Grand View Lodge Micro Wedding and Elopement | Nisswa, Minnesota Photography
An Elopement and Micro wedding at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota goes Country Western.
Paula and Collin reached out to me this past summer regarding their plans to elope at Grand View Lodge after being together for over 15 years. They were looking for the most intimate of ceremonys to share with each other and their sister and brother-in law. I love a good running love story and their’s is as sweet as it gets.
Initially the couple thought maybe they would say their vows on the dock or outside their cabin. I recommended the chapel at Grand View as it just seemed like it would fit their vibe and may be available for their somewhat, last minute weekday wedding. It was perfect. Even the venues landscaping seemed a bit more country with them as the center piece.
It was an absolute perfect fall day. It is rare that I get emotional while I am working, but these two brought some waterworks as they said their very unique and personal vows rot each other; Talking about their country lifestyle which I just happened to personally love - horses, motorcycles and their dogs.
After their vows were said and Collin kissed his bride, it was time to take some photos of just the two of them around the Grand View Property, before they headed off to dinner at Cru.
More heart strings were pulled as I turned on some music for their final photos by the lake and they danced gracefully to George Strait’s, Amarillo By Morning.
They had and have my heart forever. Their authenticity and love they share is nothing short of inspiring. I am honored to have been able to document and share their special day.
I wish these two a life full of love, joy and more adventures.
Mn Maternity Photos | In Home Session | Brainerd Lakes Area
Candid and Organic In-Home Maternity Session in Minnesota.
When I think of maternity photos I often envision pregnant mama’s outside in a field of flowers or on a dirt road. Perhaps because I see pregnancy in a lot of ways so parallel to nature - constant growth and transformation.
That being said…being a photographer located in MN with these cold Minnesota winters had me thinking of other maternity location ideas. Unless we wanted to rent a studio or brave the sub zero temps what other ways could we document these moments?
I photograph many newborns and families in home, so I figured why not maternity sessions!
So my couple chose an in home session which just might be one of my all time favorite maternity sessions. It’s organic, candid and provided a place for us to capture these last moments of just the two of them as a couple (and the pup), before they welcome their baby.
Their home provided the perfect atmosphere to relax into the magic of what is and what is to come. To simply be themselves as I snapped and casually directed them.
I also love maternity photos outside and in studio but this just hits a bit different. To think this is the very same home that in a months time they will be welcoming their new baby is pretty rad.
Oh! Hey Mama’s and Mama’s to be, take the photos. It’s pretty amazing that there is a little baby growing inside of you! Heck, I barely can remember those little kicks and it’s only been two years.
Xo,
Amanda
Just a few of my favorite photos of this Minnesota Maternity Session. 
Unique Family Photos at the Lake | Family Campfire | Minnesota Photographer
Relaxed Family Photoshoot at the Lake in the Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota
I absolutely love it when families come to me with unique ideas for their family photo session. This wonderful family wanted photos on the lake at their family cabin here in Central Minnesota, but to make it even more special we incorporated one of their favorite family activities into the photoshoot. A family campfire photoshoot.
You can’t tell by the photos but we were surrounded by storms - despite gloomy skies we had an awesome session and somehow their little pocket of lakeshore remained dry. We took lots of family photos by the lake and after they made a campfire.
As the sun started to set, Grandpa started a campfire while the kids snuggled on moms lap and roasted marshmallows. I Everyone was content and simply in the moment.
It was such a fun and unique idea to get candid family photos. I feel we really captured those cabin vibes and that lake life so many of us love here in Minnesota.
It’s another session where I wasn’t exactly sure where to put them in my portfolio, but I wanted to share, so here they are in the blog. I hope it gives you inspiration for your next family photoshoot - I am always down for an adventure or to do something a bit out of the ordinary. Family activity photoshoots are some of my favorite.
Please reach out if you have any ideas and are looking for a photographer in The Brainerd Lakes Area.
Xo,
Amanda
Just a few of my favorite photos of this Minnesota Family Session. 
Fun Prom Photography Session on Country Roads | Minnesota Prom Photos
Fun Prom Photo Shoot on Country Roads in Minnesota
Apparently it’s the not uncommon these days to hire a professional photographer for prom. When I got the inquiry I was stoked. I love photographing high schoolers and seniors. There is just something magical about those tender times in our lives - they can be hard, but also exciting. It’s the beginnings and the ends that does it for me.
Maybe because I reflect on my own journey and see the wild ride it has been. So many ups and downs! Good times and bad…or being a glass half full kind of girl, everything has brought me to today! For that, I am thankful for all of it.
Back to the topic at hand. A fun prom photo shoot
Anyways, I didn’t know where to put all these fun photos so I decided to put them in a blog post because we had so much fun. It was like I was back in Hollywood directing a fashion shoot!
My photographer heart sang when they rolled up in an old Ford pick up and a an American hot rod. They looked fabulous and pretty much looked ready to walk the red carpet. Better yet tho, their attitudes were def more dirt roads and a little country. We had a blast trying to not get too dirty on this muddy spring day. Apparently white sneakers with dresses is all the rage these days - I’m here for it.
Although it was a midday shoot with high sun we had epic clouds to really set the mood. I never shoot at noon with the harsh light that often accompanies it, but these kids had places to be so a sunset session wasn’t an option. I actually love the light and find some of the shadows cast the perfect mood.
Some of my favorite shots below 🥰
