It's wedding week here at Shawna Noel Photography. We're hard at work editing all of our summer weddings, and we've got five beautiful and unique weddings to blog ... from a BIG small town wedding to a lakeside-ceremony to a reception in a barn ... so stay tuned to the blog to see all of them :)  
 
People always ask us if we get tired of shooting weddings each weekend, and the answer is a definite no! Every wedding we photograph is so unique. It's exciting to see how people put their personal stamp on their wedding day. And as a girl, I get really excited to see all the details like the flowers, the dress, and the shoes! Check out Leah's Manolos and her fabulous lace dress from her wedding last weekend ::

In honor of wedding week, here are some random Shawna Noel Photography wedding factoids :: 
 
Favorite part of the wedding day ::  
Shawna :: Right before the bride walks down the aisle with her dad. I love the moments between the bride and her dad before they make their grand entrance into the church or ceremony location. 
Kory :: I like the time we set aside for couple-only portraits. The couple has a chance to relax and be themselves in front of the camera, and I like capturing the moments they share at that time.  
 
What we listen to ::  
Shawna :: When I edit wedding photos (or any photos), I'm usually listening to The Current radio station out of Minneapolis (hooray for the internet!). But when I first start editing a wedding, I ALWAYS listen to "The Way You Look Tonight" by Tony Bennett. I know, it's totally dorky, but it's a tradition I started years ago and now it just feels wrong to edit a wedding without that song.  
Kory :: I listen to some internet radio and right now, I'm really into the Submarines (and apparently, so is Apple) and Ryan Adams. Oh, and I listen to how-to-speak Russian podcasts sometimes in case I ever travel to Russia for a wedding.  
 
Favorite first dance song ::  
Shawna :: Jazon Mraz "I'm Yours" 
Kory :: Winter Pills "Hide Me"  

If you've visited my website lately, you may have noticed it's a little on the sparse side. Not many new photos, in fact, not many photos at all in the galleries. Well, that's because we are gearing up for a super fabulous new site! It incorporates my branding better and is easier to use (no more complete takeover of your screen! Yay!). We are in the final phase of getting all the minor details in order before it goes live. When it's ready, you'll be the first to know!

Things have been a little busy around here ... Kory and I have been shooting weddings, engagement sessions, seniors, family sessions AND I've been working my full-time job at the newspaper AND I've been shooting freelance assignments for companies.  
 
I have to admit, I'm pretty worn out. And at the end of the day, there are so many things I would still like to accomplish. So, after thinking about it for a long time, I've decided to leave my job at the newspaper to free up more time for the business. I'm so excited to have more time for my fabulous clients! Starting May 23, I'm all yours :) 
 
And because blog entries are no fun without photos, here are some pics of Michelle and Taylor, our cover story for the June issue of Red River Valley Women Today. We're doing a wedding issue, and it's been so much fun to work on (I wonder why ...). Next Wednesday, Michelle is getting all glamed up for a big cover shoot. Fun! 
 
Aren't they cute? 

Kory and I are off to Mexico until March 31! I'm so, so excited. The best way to reach me is by e-mail at shawnanoel at gmail dot com  
 
Happy Easter :)

Only two weeks into 2008, and we're officially booked solid for weddings this year! If you'd like recommendations for area photographers, please let us know. We are happy to help :) 
 
 
 
 
And here, on a totally unrelated note, is Kory while sledding: