From Becky

Friday I came home from my session to a wonderful treat that Becky left on my counter. O they were so yummy. I like carmel apples so much and these were made extra special and may be the best I ever had. The apples were yummy too, picked fresh from her trees. My customers take the best care of me.

Thank you Becky.
CA

Some rust

Remembering Grace

I wish I could pull off a style as classic as hers. Grace Kelly was a classic beauty. No plastic, real and beautiful. Howell Conant's images of Grace throughout her career and time as a princess are a wonderful collection and Time has compiled a number of them in this 25 Year Anniversary edition. Pick it up and get inspired. Some think that lifestyle photography is a new thing, but Howell was doing this a long time ago. We have a lot to learn from those before us.
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Some of her formal wedding portraits.

Dena and Chad's Book

Books are pooring in. Dena and Chad's book went out just this week. They added a lot of images and we maxed out the size. This was one big book.
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Remeber to get your image selections in ASAP in order to get your orders for the holidays.

Studio Samples

I'm a slacker. I have been photographing weddings for 3 years and I'm finally getting around to getting studio samples in. I'm always so busy that I never set aside the time to make any for ourselves. But this was a goal for this year and with the work that Kristina did before she left and Erin getting us caught up on designs we are finally in a position to get ahead.

So with Beth and Luis's wedding I designed and finally got two samples completed. One is of our designer books and the other is our Fine Art Album. I decided to use the same wedding for two albums so that you could compare the different ways to present your images. You get a completely different feel between a book and an album, neither better than the other, just different. Depending on your taste will help decide what you get. And now we have these two in the studio for you to see in person. We are working on others in hopes of having one sample of each product we offer in stock by October. We are getting closer. Come and see what we have at the Grand Opening.
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The Designer Book 10x10: The entire album layout

The Fine Art Album 13x15:The entire album layout

Amanda + Jed: 09.22.07 Take 2

Ok so since I have been called an enabler this morning by Amanda, after giving her the fun ones first, I figured I had better get these on the blog and quit dragging them along.

This was one memorable wedding. There were so many great things that made it that way. For instance the hotel Amanda chose to get ready in (the hotelVetro in the lower post in Iowa City). Perfect light and wonderful decor. So much better than a church basement! The gift she gave Jed - an intimate book. And his reaction. He was likin' it and proud of his woman. They were talking about it the next morning even. The day, the light the first meeting the "formals" in front of the under ground parking garage. Yep just memorable. But the most memorable - the people. Jed and Amanda are two people I hope to call friends and not just clients. Amanda and I are both type A personalities and both of our husbands seem to be able to handle it and like to hunt. They were surrounded by some of the best family and friends. My gosh I really did have fun with them all all day! Jason a groomsman even made me feel little again when he flipped me during a dance later in the evening. Talicia a bridesmaid makes my day when I get forwarded e-mails from Amanda that she wrote about how great her photog was. The maid of honor - wow so fun Eric no you can't get the lavendar for me. The parents... totally supportive and funny!

Ok back to Amanda and Jed. They met prior to their evening ceremony to allow a lot of time for portraits. We had multiple places to shoot and ended up with a lot of variety. I had a hard time choosing for the blog. Amanda looked stunning, I knew she would. She has an elegant style and it showed through in her simple dress and lovely vintage jewelry. Jed, well he's just a hoot and I'm thankful he remembered me from a wedding I photographed in 05 and had Amanda track me down.

The ceremony was in some intimate church in the country and it was cute and rented and I got to walk all over and get some great angles. They exited in the evening darkness and got into a vintage car, that they also arrived in. Perfect.

Now the reception. Just plain fun with good speeches and lots of dancing.

Ok now for the images... maybe I should hold off another week. Nah you've suffered enough.
Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend. I'm so happy you brought us in and remembered me from 05.
CA

getting his book

The girls.

The bridge will hold some good stories for everyone.

Capturing that vintage feel

Edited to add a few from the reception, didn't realize I didn't have a single one on here:

listening to speeches

Getting Ready: hotelVetro
Ceremony: Saints Peter and Paul Chapel
Reception: Sheraton, Iowa City, IA
Iowa Wedding Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Amanda + Jed: 09.22.07

As I was pulling images for their blog post and just couldn't stop smiling and laughing. Here are a few reasons why. Real post coming up soon.
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Do you know what she's doing here? Erin sure does.

