Benjamin

1.24.13 |

It’s such a privilege watching families grow over the years. We met the Huettl’s several years ago when Alecia and Nick contacted us looking for a photographer to photograph their daughter Meredith from belly to birthday. This month the Huettl’s welcomed little Ben to their family. Apart from being one of the cutest babies we’ve seen, this little gentleman was also one of the most cooperative. Even when his big sister had the chance to hold him for a few pictures he made no complaints. We’re extremely happy for the Huettl’s and can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for their beautiful family.

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Published – A Northwoods Wedding Blog

1.22.13 |

Steven and I are so excited that A Northwoods Wedding Blog chose to publish Breanne + Matt’s wedding. All of the details that went into their wedding made it one that we will both always remember. Another special thanks goes out to the fabulous couple:)

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Loretta + Andy

1.19.13 |

Despite the bitter cold last Sunday we had a blast shooting Loretta and Andy’s engagement session. Andy is a volunteer fire fighter with the Slinger Fire Department so we were granted access and use of the fire house for their session. Of course I could make some funny pun or joke like, “Their love is so hot they need an extinguisher,” or even, ” Their passion almost burned the place down,” but I won’t. All kidding aside, capturing Loretta and Andy and the love shared between them was a breeze. They were naturals in front of the camera and had no objections when it came to getting cold or even climbing around old rail cars for some great images. For the second part of our shoot, we ventured around Loretta’s parent’s trucking business. Built alongside the railroad that runs through Slinger it was the perfect backdrop for some incredibly unique winter images. Special thanks to the Slinger Fire Dept. and Loretta’s parents for providing great places to shoot that helped showcased who Loretta and Andy are. We can’t wait for September to see what their wedding holds.

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Abby + Ross

1.16.13 |

This past Friday evening we had the privilege of helping celebrate the announcement of Abby and Ross’s engagement. Friends and family gathered at the cozy Milwaukee Club for the intimate celebration with the couple. After watching the two interact, you knew they were a perfect pairing – just like beef jerky and cheese! Speaking of which (here comes the segue), we were floored to find out Ross is the inventor of Cheese Jerky and owner of Snack Patrol. Naturally we had to go out and try one or three. One word – delicious! Of course Abby was stunning in a white dress and pearls that just screamed Marilyn Monroe. We couldn’t be happier for Abby and Ross and their engagement. Congrats!

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Chelsea

1.7.13 |

Our favorite tiny dancer turned nine months recently. It’s hard to believe how much she’s grown from first meeting her. It was also nice seeing Kristin and Tim fresh off their Tahitian honeymoon. They fortunately missed the snow-pocalypse we experienced before the Christmas holiday. Chelsea, though a bit unsure of us at first, warmed up when Steve debuted his Elmo impersonation. With a playful, jungle themed room, we couldn’t resist ourselves and had to bring in Chelsea’s simian entourage for a few quick pictures. When Chelsea informed us she saved her first snow experience for our shoot, we felt extremely honored. Watching her as she wrangled her hands free from her pink polar bear snow suit to touch the snow for the first time was hilarious. You could see the mixed expressions of apprehension, excitement, wonderment, and “Geez this is Cold!” across her face. We even managed to build a nine month sized snowman for Chelsea. Of course curiosity eventually got the best of Chelsea and Frosty became snowballs and broken twigs once again. We can’t wait for our next session with this adorable family.

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Ann + Garrett

12.22.12 |

It’s a love story that has all the makings of a classic romantic comedy. Beautiful event and wedding coordinator meets the handsome golf course superintendent. Caddyshack meets The Wedding Planner – just without the crazy hijinks. We met Ann several years ago shooting a wedding at the North Shore Country Club in Mequon where she works as the event coordinator. Since then, we’ve worked with her on several weddings as well as capturing the amenities and beautiful grounds of the club for their website. Cue Garrett. During our shoots of the golf course, Garrett and Ann escorted us through the maze of greens, traps, and holes. On our way home we laughed about all the flirtation we witnessed between the two as they drove the lead golf cart with us following. A few years later and an email arrives from Ann announcing her need for a wedding photographer. Learning her fiance was none other than Garrett had us saying “we knew it!” Not only were we excited to shoot the wedding of two very awesome people, we were ripe with anticipation to see Ann’s genius at work for her own wedding. Weddings around the holidays can be very difficult. Too many festive elements and you risk being cliche and kitschy. Too few and it’s just a cold day for your wedding. Ann managed to find the perfect balance between the two. Rather than just a single type of red flower, Ann opted for several hues and several different species. Each bridesmaid carried a unique and different flower bouquet masterfully crafted by Stephanie at the Mequon Sendik’s Floral Department. Even the centerpieces adorning the twenty-plus tables at the Grain Exchange differed from one another. Despite cold and rain (at least it wasn’t cold and snow!) we did manage to temporarily kidnap Ann and Garrett for some quick romantic shots at one of our favorite “rain delay” locales. We loved the lace overlay on Ann’s dress. For something blue, a jeweled pandora charm tied into her bouquet to represent the vows they shared. The details were amazing as was the entire event. We had such a good time working with Ann, Garrett, and their friends and family. We wish them the best in the life and family they’ve created. Happy Holidays!

