Amber Engfer Photography &#187; engagement

Kathy and Dan: Minneapolis Engagement

2709 featured on Metro Magazine.com!

Featured! A Northwoods Wedding

amber — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:21:30 +0000

Jill and Kyle’s engagement session was featured on A Northwoods Wedding today! Yay!!!

summer art series: vintage volkswagen

small business saturday special!

Our "Little" Secret

Jill and Kyle: Engaged!

amber — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:37:01 +0000

Jill and Kyle contacted me recently with the BEST idea – to focus an engagement session around winter, a camp fire, and some amazing s’mores, since they love the outdoors. Who would say no to that!~?!?! I love when my clients think out of the box – it makes for photos that are so much more personal to them, and hopefully something they’ll cherish for years to come. I have to admit, that little idea turned into one of my favorite engagement sessions ever – we started in Stillwater at a cozy cafe to hang out and relax a little, then ventured out to find some snow (not an easy feat this year despite being February in the Midwest!) Fortunately, I’ve got some pretty amazing tricks up my sleeve and great connections, so we found what could possibly have been the only snow in western Wisconsin that weekend. Jill and Kyle were so amazing – I LOVE this couple! As per usual with grooms, Kyle wasn’t so sure about engagement pics, but I have to say, he totally rocked it! I guess it’s not so hard to do after a cup of my now-famous hot cocoa and spending an afternoon keeping warm with the love of his life. :)

Note to viewers: don’t attempt snow angels in two inches of ice crusted snow… makes for super sweet photos, but apparently hurts like the dickens!!

Analisa and Brandon: Engaged!

Sarah and Eric: Engaged!

amber — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:34:53 +0000

Time to play catch up! I have sooo many sessions to blog about – what better way than posting fun and sunny photos in the dead of winter! Stay tuned for lots… and lots to come.

Sarah and Eric are getting married later this year at the most perfect rustic barn location in small town Minnesota. I’ve heard rumors of the festivities, and know first hand that their wedding is going to be nothing short of amazing! The Groom plays the banjo! ‘Nuf said.
There’s nothing like the Minneapolis riverfront at sunset on a warm, late summer night. It can be rustic, urban, country, and industrial… all just depending on which way you turn. The St. Anthony Main and Stone Arch Bridge area are one of my favorites in the city to shoot – and Sarah and Eric rocked it!

Sneak Peek: Kathy and Dan

Monica and Josh: Engaged! Eagle River, WI

amber — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:50:35 +0000

Monica and Josh are getting married later this year in the fabulous Northwoods of Wisconsin and I couldn’t be more excited after hearing the details of their day. Details that I can’t share yet, but are so amazing, I’m counting the days til September! I met the couple last month for an engagement shoot on what I figured would be a nice spring day… boy was I wrong! We ended up with snow and wind and bone chilling cold but man, Monica and Josh still rocked it!

Even with the weather, the scenery was beautiful – there’s just something about a still lake on a cold day that mesmerizes me – add a super fantastic couple in the mix and I think we nailed it!

Sneak Peak: Kara and Zach

Kathy and Dan: Minneapolis Engagement

Sarah and Eric: Engaged!

Sneak Peek: Monica and Josh

amber — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:13:07 +0000

A quicky from Monica and Josh’s engagement session on a very cold spring day…..

Monica and Josh: Engaged! Eagle River, WI

Analisa and Brandon: Engaged!

Kathy and Dan: Minneapolis Engagement

amber — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:01:17 +0000

My cousin, Dan, and his lovely fiance, Kathy, were in town a few weeks ago for their engagement party, so we set up some time for a few engagement shots before their big day. Of course, our shoot ended up on quite possibly the coldest day of the year, and since they both live in Arizona now, there may have been mention of “50 degrees being really cold”. But, being Midwestern kids at heart, Kathy and Dan humored me with a few outdoor shots…. mostly because I made them but also because I bribed them with hot chocolate. (which we forgot to drink) Fortunately for Dan and Kathy (and my poor, ungloved hands – sorry mom!) our second location, albeit just as bright, was much warmer. :)

Sneak Peek: Kathy and Dan

Monica and Josh: Engaged! Eagle River, WI

Sneak Peek: Kathy and Dan

amber — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:04:05 +0000

There’s nothing like an outdoor engagement shoot in 4 degree, snowy weather to make a Midwestern couple living in Arizona feel at home… right? :) I hope to have a full post up this week so stay tuned!

Sneak Peak: Kara and Zach

Sarah and Eric: Engaged!

