Staring Lake Park ~ Eden Prairie ~ Emily & Reid’s Engagement Photography

Emily & Reid’s Engagement Photography

Eden Prairie Engagement Photographer

Staring Lake Park

I am IN LOVE with this session! I feel like everytime I post a session I fall in love all over again. Emily and Reid’s engagement photography session is one for the books. Not only are they adorable, but their dog was AMAZING! He was so loveable and was a great model. One of the best ways for me to get to know my couples and them also to get to know me is an engagement session. It allows us to “hangout” for a couple hours and to get some awesome photos that are great for Save the dates, and to display at the wedding.

Location: Staring Lake Park

Photographer: Courtney June Photography

Minneapolis Newborn Photographer ~ Baby Olivia ~ 7 weeks

Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

Baby Olivia

7 weeks

One of my absolutely FAVORITE parts of being a photographer is growing with families. I love being a Minneapolis Wedding Photographer, but I love being able to photograph growing families. Newborn sessions are always fun because you never know how the baby is going to be, or what they’ll let you do! I always allow more than enough time to photograph and to allow baby to relax. Whenever I do newborn session, I always photograph in home, and it makes a huge difference, for both mommy and baby!

Photography: Courtney June Photography

Rachel’s Bridal Shower Photography ~ Forest Lake ~ Private Estate

Rachel’s Bridal Shower Photography

Forest Lake

Private Estate

As a Minneapolis Wedding Photographer, I typically just photograph the wedding, I don’t get to see a whole lot of the events before the big day. Rachel’s Bridal Shower was such a wonderful day to be a part of. It was a beautiful day on Clear Lake, the clouds were big and fluffy, the sky was blue and there was a slight breeze. Rachel’s Aunt Karen was gracious enough to host the event, and allow me to photograph in her beautiful home! What a great place for entertaining, and what a view of the lake from the pool area.

Rachel is also a photographer, so it was a blast to be a part of fellow photographers day!

Location:Clear Lake

Photography:Courtney June Photography

First Birthday Party Portrait Photographer ~ Aurelia’s First Birthday ~ Cake Smash Photography

first birthday party dr suess minneapolis family photographer first birthday photographer

First Birthday Party Portrait Photographer

Aurelia’s First Birthday

Cake Smash Photography

As a portrait photographer, I get to photo all sorts of fun events and people, this birthday party was extra special for me, because it is my one and only niece. She is absolutely adorable, although, I am a little biased! My sister had amazing ideas for the party, here is an excerpt from Natalie:

Being a teacher, I have always had a love for Dr. Seuss. My vision for my daughter’s birthday began about 5 months before her first birthday. It was very important to me that I picked a theme for Aurelia’s first birthday that fit with my deepest desires for her in life. I pray that she will be a world changer, and not fear any of the days ahead of her. That she would be confident in who she was created to be and that she is dearly loved.

The details: My friend, Stephanie (Wood + Stain) made the beautiful world map, and Target had a Dr. Seuss theme in their baby’s clothing. I purchased a world map with the verse Joshua 1:9 on it and a little cloud dress. From there, all the details for Oh, The Places She’ll Go fell into place. I gathered maps and other traveling decor including hot air balloons, suitcases, and pastels. A friend made my little girl a pastel and gold birthday crown. I customized hot air balloon invitations, and kids got Dr. Seuss Oh The Places You’ll Go party favors. The gifts were wrapped in maps, and I had an interactive “Where have you been?” bulletin board for the party guests to show where they have been around the world. Party guests were asked to bring a thought or prayer for Aurelia to write in a copy of Oh The Places You’ll Go to give to her when she graduates. It’s a long ways away, but I’m already thinking about that theme, too! 🙂

Photography: Courtney June Photography

Cake: CakeWalk

T-shirts: LadyAndLittle “Kid, You’ll Move Mountains”

Map headband: JLeeJewels

Wooden World Map: Wood + Stain

Tips for Great Senior Portrait Photography

minneapolis jordan new prague belle plaine senior portrait photographer

Tips for Great Senior Portrait Photography

Senior portraits are a rite of passage to bid farewell to your final year in High School. It’s also fun as you get older to take a look back at them. Even though we don’t want to admit it at the time; we do, and will change! As you are preparing to have your portrait session, here are a couple things to think about:

What defines me at this moment, who am I?

a dancer?

an athlete?

a gamer?

a reader?

Any props that help to define you give a great story in front of the camera. Have you won any medals or ribbons? Bring them along, let’s show them off too!

What clothes should I wear?

In addition to props, your clothing can help to tell your story. Do you like to run around in a batman costume at night? Great! Let’s show it off!

What is your favorite outfit? I love to buy new outfits, especially for photoshoots, but I also think that your favorite outfit is a must-have. With Courtney June Photography, there is no limit to clothing changes. I want you to show off who you are- without limits!

Where should I have my photos taken?

This also helps show off your personality. Are you a city/urban person, country, coffee shop, library, etc? We work together to choose locations that work great photographically, and also to give you the look you want.

For the ladies- Should I get my hair and makeup done?

Absolutely! But within reason, you don’t want to look like someone you aren’t. Make sure that it’s done naturally and that you still look like you. Doing your hair and makeup yourself is just fine too! It’s what you do everyday, right?

