Monday Moments: Kristin and Ryan Edition

Posted on September 24, 2008

Let’s get this out of the way first. Yes, it is Wednesday. Yes, this is a Monday Moments blog post. In my defense, we’ve been a *tad* over scheduled the past few days. Let’s see, Saturday was Kristin and Ryan’s wedding. Sunday we had an engagement session with Mike and Sarah (coming soon!) followed by a fantastic family session including a set of twin boys (also coming soon!) And then, just before we crashed for the day…we went off to a spur of the moment babysitting gig for three kids under the age of 6. That’s just the weekend people!

So please forgive the Monday Moments delay. I’m actually hoping to do quite a few blog posts this week, so keep checking back!

Now….Kristin and Ryan!

Do you see it? The little penguin? These guys were everywhere!! Kristin has loved penguins her whole life (longer than she’s loved Ryan she pointed out) so they found a way to include that little touch!

This may be one of my favorite walk back down the aisle pictures ever. You can just feel their joy to finally be married.

Yes, we went to play mini golf before the reception! This was all Kristin’s idea and probably the most fun we’ve ever had taking bridal party pictures!

And finally, meet my new Facebook BFF Tricia. Isn’t she the cutest? Don’t you want to smoosh her? Okay, well maybe that’s just me. But still, Tricia is totally representative of the entire wedding party fun and full of joy for her friends! And she likes to say, “That’s hot!”

Have a great week everyone!

Mr and Mrs Dave Groop: Married September 5th, 2008!

Posted on September 19, 2008

Green Bay, WIS: Alexis and Dave had a whole lot of three things happening throughout their wedding day: laughter, sports references, and style. Everything came together perfectly and I think this may have been one of the most laid back weddings Karl and I have ever been a part of.

Here’s the laughter I was talking about, and a sports reference too! Dave and Alexis are both big sports fans and in Green Bay that equals green and gold!

More laughter, and more sports. Karl met up with Dave and his guys at Thornberry Creek’s driving range just in time for Dave to open a little “gift” from Alexis. It turned out to be a little vending machine trinket they always hide for each other to find. Such a fun and personal moment in their wedding day.

Here’s the style I was talking about. Isn’t Alexis’s bouquet amazing? The callas were the perfect color.

More laughter during the ceremony, and believe it or not another sports reference. I captured this right after Dave’s friend who was co-officiating the ceremony said, “I’m pretty sure God is *not* a New York Jets fan.” In light of recent events (cough…Brett Favre…cough) the crowd got a kick out of that comment.

More laughter, and another first for us: the wave broke out during the ceremony! I love that everyone played along!

There’s that “just married” excitement I love so much. Alexis has the kind of smile that’s just infectious.

I can’t say enough good things about this wedding party. These guys were so much fun, and totally up for anything. We took some fun shots of everyone together before sending them off to hang on the bus while we had some alone time with the happy couple.

“Go stand over there and lean on the bridge” turned into this. Love it!

This picture seriously cracks me up. Photographers tend to keep an eye out for tree branches, poles, or any other objects in the background that might look like they’re growing out of the subjects head. Apparently I didn’t make sure there were no birds sitting on Alexis’s shoulder.

And my love affair with shoes continues. The fact that the bouquet and Dave’s ring made it in this shot is just a bonus.

When all our fun at the park was finished, it was time to hitch a ride to the reception.

Where as you can probably imagine there was more laughing. You just never know what’s going to come out during the toasts!

A romantic first dance is interrupted by an overzealous photographer. He wasn’t with us, but I kind of wanted to take home that hat!

Alexis and Dave, Karl and I wish you all the best in your lives together. You guys are great partners who clearly make a good team (team, get it? sports reference!) Thanks for including us in your amazing day!

Here’s your slideshow.

You’ll find your gallery here.

Enjoy married life!

Just Because: Hanging with Luke

Posted on September 17, 2008

Just because….Wednesdays seem to be tough to plow through.

