Get in touch

320-333-4479

hello@rulecreativeco.com


Studio Address:

361 Railroad Avenue, Albany, MN

Follow along

W E ' R E   O N   A   M I S S I O N   T O   C A P T U R E

R E A L   M O M E N T S

FOR THE SILLY, CAREFREE COUPLE

Fake smiles are a thing of the past, and after documenting nearly 100 weddings through photo and video, we know how to bring out the true you in every part of the day. BUT, when you work with us, you aren't JUST getting a wedding photographer and/or videographer. You are getting a Type-A personality who is an expert at herding cats and planning a bomb-ass day. We'll help you through every part of the wedding experience, from what the heck are you supposed to wear for engagement session to how not to catch on fire when drunk guests are holding sparklers at the end of the night.

I am more than just another vendor showing up to do a job.

I show up for you HARD on your wedding day so you can just relax. I will free you up to soak in every moment while my brain is going 100 miles an hour making sure I don't miss any of the mushy goodness you want to remember. I'll stay out of the way and let the day unfold naturally—cross my heart I won't make you do cheesy poses that don't feel like you.


I promise to tell you when you have lipstick on your teeth and fix your hair if it's doing something weird. I'll re-fluff your dress like a madwoman for every shot because you're only wearing that thing once and it better look good! I'll run and grab you a mimosa while your hair is getting done. Consider me an auxiliary bridesmaid with a camera.

Your experience with me is just as important as the photos I give you.

The photos I take will remind you how you felt–and that's why it's so important to me to make you feel like yourself in front of the camera.


I give you your space during the intimate moments (like when you say your vows), and I pop back in to offer advice when it's time for portraits. I put you at ease so you feel free to be who you are together. I get that you’re not models (yet), so I’ll give you direction to make you super comfy in front of the camera so we can get those killer shots!

Testimonials From Past Couples

Samantha is AMAZING! She guided us through every step of the way when planning our wedding and was incredibly accommodating, communicative and creative to make our day so special. She was prompt in responding to any questions that I had and clear on what she needed from me to make her job easy on the day of! She's big on relationships & I feel like we've created a relationship with her, not just a business transaction. Appreciate her so much!

Nicole

I would absolutely recommend Rule Creative Co! Samantha is phenomenal! She is kind, sincere, and truly loves what she does. She goes to great lengths to make sure everything is perfect and is immensely talented. She not only captured our elopement's special moments and memories, she captured the emotion and heart. She is outstanding!

Rhonda

We can't say enough good things about Samantha! She regularly checked in with us before (and after!) our engagement and wedding sessions and offered her support throughout the planning process. We encountered a lot of problems getting married in the COVID era and Samantha was accommodating and understanding throughout. Her calm presence and genuine compassion help to ease the wedding day stress and leave you feeling like you hired a best friend to take your photos.

Vanessa

Samantha was wonderful to work with! She made our day so special and really catered to what we wanted! She went above & beyond to make sure our day was perfect - she even steamed wrinkles out of my dress before the ceremony! 100% recommend Samantha. I have looked at our wedding photos almost every day since the wedding - I couldn’t be happier!!

Carly

SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Here’s a roadmap to

the best day of your life

1. We'll talk about your dream wedding day

2. Choose a wedding package and reserve your date

3. I’ll give you tips and advice to help your vision come to life

4. Have the best day of your life with the ones you love

5. Relive your wedding day every time you open your album

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES

I'LL BE BY YOUR SIDE WITH ALL YOUR LOVED ONES, CAPTURING YOUR MOST IMPORTANT MOMENTS AND ALL THE FUN IN BETWEEN

THE BASIC COLLECTION

SIX hours of continuous coverage


One photographer


Full resolution digital images with printing rights for you and "social" size images for your friends/family


Digital gallery to view, download, print, and share your images


Keepsake custom USB drive with full gallery


Investment: Email for current pricing


(Interested in adding videography or a bridal boudoir session to your wedding photography package? Scroll down to "Customize Your Package" below!)

INQUIRE

THE CLASSIC COLLECTION

EIGHT hours of continuous coverage


One photographer


Full resolution digital images with printing rights for you and "social" size images for your friends/family


Digital gallery to view, download, print, and share your images


Keepsake custom USB drive with full gallery


Investment: Email for current pricing


(Interested in adding videography or a bridal boudoir session to your wedding photography package? Scroll down to "Customize Your Package" below!)

