Cat Manchack Photography

Luna & Oktoberfest

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:59:00 +0000

I got an email from a Grandma who wanted portraits taken during Oktoberfest of little Luna, a gorgeous 2 year old. Luna got a brand new dirndl! Grandma has been an active Narren for years and Luna has been exposed to her German heritage since she was born. Luna chicken danced, polkaed (wow, spell check let me do that?!) and sang during our half hour shoot. What a doll!

John & Ashley Get Married

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 02:45:00 +0000

Saturday was a gorgeous day, even with a few raindrops. New Ulm has such beautiful landmarks, historical buildings and natural settings, sometimes it's hard to pick which spots to go to! John & Ashley had scouted a few areas, and I had one in mind that I thought they would love.

Best friends and family make the bridal party more special...and a lot more fun.

After the ceremony we took off by ourselves to get some special shots.

My husband doesn't see it, but I swear the tree resembles a heart. Not completely...just a little.

I love this old gas station. I think it's just fantastic!

Jill & Tom: the Engagement Session

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 06:18:00 +0000

I have to tell you a secret. I'm pretty weird. It's true. Quirky. Eccentric. Outgoing. Weird. If you know me, this may be why you love me. If you don't know me, and we've only emailed and never had a conversation on the phone and then we meet at Country Kitchen in Redwood Falls and you bring your mother with you....BREATHE, CAT! Whew. Anyways....

You just might find out first hand that I am a goofy girl.

And you just might find out you're completely okay with it, too.

Jill did a Google search and found me. I like that. A lot. But you know what else I like? Small worlds. I actually know Jill's cousin, Sarah, through Crystal & Francios.

Anyways, Jill is from Redwood Falls and Tom is from Indiana, but now they live in Arizona together. August 18th is their big day, and while they were back in Minnesota to plan the wedding, we did an Engagement Session as well.

We visited the fairgrounds and represented Minnesota.

We then went to the first motor lodge in Minnesota. It was build in the 1940s and it was the first motel that you could drive right up and park in front of your room. When I asked the construction workers if I could take some pictures there they were pretty...uh, shocked.

"You've gotta be ^&(^#$^ me!"

Nope. No, sir, I am not.

Yes, that is their reflection in the mirror propped up against a mattress.

The construction worker asked if I actually just put the ring there. When I showed him the shot he said, "Oh, that's actually pretty nice!" Thank you, Sir.

When we drove out to Alexander RamseyPark, I finally got to walk across the bridge. Um. Finally. I hate heights. Or falling from heights. Or thinking about falling from heights. But I also love cool shots. And trying new things. And pushing myself beyond where I've been before. So, yes, I tackled the bridge. I am alive, and it wasn't so bad. Kinda. On the way back I got motion sick and started hyperventilating, but....I'm okay. They were super cool about it. Maybe they laughed at me later, I know I sure did!

I love moss. :)

Well, all in all, it was a fabulous day. And you know what? I know I'm going to really enjoy August 17th & 18th.

Lilyanna Beth is HERE: the Hospital Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:07:00 +0000

Lilyanna has come! What a beautiful girl! Her parents are beaming, and her extended family is thrilled. What's even more special is that she was born on the same day as her cousin was all the way around the world in South Africa. That's a special bond right there!

Becky & Paul's Maternity Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:27:00 +0000

I'm still trying to figure out if I can call it a maternity & paternity shoot. I have always felt like it's for both people, if they both want to be a part of the shoot. Hmmm. I would love any comments on that.

Becky has been my friend since we were in Kindergarten. I love her, pretty sure she loves me. :) This is her first baby. A lovely boy that will be named Rohn, after an Iditarod racer's son, and a town in Alaska (their favorite place to go). For all that are wondering, Rohn rhymes with phone.

Rohn is my golden child and I cannot wait to meet him.

Love, love, love this shot. This is an old one room school house on their property!

This cool truck? Yep. Love it.

Pretty sure this may be my favorite. I love this natural moment.

Until then, I got his Mama to wear a skirt for her maternity shoot. If you don't know the significance of this....well, Becky doesn't do skirts. We have had a crazy winter here in Minnesota, and our spring is proving to be just as crazy. It was a gorgeous day and I am in love with the images I captured of my dear friend.

Auntie Heather is Excited, Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:35:00 +0000

A couple of days after Crystal & Francios' maternity/paternity (I just typed that, not sure if it works) shoot, Crystal asked if we could do one more. Her sister, Heather, is super excited about baby Lilyanna coming, too!

What do you think I said?

OF COURSE!

These gorgeous ladies have so much love for each other, I just know that baby Lilyanna will be spoiled beyond belief!

