Honeybook Review

Honeybook is a communication platform that handles messaging, payments, schedules between clients and vendors. As a wedding photographer I needed something other than Gmail to communicate with my clients. That was the time when I stumbled on Honeybook. It was newer at the time that I tested it and they were offering a founders fee of 400$ flat fee to use the platform. 

Starting newer in business I was still having my couples write me checks and handing or mailing them into me which was just not convent for anyone.  I tried making invoices through word and I was working my butt off to find something that worked. I calculated the prices for 17 hats and other platforms that looked like it had it all inclusive which was what I needed . Since I was at the start of my business it made sense to hop on the Honeybook train early and save money in the long run. 

It was worth it. Honeybook completely transformed my platform of communication with my clients. It looks cleaner and more professional than my previous setup and I can send Document and packages and brochures with ease and fast.  

Honeybook has made it more convent for my clients to make online payments for their photography. (And no more Bank runs for me!) It even comes with kind automatic payment reminders.  

I love how I can have email templates to cut down my emailing more than one half the time it was previously!  

Overall, Honeybook was one of the best descisons for my business as a whole. It still is a growing business and has some features that need to be added such as email scheduling and customer ablility to adjust the timeline feature. But I know the team at Honeybook are working to make these happen. 

Favorite Minnesota Wedding Venues 2017 | Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Aria - Venue Style: Urban | Address: 105 North 1st Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55401

I have wanted to shoot at the Aria for a LONG TIME and this year I finally was able too! The main space is high ceilings with chandeliers and a neon sign shines over your dance floor that says "The World Is Yours" in various colors. In the entry hall more chandeliers hanging everywhere and a giant American flag across the wall would make any patriotic heart flutter. There are unique touches all around the venue to give a variety of photos that you wouldn't find anywhere else. The space is big and can hold a large amount of guests but the chandelier lighting gives it a more intimate/ romantic vibe. (Can you tell I love chandeliers?!)

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:   http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/aria-wedding-photography-minneapolis-wedding-photographer-mw-photography

Minnesota History Center - Venue Style: Urban with a touch of adventure and history | Address: 345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102

I have gone to the Minnesota History Center growing up and it was a dream to shoot there this year! Not only was the couple AMAZING but the venue was fun especially shooting a main hub in St. Paul. The outdoor space for the ceremony has the backdrop of both the St Paul City Skyline and on the right glows the Cathedral which had this St Paul Girl excitedly shooting the entire time. The inside has a front table that is underneath the hanging giant wooden airplane. And the dance floor in the upper space has the backdrop of the State Capital. I loved everything about this venue. This venue is a dream space for any true St Paul blooded girl for her wedding day!

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:     http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/minnesota-history-center-wedding-photography-holly-steve-minneapolis-wedding-photographer

Creekside Barn -Venue Style: Rural Barn | Address:  8555 Rushseba Trail, Rush City, MN 55069

After a bit of a drive from the cities, you start to make your way up a winding driveway with a creek on your right. Sun shining through the trees you will finally make your way to an open field with a large barn made of white pine. The venue is newer, has chandeliers and newer amenities. I loved the space and the feel of an updated barn for weddings. The owners enjoy showing off all the beautiful areas to do photos and to have the ceremony. It has several space options for outside ceremonies as well. Favorite part of the place are the rolling hills on the back side of the property. 

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/creekside-farm-amanda-scotty-second-shooted-wedding

Camrose Hill Flower Farm  - Venue Style: Rural Barn | Address: 14587 30th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082

Another barn venue that even offers flowers they grew on site! They have a barn option for the ceremony but also two other options outside spaces for an elegant woodsy ceremony. For the reception they have a tent and second barn for dinner and dancing with a twig chandelier that looks amazing running down the center of the top of the main tent . The property has a adorable cottage for the bride to get ready in! I have two cons for this venue that should be considered. 1) only place that has air conditioning is on site is the cottage. Not so great when it is so hot outside. 2) The barn is located in a residential area. They have noise regulations that music has to be done by 10pm. If you are a party group this may put a little damper on things.

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/camrose-hill-wedding-photography

Minneapolis Event Center  - Venue Style: urban | Address: 212 2nd St SE Suite 212, Minneapolis, MN 55414

This space felt intimate but also spacious at the same time. They have a fenced patio for the ceremony and on the inside a large room with the dance floor on the side. It has updates to feel modern. This building has 3 separate spaces for weddings so your wedding might not be the only one going on that day.
Loved the wedding on the patio; it gave it almost a garden feel! And those beams in the reception space?! I am there.

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/minneapolis-event-center-wedding-photography

Pinstripes - Venue Style: Festive Relaxed  | Address: 3849 Gallagher Dr, Edina, MN 55435

If you LOVE games and want your guests to have an awesome cocktail hour this venue is for YOU. The entire upstairs space has a bowling alley, outdoor fire pit, boccie ball area. The only thing missing was a trampoline room! Located on the other side of the second floor is a ball room space with large windows as the backdrop during the ceremony. This same room turns  over for the reception. During the turn over time all the guests have plenty to enjoy! It felt private but still was easily located in a busy area in Edina. 

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/hailey-jared-pinstripes-second-shooter

 McNamara Alumni Center -Venue Style: Industral /artistic  | Address: 200 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Show your school spirit! The McNamara is located at the University of Minnesota and was by far one of most architecturally unique places I have shot a wedding. Filled to the brim with high ceilings and interesting wall structures and space,  This venue is a beauty and has the space to hold a larger group of guests. 

You can see the most recent wedding I shot there here:    http://www.mwphotographymn.com/blog/mcnara-alumni-center-rachel-alex-second-shooter-wedding

Hartley Nature Center Engagement Photography | Christian and Emily| Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

It happened while Christian was eno-ing with a friend on Furman campus, a couple friend stopped and talked to Chris for 5-10 minutes. Thanks to that talk christian and Emily's life would never be the same. As they walked away they said they thought Christian would be perfect for Emily. That was when the pestering texts started coming in on Christians phone all encouraging him to meet Emily! Christian finally gave in and went to the same church service at Hampton park to meet her. As he was super self-conscious of his clammy hands as he extended a handshake to Emily for the first time. 
Emily had seen his photos online like anyone would do before a setup. She thought he was pretty good looking but his smile was a little too preppy for her own personal tastes.   When they finally together it was a little awkward at first but they soon came to realize how easy it was to talk to one another. That was just the start, they enjoyed adventures exploring South Carolina's mountains and parks, Before they knew they were dating! 
Fast forward to Christian telling me that he was going to propose and wanted me to capture it. As any older sister would be I was STINKIN EXCITED! He planned it on his birthday to start off the new year right! 
They made their way to have dinner at one of Christian's favorite spots downtown. As they arrived to Cossettas they came to find it was closed for new year.  With a little disappointment he made his way to get some "awesome photos" at Rice Park. Being negative 5 degrees they got their photos and quickly ran back to the car.  They then made their way to Raspberry Island, which unknown to Emily, Marcus and I were waiting camera ready. 
They started to walk to the arch and when they got their it had a heart of rose petals. Christian got down on one knee and asked Emily to be his wife! As you can probably tell from the title she said YES! 

Now fast forward to their engagement session, we made our way up to Hartley nature Center to get some amazing photos in the woods. To top it off it was snowing all day and it just was Minnesota's way of adding that extra touch of magic to make these photos they way they are. 
I can't wait for their wedding in just a couple of months!