INQUIRE

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION

TEN hours of continuous coverage


Lead photographer + second shooter


Full resolution digital images with printing rights for you and "social" size images for your friends/family


Digital gallery to view, download, print, and share your images


Keepsake custom USB drive with full gallery


Investment: Email for current pricing


(Interested in adding videography or a bridal boudoir session to your wedding photography package? Scroll down to "Customize Your Package" below!)

INQUIRE

ELOPEMENTS + DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Getting married somewhere other than Minnesota?? 


Sign me up! I LOVE to travel. If you are interested in booking services for your destination wedding or elopement, please contact me and I will create the perfect custom package just for you.


Packages include planning assistance, custom timeline, online gallery of photos, and much more!


BONUS: Did you know I'm also an officiant? If you want to make your special day even MORE intimate, you don't have to worry about finding someone to make it all legal - I've got you!


Elopement packages in Minnesota/South Dakota - Email for current pricing.

Elopement packages across the US and Abroad  - Email for current pricing.


I want my day to be simple + intimate. Can you tell me more?

PORTRAIT SESSIONS

Engagement sessions, anniversary sessions, or just for fun! I love photographing couples in their everyday lives. Think of it as a date night with a camera.


What's Included:

Up to 2 hours
As many outfit changes as you want

My advice on planning, location, and photo prep

Beautifully edited, high resolution images

Online gallery to easily download, print and share


Investment: Email for current pricing

Customize your package

VIDEOGRAPHY // Photography is great, but there's something really special about having a wedding film from your special day. Let's chat about how I can also serve you with video during your day. 3-5+ Minute Highlight Film: Email for current pricing | Ceremony / Toasts Full-Length Film: Email for current pricing


BRIDAL BOUDOIR SESSION // A 30- or 60-minute session that includes professional hair and makeup, access to the client closet, guided posing, select number of digital images, and a same-day viewing session. Email for current pricing


ADDITIONAL HOURS OF COVERAGE // Available in half-hour increments. Email for current pricing


A SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER // Another set of eyes to make sure no moment goes unnoticed, and allow me to focus on what matters most. Read more about why I recommend a second photographer for most of my couples. Email for current pricing


PROFESSIONAL PRINTS // Get your happy memories up on your wall where you can see them every day. Prints, frames, calendars, greeting cards and more are easy to order directly through your online gallery. Prices vary


HEIRLOOM WEDDING ALBUMS // A beautiful, archival album to relive your day and show off your wedding photos to friends and family now, and your great-grandchildren later. Email for current pricing

How I'll approach your wedding

I had the absolute inexpressible joy of marrying the love of my life by eloping almost 10 years ago. Our wedding day was intimate and adventurous, and perfectly us. Experiencing all the emotions of a wedding day as a bride—sneaking a glance at your family beaming up at you during the ceremony, tearing up as your childhood friend happy cries how long she’s wanted this for you, seeing your parents embrace your new husband’s family as their own—it’s more than a human can possibly contain in your heart without exploding. This new perspective reignited my passion for capturing these precious memories for couples and everyone they love. You may not remember what flavor your wedding cake was 50 years down the road, but you’ll always have your wedding photos to remind you of all the love that surrounds the two of you.

I’m a sucker for romance, and my work reflects that. I’m drawn to classic imagery that feels timeless and natural. I’m a big fan of movement, earthy tones and natural light. I describe my style as “free-spirited documentary”—I create moments where you forget you’re being photographed, and feel free to be who you are together. I also get that you’re not models (yet), so I’ll give you direction to help you look fantastic and feel comfortable in front of the camera.


Creating photographs is a collaboration between me and you, and I need you to bring your A-game too! I’ll keep things chill and promise not to judge your silly faces. Don’t be afraid to open up and show me what you love most about your relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Soon Do We Get To See Our Photos?

    Waiting forever for your photos is not what you want, I got you! I’m impatient too. I’ll send you a sneak peeks within 48 hours. I have your photos edited and back to you within 3-6 weeks after the wedding. You will receive you photos on an online gallery where you can download, share with family and friends, and order prints right from the gallery and they’ll be at your door in less than a week.

