Miscellaneous Mayhem

2012-01-23T11:39:00.001-06:00

I did it again! Denise Mack Photography has received a "Bride's Choice Award", in the Photography category, from the WeddingWire network!
Many thanks to my clients for their support!
Here are the deets:

How are the winners determined?
The WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards ™ recognizes the top local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ are awarded solely based on the reviews from over 1.2 million newlyweds. Awards are determined by a combination of four factors: Overall rating (quality), total number of reviews (quantity), review performance from 2011 (recency), and consistency of reviews from year to year (consistency). This year's recipients represent the top 5% of WeddingWire's vendor community, across all service categories and all regions throughout the US and Canada.

On a "Mission"

2012-01-17T14:16:00.000-06:00

This is not simply a photo of the back of the bride's gown. While it does include this in a uniquely momentous way, it tells much more about the story behind this couple's day than you might initially realize. The cropping of the composition creates mystery, and the contrast between dark and light enhances that further. The black & white transition draws your eye first to the shimmery dress, and then across to the groom's hand, gently cradling her body. Then you notice the ring on his finger, and you might concede that they are locked in a euphoric, post-wedding embrace. Perhaps it is their first dance shared as husband and wife. There is body language, and curvature, sensuality, and detail... A moment in time. A multitude of detail. A story unfolding ~ all right here in this one photograph. Now imagine a series of photographs numbering somewhere in the range between 1000 and 2000 - just as descriptive, just as imaginative, just as alluring. Oh the story they tell!

I've recently been asked during an interview by a potential client, whether or not I had a "mission". I guess I honestly wasn't sure exactly how to formulate the words. I'm not the hard-sale type; If a potential client proceeds to book me, I want it to be because they love my work, my true-to-self style, my distinctive approach. The fact that I don't "follow the crowd" in terms of how I document these moments-in-time is the icing on the cake. It may take some shopping-around for them to recognize the uniqueness in what I have to offer. But rather than trying to convince them that this is what they want, I hope they will be drawn-in naturally by their desire for something different, and something meaningful and inspiring, stemming from a hopefully-evident deep love of my job! I believe that is one thing that really sets me apart from the dime-a-dozen photogs out there - my unadulterated passion for this creative outlet that I call "work"! I feel that this passion is reflected in the final results.

Surely I had thought about this when I decided to go into business for myself in 2007. While I've known in my heart that my passion drives my desire to capture these all-important moments in an artistic, unique, and very REAL fashion, I hadn't quite thought about my mission in terms of a formal and clear statement, per say. Well... In honor of my 5-year-anniversary as Denise Mack Photography, perhaps it's time that I put this in writing!

So here it is... A formal Mission Statement for Denise Mack Photography:

My Mission here at Denise Mack Photography, is to channel my intrinsic passion for photography, creative expression, sincerity, and my sentimental nature into providing wedding-clients with truly artistically-derived, unique & original, wholeheartedly REAL photographic compositions ~ encompassing authentic emotions, genuine personalities, and cherished memorable moments to revel in for a lifetime!

You don't want to be just another client... and I don't want to be just another photographer!!

Holiday Family Photos~

2011-12-01T13:17:00.001-06:00

Happy Holidays! It's time for the annual Sutton-Family photo session!! This year - we hit the Guthrie! I had fun playing-up some urban-inspired hue-enhancements, and of course, unique angles and points-of-view. The kids are getting tall, and the family is still a joy to work with! It's fun to watch the changes in each of the kids from season to season. These are my top-faves from our meeting at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Kudos Sutton Family! Hope you enjoy as well :)

A Growing Family~

2011-11-02T13:32:00.003-05:00

It was time to commemorate Porter's 3-month milestone with some family photos! It is a bustling household, with 2 little boys, 2 dogs ~ and mom and dad are kept plenty busy. PJ is as happy as his big brother ~ and equally as photogenic! It's hard to believe we just took his newborn photos a few months ago; Look how much he's grown! He's full of charm and character ~ and the whole family is a joy to capture in photographs. Come along with me on a sneak-peek of their latest adventures~~

Sarah & Tim

2011-10-25T22:16:00.000-05:00

Excited to have been a part of a wedding involving such amazingly kind and friendly people! I enjoyed working with the entire wedding party, and I hope that everyone will have fun re-living the events of the day through my lens! This is just a snippet of what's to come - narrowed down to my most favorite-faves. Tag along for a unique representation of your most special of days!

