MN Wedding Vendor Spotlight | Steena Anne Photography

There are a lot of amazing wedding vendors in the Minnesota market and it’s been a tremendous blessing to begin forging relationships with many of them. Although we’re a newer wedding venue, we have such a passion for marriage and the like-minded people who also support this commitment! Recently, we had the pleasure of working with Christina of Steena Anne Photography at Kallan and Amanda’s wedding. We were incredibly impressed by her work (and her) and wanted to take some time to introduce her to you!

How did you get started with wedding photography? Growing up I had always been interested in photography but had never really realized how creative my personality actually was. It wasn’t until I had to drop out of college and come back to Minnesota that I finally went for it — I bought a crop-sensor camera off a friend and started being a third shooter for a wedding photography team and assisting a local senior photographer. My second year, I booked my first wedding and was contracted by a Minneapolis studio. I’m not sure what it is, but I instantly jumped into the wedding market. My third year, I went into full-time business and spent time developing relationships with local photographers that I really admired. It’s all about being willing to learn, grow, and buy people coffee.

How would you describe your style? A lot of clients have described my style as clean and candid. I like to get a closer to my subjects so a lot of my candids have an emotional edge to them. I think my personality comes out in how I shoot and produce and image - I’m attracted to intimate, joyful moments and my delivery reflects that. My editing style tends to have a healthy amount of contrast. I produce deeper greens, moodier tones, and brighter BW’s.

Talk to us about your ideal or perfect fit couple: I love clients who are kind. Kind people make wedding celebrations so joyful! I enjoy couples who focus on creating an experience for their guests. I love a bride who takes delight in a good floral arrangement or in little sparkly details. Those things just speak to my heart.

What is your favorite moment of the day to capture? Every little part is fun - I spend too much time on details shots. First looks are always so fun to witness. Despite popular opinion, getting candids during bridal party and family time slots is actually quite doable and enjoyable. Don’t even get me started about the crazy dance floor! My absolute favorite is the time spent with my couple - we can get creative, and I love having time to make them look and feel just right. Reflecting personalities and what this day is all about (your love for one another) is a big joy for me.

What is your favorite wedding season? Fall is beautiful, especially here in Minnesota. November can give you some killer soft light. I’m not sure I have a favorite - I love what each season has to offer. We’re lucky we get all four seasons here in Minnesota.

When you aren’t taking photos, what fills your days? Cuddling with my dog Theo actually takes a lot of my time. I love reading, watching really well made movies, studying Theology, and exploring new places (cities, trails, and food spots alike). I might pick up boxing.

What is your favorite quote about love? “ Pretty? Oh, pretty doesn’t seem the right word to use. Nor beautiful, either. They don’t go far enough. Oh, it was wonderful - wonderful. It’s the first thing I ever saw that couldn’t be improved upon by the imagination. It just satisfied me here’ - she put one hand on her breast - ‘it made a queer funny ache and yet is was a pleasant ache. Did you ever have an ache like that, Mr. Cuthbert?” — page 18, Anne of Green Gables

Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla, sorry. I’m assuming this is about ice cream. I’m not a chocolate ice cream person. I absolutely love Pistachio.

Cats or Dogs? I love them both but currently my heart belongs to a Black Newfoundland/Lab/German Shepherd mix. He’s my best friend and like, the best cuddler in the world.

What do you love about The Outpost Center? I love the heart and vision behind the mission of The Outpost Center. I love and strongly identify with their Christian values. Marriage is such an important visual of our faith - I love supporting that vision. I love shooting on their concrete in the back - it’s perfect clean light when you can’t find a good shady spot.

Something you wish more couples thought about/considered on the wedding day? Booking a videographer! Just like you’ll cherish photographs, you will also cherish footage. Imagine all of those memories, but in real time. I always bring in recommendations for videographers! I believe every couple should invest into a wedding video.

Advice to couples still looking for a photographer? Meet with your photographer! If you don’t absolutely love who you’re working with, don’t book them. They’ll be with you 100% of the time on the biggest day of your life - you should have fun with them and trust them completely. Shoot with them before your big day, so you have the change to work one on one with them. Beautiful images are created when couples can let go and have fun - that’s all about who’s directing the game and behind the camera. You don’t want a stranger at your wedding. Get to know one another and build a real relationship. Enjoy the process - from beginning to end.

Be sure to check out Steena Anne on Instagram and Facebook too!