Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the current restrictions on the wedding and event industry, couples are still pressing forward, making plans for their dream wedding. If you are searching for your wedding vendor team, stay tuned to the blog over the next few months as I highlight some of my favorite Twin Cities wedding vendors. I’m kicking things off with Jennie Sewell of Sewell Photography.

I had been following and admiring Jennie’s work for a while before I reached out to have her shoot my first maternity session before our twin boys were born in 2015 (where she also captured some of my favorite photos ever of our beloved lab, Oso, who is no longer with us). I then had the luck of working with her on a wedding the following year, and she also did my most recent headshots. So I have the unique experience of working with her not only from a fellow vendor standpoint, side-by-side at a wedding, but also as the subject of her photography. I’m sure I echo anyone who has ever worked with Jennie in saying that she is incredibly kind, talented and is skilled in putting her subjects at ease. She’s also a multi-faceted artist – check out her Instagram to see her beautiful paintings!

I’m sharing photos of our work together along with a little Q&A Jennie did with me. Enjoy!

Q: How long have you been photographing weddings? How did you get your start in the wedding industry?

A: I have been photographing weddings for over 15 years. I was a fine art major in college with an emphasis in graphic design and photography. While I ended up working in the design field first, I always dreamed about working in photography. I decided to apprentice for a few professional photographers and once I started second shooting weddings, I completely fell in love. It was a perfect fit for my personality. I truly love people and love telling their story. There is so much emotion, connection, joy and fun on a wedding day. And any day that ends with a dance party is a great day in my book.

Q: What’s the piece of advice you give most often to your couples? 

A: Be organized ahead of time (hire a wedding planner if possible) so that once the day comes you can just enjoy and have fun.  

*Editor’s note – of course I’m biased, but a wedding planner makes a photographer’s job much easier on the wedding day, which is just one of many, many reasons to prioritize hiring one! Your vendors will thank you.

Q: What is your favorite part about a wedding day? 

A: Hard to choose, but I love the moment when the couple walks out together right after their vows.  There is such a sense of happiness, relief and excitement. Close second, the dance party!

Q: Do you have any dream destinations in which you would like to shoot (a wedding or otherwise)?

A: I love the mountains, any outdoor space surrounded by mountains is a dream.  This may sound cheesy, but I enjoy the unique challenges and beauty of every location.  I make it my mission to take any space I am given and use it in a beautiful way.  If a couple is open minded, and they trust you as a photographer, you can make magic anywhere. 

Q: Do you offer other photography services outside of weddings?

A: I specialize in any photography that involves humans and telling their story.  I love photographing kids, they are so honest.  I also do branding and lifestyle photography for businesses. 

Q: What do you do in your free time – when you’re not behind the camera?

A: I am happiest when I am outside, in Minnesota that means I have a variety of jackets.  My happiest place is on a lake, frozen or thawed. 😉  I jump at any chance to be creative, my latest obsession is painting.  My two kids (with all of their activities) husband (with all of his projects) and crazy black lab (with alllll of his energy) also keep me on my toes.

So if you’re on the hunt for a wedding, family or lifestyle photographer, contact Jennie!