Minneapolis Family Photographer | Ozkar's Third Birthday

Pig masks, pinups and perfectly prepared donuts — it sounds like a your ordinary birthday for any three year old, right? Hardly. But I can't say I'm surprised the the items above were on the agenda for Ozkar's third birthday. Ozkar and his parents are unique to say the least. I've been working with this handsome little guy since he was only a couple of weeks old. We've had the meaningful tradition of doing photo sessions on his actual birthday for the past three years. And with this most recent being Ozkar's Golden Birthday, I knew something fantastic would be in store. What was the most special about the event, though, was simply the fact that I was along for the ride. You see, the family just went about their typical routine, as if it were any other Saturday, spending time together doing what they love. I was there to document the moments while the family did a couple of Ozkar's favorite things: shopping for records, and eating amazing donuts! It's the type of photography I enjoy the most.

We started the morning off with a trip to The Electric Fetus, a record store (yes, they still exist) that I frequented as a teenager. While I have to admit I embrace the digital age and dabble in streaming music, it was refreshing to see the concept of thumbing through albums being passed on to the next generation. Ozkar was gifted the opportunity to select his own record to bring home. He chose the latest from Minnesota's own, Trampled By Turtles. The store was peppered with Halloween décor and costumes, hence, the pig mask reference at the lede of this post (it was a stretch, I know, but I'm a sucker for alliteration).

Next we made a stop to satiate the taste buds of even the most discerning three year olds (or 30-somethings for that matter). Ozkar's parents had a delicious surprise waiting for him when they arrived at Glam Doll Donuts. The artists had prepared a wonderfully monsterous donut spread for Ozkar to dive into — and he did. Ozkar made sure all around could see just how much he enjoyed the sweet creations. I was keen on having, ahem, the Girl Next Door, an unexpected pastry featuring provolone and muenster cheese. Hello awesome!

Oh yeah, and in between bites we were able to get some tasty photos of the family, too! Thanks so much to the staff at Glam Doll Donuts and The Electric Fetus for makings all feel at home!

Happy birthday, Ozkar! I'm wishing you another year full of memories that will last a lifetime.

Northfield Family Photographer | Christmas at The Gardens

Get your holiday photos, fine trees and greens, plus one-of-a-kind gifts during Christmas at The Gardens

OK, it's snowing outside. Aside from the brutal wakeup call that winter is here to stay all of that snow can be a good thing! I know that nothing puts me in the holiday spirit quicker than a fresh blanket of snow. Plus, those dipping temps also mean warming up with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire — who doesn't love that? This year, you're welcome to join us at our hearth during Christmas at The Gardens, Nov. 28 and 29. This Holiday Boutique features fine greens and fresh-cut trees from Switzer's Nursery and Landscaping along with truly unique gifts from area artists, including jewelry designer Heather Lawrenz and garden sculptor Jennifer Wolcott. And while you're shopping for your loved ones why not get your holiday portraits done, too?

I'm excited to once again be offering family mini photo sessions during Christmas at The Gardens. Holiday portraiture is a beautiful way to capture a new stage in your family’s life or to simply share in a tradition with your nearest and dearest. Take the time to commemorate this season with moments that will be treasured for years to come.

Get a feel for what photography with Anthologie is all about. During your 20-minute portrait session, your loved ones will have fun being themselves — playing and laughing while we capture honest portraits of who you are while still saving time for the posed pictures your families crave at this time of year.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29

Where: The Gardens of Castle Rock, 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield, MN

Price: Holiday Cheer Collection $175  |  Seasons Greetings Collection $215

What’s included: The Holiday Cheer Collection features a 20-minute outdoor photography session; online proofing gallery; creative post-processing treatments of your pictures, including black-and-white and color; high-resolution digital files with the copyrights to print your own pictures up to 8x10 inches; and no minimum print order requirements.

The Seasons Greetings Collection includes everything listed above, plus 25 custom greeting cards. These designs are printed double sided in full color on 5x7 matte card stock. Choose from these 4 gorgeous designs below.

What to Wear

We aim to capture the true personality of your family, so it’s important that your clothing choices speak to who you are and make you happy in the process. Here are just a few tips for looking your best.

