about me
I'm so glad you're here. Stay awhile.
documenting
genuine, candid connections
for the carefree souls.
Hey, I'm Emmie -- a Northern Minnesota-based wedding and lifestyle photographer with a deep love for days spent on the lake, roadtrips, and photographing your best day ever.
I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world, because I get to spend my days doing exactly what I love... fostering connection and witnessing that timeless love.
moments
your greatest
-- captured as
authentically
as they occured.
preserved for a
lifetime.
...and if i'm being honest, i couldn't ask for more.
There's a reason it seems like so many photographers' stories begin with "growing up, I always had a camera in my hand." So while my story starts off like that... I never would've imagined that it would turn into what it is today. I am a Type A kind of girl. Most things in my life have been planned to a T; graduate school, buying a house, getting married. You name it, I planned it. But out of no where came this life changing thing called Emmie Verdell Photography.
As I recalled my love for photography as a kid (including endless photoshoots with my best friends), the circumstances of 2020 pushed me into rediscovering the creative side of myself. Between finishing my Bachelor's degree online and going stir crazy, I just needed something to do. Luckily, my brother was a high school senior at the time, so his friends made for the perfect Instagram models!
As I wrapped up my undergrad, I slowly started gaining traction in my hometown. Before I knew it, a photographer who I'd always admired asked me to second shoot a wedding (Kristen Tischer Photography!). I literally cried happy tears 3 times throughout that wedding day and that's when it clicked.
I knew this is what I was meant to do and I never wanted to put my camera down again... What was supposed to be my little 'graduate school side hustle' turned into my full-time job. The rest is history. And if I'm being honest, I couldn't ask for more.
on a personal note
WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF LOOK LIKE?
WHAT MOVIE CAN YOU QUOTE FORWARDS + BACKWARDS?
SHARE A RANDOM FACT:
WHAT SONG INSTANTLY HAS YOU ON THE DANCE FLOOR?
ROADTRIP OR AIRPLANE?
WHAT'S ON THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
a. lounging in my pjs
b. heading out on the boat
c. shopping
d. crocheting
a. pretty woman
b. the hangover
c. dumb & dumber
d. she's the man
Verdell is my middle name (and my grandma's name).
She is someone I have always admired so it felt like a must when thinking of a name for my business.
a. new zealand
b. argentina
c. greece
d. thailand
b. wobble
c. cotton eyed joe
d. get low
a. danza kuduro
I'd tell you about Collin, and how he is one of the biggest reasons that I love documenting other couples' love stories. Not to be too cheesy, but Collin truly came into my life at the most perfect time. He's the most supportive, kindest soul I could ever have hoped to spend my life with. After over 8 years together, we finally tied the knot in May 2024 -- and it was the best day ever.
My own little love story
I'd tell you about my pups, Artie + Murphy and how I love a good nap! Our dogs keep us busy and active and we love it! You can usually catch us on walks through the woods, hunting, heading out on the boat, snuggling up on the couch (potentially for a nap), or just hanging out in the yard enjoying the Northwoods.
what gets me out of bed in the morning
I'd tell you that I'm working on romanticizing my life. Cozy movie nights, listening to Zach Top, lighting candles, watching a classic sitcom, days spent on the boat, and enjoying the snow. Cleaning is my preferred method of stress-relief, and driving down to the lake brings me a peace that I can't even explain. I absolutely LOVE to travel, but nothing will ever beat the feeling of coming home.
