April + Travis: 05.23.08

Some more wedding goodness coming your way as I edit away.

I think all photogs say they have the best brides, maybe it's because we all attract couples who mesh with us. Well this couple was awesome, good looking (yeah I know I'm not that good lookin'), great style and just plain fun. I was in a bit of a vintage mood this morning processing these images so they have a different look. This is what allows me to mix things up and not do the same thing all the time. They are added to the gallery in an extra section, just in case you like it too.

April got ready at the Club House in and Suites in one of their big rooms. It has a bunch of great light and a balcony to look over.

Travis watching his bride walk down the aisle, they didn't see each other beforehand.

The Cathedral

Big exit. These stairs are great for this.

And the first dance. So cute together!

And some details for you.
Programs from Envision, love the color on the black, and the light printing on the black, ok I just love them.

The dress

Shoes

Hankerchief

And the flowers.

St. Joseph Cathedral
Washington Pavillion
AC Ellis Photography
Envision Wedding Studio
Club House Inn and Suites

Ian + Elena: 05.10.08

In May I started off the wedding season with a trip to New York to photograph Ian and Elena's wedding. I didn't know what to expect as I hadn't ever been to NY, but Albany was beautiful and the wedding was wonderful.

I started off the day at the salon with Elena. We got to chat and get to know each other a bit more. Then after a while I headed out and had breakfast with Ian and his brother. This isn't normal, but Ian is an ol' friend. We got to catch up and hang. I love the outside eating in Albany.

After I gathered my things, ran a few errands and headed to the Appel Inn where Elena was getting ready.

The ceremony was out on the lawn with the guests overlooking a creek, sitting in wooden chairs and on benches. I loved the outdoor setting. And the Deacon did a fabulous job on the ceremony. It was a pleasure to listen to him speak.

After portraits out on the grass. I love outdoor formals and portraits so much better than the church!!! hint hint. We headed over the gather place for the reception. It was great having both the ceremony and reception at the same location.

Ian and Elena went right into their first dance. Just the way I like it. With guest standing around attentive. The sun was setting and created a great opportunity for back light as well as a lovely light on them.

Then of course there is the daddy and mommy dances. Both parents were wonderful smiling the whole time and enjoying their children's day. Elena dancing with her dad was touching.

Later in the night Elena switched into a HOT little salsa dress and her and Ian danced a choreographed salsa for the guests. It was great

And because this seems to be the year of the details (we LOVE details) here are a bunch for your viewing pleasure.

A wonderful wedding. Thank you guys for bringing me out for it. I had a great time!
CA


A special thank you to Joe Ciarcia, who drove in and shot the wedding with me. It was a pleasure meeting you in person and shooting with you Joe!

And this is Ian and I, by Joe

Annie + Chris:

Trying to catch up on some wedding blogging. While on the Vineyard I photographed Annie and Chris' wedding with Joe Mikos. It was a fabulous wedding in their home and then reception on the lawn in a big tent. I loved it and wish we could have more wedding like this out here in SD.

Here are some images, mostly details. One of Annie and Chris while Joe was directing them. It was so fun to shoot with Joe and Kelly.
CA

I love that everyone got up and danced so much!

Amanda + Jed: The Album

It's finally in Amanda and Jed's Couture Album. This thing is beautiful, made by the same wonderful people as our fine art album. These are a favorite for us as well as our clients. This is however our first album of this kind to go out. We are mailing this out to them asap, but will be ordering another one just like this for the studio sample.

Silk, Ribbon, full pano page spreads, flush mounted, custom designed, elegant, classic, modern and absolute georgousness!
CA

Allison + Charlie: 05.03.08

I prepared these images before I headed out here to Martha's Vineyard, just didn't get a chance to finish the text. But as I lie here in my nice room I'm going to tell you about this fab wedding.

Allison and Charlie wedding was in Sioux City, IA on a nice sunny day. Maria and I had a blast photographing it. Allison was a lovely bride full of energy and always smiling. Such a pleasure to photograph!