Sneak Peak: Dave and Jessica

Kara and Zach got Married!!

amber — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:30:50 +0000

Kara and Zach tied the knot yesterday in the beautiful town of Savannah, GA… Hooray K&Z!! I wish I could have been there as I’m sure it was absolutely fabulous!! Kara and Zach won their wedding photography through a contest given by the amazingly talented Katee Grace – how awesome is that!?!? Check out Katee’s website in the coming weeks for a peek at the festivities (which, knowing Kara, are bound to be full of uber fantastic DIY and vintage touches!)

Congratulations guys!

Jessica and David: Married

Jess and Dave: happy 1 year anniversary!

Jennae and Elliot: Married | St. Paul, MN

Sneak Peak: Ethan and Family

Top 9 Most Favorite of 2009

amber — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:00:06 +0000

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. ~T.S. Eliot, “Little Gidding”

Already on day two of 2010… Since I planned to post this yesterday, I’ve already begun the year a little behind…. whoops. Anyway, the only way I could see fit to properly begin a new year is with a wrap-up from the last 365 days… an out with the old and in with the new tribute of sorts… so… here it is, 9 of my top 9 Most Favorite-est Things from 2009!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number 1. Favorite Places Visited

1.      Akumal, MX
2.      Muyil Ruins – Quintana Roo, MX
3.      Coba Ruins – Quintana Roo, MX
4.      Tulum Ruins Beach
5.      San Francisco Supermercado – Tulum, MX
6.      The Joshua Forest Scenic Byway -Mojave Desert – NV and AZ
7.       Grand Canyon – West Rim – AZ
8.      Main Street Station Casino – Downtown LV
9.      The Bund – Shanghai, Asia

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number 2. Favorite Restaurants/Food/drinks

1.        The Creamery Restaurant and Inn, Downsville, WI – anything and everything on the menu, for reals.
2.       Azia, Minneapolis, MN – Witches Brew Mojito. Bubbly blackberry goodness!
3.       Akita, Woodbury, MN – All-you-can-eat Sushi for $25. Yup, you heard me, Nope, that’s not a typo…
4.       Porter and Frye, Minneapolis, MN – The Starlight cocktail. Absinthe and Ginger are truly a mix from heaven
5.       Mon Ami Gabi, Las Vegas, NV – Steak Frites. To die for. And even better when eaten on the balcony overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. Go… Do…!
6.       La Lunita – Akumal, MX – Dinner by flashlight on the ocean, can’t get much better
7.       Lucy’s Kitchen – Akumal, MX – The best shrimp tacos anywhere and homemade coconut ice cream to boot
8.      RJ’s Meats, Hudson, WI – Black and Blue Brats. Ohmigod, I’m not kidding, drive to Hudson right now and buy their entire stock. They’re THAT good.
9.       Savories, Stillwater, MN – Breakfast Quiche of the week. Even if you don’t like quiche, you’ll like their quiche. yum!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number 3. Favorite Bloopers

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number 4. Good Reads – books, blogs, websites

1.      The Sookie Stackhouse Series – Book. True Blood inspiration. 9 books and counting about your typical vampire/human mystery/adventure/romance.
2.      The Lettered Cottage – Blog. A day in the life of a couple renovating their vintage home in ‘rustic shabby beach chic’ with no prior experience. LOVE.
3.      Jasmine Star – Blog. A fabulous OC wedding photographer whose not afraid to put it all out there. An inspiration to ANYONE with a dream.
4.      The Pioneer Woman – Blog. There’s nothing this woman can’t do! She’s fabulous, she cooks, she decorates, and she documents with amazing photos.
5.      The Twilight Series – Book. 4 books about your typical teenager/vampire love connection paired with lots and lots of angst….
6.      Young House Love – Blog. A day in the life of a couple renovating their mid-century home in ‘affordable chic’. The transformation is amazing!
7.      Grooveshark – Website.   Free music listening radio/search site. It’s like Pandora, but different, though just as awesome.
8.      Life In the Fun Lane – Blog. She’s like the Canadian Rachel Ashwell, and named her daughter Wren. Nuff said.
9.      Postcards From Yo Momma – Website. “A repository of modern day maternal correspondence” and a guaranteed good laugh!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number 5. Random Thoughts

1.      I don’t like Las Vegas, but I’ll go back anytime for the steak at Mona Mi Gabi in Paris and a microbrew during happy hour at Main Street Station.
2.      The 1st year of my very own business was successful! THANK YOU!
3.      Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was more beautiful than I ever imagined. I highly recommend as 1 of 100 things to do before you die.
4.      I may – just may – have entirely too much stuff
5.      I live 7 blocks from the river – I need a boat.
6.      I’m going to need a bigger house for said boat and stuff.
7.      I love that my brother moved within 7 minutes from me this year. I like him and I’m glad he’s around. :)
8.    My cat, Leya, hates having her picture taken – she just won’t hold still. Wicket, on the other hand, is a camera hog.
9.      When I win the lottery, I’m going to buy a house on the ocean in Mexico, and you’re all invited to visit.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number 6. Most Favorite Random Shots

