Jamie and Melissa: 07.28.07

Last weekend I had the pleasure of being a second shooter with the wonderful award winning Britta from Milestones Photography in Fargo, ND. Talk about pressure to work under such a good photographer. I definitely learned a lot.

It was a fabulous day, I could not get over the beauty of everything. Gosh the bride looked great in her dress. Jamie was the perfect groom. Just before we left, we had amazing light out on the golf course.

Thank you Britta for taking me along and Jamie and Melissa for being so welcoming.
CA

While Britta was shooting the other angle...

Bride

Groom

The exit from the balcony, which I climbed a scary ladder to get too. It wasn't really that bad, I'm just joking.

The flowers were beautiful, Melissa's parents own Schulze Florist and did a wonderful job.

The wonderful Britta downloading.

Mack

About a week ago we set out on a little project to create some custom art for another business. Well unfortunately these won't be going in that business, but since Mack worked so hard to create these rockin' images we thought we'd give them the AC Ellis treatment anyway.

We love to depict people doing what they love. And while it's fun to do it for real we also like the chance to set out and create something just for them. So if you have a favorite hobby or passion, don't be afraid to ask us about something custom for you or your business.

Mack, thank you for doing such a good job. Next time we'll bring some tunes to rock out to.
CA

And Mack's first CD cover:

His poster to announce his new album:

And some others from the day.

Lyndsay and Nate's Album

Another of our Fine Art Albums, this time in 10x13 size. It has natural pages, crimson silk and cream ribbon. The binding is done with the ribbon. We love the products that we get from this company!

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The entire album layout

Folded Cards

We got more of our sample folded cards in. Erin did a good job designing them!

They come in regular folded in 5x7 and 4x6 sizes in linen and gloss finish and in a gate fold of the same. The gate fold is folded a bit short so that part of the inside is visible when the card is closed.
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one of each

gate fold

regular - we love how this turned out.

Boon Frog

I've had this little guy for a while. Just haven't gotten him hung up. He is the Boon Frog. Boon has a few very foward thinking childrens products. They have great customer service. And o their branding is lovely. The frog attaches to the wall with a super strong adhesive on a mounting plate, then you slide the frog on. After that you can use his toes to hang stuff, the top as a shelf and the basket in the front comes off and on for toys. It's great to scoop them up and then the water drains out.

Go here to find out more about Boon products.
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Two wheels

I don't know why I'm so excited about this. I should just be glad he's smart right, well and cute too. Anyway on Wed after some begging for me to watch him ride his bike I sat in the driveway and did just that. He suddenly decided he wanted to try with the training wheels off. We've taken them off before with out much luck so I wasn't expecting much.

After much coaching he made it about half a block. Then yesterday we rode all the way to daycare. Which was about a half mile. I was planning on being tired as I thought I'd have to hold him up a lot on the way there. Well I was tired, but not from holding him up, from making my lazy butt run to keep up with him. The kid just took off. He still couldn't start or stop well, but by the end of the evening he could.

And today we both rode bikes to daycare. I am so proud of him. Can't wait for Andy to get home and see it.
I love my little two wheel bike rider guy.
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The unencumbered laugh of a 4 year old.

My Boy by David and Maria

Ok last post on our fun photog day.

David B. Hoffman took these

I love us chimping together.

Sitting in Arts Festival time out after peeing on a tree in the middle of it all. Yep that's my boy I was o so impressed. We had a talk about peeing in public...

This needs to get blown up.

And Maria took these.
Mnchin' on a cookie at Mad Jack's

You can see the picture Ayden got on the post below.

Thanks you two for getting so many good images of my babe.
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More fun

Here are a few more images I took of the photogs I hung out with last Saturday. It was so much fun. I would like to do a get together (GTG) in the near future. Just hang out eat and all that. So if I don't know you and you would like to come, please drop me a line. We would like it to be those that already have businesses please.

Here are Maria and David. I will do another post with some of the cool images they got of Ayden.
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Practicing some lighting.

Workin on my flare - all 32 pieces (name that movie)

more lighting

Ok David needed a head shot. This is a decent headshot but Maria and I decided so not him...

His personality comes out better here. So witty, laid back and fun. I'm going to have him do some family portraits I think.

Ayden took this one. Maria has a picture of him doing it. He had fun I think.

lighting. Can you tell what I wanted to work on?

And David shooting me, like the texture and negative space.