Ceremony: Saints Peter and Paul Chapel
Reception: Sheraton, Iowa City, IA
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Ayden

Ayden asked me to spike his hair yesterday. So cute I had to share.
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Grandma Marie turns 90

Sunday we headed down to Dell Rapids to celebrate Andy's grandma's 90th birthday. This woman amazes me. Not only has she lived to 90, but in her own home, completely capable and aware. She's one tough cookie and after meeting all the kids - 7 of them I'm surprised she made it to 30. Darn they were a handful, you should listen to the stories. All 7 of the kids with their spouses came in from all over the world to take grandma in a limo out to dinner with them all. How cool is that? From those 7 kids grandma Marie has 99 grandkids and great grandkids. Wow, what a legacy to leave behind.
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Here she is in her home of many many years just hanging out with us all.

And with one grandkid and one great grandkid. My boys.

From Amanda

The morning of Amanda's wedding she gave me this lovely necklace and pendant. I don't wear much jewelry, just my wedding band and a necklace. This is the perfect length for the lower cut tops and I like it a lot. Amanda wanted to know if I actually liked it or was just being nice... well I'm not good at just being nice. I actually liked it a lot. And wore it again yesterday as well.
Thank you,
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Yes I'm teasing you leading up to your wedding post. Tell Talicia it's coming. : )

hotelVetro

While in Iowa City we stayed at the hotelVetro, here are a few images from our room and our calamarie. I love the clean modern room so much, it was so comforting to me. Erin agrees that the beds were super comfy. I want a home like this someday.
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Intimate with K

While out of town for a wedding I scheduled a little morning session in the fabulous hotelVetro with K. You are so beautiful, hope you like your sneak peak.
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A little tribute to her nice little butt, which she says she doesn't like. Hello I would love to have that butt!

His favorite tie. Cause yeah that is what we are all lookin' at.

PS. K did this as a 5 year anniversary gift. And she's had two babies from this body. How'z that for hot?


South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

Cole Haan Dayla

Just a little post to hold you over while I work away on some images. My Cole Haan Daylas.

These are going to replace my trusty Raphael Mary Janes that I always wear to weddings. The Nike Air in them is proving comfy. I get all my nice shoes from The Red Shoe in Sioux Falls, don't forget to join us on Thursday for a Girls Night Out. Yummy chocolate and champagne to be enjoyed.
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Jacie + Adam 09.08.07

We are getting quite the following with the Ivanhoe/Hendricks crowd and it's fun to show up and know many of the people. Jacie and Adam are so happy and full of energy, I don't know how they keep it up. It was a perfectly overcast day and they gave us plenty of time for portraits and all the group "formals" were done outside. It is so refereshing to see this images done a different setting than a busy altar.

Like so many of my couples this year Jacie and Adam chose not to see each other prior to the ceremony. It always makes for heightened anticipation and emotion. The ceremony was great and funny too. After the ceremony they had a fun exit and then we did group portraits outside. Jacie and Adam only had one attendant each and wow did that simplify things.

After group portraits we hit the road with one minor detour of an old building to stop and take portraits in. Then off to the reception that had wonderful light. I was so happy with the site. And the evening light on the golf course was great as well.

The speaches were fun, slideshow amusing and dj impressive. It was a wonderful wedding. Thank you Jacie and Adam for selecting us to photograph it. Here are some images from your day.
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The cutest little flower girls.

At the end of a long walk

A little portrait time

The reception lighting - o and they had a center table that they shared with their parents and attendants. I thought that was great!

The first dance.

Church: Bethany Elim Lutheran Church, Ivanhoe, MN
Florist: Main Street Floral and Gifts, Hendricks, MN 507-275-3999
DJ: Happy Feet 507-763-9090 (very impressed with, professional attire, turned around the banner, mixed the music well)
Reception: Marshall Golf Club, Marshall, MN
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Second Photographer: David Hoffman

Ayden's First Day of PreSchool

Today was Ayden's first day of preschool. We are fortunate to have got him into the SDSU Preschool where it is a labratory teaching environment. The amount of teachers to students is very very good.

He was so excited all day long. When we got there we took a few images and off he went. We couldn't keep up with him as he ran down the hall, went straight to his locker and out on the playground. I reminded him to say goodbye to his dad, which he did as he ran out the door and didn't even look over to say it. Then we spied on him as he played. First jumping off a toy and then rounding up two girls for himself. Ata boy. he he.
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On the road.

With Dad who walked over to meet us. Andy works for the University for those that didn't know.

