One of the first things my friend said when I was situated in Minneapolis was, “Prep your gear. We’re going to see my friend’s band tomorrow.”
Turns out it was the CD release party/show for Highchair Kings at Nomad World Pub. Opening for them was Mary Bue. She’s a singer/songwriter from Duluth who has made her was to Minneapolis. She has an EP available for pre-order and in other exciting news she’ll be spending 3 months in 2017 as the Artist in Residence for the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos, New Mexico. Congrats to Mary! Listen to her latest work on SoundCloud.
Highchair Kings play in the key of ROCK (or much more specifically, they’re Alternative Noise Power Pop). Anyone who references Aimee Mann and American Music Club’s Mark Eitzel are winners in my book. For bonus points, the song #STUMPS was written in reference to an exchange singer/songwriter Trevor Lettman had with the previously mentioned musicians over Twitter.
I’ve been listening to them since the concert and I’m falling for their lyrics and arrangements. It feels both fresh and familiar at the same time. But don’t take my word for it, listen for yourself on SoundCloud.
Thanks to both bands for a great introduction to the Minneapolis music scene!
Want more info on Highchair Kings?
highchairkings.com
twitter.com/highchairkings
facebook.com/highchairkings
instagram.com/highchairkings
soundcloud.com/highchairkings
Want more info on Mary Bue?
MaryBue.com
twitter.com/marybuemusic
facebook.com/marybuemusic
instagram.com/marybuemusic
soundcloud.com/mary-bue
James and I have been shooting all over the south since we met. We were paired up for a group photography exhibition at Florida State University. My friend Amy was the gallery director and said, “you two should hang out. Go exploring together or something. Make art.”
That was about 11 years ago. Even though we’ve both moved several times we’ve still gone adventuring and kept in contact. It’s no secret he’s one of my nearest and dearest friends. I’d say that’s the end of the sappy post but I’d be lying.
I’ve just spent the last week getting to know his girlfriend Sarah. Guys. She’s kinda awesome (and so sweet she could be a Disney princess). And together they’re even better. They’re both supportive of each others creative goals and they love in a way that is tremendous and overflowing. As the Frogs say, “it’s only right and natural.”
It’s pretty gross. But only in the best possible way. Keep scrolling to see how happy these lovebirds are. Beware, these two smooched all over Roger William Park in Providence!
Everybody all together, aww! Told you! Look at that little foot pop!
James and Sarah, I leave Rhode Island filled with love and Del’s frozen lemonade (well, isn’t that the same thing?). I can’t wait to spend time with ya’ll in the future!
After spending a glorious year in Charleston, SC, I’m heading on the road! Visiting some of my favorite cities and favorite people (and favorite museums too). In the past year I was able to photograph an engagement session in London and a small wedding in Washington, DC. I love mixing some business in with my travel pleasure. So I’m offering 2 specials in addition to all of my normal packages.
Headshots at any of my travel spots will run $125 (plus GA sales tax) for 30 minutes and 3 edited digital images with a print & use release. Great for beefing up your social media accounts (or your online dating profile).
My elopement package is $750 (plus GA sales tax) and includes 2 hours of photography for 2-10 people. It also includes all the edited digital images with a print & use release. I average 50-75 images per hour at weddings. Have a larger party or need more hours? Take a look at my Wedding Guide here.
Interested? Send me an email at Hello@AnsleyStudio.com to discuss your needs and secure an on-location photography session. Hurry before these specials pack up and head out!
PS – Ping me if you’re in Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta, or Orlando and looking for a July date. My return trip isn’t set in stone yet and I have a little wiggle room to play with the schedule.
In October, I thought my art school friend was living in China (she still was but is moving to the US now). So I was a little surprised when she sent a text saying she was getting hitched in our nation’s capital and would I photograph the wedding. Of course, I said! Nikki and I have the kind of friendship where it doesn’t matter if we fall out of contact because we always fall right back in with ease.
I was really really surprised when she said, “Awesome! It’s on Halloween!”
Halloween was in 6 days. These two crazy kids (and their friends and family) managed to plan and have a wedding in under a week. And it was one of the most joy-filled events of my life!
Can you believe the bride created these flower arrangements herself? She used bouquets from Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s and added some feather details too. Not all of her family were able to make it so she used a locket to keep her brother and sister close.
Everyone who wasn’t local stayed at the Hyatt Regency where we got ready and did a First Look.
One of the sweetest things I’ve seen is Nikki’s Daddy tying her sash.
After the first look (and a quick drink) we headed down to the District of Columbia War Memorial. Beautiful location!
Nikki’s not to subtle shout out to China, where she and Chad met.
Everyone should have this much fun, laughter, and joy at their wedding! This was just minutes before walking down the aisle.
Nikki and Chad chose to whisper their vows to each other. Very sweet. This was their friend Dave, who became an officiant for their ceremony, telling everyone (but especially me) not to follow.
Now THAT is how to be excited you’re hitched! These two and ther entire group were a blast and had me in stitches all day!
There was some luck and fate at play in this wedding. In addition to everything falling into place (location, friends and family able to fly in, and so on) Nikki found the perfect heels at a consignment shop in Georgetown. That might not sound like a big deal but they’re also French and vintage satin.
Once it got dark we headed back to the hotel Can you spot the happy couple in the elevator? The lovebirds also updated their Facebook status as a very public display of affection.
Thanks for having me along on your wonderful wedding adventure, Nikki & Chad! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness! Much love to you both!
Location: The National Mall, Washington, DC
Ceremony Venue: District of Columbia War Memorial
Hotel: Hyatt Regency | Crystal City at Regan National Airport
Dinner: Osteria de Nino
Bride’s Dress: Modcloth | Aisle Be There Dress in Ivory by TrashyDiva
Bride’s Sash & Veil: David’s Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Consignment
Florist: Bride with bouquets from Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s
Officiant: Dave Goretsky
My friend in Tallahassee Kiirah fell in love with a British fellow named Chris. In the most amazing random crazy wonderful happenstance, all three of us were in London at the same exact time…for one day.
So, of course, we did a whirlwind of an engagement session! These two crazy in love kids met at the Globe Theatre. So it was our very first stop. Ok, after a traditional English breakfast (where I ate black pudding). Nom!
Aren’t they just the sweetest? They’re pretty darn fantastic individually but even more awesome together. We decided to take the Tube (Underground) for some more portraits and grabbed this one on the way.
They’re in their own little world when they’re together. Our last stop was near Parliment, the Elizabeth Tower, and Big Ben. I’m almost certain we saw Peter Pan flying around there…
Chris & Kiirah – I had a fantastic time adventuring around with you two today! Thanks for the traditional English ice cream (it’s a Mr. Whippy with a Flake)! And, Chris, I hope your family better understands what an engagement session is after seeing these photos. 😉