Nicole and Sam

2011-09-19T17:26:00.000-05:00

Sam & Nicole were married among one of several stunning gardens decorating the property at the Windbeam Farm in Wisconsin.
Oodles of picturesque locations on-site make this an especially fun and scenic locale
for any charmingly rustic outdoor extravaganza - and Nicole and Sam's celebration falls nothing short!

It was the perfect blend of boundless beauty, nature's charm, and rustic elegance ~ complete with 2 barns, elaborate gardens featuring home-grown flowers used for the bridal party's bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and centerpieces - goats, chickens, tractors, and both woodland & prairie surrounds.
I was really in my element, and I think the photos depict all the wonderful reasons why! I had a blast working with the couple and their friends as well -
such fun people! These are a few of my top-faves - featuring just some of the many highlights; Enjoy!

Theresa & Pat

2011-09-12T18:55:00.000-05:00

The day finally arrived ;)

I was thrilled to be a part of the occasion, capturing all of these memories for them to cherish for a lifetime!

Pat & Theresa were wed at the Marvelous Midland Hills Country Club; Fab music, food, friends, & fun - and plenty of perfect weather for their outdoor vows!
I adore these two as a couple, and I think their love is evidenced in the photos. Enjoy my top faves below. (SO hard to narrow down!)
And, there are plenty more where these came from!

365 Days!

2011-09-11T17:32:00.002-05:00

I was honored & thrilled to be invited back to join Catherine & Patrick for their 365th Day celebration! This year brought much more cooperative weather, though they are shy on beach-room - as the lake is very high this season. It all worked out in any case! I had fun visiting with them again - and checking out all of their favorite photos (so far) that had been printed and framed throughout their home. I also enjoyed documenting the event for them. This year ~ Sunset photos in the boat, lakeside? Why, yes indeed! The theme for this celebration centers around the letter "F" - Fire, Food, Family, Friends, and FUN! Take a scroll and enjoy~ Kudos for the invite, Catherine & Patrick! Until we meet again...

Catherine tried her hand at the Canon DSLR ~ Nicely done!

Love this lens :)

Both waiting for treats!

I adore this pic~

Happy Anniversary!!!

To re-visit snipits of their vows, click Here.

Megan & Matt

2011-09-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

Megan and Matt were wed at the Fort Snelling Chapel, followed by hors d ovours, cocktails, and dancing at the majestic Minnesota Boat Club. The weather was gorgeous, the couple looked stunning, and the sun was setting over the river, just in time for a few glorious photos of the happy couple expressing how very much in love they are. I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to photograph all of these memorable moments for such a fun-loving and personable couple and their families. A series of sequential events led up to our connecting for this occasion - and I believe that everything happens for a reason. Below are my top faves from their gorgeous celebration - they are just the tip of the iceberg! Enjoy~

FEATURED!!!

2011-09-06T17:23:00.000-05:00

My work from Jenny & Tom's Lakeside Wisconsin wedding has been featured on Emmaline Bride - a niche' market offering unique and hard-to-come-by wedding items and services. I'm honored to have been contacted by them for a listing, and am thrilled to have another featured wedding on the site! I highly recommend this guide for your wedding-related, out-of-the-ordinary, hand-made, and non-traditional resource!

To View the Featured Wedding on Emmaline Bride, please click Here.

Rolling Wheat Fields!

2011-09-02T13:03:00.000-05:00

I simply couldn't resist~
Not bad for only having a very old camera along, and nothing but the included flash!
The sun is a good friend of this photographer :)

A Girl, a Prom Dress, and a Motorcycle...

2011-09-02T12:19:00.000-05:00

Ah - but there was much more to it than that! I had SO much fun with Olivia's HS Senior Session! She's a free-spirit, full of spunk, who loves nature and shares an affinity for motorcycles with her dad. She had expressed to me right away that she loves my candid work, and didn't want to have anything 'posed' for this session. She didn't have to ask me twice! Though she stopped and smiled for a few, none of these situations were staged. I followed her lead, chasing her around her yard, watching as she played on the motorcycle, and through trees, a nearby creek, and among boulders; I couldn't have asked for more. While the sun is considered a foe by many photographers - it is one of my best friends~ It broke free of the clouds it had been hiding beneath all day long, just in time to play with us for a while before settling in for the evening.

Thank you sun, and thank you Olivia! Below, I've featured my top favorites; I hope that you and your family & friends will enjoy these as much as I am.

