Farewell

As of Sunday I will have been adding to this blog for five years. Yes five years. In five years there have been over 1500 posts, 1300 wedding images, almost 500 intimate images, almost 900 personal images, over 1000 family images, over 300 couples images, over 200 graduate images and a plethora of others that I don’t have categorized. So I think it’s time for a break.

It has been a good five years. If you look back you can see how much my business and my work has grown. I think I went from mediocre at best to well, I’ll my work speak for itself now. Some of you have been readers from day one and that means you’ve not only watched my work grow, but also my boy. Ayden was just two when this started and now he’s 7 and going into second grade. You’ve seen all the work we’ve done to the house, you even saw when we finally moved out of the little apartment and into the house. You’ve seen my travels, some of you were around for the house flooding and the death of a family member or two and some of you have become good friends. This has been my journal and you have been patient readers of it. I appreciate those who cared enough to check in, send notes, thank you’s and everything in between. Please keep in touch via e-mail as I will do with the newsletter.

So here is my bittersweet goodbye to my blog and everyone who followed it. Thank you so much. There will be new posts below this post until Sunday, August 6, 2010 and then you will most likely see no more.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Cory Ann

If you are interested in keeping up with AC Ellis you can do so through the newsletter. I plan to send it out bi-monthly and not clog your inbox. The first 25 to sign up will receive a complimentary mini session with me here in Brookings. You can sign up through the link in info or here: AC ELLIS NEWSLETTER

Shelby Turns 5

Leah from Envision Wedding Studio, Angelique from Platinum Imagination and I got to partner for a something other than a wedding. Envision designed the decor and paper materials for the party, Angelique did Miss Shelby’s hair and make up and I got to collaborate and photograph. Shelby was the cutest little thing. It was so fun to see her come up and see the finished table. That is my favorite image from the day.
CA

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

A table fit for a princess and her court.

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

I want one of these cute little cameras. Shelby’s mom used it to take pictures of each of the girls to put in their frames.

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

Mmm cupcakes.

South Dakota Family Photography

Dress-up and picture area.

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

Details:

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Party Decor by Envision Wedding Studio
Sioux Falls Hair and Makeup by Platinum Imagination
South Dakota Photography by AC Ellis Inc.

Annie + David: Marshall, MN Wedding

This will be the last wedding on the blog for a while. It is a great one to end on. So here is a big post for all you wedding watchers with little text because through the images you will see how fun the day was, how beautiful the bride was, how handsome the groom was, how cool the sky was…
CA

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

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South Dakota Wedding Details

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South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

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Details…

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

Michaela + Brian: Jamaica Wedding

What an incredible couple and family for me to spend time in Jamaica with. Michaela’s brother and I weren’t too smart when we swam out in the dark to the big boat that was way farther out than we thought. But it was still fun. And snorkeling with the family was great. I could get hooked on snorkeling the coral and the fish were beautiful. Of course the wedding day was great as well. I love the slow pace of destination weddings. It brings things back to the vows, couple and family. And there is something refreshing about that.

Thank you for bringing me along to Jamaica. I had a wonderful time with you two and your family!

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South Dakota Wedding DetailsSouth Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

While the girls were at the spa the guys had the room to get ready in. Brian looks handsome just sitting here.

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

Michaela and Brian weren’t afraid to get a little wet for something different.

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

A few details:

South Dakota Wedding Details

Country Pattern Wedding Style

Another collaborative effort between Envision Wedding Studio and I. We decided it was time for a small county wedding concept to come to life. Here are the images.
CA

South Dakota Family PhotographySouth Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family PhotographySouth Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

Special Thank you to all the South Dakota vendors who contributed their services and products to the shoot.
Sioux Falls Wedding Attire by Interlude Bridal
Brookings Wedding Attire by Fergen’s Menswear
Ice Cream by SDSU Dairy Bar
South Dakota Wedding Decor by Envision Wedding Studio
Brookings, SD Hamburgers by Nick’s Hamburger Shop
South Dakota Wedding Photography by AC Ellis Inc.
South Dakota Farm located in Colton, South Dakota
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Cupcakes by O My Cupcakes
Sioux Falls Wedding Floral by House of Green

S Family

I love this family! They are loving, giving, welcoming, gracious, big, fun and keep coming to see me or bringing me to see them. Just last month I witnessed and recorded the birth of T. He’s the littlest one and this was his newborn session. Of course what is a baby with out his family and family this little one has. All his brothers and his sister were ready to give care and attention at a moments notice.

The S Family…

The whole crew.

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

Little T welcome to the world and to a wonderful family.

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

This is the one that started me photographing this family. It was his one-year portraits. My how we have both grown.

South Dakota Family Photography

My little helper. This boy makes me smile

South Dakota Family Photography

Naughty…

South Dakota Family Photography

Miss A: The only girl

South Dakota Family Photography

Tessa + Klint: Minnesota Wedding

Tessa and Klint got married in the country a little church I was afraid I wouldn’t find. But alas I did and to find such a natural beauty for a bride. Tessa had a smile on her face almost the entire day, it’s no wonder Klint loves her. Klint and Tessa were also fortunate that a storm rolled in and created an amazing backdrop for portraits.

A country wedding isn’t complete with out wild flowers.

South Dakota Wedding Details

The straps on Tessa’s dress allowed for the open back and lower neck line. Beautiful.

