I have a funny story!   I shot this family for the first time last year and when the gallery went live, I heard crickets.   I was so nervous as I spend a bunch of time and put love into editing each session that when I hear nothing, it can get the best of me.    When Mama booked me again this year, I was thrilled but nervous as her gallery from 2017 was still sitting there untouched.     Turns out, she is like me and EVERY OTHER mama out there... plain old BUSY.   We had a good laugh and then I found out she had another baby.  :)    She was BUSY.    

Here they are again, with their ADORABLE tribe!  I think this might be one of the happiest families around.   What do you think?

xoxo

I am always so appreciative and grateful for clients that I see every year and The Cruz family is one of them!   They're a perfect little trio of giggles and snuggles!  Enjoy a few highlights from their 2018 family photos! 
​xoxo

Ellen + Michael and their pup Nino make the cutest trio, am I right!?!?!

I met all three of them at Montissippi Regional Park in Monticello for their sunset engagement session and captured  everything funny, sweet and adorable about them!  It was such a beautiful sight to watch them interact and I can see why they've fallen head over heels for each other.   The are both so kind, funny and very compatible!   

I'm thrilled to share these highlights and can't wait to document their 2019 wedding!
xoxo

Each time I walk into the room for a Fresh 48 newborn session, it's filled with soft voices, that new baby smell and warmth from the window light.   I absolutely love photographing these sessions for new parents, 2nd and 3rd time parents!   If you've ever had a baby, you know the entire experience is very surreal.   Having a fresh 48 in the hospital is a great way to capture the newness of your sweet little one before you head home.   It's that last opportunity to soak up all the baby kisses and swaddles before you head home to your new life.  I always say it, but I am so honored to be chosen for these opportunities to photograph families.  
Meet sweet Evelyn.  She was born on Saturday at 9:53pm after taking her sweet time making her grand entrance.    Mama and daddy are so in love and she was totally worth the wait!

Congratulations to this new family.   I am so excited for all of you!
xoxo

It's really quite an adventure photographing toddlers.   All of their curiosity mixed with countless emotions is absolutely beautiful to photograph.    I think this kind of family session is much more organic and I love documenting them in this storytelling fashion.   Miss. Harper was full of energy, scouting out all the little things that caught her attention all while her bouncy little curls and thick eyelashes shimmered during golden hour. 

I am forever amazed with toddlers.   They really are the most beautiful little souls!

Warning!   You ** MAY ** want another baby after seeing this post!

Mama reached out months ago to set up this fresh 48 hospital session so I've been anxiously awaiting sweet Nora's arrival!!  She was born just a few days early and is about the most perfect baby I've ever seen.  She's got the sweetest coloring in her lips and cheeks and a little heart shaped patch of hair on the back of her head.  She also looked pretty adorable in all the swaddles and headbands mama brought with!   I can't tell you how many beautiful embraces were exchanged between this new family of three.   No surprise but this daddy was a big old puddle of mush for his two best girls and I am so thankful I was able to capture this sliver of time for all of you.

Congrats on your sweet little lady!   
​xoxo

Maggie and Colin met me at at the Interstate Park in Taylors Falls for their romantic engagement session!

Maggie and Colin met in the 7th grade and he asked her to a school dance.  Unfortunately, Maggie said no as she was not allowed to date.    After being friend zoned for years, Colin got up the courage to ask her out again two years ago and they've been inseparable since!   Congrats Colin!  You're an inspiration to all "friend-zoned" people everywhere!  :)

I am honored to be your photographer!

I had THE BEST time with Alicia and John!  We met at Theo Wirth Park for their summer engagement session and they laughed, a lot!  Alicia and John are undeniably an attractive couple and have such beautiful love for each other.    They started on land and ended in the water like all fabulous couples should!   When she said, "can we jump in?!" I was like, GAWD yes.  What took you so long!? :)

I use a little trick called promptography with all of my clients.   I ask them to say silly things, throw out random facts, act out a particular scene, etc. so they are less likely to stand around feeling awkward and worrying about their hands.   It's hilarious and interesting to see which direction my clients take things.    For example, during their session, we found out Alicia could not accurately state John's birthday.     I laughed HARD and he looked appalled as she threw out random months and dates.   To be fair to her, I did throw her a curve ball but I'm happy to report she finally got it right!  : )

Congratulations on your engagement!   I'm honored to be your 2019 wedding photographer!

It's always such a pleasure to capture couples and one of the biggest milestones of their lives!   These two and their families were welcoming, kind and it was pretty obvious they have strong supporters who will encourage them in their new life together.       
From getting ready to final dance, their day was filled with laughter, sweet embraces, excitement and true love.    I thought it was absolutely fabulous that TJ didn't see his bride until the moment she walked down the aisle and it was a moment of tears and goosebumps for everyone!   They exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony and celebrated like they meant it throughout the evening!