• Dress appropriate for the weather

• Look for outfits or coats that compliment, but aren’t identitcal

• Layers are fantastic for adults and children

• Bright hues or small accessories create a fun pop of color

• Jackets that are fitted and crisp photograph best

Contact us today

We would love to capture your family portraits this holiday season. Now is one of the busiest times of the year and our schedule will fill up fast, so kindly contact us as soon as possible to secure your session time. Make your appointment today by calling 952-232-5830 or email: info (at ) theanthologie.com

Burnsville Linkedin Photographer

Ready to take your career to the next level, or are you just getting started on your career path? Either way, you'll want to make sure your Linkedin profile is up to date. To complete your online profile you'll need an updated, professional bio picture. Business portraits can help you to build trust with potential clients and employers. Right now, Anthologie is offering headshots at an amazing value to get your fall started with your best face forward.

Join us for Headshot Happy Hour 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Sept. 18 at the Grande Market Place courtyard, 12700 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, MN.

What is it: a 10 to 15 minute portrait session with professional photographer Dan Iverson

What do I get: 2 unique photos, retouched and edited, electronically delivered in print and web resolution, plus black and white and color versions

What about copyrights: you can use your photos as you wish: Linkedin, business cards, company websites, promotional products, etc.

What does it cost: $50 (regularly $150)

What's the catch: No catch, but this fantastic value is available on Thursday, Sept. 18 only

Do I need to register: Walk-ups will be accepted, but those with scheduled appointments will get preferred session times and will not have to wait

How do I RSVP: Call 952-232-5830 to set up or time or email info (at) theanthologie.com

What do I wear: We think it's best to dress for the job you want, not the job you already have. Think about the image you want to project to others and dress accordingly.

• Jackets and coats that are crisp and fitted photograph the best

• Dressing in layers is always a great option for multiple looks

• Solid colors rather than busy patterns add an air of sophistication

• Dark and neutral colors are great for outerwear

So, I have a new photo — Now, what do I do with it?

We have the perfect idea! Why not get some professional training on how to utilize Linkedin to work for you? Our friends at Wild Fig Marketing are actually hosting an education event on the same day — and just around the corner from where we will be providing photos.

You'll Learn: 

1. How to create a powerhouse profile that speaks directly to your IDEAL client
2. How to use advanced prospecting strategies (including the new publishing platform)
3. How to increase the number of referrals you receive in just 15-20 min a week

Click HERE to learn more or to register.

Thanks for viewing!

Hastings MN Engagement Photographer: Candi and Dave

By Emily Zimmer  |  Anthologie

Even before Candi met Dave, his voice gave her a sense of peace.

In the fall of 2011, Candi and Dave started communicating through the online dating site, OKCupid. Candi, a project manager, had been on the website for a year and had gone on some less-than-stellar dates. When she stumbled upon Dave’s profile, she was hopeful because his pictures suggested he shared her sense of adventure.

“I was about to throw in the towel,” Candi said. "I had gone on a bunch of bad dates and I thought: 'okay, I'll give one more profile a try' ... and then I saw Dave's profile."

Some of Dave’s profile pictures showed Dave, a pilot, on a camping trip up North with some friends. A lover of travel and all things outdoors, after seeing his captivating photos, Candi thought she had a good feeling about Dave, so she messaged him.

Dave said he felt the same thing when he saw Candi’s profile. One of her profile pictures was from a trip to Seattle and she was enjoying a beer. Dave thought that they may have a love of travel in common and the fact that she was having a beer was a bonus.

Due to both Dave and Candi’s hectic schedules keeping them from meeting up, they agreed to exchange phone numbers. The first voicemail came in from Dave, who was passing through Atlanta between flights.

“After hearing the destinations planned for Dave’s work day, I remember feeling a sense of relief and immediate trust,” Candi said.

On Oct. 30, 2011, Candi and Dave had their first “real date." They met at Zantigo Mexican Restaurant in Bloomington. Over lunch, Candi and Dave started to get to know one another.

“We ended up sitting there for four hours talking,” Dave recalled.

They talked about travel, work, families, and their mutual love for the outdoors. Their chemistry was strong and they enjoyed each other’s company for the afternoon.

“Now when we go back on occasion we sit in our same booth, if it’s not taken, and stare people down if it is,” Candi quipped

While they met online, Candi and Dave discovered that they lived only a mile and a half from one another.

“We had been in the same proximity for eight years or so … and we probably would have never crossed paths otherwise,” said Dave.

For their second date, Candi and Dave went for a run in their neighborhood. Candi said living near one another made it easy to keep meeting. Considering they are both busy professionals that part came as a surprise. Candi said they simply enjoyed doing things together and made it a priority to do so.

“It was so easy,” said Candi of making time for one another.

The December after they met, Candi and Dave went on a winter camping trip to Wild River State Park. It was an opportunity to spend quality time together. Although they had been dating only a few weeks, Candi said it felt natural. That first trip would lead to many others.