VENDORS
Ceremony: Grace Lutheran-Pastor James Huebner
Reception: The Grain Exchange
Florist: Sendiks-Mequon-Stephanie
Invitations & Papergoods: Robin’s Paperie
Dress Designer/Bridal Shop: Private Label
Bridesmaid Dresses: Sorella Vita
Tux : Bachrach
Hair & Make Up: Carter’s Salon-Sarah Parker
Transportation: Lamers
Music: Déjà vu Band-chicago
Videographer: Wedding Films-Joel Peregrine

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Favorite Things

12.13.12 |

1. Body Media Band
This year I got a little more into my health & fitness. Thanks to my friend Nina, I was able to try out this awesome invention. This arm band not only tracks your calories, it also calculates your sleep and steps. I have the bluetooth version, which is essential. You can see everything in real time on your phone and it makes logging your meals really easily. I am able to pair it with my MyFitnessPal app, which allows me to just scan the barcode on food items to enter it. What a cinch! This system has really helped me to get to know my body and I learned A LOT! You will too, so grab one and try it, they offer the first 3 months for free! There is also a new version that you can fit in your bra and it will even track your elevated steps climbed. It’s called a FitBit and that might be my next step:)

2. BMW X-3
We bought one late last year and we absolutely love it! Every time I get into it I am reminded of how much I love it. The heated steering wheel and seats literally heat up within a minute. Seriously! Not to mention the oh-so-comfy seats, the power and tight handling make it worth every penny. BMW has THE best warranty too – First 5 years with zero, and I mean ZERO maintenance – even oil changes. Love, love, love it!

3. John’s Shoe Repair
I found a cobbler!!!! Finally, after all of these years… I finally found one – a GREAT one at that! Just got a fab pair of vintage brazilian boots, like new, just needed new heel bottoms – fixed for under $10 and the boots are like brand spanking new. Scorrrrrre! N87w16459 Appleton Ave Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

4. Raw Food Recipe Book
Our pal and former associate shooter, Jenna gave us this fabulous book. When you eat more raw foods, you feel better in every way. One of my favorite recipes is the avocolada – a pinacolada made with avocado. Trust me, it’s awesome! Thanks again Jenna:)

5. Live Well Network
We love NOT having cable tv. The shows that we do find the time to watch are on basic tv anyway – and if they aren’t we just HULU or Netflix it:) The new LWN network rocks! It’s like free HGTV:) Ali Vincent from the Biggest Loser has a great show called Live Big. Watch it!

6. Kemps Frozen Yogurt
This is a great ice cream replacement. I love making schaum torte with just this, the small merringue cookies, and fresh strawberries. Even just a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips tops this tasty treat off perfectly.

7. The Blind Horse Wine Dinner
Steven and I are self proclaimed ‘foodies’. We absolutely love good food. Wine dinners are the perfect place to enrich the palette and try new things. A new restaurant in Kohler has the best wine dinners – The Blind Horse. We have been to 2 dinners since they opened and we cannot wait for the next! They pair each exquisite meal flawlessly. Thanks to Carol & Charlie for introducing us to this little gem. Worth the drive!

8. Worthington Seamless Cami
I wear an undershirt cami with just about everything in the winter. I used to love The Limited’s version, but then they cheapened out and changed the fabric – it wasn’t as thick! I hate it when you can see through a cami. I came across these fabulous ones at one of my new favorite stores, JCP. For only $8 they are a total steal and super thick – excellent quality. Even the white is completely opaque and can be worn alone. I have white and black.

9. M83 Album
When I first heard M83 on the radio I knew that I had to get the album. Their 80’s flair reminds me of growing up. The sounds are dynamic and easy to listen to. I actually really love to listen to this album when I work out. It’s so inspiring. Sounds weird, I know, but listen to the music – it takes you to another place. Can’t get enough. #6 on the album, Raconte-Moi Une Histoire, makes me literally smile every time I hear it. Listen to the album HERE – you’ll see:)

10. Wigwam Wool Socks
When the hubs gave me these socks last year for xmas, I’m not gonna lie, I thought… “oooohhh….. that’s…. so…. sweet.” because I just thought, socks are socks, right? NO WAY! These socks are amazing – especially for winter. They keep my feet toasty (which is a miracle, I have terrible circulation), so plush, and made in WI – YES! I have the Merino Comfort Hiker style in Light Khaki seen here.

