A truly Minnesotan wedding

Their invitations read "cold hands, warm hearts," and it couldn't have said it better. On March 6th Monica and Ryan were married ON Madison lake atop of 3 feet of ice. The bride didn't have on the traditional dress and veil, but rather carhardts and a warm beanie she knitted herself and the groom.

The amazing thing about this couple and having their outdoor wedding during the Minnesota winter, is that there wasn't a single "filler guest" (as I'd call them) in site. Every single one of these people truly wanted to be there and witness Monica and Ryan's lives come together and celebrate their love. I was especially impressed with the amount of Californians (Monica's home state) that made the long trek and bared the cold. (watching them trepidatiously walk on the ice for the first time also provided great entertainment for the native northerners!)

Their reception was later that evening and featured both a jazz and a bluegrass band. (The groom's brother is quite a musician and plays in both!) Everyone danced the night away and had a great time!

I'm so thankful that Monica and Ryan let me be a part of their special day!

54 Ford

I've been holding off on blogging this shoot for a couple months as it was present for the model's boyfriend....but the holidays are over, so here it is!
Shooting Tiffany was a lot of fun!


I love getting the chance to do pin-up style shoots. Combining the retro feel of Tiffany's look and her boyfriends classic Ford was pure photographic heaven!



I've been holding off on blogging this shoot for a couple months as it was present for the model's boyfriend....but the holidays are over, so here it is!
Shooting Tiffany was a lot of fun!

A Country Wedding in Autumn

I can't possibly choose a favorite part of this wedding day, this couple, their friends, their families....despite the cool weather, the soggy ground and the misty air, David and Jenny's wedding day was perfect.

We took lots of photos at Jenny's family farm where she grew up just next to the Wisconsin border in LaCresent MN. The fall colors, the green hills dotted with cows and the beautiful fence and out buildings were stunning.
Jenny wore a beautiful Calvin Kline dress and vintage costume jewelry that David's mother found in an old house they purchased. She was a classic beauty in every way.
At one point at the reception site, I remember turning to my assistant and saying, "now THIS is how you do a country wedding."

Fifty-six stories above the ground in Dallas, in a revolving restaurant no less, Donovan and Michael walked into their reception, finally Husband and Husband. Their family and friends beamed with joy, and I couldn't help but join them.

Sadly, they had to wed in Connecticut, because the very state where they found their love, refuses to acknowledge it. Most people who know me, know this is a close subject to my heart and one that I'm quite vocal about....LOVE IS LOVE, no matter whom you love, and all love deserves respect and validation.



It means a lot that Michael and Donovan chose me and asked me to shoot their reception in Dallas, Texas. The Grooms, along with their guests, were amazing, and I had a great time, shooting and socializing.

Thanks Guys! Cheers to you and congrats!

What dreams are made of

How can I not love my job? Nearly every weekend, I'm surrounded by love and have the unique opportunity to capture and preserve it again and again.
Excuse the cliche, but Eric and Liz are beautiful inside and out, truly. (please, you can't deny that they're one hot couple, but it's so much more then their smile and eyes.) Hearing the stories of what they've given to each other and their families, including a liver from Liz to her brother, it's hard not to be touched and drawn into their love story.

I smiled and laughed with them, and cried when Liz's Father gave a truly moving speech. I was honored to have been there for their wedding, and wish them a lifetime of happiness!

I was "gently" reminded by a friend the other day that I was behind in my blogging.....again. lol. ok ok.
so, what has Chelsea Morning Photography been up to?

THIS (Liz)

And
THIS (2009 Mankato PowWow)

And
THIS (Andy and Danielle's wedding)

And
THIS (April)

It's been a really busy month as you can see! I have an exciting October coming up, as I'll be showing all month at Bliss Java in Mankato (Corner of Liberty and Front). My official opening reception is the evening of October 8th, but feel free to stop by any time during the month to view my work. Not only will I be showcasing some of my portfolio work, but will also be displaying some photos taken of residents at CADA (commitee against domestic abuse). Three very brave women shared their stories with me and allowed me to photograph them. Please take the time to read their stories and hopefully donate to CADA as they help so many women get out of abusive relationships and give them a safe haven.