Barbara Jambor and Nicholas Dansie
Barbara grew up in Plymouth, where the couple lives. The groom grew up in Burnsville. Barbara is a case manager working towards her degree in social work, while Nick is a manager at Discount Tire.
Date of wedding: August 7, 2010
Ceremony location: St. Anne’s Church in Hamel
Reception location: Northcoast Restaurant in Wayzata
Where did you get photos taken? Before and after the ceremony we got photos taken in the church and right outside the church. We also took pictures outside of the reception site.
What is/are your favorite/most memorable image(s) from the big day? We really liked the pictures on the lawn outside the church, and the ones on the railroad tracks were our favorite. We also liked the pictures we took inside our reception site on the balcony with the photographer looking up at us.
Editor’s Note: Plymouth Magazine in no way supports or condones trespassing on the nation’s active railroad tracks, as indeed it is illegal and extremely dangerous to do so. As with any photo shoot, be sure to check that the location is public and safe, and/or the proper permits and permission have been obtained before embarking on a photo shoot.
Hair and makeup: Simonson’s of Plymouth
Dresses: David’s Bridal
Dessert: Cupcakes during the reception were from Wuollet Bakery.
Honeymoon? The night of our wedding, we stayed at the Ivy Hotel in Minneapolis, which was a gift from the bride’s sisters. The next day, we took a three-day trip up north to Bemidji.
Lisa and Josh Law
Lisa and Josh law met in high school at St. Louis Park. Staff Sergeant Josh is an Army drill sergeant and Lisa holds a masters in architecture. Currently, Eden Prairie is 'home base.'
Date of wedding: July 1, 2011
Ceremony: Muriel Sahlin Arboretum, Roseville
Reception: Wabasha Street Caves, St. Paul
Where did you get photos taken? The engagement session was at the Accent Photography studio and at a park nearby in Plymouth for some outdoor winter shots. For the wedding, all of the photos were at the ceremony and reception sites.
What is/are your favorite/most memorable image(s) from the big day? Our favorite posed photo is one where Lisa’s head is just below Josh’s shoulder and she’s looking up at him while he looks down at her. We both have a “Hi, favorite person” smile on our faces, and it’s one that shows our relationship. Another on the far more amusing side is the argument of which trumps the other: bouquet/bride or drill-sergeant hat/groom. Needless to say, the bride won. There are also some really great photos from the toasts.
Hair and makeup: Spalon Montage in Edina
Flowers: Artistic Floral in Edina
Dress: The Wedding Shoppe in St. Paul
Cake: Queen of Cakes in Edina
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal
Honeymoon? We’re still waiting on one! Between jobs, moving and finances we’re planning on a one-year-anniversary somewhere fun with plenty of outdoor activity.
Tips from Behind the Shutter
No one person is likely to spend more time with bride and groom on their wedding day than the photographer, especially given the recent emergence of full-day coverage as “the norm.” As such, these “flies on the wall” have a lot of insight into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to documenting the big day. We interviewed a handful of local photographers to compile this list of do’s and don’ts.
DO ask the photographer about his or her style/specialty/background. Depending on your hopes/wants, there should be a good balance between portraiture and unobtrusive “capturing of moments.” Be certain your styles are in sync.
DON’T be afraid to push a little regarding pricing, but DON’T make that your primary focus or decision-maker; most photographers can afford to be flexible and, within reason, create a package that’s right for you, but there are more important determining factors when selecting a photographer.
DO go with someone with a good deal of experience; ask the questions, “how long have you been doing this?” “how many weddings have you shot?” “how many weddings do you shoot in a year?” You should walk away from a consultation knowing what you’re getting for what price, so other questions involve finding out how many photographers will be covering your event, for how long, and whether or not you’ll be receiving digital copies of the images or have to purchase prints through your photographer after the fact. Add-ons like guest books and albums might also be available.
DON’T forget about the timeline. Wedding photographers might be able to help here more than you’d think, as they’ve been to many weddings and know about how long it will take to [fill in the blank]—get ready, travel from location to location, get formal photos, relax before the ceremony, go through a receiving line. There are a lot of things to consider when planning the day, and the more prepared you are in advance, the more you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy when the big day goes rushing by.
DO meet with multiple photographers. The most important thing is to feel comfortable with the person behind the lens; if you don’t feel comfortable, it will show in the photos, and no photographer wants that. Get a true sense of the personality and style.
DON’T put this off. Many photographers book out full years in advance, and most are booked at least six months out. Photography ideally should be locked in right after the reception and ceremony sites. This also gives you ample time to get to know your photographer, ask questions, get comfortable and possibly even set up an engagement photo shoot, which often acts as a “practice run” for the big day.
Our list of local wedding photographers:
3990 Zanzibar Ln.
763.383.0589
763.544.1231
Bruce Schnack Photography
501 Clover Ln, Golden Valley
763.542.1115
12800 Industrial Park Blvd. Ste. 110
763.553.1350
