Blooming Plant: 4

The forth installment in the blooming of the amaryllis. These were taken on the 26th. Somehow this plant has a sparkle to it. Like it's been sprinkled with glitter, which it hasn't, but look at that last image in particular. It just glimmers.
CA

Intimates with K

Just a couple of details.

South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

Billy + Sheena: 11.10.07

While Maria was the main photographer on this wedding I decided to come along, since I had the day off and it was in town. It's so much less stress to be the second photog. I got to hang with the guys and try stuff out.

Here are a few images... Maria will be blogging soon with many images from this summer so check her blog over the next few days for more images from this and other weddings.
CA

Tiffany + Eric: 10.27.07

Another fab wedding that didn't make the blog on time. But again not cause we didn't love it, simply because we prioritized and the blog fell aside. So anyway here are Eric and Tiffany.

Tiffany was delivered to the ceremony site via shuttle to have Eric waiting for her in front of the church. The blue sky and wind added some fun elements to the images of them seeing each other. We meandered around the church for some couple images before the wedding party arrived and we did all the formals.

The ceremony was good and after we headed out in the limo - OMG crazy people! It was fun and I had to come home and download "Rockstar" afterwards. The reception was at CJ Callaways were again I found myself crying during the darn speeches. This time Eric was to blame. The first dances were so sweet to photograph, with more emotion. And the final dance of the evening - now that was hilarious. Eric preformed I think "Billy Jean" by Michael Jackson, can never remember the name of the song, but o was it funny!

Thank you for having us!
CA and ML

Eric made me cry, the big softy.

Three AC Ellis Grooms were present. There were 4 brides at one time, they could have had 5 but... it's all good.

Corinne + Blake: 10.06.07, Sioux Falls, SD Wedding

I know bad me for not blogging these last few weddings sooner. We did manage to get everything edited and to the clients by deadlines and were able to enjoy time with our families over the holidays. We hope you were able to also. But that is no excuse not to share this absolutely fabulous wedding with you.

Corinne and Blake were married in October, a beautiful month to get married and their colors reflected the season. I loved Corinnes dress which was a hue of gold/champagne that was simply lovely, as was she. Blake was looking as handsome as ever.

The saw each other prior to the ceremony and we used this wonderful room in the church for most of the images. The windows and the light gave us a lot to play with and since the wind was fierce outside on a surprisingly warm day it was a good option to keep them fresh inside.

After the ceremony we headed out for some images around town before heading over to the Ivy Room for the reception. This was our first time shooting in the Ivy Room and we liked it. Of course Corinne and Blake get the credit for decorating. They own the Ideal Wedding Center and used simple accents like gold chargers to really dress it up.

The love of these two and their family was so moving I was crying during the speechs. Not just a couple of tears but sobbing. It was so special and amazing to be part of their day.

Congratulations you two. Sorry it took so long to get you up. We enjoyed your wedding so much, we hope you are enjoying your images!
Cory Ann and Maria

Some of my favs

Reception: Ivy Room Sioux Falls, SD
Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Laura

A late season grad session. Laura rocked this and handled the cold incredibly well and was rewarded with this first image for it. I love the light, the wind blowing her hair, etc.
CA

Blooming Plant: 3

The Amaryllis just took off. We can finally see inside as the petals on two of the flowers are starting to spread. Ayden is having fun watching it's progress as am I.
CA

And to mix it up. On a white background.

Cassie + Josh: 09.22.07

For Cassie and Josh's wedding I traveled with Cory Ann to Chamberlain, SD. I have driven through the town many times on my way to western South Dakota, but I've never actually stopped and looked around. Luckily, with the new GPS system, Cory Ann and I got the scenic tour to arrive at the ceremony and reception location. (Only after attempting to find the Dairy Queen the GPS told us was there -which has been closed for years and has tall grass growing around it!)

Cassie and Josh couldn't have picked a better day for their wedding. The weather was warm, but the breeze from the surrounding hills kept us cool and dry. I don't think there was a single cloud in the sky!

By the way, I absolutely love fall weddings. There's always such a beautiful array of golds, browns, oranges and reds. I think that if I got to plan it all over again, I would definitely have my wedding in the fall!

Here are some of the images from the day.
ML

Father and daughter walking down the isle.

Walking down the isle.

Cedar Shores

Megan + Michael: 09.29.07

Megan and Michael's wedding took place in a small town country church, with the beauty of the fall harvest all around.