Edgewood farm was a beautiful venue and their vendors were absolutely fantastic to work with!
Congrats to the happy couple!  I'd wish you happiness and good luck but you've already got more than anyone I know!  

xoxo

Venue // Edgewood Farm
Caterer // Hy-Vee
Cake // Real Butter Bake Shoppe
Photographer // Emily Theisen Photography
Wedding Dress // Bridal Aisle
Bridesmaid Dresses // David's Bridal
Men's ware // Khol's
DJ // Studio Veil
Florist // Bride 
Hair + Makeup // VLK Cosmo

WOW!  What a difference 2 years makes!   The last time I saw this family, they were just a trio + a bump.   Now, they're rocking life with two young kiddos!   I just loved strolling around St. Anthony Main with them for their August Mini session.   The kids are so full of energy (until they weren't :) ) and were like walking emojis!  I totally forget how many expressions an 18 month old has but I LOVED it!      

Thanks for allowing me to spend the morning with you, Rashid's.  You're such a fab family!
xoxo

It seems like just yesterday I was photographing this lovely couple exchange wedding vows at Our Lady of Lourdes. Fast forward 5 years and VOILA!   We're in the studio documenting their sweet sweet Margo in fluff filled baskets!
Miss Margot was such a gentle baby.  She's the kind you could just snuggle until you're all warm and toasty and ready for you're own little snuggly nap!     Her skin is so silky smooth and those cheeks, OH SO  K I S S A B L E!
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If you didn't believe in love at first sight.... You sure do now!
Congrats Jean + Jon.   

Meet this adorable duo who's SUPER EXCITED to be engaged!    

We strolled around Lake Harriet for their engagement session and they were so hip and cute and funny and adventurous and cute, did I mention cute?!?!  If you're THAT person who is annoyed by cute relationships.... DON'T scroll down! :)

Okay, I'm being silly but these two really are just like peanut butter and jelly; very complimentary and create such a fun vibe.      When they reached out, they were one of two couples looking at the exact same date.   It's not super often this happens within days but when it does, the first to make it official with a deposit and contract make it official.   Although it was a hard conversation to have with the other couple, I do believe things work out how they should and I am so happy to be theirs in May of 2019!!

Sometimes, in ordinary life, two teachers cross paths and fall in love!    
These two have such a romantic love story and I feel honored they shared so much during their engagement shoot!   We shot this past May at the Quarry in St. Cloud.  (I know, May.... I need to blog more often :)  The park was fresh with new seasonal buds, chirps of spring birdies and glass like water!

They will be celebrating their wedding in October surrounded by a hand picked group of people that they are proud to call theirs and I can't wait!

xoxo

Christa and Johnny were married in the most intimate ceremony at the lovely Good Shepard Church of Golden Valley.   She wore the most beautiful cross neckless gifted from her grandmother.   It hung softly around her neck and it was a memorable moment as she told her in person as she arrived!  

Unless you're 100% against it, I always encourage my couples to take advantage of a "first look."  It's a surreal and romantic opportunity to see each other before the dynamics of a wedding day.   These two took my advice and were able to exchange the sweetest kisses, looks, and gifts.    Christa was so excited to kiss her groom - she left a little evidence behind!  :)

After the ceremony and on our way to dinner, we stopped by Theo Wirth Park for their couple photos. The park is absolutely perfect at sunset and allowed us to really focus on the two of them in such a beautiful sun kissed setting.  Check out the balcony and their amazing dance moves below! 

Immediately following, we met their closest friends and family at Jax Cafe in NE Minneapolis where everyone enjoyed an evening filled with hour d'oeuvres, drinks and merriment!
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Congratulations!  Your wedding day was amazing and I'm equally excited to photograph your upcoming reception in August!

xoxo

I had such a great time adventuring all over Bloomington for this epic 3.5 hour engagement session!  We hit up Hyland Lake Park and then wrapped up at the super cool Dred Scott Playfields!     These two met in a college class that had absolutely nothing to do with Brian's interest.   I guess the stars really do align when they're supposed to!

I am so excited for their October wedding!  Until then, enjoy these photos!
xoxo

Emily and her adorable family came to my June mini sessions and they were just as sweet as I remember!  
Little Miss L. and her pug Frankie competed for the "cutest" but they tied!  :)

Along with all the families that I see over the years, I appreciate your continued support and want to thank you for allowing me to capture these amazing moments!  I hope you have plenty of wall space - you're going to need a bunch of room with all these new images!

xoxo

In my opinion, one of the most important relationships we have is with our mother.    This adorable mother and daughter session was full of genuine smiles!  You can tell they both have hearts made of PURE gold and they are each others biggest fans.   I am alway so thankful for these opportunities and cherish these moments as much as you do!

xoxo

5:58am   
The phone rang.... I glanced over to my night stand and thought it was an alarm.  I blinked and looked again, it was NATALIE.  I grabbed the phone and in the groggiest voice:  hello?    Hi Emily...... I think I'm in active labor.

