They live in Iowa, where they’re both currently applying for residencies in their respective pediatric fields.  Chloe in medical, and Peter in dental.  Like I said, they’re smart people. They actually met in Chemistry class their freshman year of college. Chloe says that before they met, they were assigned to edit each other’s lab reports.  She picked his apart. He made one single mark on hers.  She said she “was appalled to find out how cute he was!” haha.  What a way to meet your future husband!

When planning their engagement session, Chloe asked me if there was anywhere that I hadn’t shot yet that I thought would be a great location. She wanted somewhere outdoorsy that we could explore together.  I’ve been really into waterfalls lately, so I immediately thought to suggest a Minnehaha engagement shoot. Chloe and Peter agreed that Minnehaha was the best place for their session, and jumped through quite a few hoops to attain the right permits.

Eventually, Chloe got the okay, so we met up at the falls for a super fun evening of adventuring. The park is always busy, so we had lots of onlookers and people coming up and saying “congratulations!” We even saw a couple people walking around and taking photos with their pet snakes. I HATE snakes, and maybe had a small heart attack, but I held it together, and just took a little break until the snakes were gone.

We followed some paths that were not the most clear, and I fell down more than once. I only had a few new bruises the next day.  Luckily, Chloe and Peter did not take after my clumsy example. So Chloe’s white dress stayed perfectly clean.

Anyway, I hope you love their Minnehaha engagement session as much as I do! I can’t wait to shoot their wedding in Iowa next summer! It’s going to be an absolute blast!

Location
Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Cordelia Haugen Photographer minnehaha engagement session
Cordelia Haugen Photographer minnehaha engagement session
Cordelia Haugen Photographer minnehaha engagement session
Cordelia Haugen Photographer minnehaha engagement session
Cordelia Haugen Photographer minnehaha engagement session
Cordelia Haugen Photographer minnehaha engagement session
Cordelia Haugen Photographer minnehaha engagement session

Jenna + Nick. Wabasha Engagement Session.

Jenna grew up in my hometown.  When I was in high school, I remember seeing her and her twin sister (who were in middle school) at my soccer games.  They always volunteered to be the ball girls. When Jenna contacted me about possibly shooting her wedding, I remembered exactly who she was, and she had NO IDEA who I was, or that I was from the same town.  So crazy. What a small world!

Nick grew up in a nearby small town, but these two actually ended up meeting online! They are affectionate, fun, and love spending time outdoors together. The day before our session, they spent the day canoeing! Luckily, they didn’t show up too badly sunburned! I had a great time hanging out with Jenna and Nick during their session, and I cannot wait for their wedding this fall!

I am so grateful these two chose me to be a part of their love story. We had so much fun on this Wabasha Engagement Session, but we actually didn’t even stay in Wabasha! I met up with them at a public parking lot and shot around downtown Wabasha a bit. Then Nick took us to a small town across the river in Wisconsin called Alma. First, we visited their local marina and then went to a park overlooking the river valley.

Nick had visited Buena Vista park with his dad when he was younger, and it was the perfect place to end their session. It was so gorgeous up there! With views overlooking the Mississippi River valley and the greenest, lushest trees.  I loved it so much! So enough chatting.  Take a look at the pictures! Because let’s face it, that’s what you’re here to see.

Locations
One: Wabasha, MN
Two: Alma, WI Marina
Three: Buena Vista Park

Jess + Dave. MN Elopement Photographer.

Originally, Jess and Dave had talked of having a MN elopement, but eventually decided on having an intimate wedding where they could share the day with their immediate families and closest friends. Only the people that mean the most to them.

Jess and Dave spend most of their summer weekends exploring, hiking, and camping with their dog Jasper. They have a goal to hike each of Minnesota’s 67 state parks. They’ve crossed about half of them off their list so far. When deciding on a wedding venue, it only seemed natural that they got married at one of their favorite MN state parks, Temperance River State Park. (We did their engagement photos at another MN park. You can check those photos out here.) For me, their intimate wedding was a dream come true.

I always strive to connect with the couples I get to work with, but sometimes I get really lucky. From the first time I met these two, I felt as if I were meant to capture their story. They embraced not only me, but my husband and kids as well! They met my family at our very first meeting. My hubby, Ben, and baby came along for their engagement shoot. Ben even second shot their ceremony while wearing baby Parker in her Ergo. After the ceremony, the 5 of us (Jess, Dave, Ben, Parker, and I) hiked around Temperance River, spent some time exploring and took some gorgeous photos along the way.

Then, we all joined the rest of their family and friends back at the cabin for some burgers and folk music, and ended the night with a bonfire down by the lake.  It was a perfect day. Take a look and don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts with me! I’d love to hear what YOU think of their simple little wedding.

Getting Ready/Reception Venue: Cedar Cliff Retreat
Ceremony Location: Temperance River State Park
Bridal Gown: BHLDN Calla Gown
Groom’s Suit: Indochino
Florals: Saffron & Grey
Bakery: Rustic Inn Cafe
Band: No Tent
Bride’s Jewelry: Saressa Designs
Groom’s Tie Bar: Will Alderfer Metal Art
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
Cordelia Haugen: Photographer MN Elopement
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