Erika McCauley Photographers Blog

Archive: July 2009 - View all recent posts

Morning Swim

July 30, 2009 Portraits

One of my most recent shoots had me rising before the crack of dawn to photograph an extremely dedicated swimmer and it is a morning I will not soon forget.

We met at the Chanhassen Lifetime Fitness at 5:00 a.m. and although it was chilly and an incredibly early start to the day, I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. Photographing Ann as she rigorously trained with the sun slowly peaking above the horizon was beyond inspiring and I was thankful for being granted the opportunity to photograph a remarkably devoted, passionate person in the most perfect setting.

Thank you Ann for the most memorable morning! Best of luck to you at Nationals! :)

6 Comments So Far

Lori & Eric

July 27, 2009 Weddings

I have been looking forward to this wedding for about a year and I could hardly sleep the night before because I was so excited about photographing Lori & Eric's wedding day....(although not sleeping well before a wedding is really not uncommon). :) Every wedding is so unique and inspiring to photograph and Lori & Eric's day was nothing short of exceptional. Their wedding was a little different because Eric is also a photographer and has occasionally assisted me at weddings this year. Every photographer knows that the pressure is REALLY on when your photographing a colleague! :) (You can check out Eric's work here !)

Their ceremony was held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church followed by a beautiful reception at Graves 601 Hotel in Minneapolis, MN...and I must say that Graves 601 has become one of my favorite venues to photograph at.

Lori & Eric - thank you for inviting me into your lives and putting so much trust in me to capture your day. It was an amazing honor to be your photographer! I look forward to seeing your pictures from Maui!! :)

Eric gave Lori a Chanel planner for her wedding gift :)

I LOVED Lori's blue suede shoes from J.Crew

They opted to see each other before the ceremony, so we had plenty of time for photos. This was taken moments after they saw each other for the first time.

Thanks for being so much fun wedding party!! :)

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN

If you wanted the couple to kiss, you had to sing a love song and then Lori & Eric would give them a score. Here are the groomsmen earning a Perfect 10. :)

Graves 601 Hotel is an AMAZING venue!

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Gettin' the shot!

July 24, 2009 Personal

One of my assistants, Erin, got this shot of me at Ashleigh & Will's wedding a couple of weeks ago...yeah, I know I look like a tiger ready to pounce. haha! (check out Erin's new blog here! Way to go Erin!) :)

On another note, you MUST MUST MUST check out this video of the BEST wedding processional EVER! Turn up your volume!

11 Comments So Far

Amanda & Jim

July 20, 2009 Weddings

There is a special kind of serenity just a few hours north of Minneapolis and Hayward, WI provided the perfectly tranquil setting for Amanda & Jim's wedding day. They decided to see each other before their ceremony and I could have photographed them in this "up north" scene for hours! It was incredible and a photographer's dream location. It seemed like it was a place made just for them. :)

Thank you Amanda & Jim for inviting us to share in your wedding day. It was such a privilege to capture your love! :)

I would like to thank the trees for following Amanda & Jim's example of being PERFECT :)

Amanda was stunning!

One of my many favorites from the day

After the ceremony we did some photos by the river. I was in love!

I can't take credit for this photo - my husband took it! Isn't it fantastic!?

5 Comments So Far

Ashleigh & William

July 13, 2009 Weddings

Ladies and Gentleman I would like to introduce you to Ashleigh and Will. I love outdoor weddings...especially ones that are held at a location special to the bride and groom. The reward of natural lighting and the beautiful contrast between a bride's dress and earth-tones far outweighs those sleepless nights wondering if it's going to rain. :)

This particular wedding was held on the eve of the 4th of July near Afton, Minnesota at Ashleigh's parents house. And the powers that be granted Ashleigh and Will with a beautiful Minnesota summer day with not a drop of rain. It was such a serene location for a wedding and had so many details that made it beautifully unique. I loved the antique theme and you have to check out those "shoes" Ashleigh was sporting...LOVED IT! I was invited to stay almost to midnight as the wonderful evening was closed out in style. I will let the pictures explain. :)

Thank you Ashleigh and William for being your beautiful, relaxed and comfortable selves in front of the camera.