Kenny + Audra: 07.03.07

Yes, I know I'm behind on my blogging. I've been doing so much paperwork and such that I just haven't had time. But that part of the business is getting caught back up - darn taxes, and I'm reading to look at images for a change.

Here are a few from Audra and Kenny E-shoot. I've known Audra now about what a year and a half through two other weddings she has been in. There wedding will be another with three AC Ellis brides at once. When she was in the other two we didn't know she was goign to be hiring me. I'm glad she did.
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Elizabeth + John: 07.07.07

This was the wedding date of the century. I can't even count how many inquiries we got for this date. But I am so happy with the couple that booked us first.

Elizabeth is quick to tell the story about the day and the first vendor she called - that's right me. I was open and was happy to oblige. I met Elizabeth earlier in the year at her sister Sara's wedding. They are part of one of the most amazing families I have ever met. I also photographed their parents - my gosh is that a relationship to set a standard and I better be doing Taylor grad images next year or I'm going to track him down.... And not to be over shadowed by the Johnson's there were many tears and emotions on John's side of the family. I think many of us would have loved to meet John's dad and see him together with the family.

Anyway they did not disappoint. They are so fabulous and my gosh Elizabeth has the wonderful classic look. And they are in love - that's the key you know. I drove up the night before to Minneapolis and just relaxed. I sleep well and since I had nothing else to do I set out early for the day. I met them at the hair salon, then back to the hotel for getting ready and to the church for the first meeting, formals and ceremony.

The day was hot, o was it hot! But the church was nice and cool and beautiful. The first meeting went perfect, the formals great and the ceremony was pretty cool. After the ceremony we headed out the campus of the U of M. Elizabeth and John both attend there and we also did their engagement there. It was nice to use the architecture and to find some great light as well. After that it was back to the reception.

Ok this had to be the HOTTEST reception EVER! You think it was hot outside, try fitting 300 guests into a room where they are served a hot meal and o yeah the AC broke. But you know what, it was still one of the funnest receptions to date. A testimate to these two and how much they are loved and that nothing, nothing at all could ruin their day. It was the most crowded I have ever seen a dance floor and one of the best DJ's ever, and just pure fun, love and celebration.

Thank you all so much for making me so welcome. I love you guys and can't wait to see you all at Katie and Travis's wedding.
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The handsome groom moments after seeing his bride- lookin' hot!

Elizabeth, not your normal portrait, I like it because it was moments before she walked down the aisle and she was watching the rest of the processional. You can tell how focused and nervous she was.

I love both parents walking- so cool.

the beautiful circular church - loved the stained glass.

Color

portrait time on campus

Dances

it was hot!

And the record, three AC ELLIS BRIDES at the same wedding: Sara, Elizabeth and Katie

DJ: Instant Request

Intimates with A

By special permission this young lady is allowing us to see her face. She was working it. Ok ladies get off your duff and book your session!

A - hope you love them, I know you like vintage and I think film grain is sexy (like you) so I went with that look when working on these.
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OMG this is my fav!

Sexy shoes to go with those legs...

Loved the vikings shirt - great find.

Hello.

South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

April and Tony's Album

After some issues with another company we switch this album to my favorite company. This is our biggest, nicest album we offer. It is our Fine Art Album in the 13x15 size. This particular one has custom cut layouts, extra images and extra pages. It is wonderful. It also has a custom insert in the front to hold their invitation. These albums are handmade in California of fine silk materials. The images are matted behind fine art paper with deckle edges. It comes complete with a matching presentation box. April and Tony chose to go with all black: silk, pages and ribbon. Very sleek and classy.

April and Tony we are excited to send it on it's way to you.
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The entire album layout

Danielle and TJ's Book

Finally, we get the Danielle and Tj's book in. We have been waiting for this one. Danielle and Tj chose to upgrade and include extra images so this one is full of many many images from their day. I am in love with the cover image we chose. It is of the rings sitting on a page of their scrapbook style guestbook.
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The entire album layout

House: The little things

Like I said with the dungeon, the home improvement is going a little slow. It's the busy time of the year for me and I tend to put everything personal aside while I focus on my clients. But since everyone keeps asking about the house I figured I'd show some little things I've improved on. I replaced all of the door knobs in the house. They were those ugly fake gold plated ones and just looked icky. So I got these nice ones for upstairs and down they are all a stainless steel look. In the upstairs living room I replaced all of the outlets and covers with these slim boxy ones in grey to blend in better with the wall and look more like my modern style. Sometimes it's the little things that help to bring a place together. The upstairs living room is close to being done. I just need to find a couple more pieces of furniture and touch-up paint and I'll be sharing it with you all.

