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Photographer snaps up ice cream idea

A Red Deer wedding photographer is adding an ice cream scoop to her list of equipment.

A Red Deer wedding photographer is adding an ice cream scoop to her list of equipment.

Andrea Wiseman expects to be serving up cool dairy treats from her Peppermint Andy’s Ice Cream Wagon by May 12. She’s modifying a 1988 GMC Grumman truck into a mobile shop and has arranged for product from famed Cochrane ice cream maker MacKay’s Ice Cream.

Initially operating from May to September, Peppermint Andy’s Ice Cream Wagon will frequent places like the city’s downtown and local parks, and show up at public events. Wiseman also plans to cater private affairs like children’s birthday parties and weddings.

In fact, an ice cream truck at a Seattle wedding that Wiseman shot last year helped give her the idea for her new business.

“It was fantastic,” she said, describing how ice cream provides great opportunities for photos and can help bridge the gap between ceremony and reception.

“There’s always that two hours where either the guests don’t want to go home or maybe don’t want to drink,” she said. “They can have ice cream.”

Wiseman will continue to operate Andrea Wiseman Photography, but sees her new venture as an opportunity to diversify.

The Grumman will receive such additions as a freezer, sink, serving window and music box, and will also get a green mint and chocolate brown paint job.

“My favourite ice cream flavour is mint chocolate chip, so I had to go with those two.”

The name reflects Wiseman’s nickname, Andy.

Ice cream flavours available at Peppermint Andy’s Ice Cream Wagon will range from traditional standards like vanilla and maple walnut to more adventurous options, such as white chocolate raspberry truffle and maple bacon. Seasonal flavours like green tea, avocado and pina colada will also be offered.

Wiseman said MacKay’s will produce a couple exclusive flavours for Peppermint Andy’s, with the number of custom ice creams to increase over time. She might even make her own ice cream in the future, and will produce home-made fruit Popsicles this year.

Ice cream will be served in waffle cones and eco-friendly bowls made from plant-based materials, said Wiseman.

Customers can follow Peppermint Andy’s Ice Cream Wagon on Twitter to determine its location from day to day.

hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com