  • What Makes You Different From Other Photographers?

    In short: personal connection and serving you every step of the way


    I don't like to be someone that just shows up to capture your day. I like to know your story, know the two of you, and be able to capture your day from an insider's perspective. 


    I also believe in serving you on more than just your wedding day. As soon as you book your wedding, you'll be sent my 92-page Bridal Guide, giving you tips on planning your engagement session, picking photogenic details for your day, and guiding you in the planning/timeline process for your wedding. 


    I do everything I can to go above and beyond for every single one of my clients, not just in photos, but in my overall service to you on your wedding day. And that, in my opinion, is what sets me apart from many other photographers.

  • Do We Get ALL The Photos?

    You get all the photos we take with the exception of blinks, duplicates, and test photos. I don’t cap the number of images you receive but you generally end up with between 50-75 images per hour of coverage.

  • How Do We Know How Many Hours We'll Need?

    Great question! I can help you figure that out on our call. We’ll also talk about your ceremony start time, first looks, and what is important to you. 

  • Do You Offer Discounts?

    If you really connect with my work and you're super excited to work together, I'm always open to having a conversation. I promise I will not be "offended" if your budget is lower than my typical rate. If I can't offer what you're looking for within your budget, I will refer you to other photographers who will be a better fit for you. So reach out and let's have a conversation!


    Discounted rates are also available for weekday weddings, off-season weddings, and to Military, Veterans, Firefighters, LEOs, & First Responders.

  • Do You Have A Second Shooter Join You?

    Some of my wedding packages include a second shooter. This ensures that you will have different angles and options when you get your final gallery! Whether it’s my husband, or a photographer picked from a small pool of trusted second shooters that I have worked with before, you’ll never have to worry about your photography needs being met.

  • How Do We Book?

    The first step is filling out the contact form at the bottom of this page. After I confirm I have your date available, we'll schedule a meetup where I'll get to know you and your fiancé better, figure out your goals for your big day, talk you through my entire wedding photography process: from your bridal guide to the reveal session, and finally help you decide the perfect package for your specific needs. When you decide you’d like to move forward— then comes the fun part! We’ll get a contract signed, and celebrate! 

  • Do I Pay A Deposit?

    You’ll put down a $600 deposit when booking (no matter which package you decide on!) This keeps things simple, so even if you decide to add hours or products to your package, you’ll be able to have the flexibility to choose that after securing your wedding date.

  • We're Awkward For Photos. Can You Help?

    An engagement session is great for getting comfortable in front of the camera! You’ll  get to know me, experience how I shoot and how I handle posing and lighting. The engagement session will make a HUGE impact on how the wedding day flows.

  • Do You Offer Free Engagement Session

    Not usually... But book your wedding coverage within 7 days of your initial inquiry and I'll add a complimentary 1+ hour engagement session to your collection!

... a little bit about me

I fell in love with photography long before I took the plunge and chased this wild dream.


Currently, I’m photographing lots of weddings and portraits near Central MN, and I love bringing my camera along to adventures all over the country and overseas.


On any given night, you can catch me soaking up some cuddles from my kiddos, in the kitchen working on another loaf of sourdough bread, or out in the garden with my hands in the dirt. We cuddle with our two German Shepherd rescue dogs every night (they give us no choice!), and spend as much time in the great outdoors as we can.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY
Let's Chat About Your Big Day!
FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM BELOW TO GET IN TOUCH - I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU! 
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2021 "Best Of" Weddings | Rule Creative Co || Central MN Wedding Photographer

By Samantha Rule • 07 Jan, 2022
Wow! 2021 was truly the highlight of my career. Fifteen couples that valued me and the other vendors and more importantly, valued marriage! I spent the good part of the year celebrating these amazing people and I feel so honored to have done so! Below I’m sharing a fun list of 2021 "bests"!