Allie & Joe

2011-08-17T19:30:00.000-05:00

Thrilled to work with the Evertz family again - I've missed you! Allie & Joe were wed at the gorgeous Calhoun Beach Club, complete with lake-views and towering windows, mirrors galore, and a fun group of family and friends to celebrate with. It was difficult to narrow it down to my TOP faves to showcase here on the blog; I hope you and your family will enjoy these as much as I am! Thanks again for the opportunity to capture these memories (and many more to come upon completion!) Congratulations!!
View Jenni J's here!

Jessica and Scott

2011-08-14T15:12:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled and honored to have been part of this ‘Rockabilly Wedding' ~ featuring a Retro 1950’s theme, complete with Vintage Cars, outstanding Music by Al’s Rockabilly Quartet, and a family full of fantastic Swing-Dancing Hepcats and Dolls!

Here is just a snippet of the day. In addition, please enjoy a Featured Slideshow under the Galleries on the website – Titled “Featured 2”, showcasing many more favorites!

(For a limited time)

Thank you to Jessica & Scott and family for a fantabulously fun day to document ~ Congratulations!!
* Also: View Jenni J's Here!

Jennifer & Tom

2011-07-28T01:12:00.000-05:00

Jenny and Tom were wed among the swaying trees and lakeside breeze at The Lakewoods Resort in Cable,WI, on June 25, 2011. Sunshine, glistening waters, dragonflies and gorgeous decor' ~ it couldn't have been more picturesque! Jenny's natural beauty was enhanced by Marwa, of Makeup By Marwa, and her eyes mimicked the shimmering waves upon the lake that afternoon.

The outdoor reception ~ including tent, lighting, flowers, and chair ties ~ were all creatively coordinated by Katie & Dawn's team at

In the Woods Floral & Events.

Family, Friends, and Fun sum up the day, along with a healthy dose of personal touches and heartwarming emotion encompassing all of the many memorable moments. Here are a few faves from this day; Narrowing it down was the hard part! Some additional favorites have been added to the website, as well as a "Featured Vows" slideshow set to the tune of "Lucky" by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat - which had been sung during the couples lakeside ceremony by two very talented members of their family. Enjoy!

*[To be Featured for a limited time.]*
View Jenni J's Here!

Welcome to the World, Porter!

2011-07-01T18:56:00.000-05:00

"Of all the joys that lighten suffering earth, what joy is welcomed like a newborn child?" ~Dorothy L. Nolte

Griff is a proud big brother!

A few additional faves have been added to the website Gallery titled "Life UNSCRIPTED" as well!

“From small beginnings come great things.” Proverb quotes

2011-06-15T23:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome Kirt ~ Glad to meet ya!

Reveling in the Shared Enthusiasm!

2011-05-27T12:05:00.000-05:00

Part of the fun in this biz is meeting new people. I've met so many wonderful clients, their friends and families, and also - many well-respected vendors! It's exciting when there is a shared vigor and fervor between us for each-the-other's talent and offerings :) Looking forward to working with these fine folks again in the future. Kudos!

*While my vendor endorsements are not currently visible on the WeddingWire site, because I have not yet elected to upgrade my listing with them, I'd like to share the kind words spoken by fellow wedding merchants:

"Photos are the lasting memory of your wedding and are a reflection of the couple. Denise Mack has that eye and attention to detail that can capture everything about your day from beginning to end. She focuses on what the couple wants and on the little things that couples normally wouldn't have thought of, but make the biggest difference in the end! Denise is truly a professional and is SO MUCH FUN to work with! She can make anyone feel comfortable and at ease! I hope to work with Denise more in the future!!" ~Michelle Bailly, Carlos Creek Winery

"Denise is more than a photographer, she's an artist. Her work is unique and special. If you're looking for brilliant photographs to remember your special day, consider Denise Mack Photography. I've met her, seen her work, and highly recommend her." ~ Jul Feuling, Celebrations by Jul

Debra & Craig's E-Session!

2011-02-03T21:59:00.000-06:00

What can I say about this amazingly fun session?? Two words: Embracing Winter! It started out in the cozy surround of the highly versatile Guthrie Theater, but we were just getting warmed-up - (literally!) From there, we ventured 'cross river, for sun, glistening snow, and much frolic! Wind Chill?? What wind chill? They kept one another warm, and gave me the warm-fuzzies too, as I witnessed one of the most romantic interactions I've ever been privy to, between two people. It is outlined below in true photojournalistic fashion. I'm betting you'll know when you see it... (How many couples do you know who have rolled around in the snow for a photo shoot?) I couldn't have asked for more! Looking forward to working with them again this summer; What a variety of fond, seasonally diverse memories they'll have to look back on! Congrats on your engagement, Debra & Craig - and many thanks for asking me to photograph these memories.

