Thinking of Krista and Simon just makes me smile.  Like all the time.  I love that Krista always says whatever is on her mind and she is up for whatever life brings her.  In this case, it was Simon.  Simon's Air Force background may be intimidating to some, but with one conversation you can easily see right through to his big juicy heart.  He adores his Krista!  She lights up in the arms of her Simon!  (enter "sigh" here)  

The North Shore was a special place for them to celebrate their union.  Having gone to school in Duluth and dating adventures around, Grand Superior Lodge was an ideal fit and perfect setting!  On this day, who would have guessed six inches of fresh snow would fall in April, gifting us a last wintery wonderland to explore.  In true Krista and Simon fashion, they said "heck with it" and stuck out their outdoor wedding vision, overlooking the rocky shoreline as huge flakes descended upon us all.  What an epic site to behold!  

I applaud your adventurous spirit and for reminding me each time I photograph your Love Story, why I love my job so much.  You have something truly special.

When two friends from church came to me and asked if we could meet about the possibility of joining them on their wedding celebration, I was moved.  They would be getting married in Iowa officially and commemorating the ceremony here in Minnesota in the backyard of a friends' house on a lake.  Snow drifts that would never leave created an opportunity that these two never thought possible: to get married inside their home church.  Both come from important faith backgrounds, Mark a graduate of Bethel University, and Joel being the son of a pastor.  To quote a line from their ceremony, "No two people have had to work harder to get to the altar than these two."  I would tend to agree.  In their deep desire to be normal, these two are far from it.

I have never met two guys so crazy about kids!  Mark being a family therapist and Joel, an elementary Spanish teacher, joy for children and the light they bring became a theme for the day: Light & Grace.  The church was filled with the sweet chatter of Joel's school kids as Hillsong's anthem escalated and the two entered the sanctuary bringing with each a single light to pass around to all.  There was not a dry eye in the room.  Following their written promises, they bounded out the doors to throw on their yellow galoshes and off we went to a nearby park to play in puddles.  How fitting!  The sunshine did not disappoint, and as it faded, good beer and snacks awaited us back at PNA Hall, along with some fine dancing.  There was much to celebrate!  As they slipped out the door at the end of the night, I overheard a tearful Joel say to Mark, "This IS the best day of my entire life."  

I know its common for the bride to pick out dresses for her ladies to wear.  Well, this might have been the first time I, the photographer, was dressed by the groom!  The electric Hawaiian shirt was a nice touch but Janelle is not sure that it should become my new weekend uniform back here in Minnesota.  This was a celebration that we were all very much looking forward to for so many reasons and an answer to so many prayers.  

Tyson met his Swiss lady Sabrina many years ago and reconnected after some time apart.  They dated internationally as best they could, with each departure getting tougher and tougher to say goodbye.  Janelle and I had the privilege of double-dating with them on a couple visits we made out to Tyson's home of Hood River, Oregon.  It was easy to see how these two best friends love to play together and make each other laugh.  One person especially excited to have Sabrina to call "mom" was Tyson's son Kalani whom he's raised as a single dad most of his life.  Wedding plans came together quickly for a party in Oahu and upon arrival on the island, a beach hunt ensued to find a place special enough for this union.  Ocean breezes lulled the pines to a gentle beat as acoustic guitar poured over Tyson and Sabrina and they promised their lives together.  Family celebrated late into the night back at the property as three were eager to became One.  Tyson, a paddle board rep on the West Coast, it seemed fitting to wrap our time together with a sunset paddle with his new parter for life.  A couple that paddles together, stays together right?!  Janelle and I love you guys more than you will ever understand.  

A straight-shooting guy from the East Coast meets a gorgeous direct gal from the Midwest, and sparks fly like fireworks over Boston Harbor on the 4th of July.  People could see it from miles around and faces glowed with enthusiasm.  The anticipation leading up to it was big and once it all started, no one wanted the night to end.  Yes, I am speaking about their wedding.

Windows of Minnesota at the top the IDS was where the magic all happened, starting the night before with a fabulous bash at The W Foshay.  These two know how to pick em!  Event Lab stepped up and added their flare to the rooms with careful guidance from the fabulous Jennifer.  Jamie and Matt's hilarious friends poured in all weekend from coast to coast to take part in sending their friends off on their married way.  A favorite moment of mine was watching Matt's breaths quicken as he stood in silence waiting for Jamie to sneak up behind him.  What a beauty!  The celebration would go late into the night as fog and laser lights filled the reception for a rave reception.  And rave we all would the weeks that followed as two best friends promised forever.

I love when two best friends find each other in life and decide to spend life together.  Gina and Kieron are a perfect example of this and together, they make the other one better.  Gina lights up a room with her smile and Kieron knows how blessed he is and his gentle strength is obvious.  Their competitive fire keeps life exciting as their rock-star friends know best.    

The two planned an incredible Billie Holiday inspired wedding around Lake Calhoun, taking over the whole second floor of the Calhoun Beach Club.  Without seeing each other beforehand, I helped design a personal highlight of the day guiding Kieron into a private space of the club while he felt the strong grab of Gina's hand from around the corner and the two covered the day in prayer.  These two come from remarkable families, Kieron growing up in a football family and Gina the daughter of a jazz singer.  The reception was highlighted by a Frazier family dance-off only matched by Gina's tender voice singing a duet with her father that would make any parent proud.  And proud they should be of this day and this union.  I am a big fan.

What fun!  We here at Vick Photography were nominated by YOU and other wedding professionals for the Best Of Awards hosted by Minnesota Bride Magazine!  Its like the Oscars but for crafty wedding professionals across the state--its a big deal!  It has been our best year yet, and this affirmation means the world.  Take a peek at some stories that grabbed our eye and heart.  Thank you friends for your support and constant encouragement in life and in art!

Cheers!
Andrew Vick & Janelle, Merina, Rachel, Susan, Billie, Kim & Colleen