Brooke and Peter's Portraits

Brooke and Peter hired us to follow them around for a day, because they had so many great location ideas. The results are fantastic. We began the day with Shakespeare, on the set of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Guthrie Theater. The couple followed in Puck's footsteps while we snapped some shots under the stage lights. Then we stopped at Pizza Luce for lunch and a beer to capture a few close ups. After an afternoon siesta, we followed Brooke and Peter to the Red Stag Block Party - it was important to this social couple to be photographed in an energetic setting with lots of people around. We had so much fun with this idea that we tagged along to a birthday party where these lucky ducks won the first round of a cake walk!

:: Helena & Chris ::

Helena and Chris's wedding was filled with Chinese symbolism, American tradition, and unique touches. They put a tremendous amount of thought into their grand event. Chris and the guys started the day with a run in the rain while Helena and her girls were being pampered at the Raddison. Amazingly, the rain stopped right before the moment they first saw each other. Chris was literally wiping tears off of Helena's cheeks!

before she arrived at the reception, Helena changed into a stunning red gown she bought in China. She looked amazing! The dim sum at the reception was decident and included new york strip steak, seafood, fish, and the best orange chicken we have ever tasted. Helena, Chris and their families visited each table to raise a toast to thank the guests for taking part in their day. Not only do Chris and Helena have a playful and intense love for each other, they also have and amazing circle of friends and family!

:: Tea Ceremony ::

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Chris and Helena had a tea ceremony and pig roast the day before they got married. This is one of many ways they blended Chinese and American traditions into their ceremony.

In a tea ceremony, the bride and groom serve tea to their parents and relatives to give respect and thanks for raising them. The parents and relatives will take turn sitting in chairs, while the bride and groom kneel to serve the tea. Every step of the ceremony is significant and happens in a particular order. It was fun to see Chris's family take part in the tradition.

In return, the newlyweds receive lucky red envelopes (“lai see,” which means “lucky”) stuffed with money or jewelry. The helpers, who are usually women blessed with a happy marriage or wealth and chosen by the fortune teller or bride’s mother, also get lucky red envelopes stuffed with money from those being served. These envelopes are placed on the platter which holds the teacups.

In addition to this ceremony steeped in Chinese history, Helena's brother, who is a professional martial artist and stunt man who has appeared in movies like Blade, gave a nunchuck lesson to the bridal party! It was pretty amazing.