We started at the church for the getting ready, formals and some details prior to the ceremony. Allison and Charlie decided not to see each other prior to the wedding so it was fun to keep them apart while moving about in the church. The ceremony was very nice followed by a few more formals and then off to downtown for some fun and well fun. I saw many bare butts that day.

After downtown was went to the reception which was decorated with white chair covers and bows in Allison's signature pink. We managed to sneak them away for some sunset lit images before the first dances.

Thank you for choosing us to be part of you day. We had a great time!
CA

Just a bit of flare.

The lovely Allison.

Handsome Charlie.

Some details...

The "B" was implemented on all kinds of stuff.

Loved this cake!

April + Travis: 05.23.08

Just a sneak peek from Fridays fab wedding before I head out. Three different treatments, just cause I was playing.
CA

Ian + Elena: 05.10.08

Just a little peek before I'm back to the admin side of this business.
CA

I hope next week to blog more from both Ian and Elena and also Charlie and Allison.

Allison + Charlie: 05.03.08

Just a little peek from yesterday's wedding

Darwin + Adrienne: 02.29.08

On February 29th. The leap year I headed to Sioux Falls to photograph a portrait session/elopement. This was by far the smallest wedding I've ever photographed. So small in fact that I was one of the witnesses.

Darwin and Adrienne and their kids were great subjects as we shot in their home and around their property. After some portraits they all dressed up and took a few more before heading to the Butterfly House for the ceremony.

Dennis Thum from USF (our wedding officiant) did the service by the little bridge. Afterwards we took a few more portraits before Adrienne and Darwin headed out to dinner and to make a couple of phone calls to family and friends to tell them they finally tied the knot.

It was a fun day! Thanks for having me along guys.
CA

The Kids.

The insects.

Becky + Justin: 01.05.08

Our last winter wedding to post. Becky and Justin got married right here in Brookings. Fortunately is was rather warm out considering the previous days.

We started out the day at the homes where the bride and groom were getting ready. Maria was with the guys and me with the girls. I love when we are in the homes of our clients as they are surrounded by friends and family. After the getting ready we headed out for the couple to see each other. We decided to do that outside instead of in the church and I think it was such a better idea. O and I got stuck in a snow pile.

After the meeting we headed to the church for some more portraits and did the formals in front of the church. I was impressed with everyones strength to weather the cold. I think it paid off. The ceremony was lovely, I always enjoy the increased decorations during the holiday season and Becky who didn't think she was going to cry was all teary eyed on the altar.

After that off to the Old Sanctuary for the reception. Decorated in simple black and white with lots of candles created a wonderful atmosphere. It was hilarious during the prayer when a friend said Justin was marrying some other women. I think he inserted his wifes name. Becky with her head down could not stop cracking up. It was a good time!
CA

Here is Becky getting into her flowers. I liked the bridesmaids shuffling in the mirror in the background along with the light.

The flowers.

Some individual portraits.

And the couple outside.

Rings and Shoe.

For a guestbook the guest wrote messages on little cards and tied them to the tree

This was on the pastors desk.

I'm always looking for different ways to shoot the light in this room. Loved the flare in this one..

The fisheye of the church, again, I like the extra decorations during the holidays.

And the first dance on the nice hardwood stage of the Old Sanctuary.

Check Marias blog in the upcoming days for more.

Jill + Dustin: 01.12.08

Jill and Dustin eloped and got married someplace not cold - Jamaica. They hired me to photograph their engagement and their reception back here in SD. They are a fun group and the reception was fun with good food and the first time I've seen karaoke. Dustin was a darn good singer, I was impressed.

Here are a few images.
CA

There weren't many images of the couple as they were mostly family images, but they did have a first dance.

And a bunch of details to carry with the jamaican theme.

Ashley + Jonathan: 01.12.08

Another wonderful winter wedding. Maria was commissioned to photograph this wedding, but I was there at the beginning before heading out to photograph a reception. This was the largest bridal party we have ever seen - ever! But we handled it with ease and still completed all formals in about 20 minutes.

