Inspire Guide - Ashley & John

It can be confusing at times to plan a wedding. There are a lot of decisions and choices to be made and a lot of people who need to collaborate on them. I thought I'd help all of you out there who are planning a wedding by throwing together a few of my favorite detail shots from my clients weddings - to help inspire you and get the gears turning!

Here are some of the fun, spring details from John and Ashley's wedding in May

I loved their fun, fresh, spring colors. The florist even added tulips to their boquets, which were simply lovely!

Vendors:

Florist: The English Garden, Belleville

Cake: Family Member

Caterer: Hosley's

Reception Venue: Mount Vernon

The Mand Family

I met the Mand Family at the Wisconsin State Capitol on a Sunday afternoon. This is the second time I have photographed their family, but since then, they have added a new addition! It was so much fun to meet their new little baby boy!

Enjoy a few of my favorites from their session!

Little "J" posed herself like this! She made my job easy!

We've got to get Mom and Dad - "J" helped me take the photo on the right :)

Little "M" was all smiles for me - I was invited over to their house anytime :) Apparently he likes the camera!

Thanks guys for a fun session!

What to Wear

If there is one theme that runs through all of my photo sessions, the burning question everyone asks me, the one thing everyone wants to know is...

* Que dramatic music please *

What do I wear to our photo session?

Dun, dun dunnnnn.

This question has always caught me off guard. I dig through my closet for way longer than I should in the morning, buy things on super clearance, don't have any subscriptions to fashion magazines, and I'm lucky if I can dig out a pair of matching earrings. My friends and I have talked about submitting each other for "What Not To Wear" just so we could start over from scratch and get some fashion advice. Plus who wouldn't want to meet Stacy & Clinton?

But as I continue to grow as a photographer and I get asked this question again and again, I see the need for a little shift in how we think of dressing for family and engagement photography.

First off. It is not 1990 anymore. It is out of date to wear white shirts with blue jeans to your family session. Or any other kind of matching shirt with matching pants. It looks dorky. Trust me, I know. I am a dork myself. Dressing your family, or significant other like this creates is a flat, boring photo. Everyone looks the same. Plus, you might end up on AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com, and I want to spare you and I the hassle :)

(This is where these two pics came from)

So, what is one to do? Forget matchy matchy. Instead, think coordinate. Pick colors that go well together. Think of it this way. If you decided to paint the walls in your living room red, you wouldn't buy all red furniture, accessories, and coffee tables. You would buy accessories that coordinated. Dark woods, oranges, pinks, and you might even get a little adventurous and throw in some dark browns. You get the picture. Do the same when choosing your outfits for your photo session. This will help build depth, character, and give your photos a little personality.

Since I am a visual learner, I am going to start a little "What to Wear" series here on the blog. I am going to go "shopping" online and put together some affordable (I chose to "shop" exclusively at Old Navy) and cute outfits for all sorts of different photo shoots. With each post, I will tell you why I chose what I did, and help you find things in your closet that would work just as well. Or heck, if you want, you can head straight to Old Navy's website and purchase the items for yourself. But if your husband asks, you didn't hear it from me! :)

Stay tuned!

Shake Your Groove Thing

Sometimes, you just gotta dance the night away! This little cutie shook her bootie for two hours straight at Emily and Chad's wedding this past Saturday. She was so adorable, I just had to share the little video I caught of her!

Happy Friday!

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Alyssa & Bowen - Married!

Alyssa and Bowen were married on June 5th 2010 at Queen of Peace church in Madison. These two are a wonderful match. Alyssa's quiet confidence mixes perfectly with Bowen's outgoing carefree side. We had a great time getting to know them and their friends and family on their wedding day, and wish them the best for the future!

There is lots more to share, but let's get to the photos! As you will seen, this post and this couple's love for soccer comes at a perfect time with all of the World Cup hype but without all of the buzzing horns! You can thank me later :)

Onto the photos!

Alyssa looked stunning in her dress!

I loved all of the bridesmaids red shoes

It's time! Here comes the bride!

Bri's shot

Announcing the new Mr. & Mrs. Best!

Rain threatened our photos at the Capitol, but we beat the clouds and had a lot of fun taking pictures! This group knew how to have a good time - that's for sure!

I am in love with the bridesmaids color combinations, and these ladies make it look goo-ood!

Alyssa was a stunning bride, I am in love with the completely candid shot on the right

Brian took the guys for a few shots - they were anxious to show off their shoes...

Bri's shot:

Bri's shot

We then got a chance to sneak Alyssa & Bowen away for a few pictures of just the two of them, this is always my favorite time of the day!

Love this one! A new favorite of mine - I'm glad I keep Brian around to make the couple laugh! :)

After a quick stop at the Great Dane, the skies opened up and it was pouring! Luckily Bowen works at an indoor soccer field in Fitchburg, so we headed on over and got some of my favorite pictures of the day. I love it when couples choose locations for photos that are personal and a little out of the ordinary, it lets my creativity go to work!

A little girls vs. boys competition

We then headed to the reception at the Legends of Bergamont Golf Course in Oregon. It is a gorgeous location, and Alyssa and Bowen had it decorated perfectly! You see, Bowen is a die hard Cubs fan, and Alyssa and die hard Cardinals fan (the Cardinals beat the Brewers on their wedding day, a little gift for Alyssa from her beloved team!) Bri's pic:

The bride and groom join the party!

It always give me goose bumps when the crowd welcomes the bride and groom with a standing ovation!

Alyssa & Bowen sharing their first dance (photo on the left is Bri's, right mine):

Alyssa & Bowen, thank you for inviting us to be a part of your big day! Best wishes to you both!