Dena + Chad 09.23.06

Dena and Chad were married at the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN. It was a wonderfully rainy day. I know everyone hopes it won't rain, but secretly I've been dreaming of umbrella and rain images. We got some.

Dena was just beeming all day and man did Chad have a hard time taking his eyes off of her... can you blame him. They are so great together. After the ceremony we had a little drive to Wilmar for the reception. But along the way we stopped for a few drinks - not me, I'm a lightweight and you want images in focus. After drinks we hit the road with a couple of stops for some images. It was a good time.

The reception was held at the Holiday Inn/Convention Center in Willmar. They did a wonderful job of decorating and the grilled chicken was so yummy! It was a good time.

Thank you two for allowing us to be part of your day, and to play in the rain! Click here for your slideshow.
CA

Music in the slideshow provided by Micah Wetzel

Lisa 09.20.06

So I've been a slacker blogger. Sorry it's that end of summer rush. I'm still trying to get caught up. I'm not too far off. Anway this is Lisa and last week we did her grad images. She was a good sport. I had fun with her prom dress.... just like every weekend with my brides.
CA

From Allie + Jason

A wonderful thank you note from Allie and Jason. I had a great time. You were so much fun to work with.
CA

Cory Ann,
We feel so lucky to have had you as our photographer on Saturday. Everything turned out great and you captured us perfectly! Thank you for being so easy to work with and for being FUN! We loved having you ther to share our special day!

We had so many great commments on the guest book too!
Allie and Jason Olinger

Allie + Jason 09.16.06

What are the chances of two couple who don't know each other picking the same ceremony location a day from each other, the same photographer, both having a sand ceremony, and selecting the same dj? I'm not sure, but it happened. However the similarites stopped there as each wedding was distinctively their own.

As Becky and I arrived Tuthill Park we found that it was only us and the florist. Lana had to be the most organized florist I've seen. Each and every corsage and boutenierre were individually wrapped and labeled with the pins ready to go, they were lovely too. A short while later Jason showed up and then Allie who surprised me with a bright vibrant color in her dress! They did the whole first site thing while thier friends and family watched on and were crying.

The formals were fun and the family and friends fully charged for the ceremony. Allie and Jason selected two officiants and it was nice. Some friends provided the music and did a wonderful job. It was a nice ceremony. After the ceremony we headed out in a hummer limo just dring around.

The colors on Allies dress was carried through the bridesmaids dress, programs, favors and much more. It was a lovely splash of color to continue to see through out the day.

I was finished before the dances, but got many images of the speeches the happy faces watching the slideshow and all of the guests. The details kept me busy.. one favorite was the rocks in the napkins. Each table had some sharpies so that guest could write messages on the rocks and drop them in a big vase. I bet these two are going to have fun reading all of them. I even did one.

Thank you for selecting us to photograph your day.
CA

Vendors:
Baker: Sioux Falls Convention Center
Caterer: Sioux Falls Convention Center
Florist: Lana Berkland

Music in the slideshow provided by Aviette

Starr + Matt 09.15.06

We arrived to find Starr and the girls in the house at Tuthill Park starting their preparation. I got started photographing the details right away. After Starr got ready Matt and her got to see each other for the first time. Since it was raining off and on we did our best to get some of the formals done as quickly as possible. The rain didn't want to stop so we snuck away to the butterfly house hoping to at least find a location that offered an outdoor look with a cover from the rain. Well that didn't go so well since even though we would only be there for a short time they wanted $5 for every person including me. Real nice of them... o well Matt and Starr and I went in and got some nice images while the bridal party waited in the lobby.

As much as everyone willed the clouds to clear and the rain to go away it just didn't happen so after finishing getting ready, completing some of the formals and packing up we headed to plan B.

CJ Callaways did a nice job of being flexible and allowing the ceremony to be held in the reception hall. After the ceremony we headed out in the limo for a little ride and ended up downtown. Starr had so much faith in me and let me do random stuff with the bridal party. My favorite however was just capturing them hanging out. You'll notice I've been posting less posed work lately... You all know I can pose, so now I'm showing you I can get the moments too.

We came back to CJ's to a great group of family and friends waiting to help them celebrate. Of all the things to photograph at the reception the first dances are by far my favorite and details second. Both were wonderful. As we headed out everyone was on the dance floor having a great time.

Thank you so much for selecting us to photograph your wedding. Click here for your slideshow.
CA

Music in the slideshow provided by Snakebeard Jackson

Spirit of the West 09.17.06

Today we took a little family outing to Sioux Falls to the Spirit of the West Festival. It was a little chilly, but still fun. They had dutch oven food, gun fights, horse drawn carriage and much more.

We stopped by and saw Jordan of jem Leathers. They make wonderful handmade leather journals and other things. Andy got a cool one for a hunting journal.