Megan was a good sport before the ceremony, and let Cory Ann and I take her to some great locations around the church for some great portraits. We had fun trying to lock Michael in the kitchen while we snuck Megan past each time!

As the time drew near for the ceremony to start, Megan was busy playing with her nephews, being as calm as ever. (I think I was more nervous that she was!) I think she enjoyed trying to keep them from eating too many Twizzlers!

The reception was beautiful, and again we got to take advantage of the great location and grab some unique portraits. Thanks you two for such a fun day!

ML

Shane + Stephanie: 10.05.07

From the moment that I met Shane and Stephanie, I could see how much in love the two of them were. They have this aura around them that surrounds each other and their children! Their wedding reflected this love with a small, intimate ceremony of friends and family.

The ceremony took place at a quaint church near Augustana, which brought back memories of my time spent there. The reception was in the Great Hall of the Washington Pavilion and had an array of food and tables beautifully placed for an intimate gathering.

On a side note, Cory Ann has been teaching me to drive her manual car. Apparently I'm still not that great at it. Upon leaving Shane and Stephanie's ceremony to head to the reception in Cory Ann's car, I attempted to leave the parking lot with the emergency break on. Not such a good idea. Needless to say, I held up the guests that were trying to reach their cars as I sat in the lot trying to figure out what was wrong... you know how you go about 1 foot and then it dies? I eventually figured it out -after one gentleman kindly pointed it out to me- but my excuse is that I drive an automatic and always have! This is all still new to me!

ML


Getting ready

The ceremony

Hors d'oeuvres

Corinne + Blake: 10.06.07

I had been waiting a long time for this day to come! You see, Kelly, Corinne's mom, works with my mother-in-law. For months we had been talking back and forth about all the excitement and planning that was being put into this amazing wedding! I am so happy that I was able to share this day with all of you!

The wedding was beautiful, with every detail taken into account. The array of October colors set the tone, and reflected the atmosphere surrounding the entire day.

Following the ceremony, we rode around town to find a couple interesting places to take some more portraits. -Corinne, I still admire you for getting up on the edge of that bridge in your gown! Surely something not every bride is willing to do!

Thanks again for letting me share your day!
Congrats to the both of you!

ML


During their first meeting prior to the ceremony, I happened to notice dozens of peering eyes watching us through a neighboring window. It seems that everyone had gotten the memo about the first meeting and didn't want to miss out! But who would want to miss this?

Aren't they beautiful?!

Blooming Plant: 2

This is in fact an Amaryllis. Here are some of it blooming a bit more. I'm going to try to take some images every few days for you all to follow.
CA

Emily + Nate's Guestbook

Another book delivered. Fun colors to reflect their wedding colors. We have a few more at the lab, one on it's way here and a bunch waiting to get ordered. Tis the season.
CA

Happy Holidays to you!

Since today is Winter Solstice and in between many of the celebrations this time of the year I thought I would give you some lovely ornaments to look at.

I hope everyone is enjoying the beauty of winter and the pleasure of being with family. Take some time to look for the beauty and not all the commercialism and stress. Surround yourself with friends and family and reflect on 2007 while you look forward to 2008.
CA

2008 Calendars

They are in, collated, put together and ready to go. I know we are pushing it on the New Year. But they are here. Erin did a great job, they contain twelve of my random images from 2007.
CA

Click here to order one: It will go out on the 27th.

K's book

It's in the mail. Can't wait to hear what her man thinks!
CA

South Dakota Boudoir Photographer

Moonstruck Chocolate

A yummy little package arrived yesterday from our NW family, the Prutch's. Erin brought the box down and I saw the Moonstruck logo on the side. It hit me right away that we had walked to this store, took me a second longer to realize where. In Portland with Amy of course. So yummy I almost gave myself a tummy ache.
CA

I love pretty packaging...

And some cute little critters for Ayden.

Gingerbread

stinks! My hands hurt so bad after pushing all that frosting out. But Ayden's grandma sent it to him and he had fun so I sucked it up.
CA
Ayden's side:

My side:

Blooming Plant

We are growing a plant here in the Ellis household. It's finally starting to bloom. Does anyone know what type of flower this is?
CA

N Family Card

A lovely press printed card by the fab Erin. They fold in half and are two-sided
CA
The back and front

The inside

For photogs: all of our holiday and other card templates are for sale. Available to those outside of our area. Just contact me.