I think we get the most beautiful clients. Over and over again they make the best decisions on the dress, their hair, the flowers, all of it. I was happy Ashley kept some of her long hair down and the dress, omg another great one. Ok so enough from the second shooter. I'll let Maria tell you more since she was the boss at this one.

Here are a few of my images. Check Maria's blog later for more.

I'm into doing details of the dress while it is on the bride.

This image is a current fav of mine. I managed to catch Ashley's eye uncovered for a split second while the veil was being flipped over. I saw it in camera and was hoping I hit the shutter at the right time. Talk about timing.

And a classic black and white. Loved it the moment I took it. Sometimes you just know.

Minnesota Wedding Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Kelly + Heath: 12.31.07

Time for a little wedding blogging catch up. We had some absolutely beautiful weddings this winter. Starting with this one on New Year's Eve - I know long time no blog.

Kelly was a stunning bride. She has this classic beauty and I love the way she carries herself. You saw her dress in a post some time ago and it was almost as beautiful as her. She got ready at her parents home, let me just say this is so much better than the church basement. The light was wonderful and I loved that the bridesmaid were just hanging out on the bed and around the room comfy and perfect for images. Anyway it as a great start to the day.

Like the troopers they are we weathered the freezing cold for some outside winter images. After all they did schedule a winter wedding. It was lovely outside. The decor was simple, yet well thought out with trees packed with matching ornaments, garland, wreaths, candles and ribbons that made for a wonderful ambiance.

It was a lovely wedding and I'm so happy you chose me to photograph it.
CA

Some of those getting ready images.

And some outside portraits

Waiting with dad to walk down the aisle

the rings, they used different colored ornaments as a way to show the staff who had what for dinner. Great idea! and cute wedding favor as well.

Some dancing. I loved that Kelly switched from a long veil to a short one for the reception.

And a random detail of the dress on the dance floor.

Minnesota Wedding Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Time for bed.

Just a little something...

Ok now I'm off to bed, that was a full day.
CA

Rebecca + Ethan: 12.22.07

I love weddings over the winter holidays as the decor is always stellar! Rebecca and Ethan photograph beautifully and this paired with the decor, lighting and wonderful personalities of all involved made my job such a joy.

Because the light goes down so quickly this time of the year they opted to see other before and gave me lots of time to play and explore the church. After some couple time we got straight to the formals.

The ceremony was good and the pastor witty. And I was able to get up front for some good images of Ethan and Rebecca reacting to his words. I loved the long aisle and the wonderful light at the altar.

We then headed downtown to Paramount Piano and Wine Bar and then to All Occasions in Tea for the reception. I hadn't been to All Occasions before and was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was.

The dance was great and after capturing the first dances and a bit of the fun dancing I headed out. Thank you Rebecca and Ethan for selecting me.
CA


The beautiful bride.

Handsome groom.

Dad walking her down the aisle.

Up front during the ceremony.

From the back.

The ringbearer dropped his pillow.

Out for drinks in downtown Sioux Falls.

First Dance.

PS there were two AC Ellis brides and grooms at this wedding too. I forgot to get an image of them together though. But Starr and Matt it was great to see you!

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

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

Shane + Stephanie: 10.05.07

Shane and Stephanie had a small laid back wedding in which they did a wonderful job of incorporating their children. Which were so cute by the way. The old church was perfect and the candles added to the atmosphere.

After the ceremony everyone had a great time in the limo before heading to the Washington Pavilion where Amanda did a wonderful job as always of decorating and keeping things moving well.

Here are some images from their day.
CA

Reception: The Washington Pavilion
Florist: Gustaf's Greenery
South Dakota Wedding Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Megan + Michael: 09.29.07

Another wedding when I got travel to a new place. So of course we left super early. But he new GPS got us right there and extra early so we drove around and found some beautiful areas for portraits.

We did many images before hand as we arrived early and figured we mind as well get to work. We got all kinds of group images out of the way and then snuck Megan away for some creative time.

I'm not big on tradition. I think it's great to do your own thing, but one tradition I love it the waiting to see the bride until she walks down the aisle. Love the high emotions. And Megan and Michael did this and it was worth it.