Francios & Crystal are SO Excited!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:55:00 +0000

Frankie & Crystal are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first baby.

Francios is from South Africa. Crystal bought this lovely dress when they went to visit last year. I thought it was a perfect way to show some heritage in this portrait!

Lilyanna Beth is pretty cute already!

1+4+3=7+1

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:09:00 +0000

I never showed you this, did I? Unless you happen to be a fortunate fan of my Facebook fan page or you're a friend. If not, maybe you should be. ;)

This is the awesome, custom made Save the Date (or, StD, as I called it without thinking) that I created for Jeff & Katie.

Wait, wait, wait. Hold your horses, Cat. Who are Jeff & Katie?

Sit right back and you'll hear a tale...

I have been friends with Katie and Becky since Kindergarten. Becky & I were in a scrapbooking group on MySpace and met Layla. Layla shared an artist's fan page on Facebook one day. I gotta admit, I didn't become a fan until later. But Katie, Katie, became a fan then. And Katie and the artist hit it off. She kept it a secret for a while, an online friendship.

Then she took a trip out to New York.

Something was going on.

Fast forward a bit......Katie introduces Jeff to her boys, Ethan & Logan. They start to plan their first family vacation to DisneyWorld.

Mickey & Minnie guarding the rings...and holding a special place in Jeff & Katie's story.

After a scary medical situation with Jeff, Katie flew there immediately and Jeff knew this was the time to ask Katie the big question.

She said yes!!!

When talking with the boys about where they thought the wedding should be, the boys said, "Dave & Busters!" At first they laughed about the idea, then they decided it was perfect.

The boys and Jeff have hit it off famously.

1+4+3=7+1 means "I Love You Forever and a Day"

Fitzy was the best ring bearer. Fantastic job, I must say.

Katie's classic beauty was amazing.

With a fantastically delicious fajita bar for supper and all the games you could possibly want to play waiting right outside the door, what more could you ask for?

I am so pumped that Mitch helped me get everything ready for this shot!

This was such a great night. A super fun bridal party, great location, new ideas.... And a happy, happy family.

The Winch Family

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:15:00 +0000

I donated to a fundraiser for a local gentleman a while back. Lucinda was able to help him out by bidding on my Gift Certificates at his Silent Auction. That makes us both feel good, I think, and I surely hope it helped the gentleman and his family a bit. The day after Thanksgiving I was able to meet with this lovely family for a photo session. When people live far away from each other, holidays tend to be when they get together.

I love this one. Warm and chocolatey. :)

Aren't these kiddos adorable?

Little Miss Mia: 6 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:44:00 +0000

I photographed Mia on this bed when she was just a newborn. I brought it along again today to show how much she's grown. Look at her sitting up! Foxy, the family (11 year old) puppy), joined her, too.

Gorgeous fall day today! So nice and warm, lovely colors, not too windy.

Check out Foxy!

I love, love, love this photo of them playing together! What a sweet moment.

Her cousin bought her a little hat! Her outfit says, "Mommy's Little Pumpkin".

Mia got tuckered out and loved the soft fur. What a honey bun!

Zach: Class of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:52:00 +0000

Here's a little fact: I am creative.

Another fact: I like creative people.

So when I get asked if we could set up a drum set in the woods, I said yes.

This is Zach. He's a drummer. I'd really like to say "drummist", just to be funny, but I think I'd just come off looking like a weirdo. Which I am. However, this is not about that.

It's about Zach graduating High School this year.

He enjoys playing drums, music and hunting.

I am not a fan of guns. He had to show me the empty barrel several times. I then let him point it at me. Looks good, huh?

You may recognize his cousin, Tori, playing football with him here. They've been Best Cousins since they were kiddos. We had to get some shots of them together, doing what they like to do together.

Don't you love this shot of Zach in his Grandfather's study? Notice the sign? It says, "A Round Tuit". So when Grandpa says he'll get around to it.......

Congrats, Zach. Have a great Senior year!!!

The Omori Family: Family Portrait Session

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:48:00 +0000

Greg, the Dad, has been waiting 35 years to have this done, he told me. Sure, they got a family portrait when Alex was 1, but that was 24 years ago. They'd never done a family portrait since Colin was born.

It was time.

And of course, Sunny & Sam joined in on the love. Sam is Colin's dog, and Sunny is Alex's. Those dogs are definitely loved members of the family!

What a happy, loving, fun family. I really enjoyed photographing your family! Thank you for choosing me!

Colin: Class of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:40:00 +0000

Colin is seriously cool.

For real.

His new t-shirts came in. Some of his favorite musicians. Primus. Ween. Weezer. Elliot Smith.

Nice.