South Dakota Wedding Details

From the moment we walked in the church I loved the light. So soft and with a quick fall off coming in the side windows. After meeting Tessa I knew she had the long lines to make this a classic portrait.

South Dakota Wedding Details

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One of the perks to being on the altar is to get this exit image, where you can see the entire congregation on the expressions on the parents faces.

South Dakota Wedding Details

These guys were not camera shy.

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

Hello second photographer, you just earned your keep. : ) I heart this image. Can Anyone guess where I am shooting from?

South Dakota Wedding Details

As the storm was rolling in we managed to create this in the parking lot before going into the reception. I love storms for pictures.

South Dakota Wedding Details

The first dance and some cuddle time during the slideshow.

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Once the storm rolled by we got back outside for these two.

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

Details: (The wedding favor was strawberry rubarb jam and it’s yummy. I’m going to be sad when I’m all out.)

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

Miss L

Another little cutie. The last time she came in she slept through the whole session no matter what we did with her.

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South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

Erin + Andrew: Brandon and Sioux Falls, SD Wedding

These two just make me smile and I hope they come back to see me for many years to come. Such a wonderful couple!

The images:

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

It makes it fun to edit when I have a second photographer covering another area of the wedding. Because then I find images like this.

South Dakota Wedding Details

Loved the headpiece.

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Mom was a bit teary eyed.

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

A quick grab while waiting for Andrew to meet us.

South Dakota Wedding Details

Look at the smiles. This is what I hope for all of my couples on their wedding day and throughout their marriage.

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South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

A pit stop after the ceremony to Palisades State Park.

South Dakota Wedding Details

The parasols were a nice touch!

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

Some of the details:

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

Cory Ann Ellis, South Dakota Photographer AC Ellis
DJ Jer, Sioux Falls Wedding DJ
El Riad Shrine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Wedding Venue

Intimates™ of M

Miss M came in to create a one year anniversary gift for her hubby. Here is a little peak at her session.

Boudoir Photography

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Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Photography

Maria + Rebecca: South Dakota Family

Maria and Becca needed some updated images. So we took a few minutes in the backyard one evening. Pretty girls.

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family PhotographySouth Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

South Dakota Family Photography

Darcie + Rob: Leave

Rob was home from National Guard duty on his leave for a little R&R, we went out for some images. These soldiers do not like to be in that uniform when they don’t have to, but their ladies sure are proud of them, and darn it they look handsome. It just so happened that I picked this location because I knew the light would be acceptable in the noon day sun. I thought it was great to see the USA painted in red, white and blue. So fitting. Can’t wait for your wedding you two!

South Dakota Wedding Details

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South Dakota Wedding Details

Krista + Jon: Engagement

In one of my favorite outdoor location we were fortunate to get some interesting light that changed throughout the session.

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

2010 Children of South Dakota™

AC Ellis Inc. and Cracked Hue Studios have paired up with East Central CASA to create 2010 Children of South Dakota™.
Details on this outstanding collaboration that is being supported by and exhibited at the Museum of Visual Materials can be found here: 2010 Children of South Dakota™

We are now accepting bookings e-mail cosd@acellis.com

South Dakota Children's Portraits

Graphic Design provided by Erin Nelson of EDJ Design

Annie + David: Marshall, MN Wedding

Just a little tease from Annie and David’s wedding last weekend.

South Dakota Wedding Details

Cory Ann Ellis, South Dakota Photographer AC Ellis

Happy Summer from the Ellis Four!

We haven’t sent out a card since some time in the winter of 06-09. I can’t even remember when it’s been so long. So I had an idea and asked the boys how they felt about retro shorts and such. Kaleb asks you mean like speedos? No, not what I meant, but great idea. And so we had the idea for a summer card. Everyone gets cards in the winter we wanted to celebrate the summer instead.

With a bit of class and style in design by the fabulous Leah of Envision Wedding Studio we added a bit of humor. Hope you like it.
CA

Portrait Photography

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Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography

Intimates™ of A

This lovely lady was a little worried that her images weren’t going to be great. Why you might ask, because she is a few months pregnant here with her 5th child. Yes A is looking this good this prego after already giving birth 4 times. I’d have to hate her for it if she weren’t such a great person!
CA

Boudoir Photography

South Dakota Boudoir PhotographySouth Dakota Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Photography

Intimates™ of B

One more groom getting the gift of beautiful images of his bride. B brought in a few outfits including her wedding day lingerie. How is a guy to resist?

Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Photography

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Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Photography

Ashley: Brookings Senior 2010

I’m going to cram this post full of image of A, because I know I don’t post as often these days. A is graduating in just a few short months and here are her images that we created earlier in the school year.
CA

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South Dakota Senior Photography

South Dakota Senior Photography

South Dakota Senior Photography

South Dakota Senior Photography

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South Dakota Senior Photography

South Dakota Senior Photography

South Dakota Senior Photography

Abigail + Mark: Engagement

The farthest anyone has ever called to schedule a session is held by Mark. He called me to schedule the engagement session while he was on duty in Afghanistan. Then while home on leave he did the ring shopping and proposed. Abigail had no idea. Mark is back over there now, but he and Abigail will have these images from leave and for when he returns. Congratulations!
CA

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details

South Dakota Wedding Details