Vendor Spotlight: Petal Pusher Moves Downtown

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I cannot say enough for the creativity and talent that Nichole and her staff at Petal Pusher bring to the area with their unique arrangements, bouquets, and talent for building on the ideas of others.  Being a downtowner myself, I was more than thrilled to hear that Petal Pusher would be moving to the Broadway district!  Nichole, Joplin (the cute shop kitty pictured above) and staff are settled in with full decor, a new walk-in cooler, intimate consultation area, and extensive retail that will make you want to pamper yourself and others. (Thinking about mother’s day? How about homemade salsa, aromatherapy bath salts, or home accents?  Oh yeah, and flowers!)

Nichole was the florist we worked with for our own wedding and she made it a wonderful experience with her knowledge and attention to detail.  We recommend Petal Pusher to anyone, and we are looking forward to the weddings we share this summer!  Stop in at their new space to shop around, or just give Joplin a little love - he will be waiting in the window. ;)

Waiting for Baby Hazel: Danielle’s Maternity Session

Outdoor maternity sessions have such a relaxed, natural quality to them. They are the perfect way to document the special time waiting for baby. We traveled out to Merrill, Wisconsin for Danielle’s maternity session where I got the opportunity to help her select outfits and accessories as we prepared for the afternoon session.  It was a gorgeous spring day (even with 18 inches of snow to contend with) and we had beautiful, bright light for our downtown locations.

Baby Hazel is expected memorial day weekend, which is an incredible blessing with both Danielle and Reggie being teachers.  They will have a whole wonderful summer to spend just the three of them creating their own little family, and starting summer traditions to build on in the years to come.  Congratulations to you both; I can’t wait to meet baby Hazel!

{ Welcome New Baby Stella! }

I love working with newborns - tiny little sweet things all bundled up. Evelyn was the first newborn girl we ever photographed, and now, a little over three years later, we got to meet her baby sister, Stella. Stella did an amazing job for her first photos! Fifteen days old, and a little over six pounds, she slept through the entire session, snuggling into posers, baskets and wraps, happy to be wherever we put her. Evy was a perfect big sister - interested in everything that was happening, and helping in any way she could. We were excited to try out a few new props such as our Flokati faux furs, dainty headbands, and new cheesecloth wraps. We have so many beautiful images from this session, narrowing it down to a handful for blogging was a difficult task, so be sure to stay tuned for a future gallery! Welcome, Baby Stella!

Personal Post: Danielle’s Baby Shower

Last weekend, my family and I threw my cousin Danielle a baby shower for what will be the first great-grandchild in the family. We didn’t know the baby’s gender, so we decided on a soft pastel, handmade theme (with plenty of inspiration from Pinterest of course!).  Weeks ahead Danielle’s dad brought over fresh fish for a little family dinner, and as we finished eating, we all gathered around for baby shower crafting.  Everyone got into it: grandpa, and fathers, and husbands all making pom-pons and tag banners - their hardworking precision applied to something so sweet and feminine.

We wanted the decorations to be a surprise for Danielle, but little did we know she had a surprise for us.  For months she had been so sneaky, keeping the baby’s gender an absolute secret - it was all we could do to keep from gossiping wildly about what we thought it would be.  As we set up for the shower, Danielle pulled out a beautiful cake made by the same bakery who did her wedding three years ago. The cake was to be a gender reveal!  After patiently waiting through games, gifts and food, I had the honor of cutting the cake and announcing to all the guests that there would be a baby Hazel entering our family in May.  Many congratulations to Danielle and Reggie!  We are looking forward to your maternity photos this weekend and baby Hazel’s arrival in a few months! :)

Spring Sweetpeas Promotional Photoshoot

Sweetpeas Clothier in De Pere is such a fun little shop! It is full of cute outfits for tiny boys and girls, goodies for mommies and mommies-to-be, and beautiful jewelry and accessories. There is always something new at Sweetpeas, which is why we stop in each season and select a few favorites to share on our page.  All outfits shown in these images are made by Tea which has a wide collection of comfortable daily-wears for little ones.  Stop in and check out all they have to offer!

Jenstar’s New Studio and Branding Session!

Working with people who are passionate about what they do is the absolute best.  Jen is the owner of Jenstar Yoga and Dance and just opened a new studio in De Pere. She is incredibly talented, inspiring, and (need I say it) photogenic. ;) Many of you will know her from her Yoga on the Deck classes she teaches on the Citydeck in summer. This month she has opened a beauitful new studio in historic De Pere and is celebrating a milestone both professionally and personally.