What to have in your “day of” toolkit:

Makeup for touch ups
Bug spray!!!
Bobby pins
Normal head attire – do you wear hats or headbands regularly? Don’t forget to bring them
Sunscreen (typically we aren’t out in the heat of day, but if you have fair skin, then this is something to not forget)
Outfit changes (unlimited)
Shoes (unless you plan on wearing the same pair)
Accessories (jewelry- necklaces,earrings, rings, watch, scarves)
Fashion tape (if you know what this is, you’ll know to if you need it)

Stillwater Wedding Photographer ~ JX Event Venue ~ Big Fake Wedding ~ Forever Bride Published

Stillwater Wedding Photographer

Published Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

JX Event Venue

Big Fake Wedding

Forever Bride Published

View Here

Venue: JX Event Venue

Coordinators: Sixpence Events

Bella Mystique Designs

Elaborate Style Events

Photography: Courtney June Photography

Hair: 139 Hair by Heidi

Jewelry: Style by Cia

Wedding Cake: Enticing Icing

Cupcakes: A Cupcake Social

Invitations: Lion + Lamb

Signage: Lettered and Lovely

Decor: Apres Party and Tent Rental

Catering: BRIE Catering

Marshmallow Bar: North Mallow

Macarons: Nikkolette’s Macarons

Furniture: A Vintage Touch

DJ: Silver Sound Entertainment

The Lowell Inn ~ Stillwater ~ Randy & Carol’s Wedding Photography

lowell inn stillwater wedding photographer minneapolis wedding photographer

Randy & Carol’s Wedding

The Lowell Inn ~ Stillwater

I had only talked to Randy on the phone (and Carol through text) before their wedding. This is not a normal standard for me, but they lived in Indianapolis and it wasn’t an option to meet in person. I commend anyone that can plan a wedding from a different state, it’s a lot of work when you are in the state you’re getting married in! Randy and Carol did an amazing job! The Lowell Inn was very lush and green, it was a little warm in the sun, but way better than sitting in the cold! Randy and Carol have been together for quite a few years; Carol’s mom actually set them up (and she’s quite proud of the result). Randy was the UPS man, and she knew that he would be just perfect for her daughter. There’s an old saying “Mother knows best” (let’s not tell our mothers it may be true), but in this case it was absolutely right!

One of the things that I love most about being a Minneapolis Wedding Photographer is that I don’t just get to shoot in the metro! I love being able to travel through the whole state, and even the “east” metro to Stillwater. On the even brighter side, I get to photograph so many amazing locations!

Venue: Lowell Inn

Location: Stillwater

Photography: Courtney June Photography

The Westin Edina Galleria ~ Lindsay’s Professional Headshot Photography

Lindsay’s Professional Headshot Photography

Edina Lifestyle Headshot Photographer

The Westin Edina Galleria

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Lindsay over the past year, because she is one of the venue coordinators at Minneapolis Marriott SW. It’s one of my favorite hidden gem hotels! When Lindsay called me and said she wanted to do a lifestyle headshot session, I was ecstatic!! I absolutely loved the idea, as an Edina Lifestyle Headshot Photographer. I feel that the common headshots with a white wall sometimes are just so boring. The Westin Edina Galleria was a great place for this session, they have a beautiful foyer and also some great wall art. I can’t wait to do a session like this again!

Location: The Westin Edina Galleria

Photography: Courtney June Photography

Golden Oak Farm Wedding Photographer ~ Barn Wedding ~ Inspired Bride Published

Golden Oak Farm Wedding Photographer

Published Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Barn Wedding

Inspired Bride Published

View Here

Location: Golden Oak Farm

Coordinator: J’aime Events

Photography: Courtney June Photography

Bridal Gown: Annika Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaid Dresses: Kennedy Blue

Tuxes: The Black Tux

Make-up: Winter Artistry

Hair: Natalie Lanners Make-up and Hair Artistry

Robes/Shawl: Oh Sugar Bride

Jewelry: Style by Cia

Cake Design: Happy Caker Bakeshop

Dressing Room Furniture: Dream Day Dressing Rooms

Wine: Bronco Wine

Gift Box: Jade Taylor Market

Why having a personal attendant is so crucial ~ Minneapolis Wedding Photography

Why having a personal attendant is so crucial

Your big day is here! There have been so many little factors, a lot of time, and energy that have gone into this day, and now is the time to enjoy it! A personal attendant can be your biggest lifesaver. Here are a couple sample situations:

The bridesmaid and bride are finishing getting ready and the venue doesn’t know where to put to cake and it just arrived. The Personal Attendant to the rescue; the bridal party can keep on time while she attends to the cake situation.
The Groom or groomsmen don’t know how to put on their suspenders or need help with their ties! The Personal Attendant to the rescue; if she doesn’t know how, I’m sure she can Youtube it!
The Bride and Groom just had their first look, and there were many tears – because, of course, it was an emotional experience! The Personal Attendant to the rescue; she has tissues to help blot and also makeup to help touch up.
The Bride and Groom are taking photos and the bride needs help walking with her dress. The Personal Attendant to the rescue; she helps carry the dress to help keep it clean.
The Ceremony is about to start and Grandma isn’t sure where she is suppose to be. The Personal Attendant to the rescue; she helps to point Grandma (or maybe some other unsure guests, in the right direction)

I could go on and on with different situations that the personal attendant is crucial, but this post would be pages long! I also truly believe that a coordinator can help fill these roles too, but it is helpful to the Bride (and Photographer!) to have a personal attendant. She often is a close friend or family member of the bride, and knows the family and bride well. As a photographer, a personal attendant is very helpful with family formal photography as I don’t know all the guests and their roles to the bride.

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