With mom

Ayden turned the camera on us. Not our caddie in the background.

The locker...

With the girls.

Girls Night Out at the Red Shoe

Open to all, bring your friends:
AC Ellis Inc. Photography Studio and The Red Shoe
Girls Night Out
at The Red Shoe: 202 S. Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls
Thursday Sept. 27th 5-8pm

Enjoy The Red Shoe Annual Fall Event
15% off new fall styles in boutique
Enjoy intimates images from AC Ellis
View prints, books, and meet the artist
Discounted sessions (for future use, sessions will not be taking place that evening.

In addition to Girls Night Out we have some other events coming up. They will be blogged in the future, but you can now easily find upcoming ac ellis events by viewing the events section on the right of the blog. You can click on each event to see a digital invite with details.

Jordan's Studio Session

Jordan came back into the studio for some studio images to go with the rest of her images. Gosh she's fun to photograph.
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Ethan

Ethan had his graduate portrait session this week and we had some great light all evening. I think this is the time of year for the best light in SD. I love when my seniors are their own person. Here are some images from Ethan's session.
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Burgin and Bodee

This blog coming to you from Iowa and this super cool modern hotel that I am in love with. Tomorrow - well technically today I have an intimate session and a wedding I'm super excited about. So after this I'm off to bed. Check out where Erin and I are staying: hotelVetro hotelVetro

Maria was the first one to catch me not blogging last month and so she got a portrait session for her munchkins which were so darn cute. Look at their eyes.
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Laura + Chris: 09.01.07 The Rest

I know some of you have been waiting for the second installation from Laura and Chris after the details tease. So there they are. It was a wonderful wedding on a perfect day. They couldn't have had better of anything.
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The bride looking so happy

with mommy

loved the veil

The cutest little flower girls

Like many of my clients this year I love that they waited until the ceremony to see each other.

Father let me go all around including on the altar. The altar is a great place to get these images.

I love the light coming in the side windows. I've never noticed it before because I've never made it up onto the altar like this.

Into the limo

and out and about

we stole them away while the dance floor was cleared for family images and some together images

Some love for the groom

The dance

Coordinator: Accents Event Planning
Church: St. Mary's Catholic Parish, Sioux Falls, SD
Florist: Josephine's
Live Music - DJ: David Jones
Reception: CJ Callaways, Sioux Falls, SD
Cake: Jackie Kennedy
Videographer: Family Focus Productions
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Second Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

From Klint + Jer

We've been updating samples and I mailed Klint and Jer a framed print from their 04 wedding when I was just starting out.
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Cory Ann,
Thank you so much for the framed picture, it is beautiful. Hope you, your family, + business is going well!
Thanks again!
Klint + Jer

Laura + Chris: 09.01.07 The Details

So I've been working on this post. Going through more images than we have ever taken at a wedding - by a lot! And I just have so many so this wedding will be broken into two posts. First I'm going to tease you with the details and then I'll give you the juicy stuff.

Now let me tell you I've seen weddings put on just for the show of it. This was not the case here. While the details, entertainment and everything were top notch the most moving thing to me was the way Chris and Laura are. They are both very giving and were concerned about their guests having a great time. They definitely love each other and that was apperantly through out the day. O and don't give Laura a mic, ok give her a mic, it's so so funny!

Are you ready to see something I've never seen at a SD wedding before?
CA

When Maria and I showed up at St. Mary's we knew it would be a good day simply by looking at these:

At one point I tracked down a program to find that they were letterpressed and ooo soo lovely. I love letterpress!

Josphines did all the florals and I love how pink was selected to accent the blues. All the soft tones were perfect.

The brides dress, ummm can I get married again so I can pick another dress?

The tie on the bridesmaids.

Then we arrived at the reception. Three little letters sum it up WOW!

The head table. center, you know I love that!

The chair covers were all silk and the ties on the head tab chairs were blue instead of white

Flowers adorning the head table (bridesmaid boquets). Instead of vases they were just bunched together as a low centerpiece - worked great!

The place setting. I love chargers! (a charger is the silver thing and when the salad, meal or dessert is served that plate is placed on it) O and Godiva chocolates one was dark chocolate with rasberry, my favorite!

And outside they had a wonderful cocktail hour, but also these extra large ottomans for guest to sit on. By extra large I mean a queen size bed with a custom cover. Kris at Accents came up with the idea and it was a great one!

