Megan

It seems that everyone knows tattoo artist Megan Hoogland, or at least of Megan Hoogland. She probably doesn't remember this, but I actually met Megan for the first time about 13 years ago. It was the summer after my sophomore year in college and I had become friends with a girl that was apprenticing with a piercer at Megan's tattoo shop in Mankato. When I was briefly introduced, I was dumbstruck and ridiculously intimidated, which as you know, for me...takes A LOT. Megan has a presence about her, and it's more than just her beauty (but yep, she's pretty hot). Megan doesn't mince words, she doesn't hold hands or sugar coat anything. She doesn't have the time or want to. She takes charge, gets it done and moves the heck on....oh and not to mention that she's talented as hell (check out her work!)! A couple businesses later, bazillion awards, 3 children, Megan is still going strong (stronger actually!) and owns Mecca Tattoo in downtown Mankato, MN. I was lucky enough to have Megan tattoo my arm a while back.
<------------ (I should really blog about that, eh? Maybe when she does my sleeve work) If you're looking for some new ink, Megan is amazing, no matter what distance you are from Minnesota--her talent is worth the trip. (Dude, I totally just got "Mecca"!!!!)

a new arrival

25 Miles down a very bumpy highway 83, east of Mankato is Waldorf, MN, population 235; make that 236. Alex and Kari welcomed Ella Christine to the world just over 2 weeks ago. (and three weeks early!) Ella was ready for her first close-up this week.

A late May wedding

I woke up Saturday morning and looked out the window and smiled, knowing it was a perfect day for an outdoor wedding! I had the pleasure of photographing Mindy and Cliff's wedding at Brae Park. They're an adorable couple, and were well deserving of the beautiful day.

Cliff and his father both own classic cars and I absolutely had to take advantage of that in the photos!













Thanks for letting me be part of your special day Mindy and Cliff!

sunny day shoot

After a few days, the wind finally calmed down in Minnesota, just in time for an engagement shoot with Erick and Dana. They're a great and easy going couple, which always makes shooting a good time.
We started out at Como Park, before moving to Minnehaha Falls. I'm looking forward to shooting their wedding in June!




Thanks Dana and Erick!

Windy Day in the prairie

Steph and I had scheduled a photo shoot today, but were a bit worried when the winds were blowing all morning and afternoon. Not being one to shy away from such conditions, we ventured out to the Kasota Prairie anyway. The wind picked up her hair, her dress, and a couple times HER!








On our way back to town we spotted an abandoned property, and being the happy trespassers we are, we decided to stop. This amazing old truck caught our eyes at the same time and Steph and I shrieked with excitement!


It was another great shoot...it was hard to pick just a few for the blog....there's about 175 that I didn't pick, but still loved!
Thanks for a great shoot Steph!

Andy and Danielle

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Minnesota, and I put it to good use while shooting Andy and Danielle's engagement photos. We first did some shots and Como Park Zoo, but seeing as it was field trip day, we were hard pressed to get a shot without a wide eyed child in the background. We decided to check out St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis afterwards, and we were so glad we did!

For those of you who haven't been to St. Anthony Falls, it's the ruins of the old Dam and Mill District on the Mississippi river in Downtown Minneapolis. The "new" Stone Arch Bridge is there, with the lock and dam, and some amazing old iron rail bridge pieces.









We had a blast shooting, and I'm really looking forward to their wedding in September!