I was looking at Kaleb and the light was just right so I had to take a couple of images. I just love his eyes!
CA

Snakebeard Jackson 09.17.06

Well since I got home from photographing Allie and Jason's wedding pretty early I headed out. Out to the Safari Lounge in Brookings to photograph the band Snakebeard Jackson. Joey, one of the members will be one of my grooms next year. So I got to meet him and enjoy the music. The band is very good and the crowd enjoyed moving to the music. Here are a couple of my favorites and a little slideshow , with their music. They just released a cd. I think if your interested you could check their website to contact them and purchase it.
CA

The M Family 09.14.06

Big thanks to Dan who after our session was so kind as to file share my computers. This is going to make life so much easier. I know Dan because I spend way too much money (but not nearly what others spend) at Mac Doctors. I felt fortunate when they selected me to do Alicia's graduation portraits. And now we have some family images also. Here is are a few I like.

Hey Dan- Your the best!
CA

Koen 09.13.06

Meet Koen. Masondra and Jordan are one of my first couples. They were so much fun. They let me have so much creative freedom with their wedding and bridal portraits. And now I got to take images of thier little man. They were trying to wake him up and he kept making all these funny faces. So cute.

It was great to see you again and thank you for dinner.
CA and Ayden too.

Becky- lightsaber

I know I've been a slacker blogger. That is because I am so busy trying to catch up on everything. No I haven't forgotten about any of you, just been workin' hard. So anyway I'm home from tonights wedding and I thought I'd show you Becky. She's been assisting me a bunch this summer. Another great addition to the help I get from Erin and Kaylla.

We dub this lightsaber: Becky's son Max dressed up as Darth when I did their famiy portraits months ago. Max this was just for you!

From Shelley + Lance

A note from Shelley and Lance:

Cory Ann + Staff,
Thank you for being part of such a special day for Lance and I. We really enjoyed working with you, you are very talented at what you do!
Thank you again,
Shelley and Lance Dagel

Beth + Luis 09.09.06

O my gosh, what an absolutely perfect day! Just moments away from rain all day the wonderful overcast sky made for the perfect light for Beth and Luis' lakeside wedding. I had not met Beth or Luis prior to Sat. and I didn't even meet Luis until after the ceremony. Very different for me, and of course always makes me nervous when I'm preparing for the wedding. When Becky and I arrived early we found an incredibly welcoming bride, family and friends. I wonder since I get all the best clients what are all the other photogs left with?

Well let's see where to start... Beth is just beautiful and her radiating smile never left her face the whole day, ok maybe to cry, which made her even more lovely. Luis is wickedly talented and performed a song that he wrote for Beth. Noone had heard it until the wedding day. And I think he had us all amazed!

After the brides arrival by boat the ceremony took place on a little pennisula at the harbor on Hideaway Acres. It's on the Nebraska side of the river just below the dam, the cliffs were breathtaking and heavily wooded,...

... they reminded me of home. The backdrop was the lake framed by a handmade arbor, the decoration and flowers were simple and perfect for the setting. I loved the cream linen suits and the blue bridesmaids dresses. Yellow flowers made for a color combination that was very pleasing. I want more cool suits/tuxs to photograph!

After formals we went to the reception at the River Front Event Center in Yankton. Yankton has a lovely downtown area. A marachi band entertained us all as we ate dinner, they were very good. The cake was especially yummy. And the ambiance of the room was very warm and nice. I think this is a great place to have a reception. The dances were fun. I love this one of Beth and her dad!

Thank you so much for selecting us to photograph your beautiful wedding. Your slideshow may be viewed here later in the week.
CA

Vendors:
Baker and Caterer: Hy-Vee
Florist: Piped Piper

Music in the slideshow provided by Aviette

The Benike Family 09.08.06

Friday evening I traveled to Castlewood to photograph the Benike Family, and in particular Laney. I photographed her last year when she turned two and it was fun to do her three years this year, she is such a little cutie.

This is my third time photographing them, last time was for Brandons five year, this is the first time we attempted a family portrait. And it was a fun time as usual. I love going back to photograph the same clients, just like I enjoy meeting new ones.
CA

The Sorum Family 09.07.06

This evening I traveled to Lake Poinsette to photograph the Sorum Family. We played in the sandbox, on the beach, with the fishing poles... and my favorite of all with the hose. Look out when you hire me you may end up paying some crazy woman to come along and teach your children bad habits. But I guarantee they'll have fun doing it.
CA

The Weekend

I was so wiped out this weekend. My sinus' waited until I got in the car after my Saturday wedding and immediately kicked in... even ask Becky. Sun we headed to the lake. I laid on the couch and tried to get some energy for my evening session with Desirae and Troy. When I returned the boys were all out searching for sticks to build a campfire. I mustered the energy to shoot a bit more since all the kids were together this weekend. Monday I slept for 5 hours. Man I must have really needed some rest. And got a couple of images then also. It's been weeks since I've used the camera for personal images. My poor baby is going to have another gap in his images, just like last year.