Coordinator: Accents Event Planning
Church: St. Mary's Catholic Parish, Sioux Falls, SD
Florist: Josephine's
Live Music - DJ: David Jones
Reception: CJ Callaways, Sioux Falls, SD
Cake: Janet Kennedy
Videographer: Family Focus Productions
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

From Danielle + TJ

I got this note from Danielle and TJ and it means a lot. Last year I got swamped and fell behind, it was my own fault for not managing my growth. To make things better for the future I hired help, implimented organizational procedures and worked my arse off. To make things right we have done what we can to give our customers whatever they need to make them happy. We worked very hard to get caught up and finally we are. It was a long process and we plan to stay on top of things now. Thank you Danielle and TJ for your patience and understanding. I'm glad you are enjoying your book and disc full of images!
CA

Cory Ann -

The album is wonderful - we love it! We are happy with how you were able to take care of everthing, and we really appreciate the dvd. It's so nice to go back and look at all of the pictures from our special day.

You have a great talent. Thank you for sharing it with us along with your hard work.

Danielle + TJ

Audra + Kenny: 08.31.07

Friday I headed to Tea for the wedding of Kenny and Audra. I was really looking forward to the wedding as I knew Audra made a big decision when she decided to go with me and I really wanted to make some wonderful images for them. Audra was full of anticipation and it was such a privilege to be able to witness everything just melt away as her and Kenny got to see each other for the first time. Audra looked amazing and Kenny who played a nasty trick on her came through with flying colors.... Kenny had mentioned getting Audra some earrings as a gift, but only gave her a card the night before. And Audra, well she went all out and got Kenny a really kick ass gift, so yeah she was a bit bummed. But right after seeing each other he opened up the pretty black box with the earrings. It was so sweet. Darn men!

Leading up to the ceremony was so emotional as Audra and her dad waited and walked down the aisle. The ceremony was short and sweet and I still can't believe Kenny's mom was able to hold it together to sing. I'm gonna be a sap when Ayden marries.

The reception was held at the Holiday Inn Starlite Room which is always full of great service and food. They opened with their first dance, had some yummy food, some good speeches and then we stole them away for a little portrait time outside.

Thank you for choosing me.
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Their first glance. These are always different, I love how Audra just melts with Kenny

Kenny restores cars, and this impala was beautiful and a great prop

I have a soft spot for daddies and Audra was so wonderful, makes me miss mine!

Laughs during the ceremony, darn candle

The exit...

First dance

A little portrait time, stealing away from the reception

My competition

3 AC Ellis brides, love it when this happens!

Church: St. Nicholas Catholic Parish, Tea, SD
Florist: JMD Designs
DJ: Music in Motion (Not a vendor of choice for us!)
Reception: Holiday Inn Starlite Room, Sioux Falls, SD
Cake: Jackie Kennedy
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Second Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

Lindsay + Clint: 08.25.07

I go to so many weddings and it still amazes that they can be so unique and reflective of the couple. Lindsay and Clint are just so natural together, relaxed and happy people. Their wedding was a perfect reflection of that. It was small - not a ton of guests, but full of quality people and Lindsay and Clint made sure to spend time with each and every one of them.

Prior to the ceremony the place was a buzz with energy, they chose not to see each other before hand (I love this and have seen it much more this year!) and it kept the anticipation up. The ceremony was emotional and wonderful!

After the ceremony we did a record 3 groupings at the altar. All other images were saved for on-location and the reception. This matched the natural flowing nature of these two. It was perfect. When we headed on location it was so relaxed and my gosh Lindsay is just such a natural beauty! At the reception they had their center table in the middle of the room and had simple accents to beautify the room. During the first dance they sang to each other and you could tell they were enjoying it.

It was all a perfect reflection of them and I enjoyed being able to photograph it all.
Thank you for selecting me, here are some images from the day.
CA

Some moments from the ceremony

On their way out they took a moment to...

Checking what was inspribed on the rings. They didn't know ahead what the other had put on the rings.

Some fun at Skinners - bring your ID... he he.

A beautiful bride

Fun, natural, them

Dances

Church: Brookings Methodist Church, Brookings, SD
Florist: Bloomingvilla, Brookings, SD, 605-697-1734
DJ: The Dance Machine
Reception: Days Inn, Brookings, SD
Cake: Hagmans Bakery
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

From Darlene (mother of Pennie + Jacob)

Darlene had some flowers delivered. Silly me in my business didn't get an image before they wilted. But here is the note and the flowers were appreciated. Thank you Darlene.

