Melissa Oholendt | Minnesota Wedding & Lifestyle Photography

Almost a month ago, I posted the above tweet and received a flood of questions in return asking what exactly inspires me. While I’d love to think this is the husband doing a little bit of covert Christmas gift planning, I came to realize that this was a hot topic. The idea of surrounding yourself by things you love and things that inspire turned out to be something that everyone wants to accomplish - whether they are in a creative industry, work at a corporate office or a stay-a-home-mom.

It’s no secret that I’ve been a little (lot) obsessive lately about surrounding myself by the sights, smells and textures in life that inspire me. The people at West Elm don’t know me by name (yet) but they certainly are familiar with my style (throw pillows, patterns and vases please). One look at my Pinterest and you’ll get a unique peek into who I am and what moves me and makes me want to strive to do & be better and, even, who I want to be in 10 years. (And you might also find that I’m totally obsessed with Emma Stone & Justin Timberlake. But we already knew that, right?)

Even now, even our home that we currently reside in, we’ve chosen to invest time and money into building an environment that pushes me to excel and be my best for my clients. Now that I work from my home office and spend almost all of my 24 hours in this house, surrounding myself with textures, colors, smells and sounds is a crucial & necessary part of my workday. For Matt? That means living in a slightly feminine environment. (Plates on the wall? Fresh flowers in the house? Paintings of people kissing & dancing? ) And so now you know that when I say slightly, I really mean straight-up N*Sync playing in the background, the dog is wearing a bow-tie, pink walls and teddy bears GIRLY. Thank goodness he loves me. (Also, if I do ever go that far with a man living in my house, please consider that grounds for a friendtervention. Two out of four isn’t bad though. Just saying.)

So what inspires me? Just take a quick peek at the Inspiration Board that hangs in my office in the images below. Fashion, Art, Inspiring Quotes, Sequins & Sparkles, Instax photos of my family & friends (and sunsets) – just to name a few.

Today, on the Melissa Oholendt Photography Facebook page, I will be sponsoring a giveaway of some reallycoolthings (trust me, I wish I could keep it all for myself) that inspire me and I want to hear about what inspires you. I want to hear about the things that make you move, love and give. So, go to my Facebook page (like it if you have not already!), and tell me all about your inspirations in life.

I really can’t wait to hear all about it.

The first time they met, it was crystal clear that they should be something more; that underneath the politeness of the moment, they both saw a glimpse of something much bigger.  They just knew it. The fact that shyness sent Alyssa & Matt on their separate ways without so much as an exchange of names did not deter them. A few weeks later, Alyssa received a phone call from a friend telling her about a posting on the Missed Connection section of Craigslist that she was pretty sure was 100% meant for Alyssa. Matt’s words led to a coffee date, where what they had suspected all those weeks ago when they first met, cemented in their brains. This wasn’t a passing fancy, this was the real thing and before they could even say goodbye, Alyssa & Matt were already head-over-heels. That glimpse into something more gave way to a vision of everything they wanted in a future; a future that they were going to spend together. They just knew it.

Alyssa & Matt. Spending the day with your nearest and dearest made it clear how loved you both are and how you truly bring light and the best, happiest laughter to any and every room you’ve ever visited. Thank you for being the amazing couple you are but also treating me like I was a part your fabulous family; it was an incredible honor. I wish you both all the happiness in the world and can’t wait to see what life brings your way. And I’m crossing my fingers that means yogurt dates with yours truly. xoxo

Ceremony & Reception Location: Nicollet Island Pavilion
Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s Dresses: The Wedding Shoppe
Hair & Make-up: Smart & Chic Bride
Grooms & Groomsman Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Florals: Violet’s Flowers
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Cake & Cupcakes: Cupcake
Linens: Linen Effects
DJ: Midwest Sound
Photo Booth:  The Traveling Photo Booth
Videography:  Lot 24 Studios

Thank you, thank you to my fabulous 2nd shooter, Monika Rae Photography!

I have a confession to make.

I forgot my dog’s birthday on Saturday. Yes, this makes me a bad dog mom. And yes, I am ashamed of this. In fact, the only reason I bring this up is because I’m fairly certain that Liz is the kind of dog mom that would not only remember Fox’s birthday, I’m pretty sure she’d also host a doggie birthday party with little dog birthday cone hats and custom made-for-dogs birthday cakes. And Evan? He’d roll his eyes but then he’d go pick up the doggie party favors and make sure that every dog & owner received one on their way out. This is just one of the million reasons I love these two (three) but I’d say it’s pretty high on the list, up there with the fact that together they are one of our favorite couples in the world for dinner dates and the fact that Liz & I can talk intellectually about J.Crew until the sun goes down and then maybe even some more.

Liz & Evan. Oh, you two. At the risk of sounding creepy (when has that ever stopped me?), I have adored you both since day one. Evan, you made me double over in laughter on days I didn’t think I could laugh and Liz, I will never forget the day I met you at the Christmas party and you gave me a hug before I even fully knew who you were. Love at first sight. For friends. On a not creepy level. Dinner/Doggie/Wine night ASAP please.

The rain arrived before we did and it wasn’t a “raindrops are falling on my head” happiness but a drizzly, non-stop sort of rain that looked like it was going to stick around all day long. But then Kristine shrugged her shoulders, smiled and said, “it’s raining I guess”, as if it weren’t a big deal; as if nothing else mattered other than the fact that she was going to marry the love of her life in a few short hours. It was in that moment that I knew the day would be more beautiful than had the sun been shining brightly. Rain or shine, they were going to be man and wife and that was the only thing that mattered.

Kristine & Brian. The way you two look at each other is unreal. Seriously. It makes me want to go find my husband and hug him until I can’t feel my arms anymore. I can’t wait to see where you two are in a year, in five years, in ten years because I know you will be just as happy as you were last Saturday, if not more. xoxo (and congrats!!)

Ceremony Location: All Saints Catholic Church
Reception Location: Legends Golf Club
Bride’s & Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Heartstrings Bridal
Cake: Wuollet Bakery
DJ: Instant Request

Another huge thanks to Monika Rae Photography for her superb second shooting skillz.