Just because…This picture is too cute not to share.

Just because…Luke looks different every time I visit.

Just because…It’s nice to be in the picture every now and then.

Just because…I have great friends who allow their kids to be loved by Auntie Stephanie.

Happy Wednesday all!

Monday Moments: Adventures in The Windy (and RAINY) City Edition

Posted on September 16, 2008

Karl and I had big plans for this weekend, our only wedding free weekend in a 13 week stretch. The plan was to pack up the car Friday afternoon and head to Chicago for a weekend of good food, sightseeing, and shooting with one of our 2009 couples.

Well Mother Nature had other plans. Here’s a peek at how our weekend went down.

This is what happens when a camera is dealing with 5 billion percent humidity. But you should be glad the lens is all fogged up at this point…my hair in the rain is NOT a pretty sight. Thankfully by the time we met up with Kris and Chris, our cameras were ready. Unfortunately, the weather went from bad to worse and we spent the next three hours trying to stay dry. We failed.

As you can see, the rainbow umbrella was on display throughout the session. We did find a few places for inside pictures, but you can’t go to Chicago for an engagement session and not capture some of the city’s landmarks. Kris and Chris were great sports about it all.

And speaking of landmarks, Karl and I had to take a self portrait in the bean. As you can see it’s not quite as reflective when it’s pouring!

So, that was our weekend. We spent 36 hours in Chicago and it never stopped raining. I think my sneakers are still drying out.

But we did squeeze in time for some Chicago pizza so all was not lost.

Happy 30th Birthday Karl!!!

Posted on September 14, 2008

Karl taking a break during the Shoot With Beckstead Workshop in Minneapolis, May 2008

It’s a big day for the Homburg household. Today Karl turns 30, and for the next 8 months or so I get to point out that he’s so much OLDER than I am. I consider this fair play since just about every day when I take off my shoes he calls me shortie.

He may be getting some great presents for his birthday, but I am really the lucky one. I get to spend every day with the man I know God made just for me. We are fortunate enough to work together in a job that we’re both passionate about. And every weekend as we watch another couple say their vows, I say a silent prayer of thanksgiving that we found our way to eachother. We may have spent the first 25 years of our lives apart, but I’m counting on spending the next 60 or so together.

Love you babe! Happy 30th! Now let’s go eat steak!

Quick Scheduling Note

Posted on September 12, 2008

Just wanted to give a heads up to everyone that Karl and I will not be accessible by phone or email this weekend, as we will be in Chicago for a shoot. Unfortunately, it looks like The Windy City will also be The Rainy City this weekend. So if you could send some good weather vibes our way they would be greatly appreciated.

Emails, phone calls, and new client inquiries will be returned on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

Mr and Mrs. Doug Odell: Married August 31st, 2008!

Posted on September 12, 2008

I’m so excited to share this blog post with everyone today because Kristin and Doug had such an amazing wedding. But I’m also a little sad, because blogging it means the wedding is over! Karl and I have been looking forward to this wedding since our very first Starbucks meeting with these guys. My first impression was that these two knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding day. And when they decided they wanted us to capture it…well let’s just say I was a little excited!

How about some pictures?

I can’t think of another word to describe Kristin’s dress other than amazing. Jenna, Kristin’s fantastic friend and personal assistant who just happens to be a wedding professional, took me back to Kristin’s hotel room to shoot the dress. I think I may have gasped when I walked in. The detail was just beautiful and perfectly suited for Kristin.

Speaking of detail….Doug had this necklace custom made for Kristin! The design matches their invitations and programs. Doug is so incredibly thoughtful. Hint to a certain husband who may be reading this blog: Custom designed jewelry is a *very* good idea!