Note:
Thank you very very much for the wonderful gift you gave to Jacon and Pennie! The photos are wonderful!
Darlene Steenholdt (Pennie's mom)

From Becky + Kirby

Becky and Kirby sent this nice little note.... in case your wondering Kirby tried to eat my lovely Cole Haans. I still want a puppy now. Love that little thing!
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Cover: Find Joy in the LIttle Things

Inside:
Like puppies and shoes - just not puppies chewing on expensive shoes! Thank you Cory Ann for taking the time and being willign to get wet for the perfect shot. You're the best and Kirby and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us.

For All you do-
Thanks
Becky + Kirby

Katie + Travis: 08.18.07

I know it's taken a long time to get this post up. Why? Because we took so many images it took forever to look through them and twice as long to pick any out. So Katie and Trav since you had to wait so long I've loaded you up with extra images.

This was such a fun wedding and I was looking forward to it! The day before Ayden and I stopped by the rehearsal to give Katie and the other two AC Ellis brides their t-shirts (I want to see pictures) and that just increased the excitement. These two are so great together and so loved by, I would say everyone they come in contact with by the sheer number of guests.

Katie was a stunning bride who just glowed and man I could photograph her all day long. O wait I did. We had plenty of time between formals to steal them away for some images in the church and then they schedule a bunch of time for fun stuff with the bridal party between the ceremony and reception. It is great to have all this time as it gives us an opportunity to create some wonderful portrait work.

The reception was full of laughter, cheers, singing and dancing AKA FUN! Just like I knew it would be. This group knows how to celebrate and to get me on the dance floor before I head home.

Thank you for choosing us Katie (sorry Travis I know she already had me picked out before you proposed)! I'm so glad we got to spend and share in your day. You two are a great couple and the day was perfect!
CA

Some portrait time before the ceremony:

handsome.

stunning.

willing to let me play.

the dances.

this was long after the first dance, notice Travis' jacket was off and shirt undone. I just love how they were able to steal some moments together alone in the middle of the dance floor.

a little detail.

And tying for the record: 3 AC Ellis brides at one wedding. Although a week later one of the bridesmaids booked me so there were 4.

more on Maria's blog

Church: St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, Brookings, SD
Florist: Main Street Floral and Gifts, Hendricks, MN 507-275-3999
DJ: The Dance Machine
Reception: Swiftel Center, Brookings, SD
Cake: Sue Steffensen
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Second Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

Katie + Travis: 08.18.07

Katie and Travis' wedding was such a blast! After spending time with the ladies when we first arrived at the church, I had the opportunity to spy on the gentlemen. Since they had previously gotten ready, I found them sneaking into the church gym. They didn't go to shoot some hoops, but to catch the score on the ball game and play a few rounds of Foosball! Even Travis' dad had to join in the festivities! (Maybe it's just us photographers that notice this, but men at weddings are WAY more relaxed than any of the women...)
The ceremony was beautiful, and it was almost hard for me to not cry while watching the bridesmaids reach for their tissues to dry their eyes. At the reception Katie and Travis' head table was positioned in the middle of the room with family and friends surrounding them. The best part was watching all the guests work their way to the table to serenade the newlyweds with a love song to convince them to kiss!
Thanks for an awesome day!

ML

I love the random items scattered around.

What a beautiful way to end a first dance...

Church: St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, Brookings, SD
Florist: Main Street Floral and Gifts, Hendricks, MN 507-275-3999
DJ: The Dance Machine
Reception: Swiftel Center, Brookings, SD
Cake: Sue Steffensen
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Second Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

Audra + Kenny: 08.31.07

Although I was not able to attend Audra and Kenny's ceremony, I did have the priveledge to meet up with them at their reception. I love being able to see the tables, chairs, and decorations before any of the guests arrive! I always feel like I am seeing something that I shouldn't! The colors were vibrant, and the treats of hot tamales and sprinkled mints kept the guests coming back for more!

ML

Some alone time.

How interesting it is to watch the parents, grandparents, B&G, family and friends during speaches and bride and goom slideshows. I get to see how much people care, and how close a bond they have with each other.

Church: St. Nicholas Catholic Parish, Tea, SD
Florist: JMD Designs
DJ: Music in Motion (Not a vendor of choice for us!)
Reception: Holiday Inn Starlite Room, Sioux Falls, SD
Cake: Jackie Kennedy
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.
Second Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

P Family

Earlier this week they came in for a quick studio session. Such cuties.
CA