Abstract Art: Part 9

It's been a while since we did one of these.

Rules:
- You must guess exactly what this is.
- I will not be giving any hints or comments until someone guesses correctly or it starts to drag on.
- Guesses must be submitted by commenting on the blog.
- Current and past employees of AC Ellis photography are not eligible.
- If you have won the last blog contest you are not eligible. But follow along anyway.
ETA: no husbands, friends or family members who know or don't can guess either.

What you can win:
A gift from me. Who knows what it will be, but since it's from us you know it will be cool!

Tip#1

Kenny + Audra Card

Another standard card from Erin.
CA

Tuli Moved

Tuli has moved to a new location. Next to Ritz off main and Kristi did an amazing job on the store. It is so fun to spend time and shop in a well decorated store. Kristi made this a true boutique store, the only one of it's kind in Brookings. Be sure to stop in, check it out and look at all the new stuff.
CA

South Dakota Winter

This last Sunday we took a family drive around Brookings and I took some winter images. It was another beautiful frosty day, but I did more distant images as I was testing out a lens a friend loaned me. All you Nikonians out there it is the yummy 200 f2. Which I like, but is a heavy heavy lens. It paired with the D2x 9.5lbs.
CA

From Lindsay

A note from Lindsay.

Thank you for the BRIDE t-shirt. It's a freat momento and so soft and comfortable. PS we are so excited to see our prints!

Lindsay Warriner

Kaylla B-ball

I made it down to Sioux Falls for one of Kaylla's games. It seems we only make about one a year. But it's always fun to watch her play.
CA

The team.

Kaylla

Some players...

PS. New readers Kaylla was my assistant in 2006 and one of my athletes when I used to coach soccer years ago.

B Family Card

Another standard card.
CA

From Krista

A note from Krista who got a tee after catching my 800th blog posts. Thanks for the note Krista, glad you like to read the blog.
CA

Cory Ann and Staff,
Thanks so much for the awesome acellis.com shirt! I've already worn it and it has to be the MOST comfortable t-shirt ever! I just love it! I've enjoyed reading the blog at least once a day for the past year plus! It's so fun to follow the personal and professional tidbits! It's definitely been a staple for me - alongside emails each day! I can't wait until I get the pleasure of a photoshoot! Keep up the amazingly creative work!
Thanks again!
Krista Schmit

K Family Card

The K card is one of our standard cards. Designed by me. I think Arla picked well the dark blue background really makes the image pop!
CA

G Family Card

A Custom design by yours truely.
CA

C Card

I just delivered these yesterday. Erin is tearing it up with her kick a** custom designs.
CA

J Family Card

Another custom card by Erin. I love this one too.
CA

S Family Card

One of our skinny standard cards. Designed by Erin.
CA

Alex + Eric: E-shoot

Who says Kansas is only flat? The rolling hills in east central KS are beautiful and the late Nov. sun made for some interesting lighting.

Alex and Eric are getting married next Dec., but I got to go down after Thanksgiving to do their engagement session. These two are a riot I am looking forward to their wedding so much! It will be a great way to end my 2008 season.
CA

La Salle

I mostly do portraits and images related to people, not this time. No people, just this beautiful La Salle. I loved how they came out. All the details would make a great collage or wall art. I could do a book with them all too, just fun. A Christmas gift for dad from the kids. John was grinning ear to ear and just on cloud nine. Hope you love them.
CA

Guess who's next? Let's see how many times Alex hits refresh today. he he. Love ya girl.

Lance's Book

This came in and went out about a week ago, just hadn't gotten an opportunity to blog it. Lance did a signature book of his extra graduation images. Erin did a good job on it. I'm particularly fond of the cover, Erin does a wonderful job of keeping things clean and simple while using different font and layouts to make the distinctive.
CA

N Family Card

Another standard card by Erin.
CA

A Bit of Frost

Wednesday morning I went out in the cold, I couldn't resist the frost on the trees was beautiful with the low morning sun and blue sky. I was showing Ayden the close up of the crystals and he told me they were snowflakes. Well Andy agrees they are snowflakes on a tree. I have a thing for snowflakes, so that explains it.
CA

April + Paul's Save the Date Card

Another fab custom design by Erin.
CA

Fra-gee-lay

How do you like the newest edition to our home?
CA