When we were doing his consult I asked what he was into. Reading. Guitars. Music.

Got it. I can do this.

When we're at the library taking a few shots, I told him to grab a book. Shoot, now I've forgotten what it was called, but I could totally see my husband and I enjoying it. Colin, tell me what it's called again! Anyways, he tells me, "I have that book."

Of course he does.

I swear, if I were in High School right now, he'd be in my circle of friends.

Anyways.

And he kept telling me he'll do whatever I want. That's a Photographer's dream. No real agenda. Just creativity and weirdo ideas and finding out how things mesh.

Here is Colin.

Micah & Ashlie

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:31:00 +0000

Even though they grew up a couple of hours away from each other, they met in New York five years ago.

Doesn't that sound like the beginning of a romantic comedy?

*sigh*

It's perfect.

If you know me, you know I love romance, comedy, and DIY brides.

They got married on Saturday in New Ulm, Minnesota with friends and family coming from Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois and beyond. It was a gorgeous fall day, especially out on Indian Point where they all got ready and we did the pictures before the ceremony at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Ashlie modified her Grandma's wedding gown and they found the perfect material to make a matching veil. Her maids made their dresses, and they were beautiful. They even crafted their own bouquets out of a mixture of fresh and silk blooms. Can you see why I'm digging this? YES!

Even one of the ushers coordinated his glasses to match his suit and the bridal colors. That doesn't happen every day, that's for sure!

As soon as I saw the rope swing, I was hooked. I NEEDED IT IN A PHOTO!

The ceiling on the dance floor was so beautiful with poms, lights and Chinese lanterns.

Congratulations, Ashlie & Micah!

The Boie Family

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:40:00 +0000

Since everyone was in town gathering for Ashlie & Micah's wedding, the Boie family asked me to do a family portrait session before the wedding on Saturday! They had me out to their home outside of New Ulm. Gorgeous fall colors!

Joel came from New York, Alyssa from Vermont. They're getting married in Vermont in November!

Mom & Dad are so adorable together!

Ashlie & Micah came from New York, too!

The whole family!

Brittany & Micah: The Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:13:00 +0000

A lot of people get so stressed out about all the minute details of planning a wedding, they forget to have fun on the day of the wedding. Not Brittany & Micah! Even though they got a text in the middle of the night that their hairdresser was sick, they didn't let that slow them down! Every few minutes Micah would ask me, "Are you having fun?" Although it's not my job to have fun at a wedding I'm shooting, it sure is a perk to the job! They threw a great reception! I really enjoyed shooting this couple at their Engagement Session and at their Big Day.

Cracked me up that Micah tossed a fifty cent piece. Made me laugh harder when the Pastor said he'd better do 2 out of 3!

Micah had great details in his ensemble. Cufflinks+hat+cane=very sharp.

I love the detail shot of the rings.

Their favorite girl, Emma, wasn't allowed in the church, but she still met them outside decked out in her prettiest attire!

Brittany added shimmer and shine throughout her look! Love those eyelashes!

Brittany & Micah: The Engagement Session!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:21:00 +0000

Brittany & Micah are another set of troopers. It was another hot and buggy day. Yes, buggy. Buggy means lots of bugs. I was a super genius and even though I thought I should stop and pick up some water, I didn't. I didn't feel very good. Lesson learned.

ALWAYS BUY WATER!

Can you spot the Engagement ring?

Kissing on the "Kissing Rock".

I love to have my sessions fit the model. When I found out that they love to
camp and spend time outdoors, I had ideas to fit their ideas!

Emily & Dan: the Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:06:00 +0000

Emily & Dan reminded me of my family in so many ways.
#1. My sister's name is Emily.
#2. My sister is a teacher, just like Emily.
#3. My sister's husband's name is Dan.
#4. My parents' wedding colors were yellow & blue.
#5. My mom let her bridesmaid have free choice of the dress.
#6. My aunt (the bridesmaid) made her own dress, as she is an excellent seamstress (as is Deb, Emily's Mom).

Anyways, all these little facts made me nostalgic. But this blog post isn't about my parents' wedding, or even my sister. This is about THIS Dan & Emily.

Last Saturday this lovely couple got married in Redwood Falls at Cornerstone Christian Church. They chose people really dear to them to be in their wedding party: close friends from their congregation, fellow teachers, family members. The love in that group was tangible.

Blossom Town arranged the flowers. I loved the fun, whimsical choices of flowers that Emily made.

Pretty sure one of the coolest, "funnest", things I've seen was having the ring bearer and flowers girls have bubble guns as they walked the Processional & Recessional. So fun!

Congratulations, Dan & Emily. I wish you many, many decades together!