11. Fitness Magazine
I’m not sure how this ended up in my mailbox, but I am so glad it did! This woman’s magazine is incredible. Packed each month with LOADS of info. Seriously, it took me soooo long to get through it because it was filled with sooooo many things I love… not just fitness – but health, tons of inspiration, tips and even fashion. A bargain 1 yr subscription too, get it for $5.99 HERE!

12. Style Blogs
OMG! I fell in love with these things. So much so that I even started one of my own. However, I’m a bit delinquent in regular posting. But I haven’t given up hope. I just need to find a way to fit it into my life better;) Working on it. Check Spottswood Style HERE. These are just a couple of my favs: Atlantic-Pacific, Time Time Tomorrow, and Gal Meets Glam

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KY Derby Inspiration Shoot

12.7.12 |

While visiting my sister in Lexington, KY this past summer, Sarah was blindsided with a flood of inspiration. She became enamored with the style, tradition, and look of all things related to the Bluegrass state and its long history of horse racing. After getting back home we decided to stage an inspiration shoot with a Kentucky Derby theme. Sarah’s first step was to find a wedding coordinator in the Lexington area who shared her vision and could help bring it to life. We were extremely fortunate to find Augelique Gross from Blue Quail Events to help plan our shoot, connect with local vendors, and create the vital details needed to capture a Derby style wedding. Not only did Augelique understand exactly what we were aiming for, she shared our vision for the shoot – which was crucial for its execution. Of course a vision and the details that make it come to life are only a part of the kit and caboodle. We needed a venue and our bride and groom. Luckily my sister Abby and her husband Jeremy gladly agreed and were extremely enthusiastic to participate. Despite temperatures in the 30s they were adamant about making sure we got the shots needed. Even our niece and nephew got in on the fun as the flower girl and ring bearer. Though only an inspiration shoot, we were able to capture the love between Abby and Jeremy and give them the wedding photos they never had over ten years ago when they tied the knot. The venue was not as easy to acquire however. Augelique and Sarah put out feelers and called contacts looking for the perfect place. In October, with the shoot nearly a month away, Sarah was contacted by Lexington’s premiere horse track – Keeneland Race Course – and given permission to use their grounds as the wedding’s backdrop. The Keeneland news made our day and helped motivate us through the last stages of the planning. What would a Kentucky Derby inspired shoot be without the actual equine element? Luckily one of Jeremy’s colleagues who owns a private horse farm with two horses gladly allowed us to photograph our bride and groom with her horses, Gandalf and Grace. Thank you Annette for lending us your time and wonderful horses. The details and decor of the shoot were amazing. Augelique’s creatively went wild and it showed. From the bourbon barrel bar with homemade mint juleps to the southern dessert inspired table, we tried to incorporated all things Kentucky. We even carried out the Southern tradition of burying the bourbon bottle at Annette’s farm. Many of the details were handmade by Augelique and even a few by Sarah, while other details were obtained with the help of local vendors and family members. We loved the chandelier Augelique created for over the dining table. The battery powered lights entwined with reeds and baby’s breath provided the perfect anchor for such a great setting. The tables and chairs used throughout the shoot were graciously provided by Carrie of Events with Design. All pieces are vintage and were refurbished and reclaimed by Carrie and her brother – a perfect touch and foundation for the decor. Augelique even convinced Andrew from Forever Films to participate in the event. We can’t wait to see his artistic interpretation of the day’s events. Though we lost feeling in much of our extremities due to the cold, everything went without a hitch. Our deepest gratitude go out to everyone who made this shoot possible. Thank you for enduring the chilly weather and the months of planning and insanity that accompanies making a vision come to life.

Photography – Spottswood Photography
Venue – Keeneland
Floral – Blue Quail Events with flowers from Stems
Bouquets & Boutineers – Emplume
Event Design and Coordination – Blue Quail Events
Stationary – Minuteman Press
Videography – Forever Films
Bakery – Confused Confections
Rentals – Events with Design
Gown – Allure
Bridal Boutique – Ruth’s Bridal

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Samantha + Dan

11.10.12 |

We had a great time meeting Samantha and Dan this last Saturday. Despite the cold and some very high heels, the two braved not only the weather but the short hiking trip through Milwaukee’s Lake Park. Of course they both managed look fabulous while doing so. We were also very honored that they chose us to help in their yearly tradition of getting their portrait taken. It’s such a wonderful thing to do for not only yourself, but also for family who may not get to see you often throughout the year. We wish Samantha and Dan the best and hope their holiday season is filled with love, laughter, and joy.

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Grace

11.7.12 |

Remember the Wilkes? Well, they just welcomed a new member to their family – Grace Olivia. At four weeks old, little Grace is absolutely precious. With those cheeks and her baby blues, she has the ability to melt your heart at first sight. She was also one of the more curious little ladies we’ve shot. Always moving her head around to see where those camera clicks were coming from, looking directly at our cameras; this one is a little model in the making. A special congratulations to Ania & Grant on their beautiful baby girl. We are so happy for you!