So you all should feel better knowing you have a photog capable of changing door knobs and doing minor electrical work.
CA

A Saturday Off

Now I don't get many of these and when I do I try to spend the time with the family. So this morning Ayden and I hung with Andy as he was only home for two weeks before heading out again today for some more military training. Then this afternoon my friends Maria and David came up to Brookings from Sioux Falls for a little bit of fun. So even on our day off we have cameras in our hands. All of this of course after checking the calendar and reminding myself that no I don't have a wedding.

Here is our favorite from the day and we decided to play with it a bit. I'll show you more later. But just had to share this one. Hope you like it.
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Koen

Last weekend I traveled to Minnesota for a wedding and as usual I stayed with my friends Masondra, Jordan and Koen. Although they didn't get there till late Sunday night. I was so excited to see Koen. He is so big. And my gosh so darn cute too! Here are some of him from Monday before I headed back. Thank you guys for letting me stay yet again. One of these times we need to do a real family session.
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We had some delicious cherries that I kept feeding Koen at breakfast, it was fun watching him try to feed himself and getting them all over. I love being the bad influence somethime.

For those of you interested I am willing to travel to different areas like Minneapolis for photo sessions. Just get a few of them together and I'll make the trip at no additional cost. Think seniors / graduates, intimates and families too.

Mary + Brian: 06.30.07

A couple of weeks ago we headed up north about 5 hours to the tiny town of Linton, ND. It was literally in the middle of nowhere. Every hotel room was filled from the wedding.

So we got there very early. I don't ever want to be late and in the event I've never shot at the site I try to leave time to explore. And I got dressed - drove in the jammies since we left at 5am. And had a nice chat with two bridesmaid also getting ready in the church and waited for Mary to arrive. My gosh was she a beautiful bride. I don't know how but the weddings this summer are just keeping up to a high standard - of love that is. Couples truely in love and my gosh I think this motivates and inspires me more than anything else around.

Brian was looking handsome and after the first meeting we did a few images of them together before proceeding to the formals. Of course we get those done with a bit of flare and in record time so we set about the town. I loved Mary's dress I was so excited when I saw it and it photographed beautifully.

The ceremony was a full Catholic Mass with my favorite Father Morgan from Holy Spirit in Sioux Falls making the trek for these two special people. While I love the simple ceremonies there is something about the tradition and formality of the Catholic Mass that is so appealing and cool. The church was old, but updated and lovely. And when I perused the program ahead of time I saw we were in it. I had to tease Mary that she was doing a good job of kissing up, he he.

At the reception I got to try some kuchen (thanks Masondra for the spellign) and father told me about this drink they had made with burnt sugar and something, but I didn't try that since I had to drive home. I may have to round some up for another time. It sounded interesting and I like that it's homemade. And I got to sit with the parents in the best seat in the house for a dinner served family style - I really thought that was nice.

It was a great day! Mary and Brian, thank you so much for having and spoiling us (flowers, named place setting next to mom, mentioned in the program). We felt special and it was your day to feel special, truely showed how wonderful you are.
CA

The beaming bride.

Vendors:
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Church: St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Linton, ND
Reception: Knight's of Columbus, Linton, ND
Florist: Blumen Haus
Bakery: Joyce Pfeiffer
Caterer: Helen Fischer
Entertainment: K-Hook

House: No more dungeon

I haven't been showing any house stuff since nothing has be "completed". Here is one project currently in the works. This is the window from my office and before we removed all the concrete stoop it was just a black hole and that is why I called my office my dungeon since I could get no outside light. But now thanks to Andy I can get light and fresh air. Eventually it will be landscaped in here so I have a nice view.

Anyway here is the mess, but it's still better than being in a dungeon. I would like to also have a bigger window, more light and easy exit in case of emergency. O and Ayden can play out front and check in through the window while I blog.

Press Printed Cards

We have offered these for about a year now, but only have done a couple as we have no samples in the studio. So we finally - since we are getting caught up around here, took the time to get some. Erin designed these save-the-date and thank you cards.

The press printed cards can be ordered in two different finishes: linen or standard gloss, they are not on photopaper but actual card stock. You may select postcards in two sizes as seen below and cards in many sizes and fold options. We have ordered in the 5x5 trifold option and will be getting the regular fold and gate fold ordered soon. All cards we offer come with envelopes.