Here they are:

Updates

Ok time for another update:

Sessions Booked:
- All dates in Sept are booked.
- Limited dates are available for the second half of Oct.
- I am already getting bookings for the new year, so if you have something in mind or are pregnant schedule your sessions asap.

Rate Change:
- New rates will be going into effect for all family and graduate session beginning Nov.1 The current rates are still available for all session conducted prior to Nov. 1. Customers please ask about the new rates when scheduling your new sessions.

Holiday Deadlines:
- Nov. 1: Last day to order all other products for Dec. 20 shipping. (if approval of your layouts is done quickly)
- Nov. 15: Last day to have a session and have it proofed and ready for ordering by Nov. 24 (prior to the Dec 1 order deadline)
- Nov. 27-31: The office will be closed as I will be out of town.
- Dec. 1: The last day to order prints or cards and recieve them by Dec. 20. No orders will be mailed after Dec. 20.

Blog:
This blog got big, took on a life of it's own and therefore got it's own URL. If you are having to click through the main website instead of using your favorites and bookmarks that's why. It can be found at and will stay at www.acellisblog.com Sorry for any confusion.

Ducks Unlimited Banquet:
- Sept. 26: At the Brookings Inn. AC Ellis Photography will be a sponsor and will be contributing a family, pet or hunting field session and one signature print to the auction. Over $500 value. The signature print is one of many new items. There will be two examples of this on display at the banquet.

Mad Jack's:
- Currently displaying some wonderful AC Ellis prints. Signature prints of Emerson, The Mernaughs, Dustin and Adam are all on display. This display will rotate every couple months or so, so be sure to go and check it out you may end up in there. And just to see some of this first hand while you eat some yummy food. My favorite: Chicken Wrap on Spinach with a Lemon Smoothie.

Ok, I think that's it for now. Other than I'm still incredibly busy. I know I'm taking longer than normal to get back to you and I'm sorry- I really am working hard and not just playing around. Notice you haven't seen pics of my baby, it's cause I haven't had time to take any, the poor child is being neglicted.

Erin has been so kind as to help me during this busy time while I continue to look for help (or talk her into doing it). Thank you Erin, your the best!
CA

The Jacobsma Family 09.06.06

So do you want to put a name to the face? Well this is my friend Kristi and her wonderful family. I met Krisiti a while ago while approaching her about putting my images in her store.... Her store is Tuli. She is responsible for getting me to wear jewelry, carry a purse and my current shoe fetish. Here are her adorable boys and handsome man.
CA

Desirae + Troy 09.03.06

Desirae and Troy just so happen to visit the same lake Andy's family does. And the cabin they visit is right down the line. So although I don't typically take a weekend session I did just for them as it was only a short walk and short time away from the family. I had a blast tooling the lake with them and their wonderful dog Max. Here they are. Their wedding will be August 4, 2007 in Huron.
CA

Elizabeth + Evan 09.02.06

Last weekend was another fabulous wedding. Evan and Elizabeth got married at the First Lutheran Church in downtown Sioux Falls. This is a fabulous old church with a lot of wondeful character. Their pastor did a terrific job and the parents where crying on many occasions.

The reception was held at Chef Dominique's Banquet Facility in Shriver Square. It was just a short drive or a walk from the church, but Evan and Elizabeth rode in style in a horse drawn carriage. I rode along for some and walked beside for the rest. When they arrived they had a warm welcome by family and friends and then a wonderful meal. Their cake was so amazing. I thought the flowers were real until I was looking at the photographes and realized that they weren't. Apperantly Monica made them all by hand and they were edible.

Prior to our departure the night was filled with an amazing first dance. Evan and Elizabeth did a wonderful job preparing and wow'd us with twirls and dips. I caught this last image a little later in the night as they took a moment to themselves on the crowded dance floor. These two are such great people and their love for each other and their family was just radiating all day.



Thank you for including us in your beautiful day. Your slideshow may be viewed here shortly.
CA

Vendors:
Baker:Cakes by Monica
Caterer: Chef Dominique's Catering
Florist: Michelle Ellis (no relation to me)
Transportation: Horse & Carriage

Music in the slideshow provided by Aviette

Kristin 09.01.06

Today was a special grad session. You see when I was starting out about 2 years ago I needed to practice for taking senior portraits. Well Krisitn was only a sophomore then, but she let me practice on her. I also coached her in soccer - she's a kick butt keeper! And to top it all off I photographed her sisters wedding last month. We had fun and she's just as beautiful as she was two years ago.
CA

Dustin + Candace 08.31.06

Since the last time we went out for engagement images it was high noon and the sun was horrible, we decided to have another go. Once again they had me totally cracking up. Their wedding will be April 14, 2007 in Sioux Falls. Thank you for the laughs!
CA