Believe it or not - these are just the tip of the iceberg!

Kristina & Andy

2011-01-26T14:35:00.000-06:00

Andy and Kristina took advantage of the many fireplaces ablaze amidst the cozy and romantic Outing Lodge at Pine Point, in Stillwater, MN for their winter wedding celebration. Sun, glistening snow, and more "snow" atop the cake and the tree-branch center-pieces, added to the ambiance of their gorgeous January day. At dusk, luminaries complimented the Lodge's decorative outdoor lighting to guide guests to the ceremony location as they arrived. Their family and friends had a blast as they joined the couple in dancing the night away in the limestone pub to celebrate the newlyweds. So much variety at this location, and they made the most of every nook and cranny! Congrats Kristina & Andy!
Be sure to check out the 'Featured Vows' slideshow on the website to take in more favorites from this event; (To be featured for a limited time.)

That Time of Year Again!

2011-01-25T16:03:00.000-06:00

Minneapolis, MN – January 25, 2011

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Denise Mack Photography has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Photojournalism!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Denise Mack Photography stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Denise Mack Photography for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Denise Mack Photography is among the very best Wedding Photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at Denise Mack Photography - WeddingWire

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Stella

2010-11-15T17:39:00.000-06:00

What a pleasure it was to work with Stella and her mom, Elizabeth! The weather, the surroundings at the gorgeous Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, and our little starlet, all made for some fabulously fun photos! Enjoy a few of my faves below...

Lisa & Joe

2010-11-08T23:15:00.000-06:00

Lisa & Joe were wed at the ultra-picturesque Carlos Creek Winery, located in Alexandria, MN. The ceremony & celebration were held in the old horse barn & stables! I was thrilled to acquire the opportunity to cover 3 of my favorite things all at once: an amazing wedding with a very-much-in-love couple, gorgeous scenery, and vino! As luck would have it, our beloved state received its first rainfall in weeks, just in time. But as a photographer, I couldn't be happier about it! They were champs, and they enjoyed every minute of their day in spite of the weather (hello umbrella!)... and boy, did we have a blast covering it! As usual, I had a difficult time narrowing down my favorites. Enjoy a selection of them here, as well as on the Website; Those favorites can be found under the "Featured Vows" slide-show (for a limited time). Cheers!

Allie & Joe's E-Session

2010-10-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

SOOOO incredibly hard to narrow it down to my most favorite highlights!! All of the genuine happiness + their willingness to be silly and have fun (and of course, this gorgeous fall day) = pure bliss! I have also reserved additional favorites from this shoot for the "Life UNSCRIPTED" slide-show on the website as well.

Thanks Allie & Joe; I hope you and your family enjoy these as much as I am enjoying them!

Family Fun!

2010-10-01T22:44:00.000-05:00

Every year the Sutton family and I get to explore one of my favorite places: NE Minneapolis! We never run out of fun local hot-spots to gather some family-photos for the annual Christmas cards. Here are a few faves from this year's session. Enjoy!

Catherine & Patrick, In the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

2010-09-21T19:55:00.000-05:00

An adorable fun-loving couple, Vintage-inspired personalized details, and a serene lake-side setting; What more could you ask for on your wedding day? How about a hand-made wedding gown in the style of Grace Kelly (as seen in To Catch a Thief), and a 50's-make hand made dress for the maid of honor, all compliments of the talented mother of the bride? Or perhaps you'll appreciate the bride's hand-selected farmer's market floral arrangements & bouquets, and her arty design for the creation of the couple's wedding programs. Maybe you'll just be drawn in by the magnetic pull of the beautiful sandy beach in their backyard, overlooking Ryan Lake in Robbinsdale.Certainly the skeleton family cake-toppers (two dogs and a cat, not to be left out), the peacock-feather hair-pieces, the wine bottle adorned table-tops, and the mini-kegs & Izze pops don't hurt either! The couple had yard-games decorating the outskirts of their property, and good intentions for bon-fire mingling as well. While these things were rained-away - they didn't let a little weather spoil their fun!

Check out the visuals of all of the happiness and beauty below.

**Also the 'Featured Vows' for a limited time on the website
And, View Jenni's Here: Jenni Johnston

Enjoy!