Travel is an integral part of their relationship. Both travel for work and enjoy seeing new places. If they have a fault when it comes to travel, Candi said it’s trying to pack in too much.

“We just want to see everything we can,” said Candi.

Traveling together had provided the couple a tight bond. They share stories from cities all over the United States, including Denver, Chicago, and more. In fact, the centerpieces at their wedding represent each of the cities the couple has traveled to together.

“We just work well together when we travel,” Candi said.

Candi said Dave also provides a level head on their travels, which comes in handy, especially when things don’t go as planned. Such as when Candi’s car overheated on the side of I-29 outside of Sioux Falls.

“Dave’s the calm in my storm,” she said.

On the other side, Dave said Candi challenges him to be more adventurous and outgoing.

“She’s fun to be with and always opens my eyes to new things,” Dave said.

Architectural Antiques Wedding Photos

I'm a little biased to my own wedding, and for good reason. While I enjoy each and every event I'm fortunate to be a part of as a wedding photographer, there aren't many that make me think: A-ha, this is how I would do it if I married my wife again. Well, Jacob and Karina, with the two of you I had that a-ha moment. From the relaxed nature of the day, to the gorgeous look of every detail, to the lip-smacking food offerings — I kept saying over and over to myself: "Why didn't I think of that?" I couldn't duplicate your vision. Your wedding day was all uniquely you and that's what makes it wonderful. I'm sure some of your brilliant ideas, however, just might inspire some weddings to come.

Hair and makeup: Salon Sa Bel (www.salonsabel.com)

Hotel: The Hotel Minneapolis (www.thehotelminneapolis.com)

Wedding gown: L'Atelier Couture in Minneapolis. Designed by Elizabeth Fillmore (www.lateliercouturebridal.com)

Hairpiece: Pink Pewter (www.amazon.com)

Pocket square: Heimie's Haberdashery, St. Paul (www.heimies.com)

Rather than uniform bridesmaids dresses, Karina had all of her attendants choose their gowns from whatever source they desired. "I just requested a mix of greys, silvers, beiges and champagnes," Karina said. The results were stunning, bringing everyone together for a unified and vintage look without the ladies looking costumed or overly done. The guys were given similar instructions. These unique touches extended throughout the wedding day.

I think what struck me most about Jacob's and Karina's wedding day was just how personalized and genuine every detail came out to be. There was no pretense. Everyone came as who they are and celebrated their individuality. Even the desserts were one of a kind. Several guests were tasked to bring their own dessert bars and recipes to share with everyone — I might have snagged a lemon bar (kudos to whoever made those!). Jacob and Karina proved over and over again there's no standards you need to follow to leave a lasting impression. Who would have thought an Edwardian headpiece would play alongside perfectly with an ooey-gooey stuffed hamburger? These guys did!

And did I mention just how delicious the custom-created "I Do" Burger and foodie-fave Gatsby Burger were from The Blue Door Pub? Don't get me started! Let's just say I daydream about ground chuck stuffed with brisket braised in a red wine reduction on a daily basis (yup, meat stuffed with meat). Pat and Molly from The Blue Door Pub did a fantastic job catering to such a large crowd. I don't think a morsel was left over. When you see the eclectic mix of, well, just about everything at Architectural Antiques you'll see every facet of Jacob and Karina's wedding made perfect sense.

Flowers: Secret Garden of Rice, MN

Post-ceremony libation: Indeed Brewing Company Taproom (www.indeedbrewing.com)

Catering: Blucys from The Blue Door Pub (www.thebluedoorpubmn.com)

Venue: Architectural Antiques, Minneapolis (www.archantiques.com)

Music: Patty and the Buttons (www.pattyandthebuttons.com)

From the bride and Groom: "We met with several wedding photographers who were quite talented, but there was something special about Anthologie's photos. We were drawn to Dan's style of capturing beautiful moments in a photojournalist style. When we met with Dan, we sensed his true desire to capture the unique and special moments of our wedding, rather than the trappings of traditional wedding photography. Indeed, Dan and his partner for the day, John, made themselves invisible to us, but were always "there" at all the right moments to capture things as they were happening, knowing and sensing what mattered most. Dan was easy to work with, professional, and extremely thoughtful. We couldn't be happier with his photos from the day. They are truly stunning and we feel grateful to have stumbled upon his talents."

I'm blushing over here, guys! Wow, your kind words mean a lot and John and I couldn't have been happier to find such a great couple to work with. We were honored to be a part of your day. Cheers to you and your happiness!