So where was I? Oh yes, Anitra+Justin, freshly hitched, and happily full from a delicious lunch reception at Palomino’s in downtown Minneapolis:

They then embarked with Kelli and me on a walking tour around the downtown area, and we found wayyy too many wonderful photo opportunities. It was quite the superstar photo session, traversing several blocks of downtown, some colorful alleyways, a skywalk …

… and finally ending at the Graves 601 hotel!

BUT that isn’t even the best part: Then we joined them for a roller derby! In one of the sweetest moves I’ve ever seen from a couple, they chose to watch the championship bout of the North Star Roller Girls at the Minneapolis Convention Center with several of their closest friends. It can’t get much better than this.

A roller derby must be experienced to be truly loved … and I, a roller derby virgin, have been hooked for life. For the uninitiated, you can read all about the sport of roller derby here. It’s a rough-and-tumble contact sport with helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, and mouth guards. Not to mention plenty of fishnets, colored hair, and punk vibe. Needless to say, it’s absolutely the best place to wind down your wedding.

I had called the North Star Roller Girls ahead of time to make sure we wouldn’t be causing trouble by bringing our cameras. A couple of the players replied (it’s 100% female skater owned and operated, they say), and I got to chat with and email some of the most awesome, friendly and fun people ever! Thank you to Tin Lizzy and Fanny Maim for being so gracious and inviting, no matter how kick-ass you are on the rink!

Tin Lizzy:

But most of all, thank you Anitra+Justin for such a wonderful, warm, and creative wedding! May your future be bright.

– Russell

For those uninitiated to a Holga, it’s essentially a toy camera that has gathered a following among a certain set of photographers both amateur and professional — those that enjoy unexpected results! Holgas are actual film cameras — “Wassat? Film?” –  known for their plastic elements and light leaks. To focus the lens is to choose a point somewhere between three settings: “one person,” “three people,” and “five people.” It’s photography guesswork, and the results rock!

Lomography is an unorthodox and freestyle way of making photos with an inexpensive camera such as a Holga. It’s  very hipster idea, and the cameras fill a table at any Urban Outfitters. To switch gears after wrangling a massive camera takes some getting used to, but is ultimately very freeing.

I used “redscale” film for these Lomo photos from their engagement session:

Nothing like a creamy, apocalyptic engagement session!

I’ll be experimenting some more with the Holga at their wedding … stay tuned.