.mr. Jobie & one awesome mama.

This is one of my very best friends, Ksenija.  We have know each other for 15 years.  We were placed randomly as roommates on our study abroad program and have been friends ever since.  

Our lives since that time have had many parallels.  For a long time photography and the business occupied many of our talks as Ksen is a fantastic and wildly talented photographer as well (www.KsenijaSavic.com).  Boys that turned into husbands added to our many talks among 1000's of other subjects.  Soon after I my baby Ksen called to tell me that we once again were on the same path as she was pregnant!  I was overjoyed that we could have yet another topic that we could bond over!  

I was able to spend a weekend with her and her family recently and it was amazing.  I don't have the words to properly describe how great it was to spend time again in person.  The phone is a must but to have in person chats is the best.  I'm honored to be called her friend and am so thankful she is in my life.  Her heart, wisdom, perspective and love mean the world to me.  

I'm so pumped that she let me take photos of her and Jobie while we were visiting.  Like a lot of photographers, Ksen would prefer to be behind the camera.  She however recognized the value of capturing these moments.  When you watch on a daily bases an infant grow into a baby, and a baby grow into a toddler it is mind blowing how fast they change.  Thank you for trusting me with your baby, dogs and yourself. 

Keep up the good work mama.  You are doing a fantastic job!  All my love, M

 

 

 

 

 

 

.happy happy 41st wedding anniversary. Madison WI wedding photographer

I would like to take a moment to celebrate my awesome parents on their 40th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!!
Their humor, honesty, trust, devotion, and commitment to family has been an amazing example for us and I am so LUCKY to call them my parents.  Thank you for loving us and loving each other so well.  Your example gives us hope that our 7 years of marriage can grow into 41!
Many many cheers to you!  Happy day, Em

.Madeline turns ONE. Lake Geneva, WI portrait photographer

Meet our sweet dear niece Madeline!  Today is her first birthday and we couldn't be more in love with her.  We were super fortunate to be able to spend the weekend with her and her parents celebrating in Lake Geneva.  She has such a great personality and is full of smiles and giggles.  

There were so many fun images of her that I made a slideshow below.  Just look at her ... ADORABLE!!!  Thanks for coming to Wisconsin Maddie.  We loved celebrating with you.  

All our love, Em & Will

.case of the blahs. Madison Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

I recently have been feeling kinda blah about the weather.  I'm craving sun, even if I am only able to look at it from my office window.  The drabs of these cloudy days are not energizing to me at all.  I however found these two pictures from last summer and am reminded that some pretty cool shots can come from the clouds.
The top image was taken last summer during a CRAZY storm we had when Will and I were in our first  ever apartment.  A crazy time for us.  He encouraged me to grab for the camera during this lightning show even though I am not so fond of any kind of lighting viewing that isn't from inside and behind glass!  (If you ever want to know why, just ask!  A tale of what and what not to do at Alpine Valley, or any event outside!)
The bottom image was taken at my parents lake house one early morning when I was out with the dog. I had never seen clouds like that before.  They made the weirdest shapes and were super low to the ground.  I love all the colors in this shot and the lone loon chilling in the distance.
I hope this finds you all doing well on this rainy Wednesday and encourages you to find something in all the clouds these days.  All the best,  Em

.Not your Mama's wedding. Hotel Red, Madison Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

I'm going to be honest, I LOVE vintage.  The cloths, the style, the rusticness of it all.  But after shooting vintage/rustic/shabby/chic for 3 years I wanted Wisconsin Brides to know that it is okay if that wasn't their thing.  It's okay beat to your own drum and step outside a trend.  If you are more contemporary, bold and into clean lines we have the place for you.
I teamed up with Hotel Red and a bunch fabulous other wedding vendors to bring you ideas that weren't hayfields and wooden chairs.
Corinne from Canvas by Corninne Van Arsdale and I produced and cooked up this fabulous shoot for you to gain ideas, get inspired, look at pretty things and see some fabulous new locations and vendors!

First things first:  Hotel Red!!!!  Such a fantastic location in the heart of Madison!  The first time I walked in I knew I wanted to shoot here.  Not only is their locations gorgeous but they are Bride and Puppy friendly.  Something to keep in mind if you want to include your pooch on your big day.

Wanting to work with a florist that will take your ideas and funkiness and make them real?  Call Amanda at Alluring Blooms.   When we spoke with her about our ideas she burst into excitement and knew exactly which ribbon she would use.  We had no worries and knew we were in good hands.

Monirose:  Ever dreamt of having a beautiful wedding gown but then wanted something funky and flirt for the reception.  Brides who want this usually opt for two dresses, but Monica from Monirose did us one better.  She gave us two for one.  A modern short dress with a top skirt.  Having a church wedding that you feel you need to be covered up for, but want some fun at the reception ... contact Monica and make your dream become a reality.
Let's not forget about the boys!  Everyone knows men always look handsome in a tailored suit.  Don't underestimate making your groom and his boys look their best too.  Contact Nedrebos to get you boy feeling handsome because it is his time to shine too!
Vera's comes high on my list for customer service and excellent options for brides and bridesmaids.  This black dress could easily be worn again and again after the wedding is over. Vera's continues to be one of the best in Wisconsin!

Wedding and Event Planner Corinne came up with a bunch of DIY ideas including this aisle runner and cement candle holders.  She is such a joy to work with and truly believes in helping you (no matter what your budget) organize but more importantly helping you make your wedding day reflect you, not just a trend!  I highly recommend her and can't stress enough how valuable an Event Coordinator truly is on your big day.

 

Brody from Brody Designs  always does a fantastic job.  His jewelry designs always impress.  I really like how he doesn't forget about the guys either, giving them many options to have their rings show a little flare as well.  He will incorporate what you want to make your rings truly you!

 

Spice up your bridal party gifts and give your girls something a little unique to your locations.  Futures above is a Wisconsin Necklace from Modest Metal on etsy and funky clutch purse from the MMoCA.

Heather at Sugar River Stationary always impresses but she really stepped it up with this creation for a contemporary spin on invitations.  This invite is actually printed on plexiglass.  Don't hesitate to ask vendors to step outside of the box to get something new for you.  Heather also put in the time to research the design of Hotel Red to make sure she could incorporate elements already at the hotel into her menus and invitations.  She rocks! 

Two of my most favorite topics, Hair & Makeup.  We had two of the best girls in Madison work with our models.  

Becca from b.suite for hair  

Jacinda for makeup   (608) 449-1801

We wanted to keep the look simple and clean so that you could see that it is possible to have makeup and look natural.  We all are BEAUTIFUL without makeup but having a professional help you look your best on your big day (even with a natural look) will make a big difference in the photos.  

After you spend the money on a fantastic photographer (wink, wink) PLEASE do yourself a favor and hire a professional for your makeup. 

 

 

 

The great news is that WI Bride is going to be publishing some of this work in their next mag, so more images to come in July.  Thanks again to everyone who was involved and made this possible.

Venue:  Hotel Red

Wedding planner:  Canvas by Corinne Van Arsdale

Wedding gown:  Monirose Bespoke Gowns

Men's attire:  Nedrebo's formal wear

Bridesmaids dress:  Vera's 

Rings:  Brody Design

Reception dessert:  Cupcakes A-Go-Go

Flowers:  Alluring Blooms

Invites/menus:  Sugar River Stationary

Wisconsin Necklace: Modest Metal

Table Linen:  la tavola linen

Hair:  b.suite 

Makeup:  Jacinda (608) 449-1801 

Photography:  M photography