After the ceremony we did all "formals" (which I think I'll now dub group shots as they aren't nearly as formal as years past) outside in front a tree with a huge canopy that framed in the fields in the background. The fields happened to belong to Megan's dad. I didn't know this when I took them over there, but I thought it was a great side note to tell the kids someday. Then we took a few extra in a couple of other areas before heading to the reception site.

The reception was at this amazing hunting lodge called The Hole in the Wall. And had such a warm close atmosphere for the group. Perfect! Just before leaving with the storm clouds brewing outside we snagged Megan and Michael for a bit of creative portrait time. They are so great together and in front of the camera. I love this set of images. We got to create just for them.

Thank you for the great time!
CA

A little classic hollywood style lighting. You wouldn't believe how we made it.

The handsome groom

I love that they waited to see each other and Michael was grinning big upon seeing Megan.

As they walked down the aisle Megan glanced at her mom. Who was in tears. I LOVE EMOTION!

The exit

And for some portrait time. This was near an old boarded up school that just happened to be Megan's mom's old school.

And some evening portraits. This was after hours as we were getting ready to leave. We had to stay extra and play.

And the reception at The Hole in Wall. A very beautiful hunting lodge.

Ceremony: Big Springs Baptist Church
Reception: Hole in the Wall Lodge
Florist: Flowers by Jan
Caterer: Hy-Vee Vermillion
South Dakota Wedding Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

Cassie + Josh: 09.22.07

Wow I am so behind on my wedding blogging, so here goes...

I was excited for Cassie and Josh's wedding it was outside on the shoreline in Chamberlain. Not many people take the chance of doing an outside wedding in SD, but they are lovely and allow for some great photography vantage points. When we pulled up at Cedar Shores I was even more excited to know everything was happening at the same place. No driving to and from - it was wonderful to have everything together.

Cassie did an amazing job of decorating. Both the wedding and reception decor was beautiful. She integrated her favorite flower in with grace and had some unique centerpieces as well.

Everything flowed nicely and it was a great day for all. Thank you for selecting us. Here are some of our favorite images.
CA

The arbor

Josh patiently waiting for the ceremony to start. He was walked down the aisle by his daughter (see Maria's blog later) which was cool.

The ceremony.

Josh wiping away Cassies tears. Tender moments ahahhha

The happy family exiting.

A few portraits.

Cocktail hour. Just had me laughing.

And the first dance.

Ceremony: Cedar Shore
Reception: Cedar Shore
Florist: Ms. Bumblebees
South Dakota Wedding Photographer: Cory Ann Ellis, AC Ellis Inc.

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.
CA

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.

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.
CA

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

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.
CA

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.

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.

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.
CA

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.

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.

Melissa + Kevin: 08.05.07

After Des and Troys wedding on the 4th I dragged my butt out of bed and was a second shooter for Maria at Melissa and Kevin's wedding in Huron. I just hung back for most of the day and it felt good. I'm getting better at it. And I also doubled as the cake cutter since I've seen it done enough times, too funny. We'll have to see if Maria posts any of those images on her blog. Here are a few from the day.
CA

Grandpa walking her up the aisle

And the exit, the guests really threw those oats

A little together time

Kevin just got done with boot camp and had that lost Marine stare down pat.

more on Maria's blog

Reception: Crossroads Hotel and Huron Event Center, Huron SD
Photographer: Maria Lavallee, AC Ellis Inc.

Desirae + Troy: 08.04.07

I was looking forward to Troy and Desirae's wedding! They are both relaxed, fun and so expressive. And I knew lots of the guests. It's weddings like these that I feel more like I'm hanging with friends rather than working. But to prove that we did do some work here are some images from the day.
CA

A little portrait time:

The girls getting ready

Desirae had her mom walk her down the aisle and Maria got this lovely image from the back

Ceremony

The Exit:

More portrait time:

Details:

And a special appearance from Joey, a past AC Ellis Groom who I lent my camera to for a while. He was lovin' it. Here is an image of him by Maria and a couple that Joey took:

more on Maria's blog