Ever since that episode with your yearbook photo, you've been leery of photographers.

There's no reason to be suspect of locally based shutterbug Liz Banfield. She has traveled the world to photograph weddings and capture moments for clients. Her work has appeared in magazines from InStyle Weddings to Country Living.

Forget about portfolios, her images are beautifully displayed in the new book Weddings by Tara Guérard. The photos are so beautiful and compelling that you might try to smell a bouquet or try to grab a bite of a 21Club burger. (Luckily, there's a recipe.) At the very least, you'll feel like you're a guest at one of the stunning weddings.

Liz and event designer Tara will be at Monique Lhuillier (3928 W. 50th St, Edina, 612-929-0747) on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., along with appetizers, cocktails, giveaways and the opportunity to get a copy of the book signed.

You can see for yourself that a really amazing photographer is nothing to be afraid of...and in fact, a wonderful thing to have close to home.