I took this shot while preparing to capture Kristin’s dad helping her out of the car. I almost passed it over as I was picking their proofs. And then I looked again and saw the reflection of Lambeau Field in the window. On the drive over, Kristin shared that she couldn’t stop smiling when she drove up to the Atrium for their rehearsal because it was so amazing that they were actually getting married there. I got goosebumps while she was talking, and they returned when I looked at this image.

On to the ceremony…

To say the ceremony was emotional would be a massive understatement. Doug’s sisters served as bridesmaids and both cried on their way up the aisle. I had my eye on Doug, waiting for him to see his bride for the first time, and saw that he too was crying. Thank goodness for auto focus because I couldn’t see through my own tears.

In addition to saying vows and exchanging rings, Kristin and Doug participated in a handfasting ceremony. The symbolism of their lives being tied together forever was just perfect.

Even the littlest members of the bridal party were fixated on the ceremony!

Now a Lambeau Field wedding wouldn’t be a Lambeau Field wedding without a trip out to the field, so even though Kristin and Doug got married on the hottest day of the year we stepped outside for a few pictures.

I can’t even begin to tell you how impressed I was with the Green Bay Packers staff. They went out of their way to make sure everything went smoothly, and did so with a smile. Erin even improvised turning a recycling bin into a makeshift stool for Kristin to sit down before the ceremony. If you’re a bride in search of a top notch location for your ceremony or reception, consider the Atrium. I’ve never seen better service!

And because I have a mildly sarcastic streak, I had to post this picture to show that even though he’s now a (gasp) New York Jet, Brett Favre was still present for Kristin and Doug’s celebration. That Number 4, you just never know where he will show up!

This was a shot Kristin had been thinking about throughout her wedding planning. She even included it in the wedding program. Capturing the moment, with all the wedding guests gathered on the Atrium floor. It took some cell phone communication between Karl on the 4th floor and myself on the ground, but we pulled it off! What a great memory!

On to the reception…

And the award for the coolest centerpiece goes to…Kristin and Doug! Each table had its own cake. My favorite part was that among the tables there were seven or eight different flavors. So throughout the night guests were visiting different tables to get a taste. Even the bride and groom were walking around with forks in hand. Such a neat touch!

Nothing makes me happier at a reception than seeing the bride and groom enjoying themselves. Yes, there are lots of guests to talk to, and lots of pictures to take, but when it comes down to it…GO HAVE FUN!! Chances are your wedding reception is the biggest party you will ever throw, so be sure to enjoy every moment of it!

Kristin and Doug wanted their guests to have something special to remember the big night…

so we set up a portrait setup just outside the ballroom to capture all of the guests. Special thanks to our good friend Mike Howlett who came along to help us out. Every time I peeked my head out the door, a line was forming next to Mike.

And at the end of the night we made sure to jump in line to grab a shot with the happy couple!

Kristin and Doug, Karl and I are so thankful to have been a part of your special day. You guys are so perfect for each other and are surrounded by so much love from your family and friends. We hope Hawaii was amazing! Next time can we come along?

Click here for your slideshow.

You’ll find your gallery here.

Enjoy married life!

Monday Moments: Alexis and Dave Edition with a Brad and Michelle Bonus!

Posted on September 9, 2008

What a weekend! First, I’m happy to report it looks like fall is making its way into Northeast Wisconsin. We had such great weather for all of our shoots and for the first time in several months we weren’t a sweaty mess by noon!

Friday, we had an amazing day with Alexis and Dave. After a rainy Thursday, the skies cleared for their big day. In fact, it was nice enough for the guys to hit the driving range at Thornberry Creek.

Is it me or does it look like Dave is going to clock one of the groomsmen? Karl assures me that wasn’t the case and that everyone had a great time. I wonder how often there’s black tie attire out on the driving range.

Alexis and her girls enjoyed a leisurely morning getting pretty at Salon 325 in Green Bay. The stylists there did a great job with such a large group of ladies. I captured this image while Alexis was on the phone with Dave as she was getting her makeup done. As I told Karl, I think Alexis smiles with her whole body, especially when Dave is involved.