Tamara & Richard

2010-08-31T16:58:00.000-05:00

Tamara & Richard shared a very intimate day with their closest family and friends to celebrate their marriage. Filled with meaningful, personal touches, and fun for all, the couple were wed at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Thereafter, they and their guests arrived for a round of mini-golf to commemorate one of their first dates! The luncheon was held at the gorgeous Midland Hills Country Club. Angie Swits and her assistant, of By Your Side wedding planning did a fine job of composing the details of the day, while the floral bouquets surrounding their guests at the reception tables, and of course the brides stunning bouquet, were the artistic renderings of Carra Otten of La Petite LeFleur.
Kudos to everyone involved in this picturesque day
(including my rockin' assistant)!

Congrats to Tammy & Richard!
PS: A special thanks to Mia, the couple's adorable niece, for the fun new nick-name that Jenni and I earned that day: "Little Flashes" ~ We love it!

Seeking a Venue? Check This Out!

2010-07-18T16:06:00.000-05:00

Kudos to the Outing Lodge at Pine Point in Stillwater, MN for the connection! I'm excited and honored to be on their Preferred Vendor List, and more than happy to reciprocate the love!

The location is ideal for those who enjoy nature, and are partial to the idea of a garden wedding in the warm months, or a fireside ceremony in the winter. This venue offers the best of both worlds - indoors & out!

[BTW - it's always fun to sneak outdoors for a few bride & groom photos among the glistening snows of winter as well!]

Luxuriously rustic & exquisitely charming, the Inn can accommodate all of your wedding needs without a hitch. Excellent food, Hospitality, Ceremony, Reception - and your room for the night ~ all in one romantic locale'! The exposed brick/ limestone pub downstairs makes way for celebratory dancing & cocktails. With such a wide variety of photo-worthy locations on the same grounds, you just can't go wrong!

If you are in the early stages of your planning, or know someone who is, I highly recommend checking out the Lodge. I'm looking forward to many more photography opportunities at this beautiful site. The people have been wonderful to work with vendor-to-vendor as well.

Check them out here for more info: Outing Lodge Website

Look Who's Walking -

2010-07-18T15:17:00.000-05:00

Er, Running!

We decided to do another mini-session without all of the chaos that comes with a birthday bash. Griff started walking just in time! Always happy to oblige, and I really enjoyed the opp to hang out as well this time. Tracey, we should enjoy wine following every photo-session :)

A few were inducted into the website's "Life UNSCRIPTED" slide-show; The remaining favorites were implemented here. Enjoy!

Oh My Gosh, It Looks Like...

2010-07-14T22:15:00.000-05:00

!!!

WOW - more twins! TWO fun!! Congrats to the Mischke Family!! Come along and enjoy a few faves with me...

ADORABLE!! Hugs Mischke's!

Cherish & Brian

2010-07-13T00:05:00.000-05:00

So glad to have gotten the word out to our neighbors that I am in the wedding photography biz - or I might have missed out on this photo-opp! Brian & Cherish were wed on (the hottest day of the year) June 26th, at the charming Columbia Park Manor. Though storms threatened, we beat the heat and impending weather, following the wedding party around to "tear up the town"! Here are just a few additional highlights... Feel free to visit the website and click on the Gallery link titled "Featured Vows" for a slide-show of faves set in tune to their party-song: "I Gotta Feeling" (Black-Eyed Peas).
*[To be featured for a limited time!]*

;

Motherhood is a Beautiful Thing

2010-06-28T14:50:00.000-05:00

Make that a gorgeous thing!!

Jessica definitely fits the bill.

Again - I don't have access to a studio or studio-lighting (though I'm beginning to consider acquiring some portable lighting for things like this!) ~ However, Jessica does! She brought home some of her goodies from work, and we were able to create a 'studio' in her own abode.

As you know, I don't typically do 'formal' photos necessitating a studio-atmosphere. However, this session still doesn't exactly qualify as 'formal' in my book... It was a joy to work with Jessica, and her visions very much matched my own for the type of session she was looking to accomplish. There was lots of room for creative capture, paired with some unique and abstract, artistic pieces. We had fun experimenting with the lighting, to get the desired results; Shadows, curves, femininity, and of course ~ that baby-belly ~ all aglow! I am excited to share a sample of some of the 'PG-rated' photos with you here! Enjoy!

~Many thanks to Jessica for the opportunity to capture and share these!