Enjoy the samples, ask to see them in the studio and check for them in your cart.
CA

The 5x5 Trifold, these are so fun and offer lots of room for designing:

Postcards, can be designed and mailed as a postcard or ready for writing and mailing in the included envelopes.

More books: Part 2

Yesterday these books came in. I don't offer this book option anymore

McGuire entire book layout

Van Whye entire book layout

And no you can't see the entire intimate book - hence the intimate. We are impatiently waiting for some amazing books and albums this week!
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Spencer and Amber's Album

Ready to go out with the parent books is Spencer and Amber's main album. I forgot to mention it before.

This is our Fine Art Gallery Album in 8x10 large. They are beautifully covered in silk with a vellum sheet between each page to protect the prints. Timeless and classic. The entire album layout
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Julie and Aaron's Thank You

A thank you we created for Julie and Aaron, printed 5x8 on photo paper.

John + Danae: 06.23.07

Are you ready for another dose of wedding images?

A couple of weeks ago I drove up to Aberdeen for the wedding of John and Danae. It was a great day and a fun group of people.

We started early with the formal images and since that went so quickly (13 minutes) - like I tell everyone it will John and Danae and I spent some time finding light around the church. It was a great church with many opportunities. It was nice and relaxing. Then we went outside just for a bit as it was rather hot and humid.

John and Danae talked to the mister ahead of time and got permission for me to move around. It was great to be up front and get the two interacting with each other and reacting to the ministers words.

The reception was fun with the bride and groom leading the way on the dance floor. It was a great night!

Thank you guys for letting us be part of your day.
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adorable!

And when I got done shooting I headed back to my bag to find these goodies. Thank you Brenda for stocking us up for the drive home, hope to see you later in the month.

Vendors:
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Reception: AmericInn Event Center, Aberdeen, SD

Church: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, SD
Florist: Janet with County Classic Floral
Caterer: Doug with Doug's Classic Catering

Just Because

I thought I'd share this one just because I think it's beautiful. I'll be adding it to the AC Ellis Originals Colllections which I hope in the near future to have editied and available for purchase.

Audra + Jake: 06.16.07

Wow, this is a long time coming.

I really do think I have some of the best clients and I think it's becuase they have wonderful families to back them up. Audra and Jake were surrounded by fab people all day long. It was such a warm atmosphere and kept the entire day joyful. They chose not to see each other before the ceremony and I think that made for some great entrance images - but I'm going to hold out on those for a while. We did steal them away from the reception when there was the best evening light for some images together.

Here I will let the images tell the story of the day. Audra and Jake thank you so much for selecting me and going through all the trouble to change your date, not once, but twice just to get me. And for taking to heart all the recommendations I gave you - I'm glad they all worked out beautifully!
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Starting with my favorite image - have I said I love exiting images?

Jake:

Audra:

the church exit

Look at that train and veil- Audra's requested image.

I love the excitement in their faces as they enter the reception hall for thier first dance.

Details:

Peonies were beautiful - a close up.

Jakes ring as cool, the diamonds could move in their channel set.

Vendors:
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Church: First Luthern Church, Brookings, SD.
Reception: Old Sanctuary, Brookings, SD
Florist: Bloomingvilla
Caterer: Aramark (SDSU Dining Service)
Bakery: Hagman's Bakery
Entertainment: Music Express
Videographer: Steve Roush

Eric + Tiffany: 06.20.07

I had so much fun with these two during their engagement session! They are so cute and so much fun! Eric just makes you laugh he is so goofy, but at the same time clearly loves Tiffany. I loved how he would gently put his hand on the back of her head and neck pulling her closer when he kissed her. A wonderful couple! I'm looking forward to their wedding!

Some images. You wouldn't know it was such a hot and humid day. The light was beautiful as were the subjects.

The goofy side.

The kiss.

This year I find myself photographing weddings of those who already know me. I'm going to have to start doing a count to see how many of my past brides are at current weddings. Maybe get an AC Ellis bride image with them all. It really is great to have the wonderful compliment of the referral and the challenge to create something truely distinctive for each couple. After all they all have their own things and we don't want their images to look the same.

Back on Track

Things have been crazy around here in the heart of wedding and portrait season and hence the blog has gotten a bit behind. I apologize for that, but as we are almost completely caught up I am finding that I have time to dedicate to the blog again. So here is a little something to get the day started and check back as I have much to add today and during the week and I'll try to pamper you all with some extra images.
CA