Jess

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:21:00 +0000

When I was trying to come up with a title, I had a few ideas.

"~~Single, Fabulous & Loving It!~~"
~~"If You Liked it Then You Shoulda Put a Ring on It!"~~

My point being this: You don't need an event for fabulous photographs of yourself. You don't want to only have self taken shots, or group photos,etc. Why not do a fun photo shoot showing off your glorious self!?

The Monro Family & The Other Guy

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Meet the Monro family. Oh, and The Other Guy. Wendy & Claud live in a small town about 20 minutes or so from my small town. Their oldest daughter, Ella, lives across the pond, as does her boyfriend, The Other Guy (his family & friends call him Jacob, I'm sure).

Can you tell they're enjoying their time together? I am realizing now that I picked mostly goofy pictures for this Sneak Peek. But then again, I also picked way more than I was going to. I guess I was swept away by it all. I had such a great time with these guys. It's one of the things I love the most about being a Photographer. Not just the taking pictures and editing and producing products part. Nope. It's the people. I love people and talking with them. Hearing their stories and seeing how they interact with each other. Finding out what it means to them to be a family. Dear Daphne insisted that I stay for supper. After some inner debating as to whether it was politeness or obligation or sincerity and all that other mumbo jumbo I put myself through, I stayed. I had Pimm's for the first time with fresh berries and herbs straight from the garden. I had homemade onion rings. Indian potatoes. Steak. But most of all, I had a wonderful time.

Sure it was still blasted hot outside. Very uncomfortable at times. But then the burst of cool air when we came inside accompanied by a cold beer....totally worth it. Ella & Daphne jumped off the dock for their last shots. Don't you love it? Sisterly love.

I'm so, so happy that I was able to photograph them and spend a few hours together. I can't wait until we can do it all again.

Lately....

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:45:00 +0000

I've gotta be really honest with you. I haven't wanted to say much lately online. I mean, yes, I have been helping my friend with her Twitter contest and I've been doing some Facebook and whatnot daily....but not my usual banter. The things I want to talk about hurt too much. The tragic fire in which I lost my friends has really been hard to deal with for so, so many.

But I know that my friend, Bobbi, would be so very, very happy for me that people are hearing more about me. The pictures I had taken of her and her daughters have become a bit "famous" in our town. People saw that I captured Bobbi's essence. And they liked that. I've been getting calls and emails for photo shoots to capture others' essences, too. Bobbi would be thrilled that more people were keeping it local, finding out about me, choosing me.

I think about Bobbi, Abby & Savannah every day. I miss them all terribly and cannot wait until I can hold them all in my arms again.

The Z Family

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:09:00 +0000

You know what? I have the best customers. I really do. They are all so willing to get a bit uncomfortable to get some fun pictures. Either when it's -30 or, like with this family, 102! YES! We were outside in a gorgeous field of wild flowers and it was over 100 degrees out. Ridiculous, and yet, TOTALLY worth it!

Know something else? I dig snuggly, cuddly, lovey familes. Well, snuggly, cuddly, lovey people in general. But really, seeing that in a family is kinda rare at times! But just look at Mom & Dad snuggling and joking with each other! See Lexi & Kelsey playing guitar? Jonathan and Dad playing football. Mom & Keshia having a moment? I love this! LOVE IT! They even asked if they could just have moments together and I'd photograph them. Um, YES, PLEASE! That's what I LOVE!

Dan & Emily

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Dan & Emily are getting married next month! We met at Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls, Minnesota for their Engagement Session.

So relaxed and laid back.

Too cute together!

I love, love, love this one. Look how snuggly they are! :)

Chris & Brittany: the Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 30 May 2011 02:51:00 +0000

Remember Chris & Brittany? The troopers that toughed it out in the hot, humid, sticky weather? Well, they continued to prove that they're troopers by toughing it out in the rain on their wedding day! It held out until during the receiving line, then the rain came.

You know what? I love love. No kidding. I'm a sap. I am emotional and sentimental. You know what else? I love it when other people are sappy, too. I love tight bonds, close friends and even closer bonds between parents and children. There was a lot of love on May 20. A lot. I also love "incentivizing" children to have their picture taken. Thanks, Mike!

Thank you, Chris & Brittany for allowing me to be part of your super special day!

Etsy Shoot: Enchanted Acres Design

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 07:48:00 +0000

Lorenda and Chris from Enchanted Acres Designs are a husband and wife team who make an excellent team. They sent me a little bench and an awesome cloche hat.

What a great item for your child's bedroom or for a photo prop!

A classic look! Gorgeous craftsmanship.

Check them out on Facebook, too! I will be doing another shoot for them shortly, so be on the watch. :)