If you're anything like me, you live for the days of sunshine and blue skies. You soak up all the sun and fresh air you can get, and although you don't mind a rainy day once in a while, sunshine makes your heart sing. When it comes time for your wedding day, or even your engagement pictures, you want everything to be perfect. However, as much as we wish every day was filled with blue skies, here in Minnesota we aren't so lucky, especially when fall and winter roll around. I'm here to ensure that any of the elements - cloud cover, wind, rain, snow - are nothing to fear and help make your pictures more unique.

minnesota-wedding-photographer-alyssa-smolen-photography.jpg

1. No Harsh Shadows: Cloud cover acts as a natural diffuser, which means that you won't be squinting into the sun or have to worry about harsh shadows across your face. Clouds can also create a different look for your pictures, which often tend to be a bit more moody.

2. Moody Pictures: On your wedding day, you're looking your best. Your makeup is done, your hair is perfectly placed, and you and your dress are looking amazing. Any little thing to mess that up can be daunting, but let me tell you, photographing in the wind is one of my favorites. When I'm standing in front of you and the wind is blowing your hair, all I see are opportunities to capture the moments your husband brushes the hair behind your ear, or pushes it out of your face to lean down and kiss you. It can act as a focus point with the two of you kissing discretely in the background.

3. Memorable Day: Although the elements can be a damper on your day, I like to use that as an opportunity to make it even more memorable. Years from now when you're looking back on your wedding day, you can think about all the fun you had playing out in the rain, or having a snowball fight, or tickling your husband's face with your hair and veil in the wind. Minnesota weather is unpredictable, but I love to make the best of it whenever I can.

4. Life is Messy: Life is full of ups and downs, good things and bad. However, life is beautifully messy and only enhances our unique story.

I completely understand and fully support the want to reschedule a session to avoid dealing with the Minnesota weather. These are just some things to think about when you're envisioning our session together. Leave me a comment below what your favorite season is, or what kind of weather is your favorite.

Taylor & Nathan

“Nathan even said "I had a good time with you tonight" after we got home and into bed…he has never said he had fun when taking that many pictures! To be honest, I haven't had that much fun taking pictures, I can't wait to see them! Thank you again, I will for sure recommend you to anyone!”

Kristen & Dan Godding

“Everything about our experience with Alyssa and Rob was so simple and relaxed! The only thing Alyssa told my husband and I to do is to be in love (obviously) and willing to snuggle and she would do the rest. She captured the sweetest and most candid moments during both the engagement and wedding shoots. I couldn’t believe how our photos embodies the dynamics of our relationship. We were so happy to be able to afford such a wonderful and professional photographer who was willing to make the trip to Wisconsin.”

Dom & Brandon Munyon

"My biggest fear was feeling awkward and dictated- we have had some weddings we were in before and it was an uncomfortable situation. But you were just the opposite! It was like having a friend photograph us. Very relaxed, professional, and always left the say-so up to us! My favorite part was just "hanging out" while shooting. It made it feel so much more natural. You definitely won Brandon over when you graciously accepted his beer offer at the end of our engagement pictures, and of course, seeing the results! Your work is incredible! I told my friends you were flexible, fun, relaxed, and very professional! If I were to do it all over again we would choose you hands down!"

Katelyn & Ivy - Equine

"For many years I've wanted really good pictures of myself and my horses, and after trying mini-photoshoots with friends and family members and never being completely satisfied with the results, I finally looked in to having professional pictures taken. I am very particular about photography and I know what I like, so naturally I was a little worried that the pictures would not be up to my standards. Was I ever wrong! Not only was Alyssa so easy to work with, she is very talented and I was absolutely enthralled with the pictures from my session with her! It was impossible to choose a favorite and I have gotten countless compliments on the photos.

My favorite part of the shoot would have to be the stunning sunset we were blessed with at the very end! I knew Alyssa was capturing amazing shots and the color and lighting got better every minute. It was a fairytale come to life.

I highly recommend Alyssa and her services!! In every communication she was both sweet and professional, and my session with her was so relaxing and fun because of her calm personality and unobtrusive approach. By the end of the session I felt I'd made a new friend! I appreciated the way she was able to go with the moment and take advantage every aspect, including times that things didn't go as planned with my spunky mare. I am so happy with my pictures and my experience - I feel I got the deal of a lifetime with all the extras that were included in the session package!"

Aly & Jed Magstad

"Since we had worked with you for other things I had no doubt that the pictures were going to be beautiful. I was most worried (for anybody that encountered our group that day) that such a large bridal party would be hard to get everybody on the same page for pictures. It's not easy to get 20 young people organized (especially our group) and we thought you did an amazing job at it! You captured the perfect moments through out the day, especially the little details and candids which are some of my favorite! We have looked back at the pictures so many times to relive that day and I think that's what I would say you're really amazing at. Your pictures bring us back to the exact moment that they were taken and give us all the feels! I would tell my best friend that you were super easy to work with and take amazing pictures! Thank you again for everything!!"