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number 7. Most Favorite Stuff

1.     HOME Egyptian Solutions Mattress Pad – Target. Shameless plug, but ask anyone that has it. Best… Mattress… Pad… EVER. You’re welcome.
2.       My grandmother’s art easel. my grammy, my inspiration and hero, attended art school way back in the 1930′s. She took a bus to the Mpls Institute of Arts every day when most women were home taking care of their husband and children. To have a symbol of her determination, independence and creativity means the world to me and I will cherish it till the day I die.
3.       Sirius Satellite Radio- because I can listen to fabulously obscure indie rock and my hubby can get football, anywhere… anytime…
4.      Minnesota Public Radio Sustaining Member Status – because I don’t mind paying for good music, and they deserve it. Because they’re awesome. :)
5.       SYNC – I can talk and drive hands free, I can tell my car to play ‘Tiffany’ when I want to hear it and a lovely voice gives me directions when I don’t know where to go…. how did I live for so long without this completely unnecessary and ridiculous luxury??
6.      Merona Shawl Collar Sweatshirt – Target. The unofficial casual Friday shirt of choice for women everywhere. It’s a dressy sweatshirt – you can’t get any more stylish/comfortable/awesome than that!!
7.      Set of 2 vintage velvet occasional chairs – Craigslist – can’t WAIT to crank these babies out for a future photo shoot!
8.     My husband’s grandparent’s antique credenza – it sat in the same spot in their house for 50+ years, it’s perfectly weathered and is just the coolest piece of furniture we own.
9.      28 f/1.8 lens – *drool* and highly recommended to anyone with a crop sensor camera body. Or a full sensor, for that matter.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number 8. Songs I Couldn’t Stop Listening To

1.      You Got the Love - The XX/Florence and the Machine
2.      Supermassive Black Hole – Muse
3.      Zero – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4.      Velvet – The Big Pink
5.      Daniel – Bat for Lashes
6.      Sleepyhead – Passion Pit
7.      Kids – MGMT
8.      Sugarfoot – Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears
9.      Heavy Cross – Gossip

and about 85 more…. if I dwell much longer, this list will change 12 more times…. as it already has. :)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Number 9. 9 of 100 of My Favorite Photos

Sam: Senior 2009

Sneak Peak: Ayden

Sneak Peak: Emily, Class of '10

It's Baaaacckkk!!: Finch's Boutique!!

Sneak Peek: Patricia - Class of '10

Carla and Alex got Married!!

amber — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:04:58 +0000

Carla and Alex tied the knot yesterday in their home state of MI… YAY C&A!! I wish I could have been there as I KNOW it was absolutely fabulous.
Check out their wedding photographer, Genevieve McKeiver’s, website for some photos from the festivities… I’m in awe…. she takes amazing photos!

Congratulations guys!

Sneak Peek: Sam '09

Sneak Peak: Ryan, Class of '10

Ally: Senior 2010

Jessica and David: Married

Bryn and Joel: Married

Sneak Peek: Kathy and Dan

Kara and Zach: Engaged

amber — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:18:46 +0000

When Kara asked me to do an engagement session for her and her brand spankin’ new fiance’, Zach, I just new it would be full of pure awesome-ness! Kara is a product designer by day and an artist and jewelry designer by night (I own a pair of her earrings and am pretty sure they’re my favorites ever… Check out her etsy site here and blog here). Zach, on the other hand, is just about finished with school to become a hair God (judging by Kara and Zach’s hair, he’s well on his way!) When we first discussed the session, Kara mentioned she had a few props she wanted to work in, namely a pink velvet chair and tin knight (as in the shining armor kind). Did I mention the awesome-ness yet? Seriously, this girl is after my own heart! We met at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis and Kara and Zach didn’t disappoint, arriving with a car stuffed full of props and looking even more lovely than usual (must have been the hair). We spent the evening exploring forests, pathways and quaking bogs with props and camera in tow – awesome. :) Thanks K+Z for such a fun shoot, let me know when you want to go again!!

Jennifer: Senior 2009

Baby Jack: 5 months

Erinn: Senior 2010

Ryan: Senior 2010

Jessica and David: Married

Adia: Just Because

Sneak Peak: Kara and Zach

amber — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:41:40 +0000

I did an engagement session with the super cute, rock-star couple Kara and Zach this past weekend. Full post to be up soon, but until then, here’s a teaser!

2709 featured on Metro Magazine.com!

Ayden: two years

Sneak Peek: Baby Elias

Leaving, on a jet plane....

Henry, Amelia and Family: Minneapolis, MN