Together these two make one hot couple, don’t you think?

I couldn’t resist sharing one last sneak. Those groomsmen are trouble I tell you! Thankfully Alexis is a good sport and nobody dropped her!

And now..for a bonus!

Sunday morning, Karl and I met up with Brad and Michelle for their engagement session. After walking around the gardens we decided to be big kids for a while and play at the playground. I had a couple of observations.

First, kids these days have it easy. When they fall off the monkey bars they get to land on a soft rubbery surface. Why is it all of my childhood playgrounds had the kind of gravel that got stuck in your skinned knees?

Second, slides are clearly built for those under 5 feet tall. This is one of several outtake moments as these two made their way down the slide together. They were such great sports.

Have a great week everyone!

More Card Samples

Posted on September 6, 2008

Are you getting into the holiday spirit yet?

Today I want to share some samples that show how our designs can be customized to use more than one photo. Because really, sometimes you can’t pick just one!

You saw this one photo card earlier this week. Check out what happens when we use the same basic design with more than one photo…

Here’s another one photo card:

with the option to add some more photos…

One photo:

Three photos:

One photo:

Three photos:

Here’s an idea for our 2009 couples. You can use your engagement photos to send out a combination Christmas card and Save the Date announcement! All of our designs have room for customized text for your personal message.

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, these cards are available in photo weight cards as well as two heavy weight press printed options. And if we design a card for you, you’ll receive the digital file for the photo we use as our gift to you!

Give me a call in the office (920) 729-1379 to schedule a session or request a personal sample!

Mr and Mrs Brett Buth: Married August 23,2008!

Posted on September 6, 2008

GREEN BAY, Wis: It’s hard for me to believe Julie and Brett’s wedding was just two weeks ago. We’ve been so busy that time has completely escaped me. 2008 is almost over! How did that happen??

I don’t think we’ll ever stop getting that giddy feeling when we see how a couple has used the images from our engagement session together. Those who visited with us at the bridal show last month may be familiar with the image above. A canvas of that picture was prominently displayed in our booth!

Julie had her day very well planned out, which allowed us some time to take a few portraits before the ceremony. I love how she looks so calm and ready to get married in this image. And then I made her cry…

It’s a good thing she had something beautiful to dry her tears. Now before anyone gets the wrong idea, I’m not in the habit of making people cry. In fact, normally I’m crying sympathy tears along with whoever might be crying on the wedding day. But on this day, I must have been especially emotional. So when I heard my own wedding song being sung during the prelude, I started to tear up. Little did I know it was also Julie’s sister’s wedding song…and she started to cry. Well looking at both of us crying set Julie over the edge and before I knew it tissues were being passed all around.

I promise to avoid making any other brides cry for the rest of 2008!

We all know I have a soft spot for the daddy daughter moments. So of course I had to share this series as Julie and her father prepared to head down the aisle.

I love watching kids during the ceremony to see what catches their eye while everyone else is paying attention to the bride and groom. In this case, the miniature groom was checking out his mom across the aisle.

The minute I saw this side of the church while scoping out the grounds before the ceremony I knew we’d be back here with the bridal party. Definitely a favorite from the day.

We had just a few minutes with Brett and Julie after the ceremony, but even when clouds are nowhere to be seen and the sun is at its harshest…pretty light can still be found!

The reception was full of people ready to party, but Julie and Brett were so into each other for their first dance, I’m pretty sure they didn’t notice.

And here are those partiers I mentioned, living it up on the dance floor. It got pretty crowded out there!

Julie and Brett, we’ve had so much fun getting to know you over the past year. It feels like just a couple of months ago that we were walking around Pamperin park enjoying the fall leaves for your engagement session and now you’re MARRIED! Karl and I wish you all the best in your new life together!

Enjoy your slideshow.

You’ll find your gallery here.

Enjoy married life!

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