Ashley + Jeremy's New Years Eve Wedding || Albany, Minnesota | Central MN Photographer

By Samantha Rule • 07 Jan, 2022
It was a super cold New Year’s Eve day, but a perfect wedding day for Ashley and Jeremy. Their big day started off with Ashley and her bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done at the lovely Urban Style Salon. The ceremony and reception to follow soon after took place at the Pelican Lake Ballroom. Ashley had chosen a beautiful woodsy theme with pine cones and dark green accents and it was the most perfect accent to the fresh fallen snow outside. Despite spending most of the day trying to keep our fingers warm, every moment of Ashley and Jeremy’s wedding day was sweet! From the details Ashley chose, to her first look with her and tear-filled dance with her Dad, to the laughs shared between the two as we walked through snow for photos. The entire day was perfect from my perspective and I hope it was everything they dreamed of. Ashley and Jeremy, you two were just fantastic clients. It has been fun getting to know you both more and I wish you the best of luck with your new life together!

Haley + Nathan || NYE Wedding in Central Minnesota | Albany, MN Photographer

By Samantha Rule • 05 Jan, 2022
Haley and Nathan are a remarkable couple. Aside from being super talented, they also have really big hearts! Nathan is a project engineer for a boat surfacing company here in Central MN and Haley proudly serves her country in the United States Air Force. They've been through so much together, so having a New Year's Eve wedding was the perfect celebration for these two. They have a lot to celebrate! I absolutely love Haley and Nathan’s love story. Though they both had mutual friends in college at St. Ben's and St. John's, they never knew of each other until one of the mutual friends introduced these Haley and Nathan at Cowboy Jacks in Minneapolis. Nathan finally proposed while a they were on a long-weekend fall hiking trip on the north shore with some friends from school. As they were posing for a photo with their adorable Golden Retriever, Lucy, he popped the question. And as if it couldn't get any better, their friends caught the whole thing on video for them! The wedding ceremony took place at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany and the reception at the the new RReV's in St. Anna. Tables were full of the most beautiful flowers, and candles and the décor were spot on. The couple, with their family and friends shared heart-felt toasts, and danced into the night with their amazing DJ. I was so honored to be part of this New Year’s Eve wedding with Haley and Nathan. It was a wedding day I will never forget!

Lindsey + Mike || Central Minnesota Wedding Photographer | Early Fall Wedding

28 Oct, 2021
Introducing Lindsey and Mike Schmidt! Congratulations to you both on the most perfect wedding day. It was an honor to capture your day and I wish you both a lifetime of the joy and love you experienced on your special day! ❤

Nicole + Andrew || Central Minnesota Wedding Photographer

09 Oct, 2021
Like so many couples these last two years, Nicole and Andrew's original wedding plans were dashed by a global pandemic. Through this and moving to a different state, they had their work cut out for them in the planning process. Their wedding ceremony at St Michael's Church was not only a stunning church, but a church that Nicole spent much time at as a girl. After they tied the knot, they celebrated with a dinner celebration with their closest family and friends in Greenwald. This wedding day was a perfect example of how a small-town wedding can be just as beautifully styled as a big-city one. Sue and Jen with Wedding and Tuxedo Connection really put together exquisite florals for the bride and bridesmaids. They were a stunning complement to the rest of the details Nicole had chosen and set the perfect romantic tone for the day. (And as you’ll see I couldn’t stop photographing every angle of the arrangements – they were just too good!) Nicole made a brilliant bride – even while having a broken foot and wearing a walking "boot" beneath her gorgeous gown. One of my favorite photos from the day -taken during sunset photos- is of the bride and groom with her boot up in the air. And I'll never forget how we had to slice her brand new Nikes open so she could fit her ankle brace into them! More than all the gorgeous details – Nicole and Andrew's day was truly JOYFUL. It was a ton of fun!! I got the chance to know everyone by name, chat a bit and get to know their families. They were all so welcoming and loving, and I felt like an old family friend by the end of the night. I loved seeing how much time Nicole and Andrew got to spend talking and joking with their families and closest friends, it made me so happy to see them relax into their wedding day and enjoy every moment! It may have taken some extra planning, but their stunning Fall wedding was so meaningful and FUN for everyone there, and it was unquestionably perfect.

Kelli + Kevin || Albany, MN | Central Minnesota Wedding Photographer

20 Sep, 2021
Yesterday was seriously the most perfect day for a wedding and I'm sure these two couldn't agree more. So excited for Kevin and Kelli - congratulations to you both!!
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