She talked for a minute or two then suddenly went silent.   I waited a bit.... HELLO?!   She answered back:   I don't think I need to go in yet, I remember not being able to talk through the contractions with my first.  Me:  Girl!  You just COULDN'T talk through that contraction, you'd better get in.    We hung up, she called the clinic.   I waited.....

6:21am
Jeremy (Nat's hubby) texted me.  We just called the hospital, they open at 6:30 and we'll head there then.

7:56am
Jeremy: Docs here. About to check her and break her water.

7:58am
Jeremy:  Waters broke.

8:06am
Me:  Are you ok if I start heading that way?  
Jeremy:  You're free to show up when you would like.  

9:14am
Me:  Outside Birthing Center.   No rush - how's she doing?

9:16am
​Jeremy: getting epidural right now, be there shortly.

2:20pm

4:30pm
​

I was in my car on the way to a wedding last fall when these two called me up and booked me over the phone!    It's always so fun to connect with couples who have similar persepectives!  It's like working with old friends for the entire engagement and wedding experience!    I laughed a ridiculous amount and love how the images captured their style and personalities at Baker Park!

I can't wait for their August 2018 wedding!

Just wait until you see this little gal!  She's so full of sparkle and grace!  

I met this family for the first time a few years ago at my Santa marathon session and I was such a fan!   At that time, little lady was shy and quite honestly, deathly afraid of Santa!  But, as you will see,  she's evolved into the most lovely and outgoing soul!   Happy birthday to Miss L.   5 looks amazing on you!

Meet Sydney,  her amazing big brother and very proud parents!  Sydney was just under 10 days new when she visited my NE Minneapolis studio for her first photoshoot.   She was so calm and peaceful during our time together!  

Congrats to this beautiful new family of 4!

Dan and Melissa were a dream to work with!   I met the gals at the Commons Hotel to capture their getting ready photos and they had  such a blast in their hotel suite!    When ready, we hopped in to a luxurious limo and met the groom and his best guys at St. Kate's Campus for their first look reveal.   The couple was full of emotion as we set up their reveal.   Their fur baby even joined them for the photos!   
We captured some elegant photos of the couple and their party then headed to Gold Medal park for some more playful shots. 
Immediately following, we headed to Lumen Christi Catholic Church for a memorable service that forever joined them as husband and wife.     
The reception was held at The Commons Hotel in Minneapolis where they celebrated all night long with their friends and families.    They danced, ate, and celebrated such a beautiful couple and their future together!

I am honored to have been there to capture all of the details of Dan and Melissa's wedding day celebration!  Congratulations on hosting such an elegant event!
​xoxo 

Reception // The Commons Hotel
Ceremony // Lumen Christi
Photo Sites // St. Kate's + Gold Medal Park
DJ // Bellagala
Florist // Bellagala
Wedding Gown // Raffine Bridal & Formal Wear
Wedding Planner // Bellagala
Transportation // Renee's Royal Valet

To say this couple was memorable would be an understatement.   They had THE most elegant ceremony at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater, MN.  In fact, they were the last couple ever to wed in the venue.   
The courthouse offered a variety of historical elements, including the most recognizable jailhouse.   It would be taboo not to use that space so they happily obliged!

The charm and grace I saw in these two was unreal.  They come from two very different backgrounds and I just love how they embraced their values and brought them together in such a lovely celebration!

Congrats to you and your happily ever after!  Thank you for allowing me to be part of such an amazing time in your lives!

Although it was a chilly 15 degrees, these two were up for an adventurous skiing engagement session!   Alisha seems to be a natural while Lucas **might** need a little more practice :)  

These two were passionate and silly and funny and kind and adorable and all that other cute stuff!   
After walking into a field full of  stickers, we traded in the skis for some much needed warming house time.   These two will be married in 3 short months and I am so thrilled to capture it!     Oh, hey!  You'll want to scroll down and look at the most amazing emerald engagement ring EVER.    Anything vintage + emerald green is a personal fav of mine so I've got a serious case of jealousy cooking!  

​xoxo

You'd never know by looking at these two that their level of stress was through the roof during the shoot!   Here's the story....
We planned for TWO previous engagement sessions which were cancelled due to rain, and this one threatened us the entire time.   Immediately following (insert exaggeration) torrential flash flooding!    These two embraced the time we had and knocked it out of the park, don't you think?   

Rain or shine, they'll be married in a few short months and each others forever!
xoxo