Judd Sather Photography Blog

Sometimes things just work out… Justin and Nikki’s wedding day started out really rainy and we were all like “let’s make the best of this and see how it goes!” We started out a little behind schedule so the shooting turned into a flurry of activity and I’m pretty sure we shot as fast as we ever have! The wedding party were true reflections of Justin and Nikki’s personalities – very chill, classy, and fun-loving. There was tons of laughter as we dodged raindrops, caught a northern, took off shoes in a reflection pool, sang songs in the awesome acoustics of Lakewood Cemetery, took pics in the crypt!! and amazing spiral staircase built in 1910, juggled three colors of umbrellas, and got photobombed by a runner at Lake Harriet! It was fun tracing the steps of their first date at Tinfish as well as some of their favorite spots at Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun.

The toasts yielded more singing and funny props; the only disappointment was that Nikki and Justin didn’t do more yoga in the surreal reflection pool! Nikki holds a special place in the history of Studio J as our VERY FIRST portrait client outside of weddings. A couple years ago we got some epic yoga shots of her on Earth Day (still feel bad about weed wacking on Earth Day) – and these images are up in the studio today if you have seen her “floating” on her yoga mat doing some crazy pose that only double jointed people can imagine achieving!

It was such a pleasure shooting with you guys Saturday! Josh and I had a blast and grabbing these crazy cool images we got with you despite the weather and pace at which we had to shoot was simply amazing. Enjoy!!! -Judd and Josh

Links: CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL IMAGES  (Password is Nikki’s maiden name – use JUSTINNIKKI50 code for 50% off until July 22!), Interlachen Country Club, Lakewood Memorial Chapel, Judd Sather Photography

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is an amazing place, but we found a new spot with Derek and Michelle – The Japanese Gardens! We had tons of great images already but walked past these gardens on the way to the reception and found this awesome little shack. With Steph’s incredible sherpa help and Josh’s athletic backlighting we captured some of my favorite images of the year! It also helped that there were so many good looking Oles around – Um Ya Ya! 🙂

Derek’s family is very special to us with two weddings, two funerals, and other portrait sessions — it is a real privilege to walk through life with them and capture the moments that are both high and low. Thanks for the referral Matt and Jenn! Derek and Michelle, the releasing of the butterflies was SUPER cool and meaningful!

Some of my other favorite images are the raindrops that slowed us near the beginning, the lush flora around the arboretum, the sharp greenery around the bridge, stepping over puddles, and Derek’s pose after the first dance. You guys are a TON of fun and it was such a pleasure shooting with you Saturday! Have fun in Mexico!!!! – Judd and Josh

Links: CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL IMAGES (Password is Michelle’s maiden name enjoy 50% off prints until July 22 using promo code – DEREKMICHELLE50), Facebook Album (“Like” our page to tag and comment!), Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Judd Sather Photography,

So. Much. Fun!!! What a gorgeous day for two of the funniest people I have met! There was tons of laughter all day long at a beautiful venue filled with amazing details. And I almost overdosed on sugar at the incredible dessert bar… I love the shot of the rings on top of the raspberries and that is a massive scrumptious cookie in the background. I had two. 🙂

Darren and Corrina did some super cool unique stuff that I have not seen in 200+ weddings: one was they took a private carriage ride and had a picnic on it right after the ceremony over the stone arch bridge – very cool! And instead of a unity candle / sand / knot, they blended two wines together! We had some time to get some unique images around St. Anthony main including the “I finally caught a keeper” sign shot. Darren actually bought a “lure” that was specifically designed to be put in the bride’s mouth… what a thoughtful guy! And Corrina – what a trooper!! Alicia and Dayna were troopers as well carrying lots of signs and equipment throughout the day and then we got locked out of the event center for about 15 minutes because we were on foot – ha!

In the “It’s a small world” category…
1. Greg the groomsmen was my college springboard diving coach (it was a very brief (pun) and non-illustrious career but I never imagined a wedding party greeting me as Mr. Speedo!)
2. Darren’s family has connections to where I student taught – Woodstock International School in India!

Crazy! It was so fun to work with you guys and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two – see you soon and have fun in Italy!!! – Judd, Alicia, and Dayna

Links: Facebook Album, Proof and Order Prints (Password: Truedson. Also, enjoy 50% off until June 14. Use discount code: CORRINADARREN50), Minneapolis Event Center, Judd Sather Photography