The classes Jen teaches are not just about strengthening your body, but about gaining perspective on who you are and where you’re going.  They are about learning to accept yourself just as you are, and celebrating your little accomplishments along the way.  We had such a wonderful afternoon at Jen’s studio creating new images for her website and studio space!  If you are looking to learn more about Jenstar’s classes, you can find her online at www.jenstaryoga.com .

$65 Waiting for Spring { Mini Sessions } March 2, 2014

I hope everyone is keeping warm and staying safe on this snowy day!  I wanted to let our blog and Facebook followers know about our $65 Waiting for Spring { Mini Sessions } that are coming up in March. This chilly winter feels like a long one, and we could all use a little something to look forward to until the snow melts.  Our Waiting for Spring { Mini Sessions } are perfect for that; they are budget friendly, in studio, and a no-fuss way to get updated photos.  These sessions are great for families, updated yearly photos, a fun session with your little one, or even headshots.

Each session is 15 minutes and includes, one outfit, one studio backdrop, an in person ordering session, one 8x10 and a $25 print credit - all included in your $65 session fee!  You can even add additional people to your session for $15/person.

These sessions are One Day Only, and are limited.
Sunday, March 2, 2014: 11:00 - 6:00 (booking on the half hour).  Please email us if you have any questions! pomposart@yahoo.com

Personal Post: Our Second Anniversary Trip

So this post is a long time coming, but I wanted to make sure I had all our clients’ sessions sent out before I started editing on our personal work.

This October Ben and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary with a train trip to Albuquerque for their International Hot Air Balloon Festival.  I’ve always had a fascination with trains so as we were planning where to travel for the year, the first decision we made was that it had to be via train.  From when I drove Route 66 a few years back, I remembered that the hot air balloon festival fell over our anniversary week, and that got me thinking... perhaps the southwest would be a good destination.

We both loved the train ride; we stayed in a tiny convertible sleeper car called a “roomette” which reminded me so much of dreamy old movies like White Christmas and Some Like it Hot.  It had two chairs that faced in with a table that folded down between them.  At night the two chairs slid down to create a bed, and another bunk dropped from the ceiling.  If you know me well, you know I found everything about the quaintness and efficiency appealing.  The trip was a little over 24 hours on the Southwest Chief Line with a few stops along the way.  We had reservations for each meal in the dining car, which included french toast, mahi mahi, and buffalo burgers, and we spent our free time journaling, playing cards in the observation deck, and of course, taking an absurd amount of pictures. ;)

We did lots of little things in Albuquerque, but there were two main highlights: one was the hot air balloon festival.  The morning of our first full day there, we woke up around 3:45 am to make it to the balloon festival grounds to see the Dawn Patrol, which are the first few balloons that rise up during twilight and test the wind and temperature conditions (see above photo in the dark with lit balloons).  As the morning turned light, more and more balloons were launched until there were hundreds of all shapes filling the sky.  It really was an amazing sight.

The other big highlight came days later on the morning of our anniversary when we took our very own hot air balloon ride.  We were both a little nervous knowing how high the balloons went, and that the pilot only had control over moving up and down (not north/south etc, nor control over speed).  Part of me expected the ride to feel like capturing wind and being pulled, like how it feels to be on a sailboat or to parasail.  Really the sensation was motionlessness.  It was incredibly peaceful and the views over the Rio Grande were breathtaking.

{ Nikki + Tom = ENGAGED! }

I love our brave couples - brides who are not afraid of their dress touching the ground, grooms who think nothing of walking out into a field on a rainy day, and couples like Nikki and Tom who prepare to meet with freezing temps for some wintery engagement photos! A few days before Nikki and Tom’s engagement session, we were in contact about the weather: high of 7, snow. Usually we don’t keep our sessions on for that date if the temperature is below 20, but with this winter being so chilly at all times, any number without a negative sign in front of it didn’t seem so bad. Still, I would be in boots and a coat, with thirty shirts underneath; Nikki and Tom would be in their well-planned engagement outfits. She said it would be no problem and they weren’t worried. Sure enough, through wind and snow and cold, Nikki and Tom were laughing and smiling as though our high of 7 was a balmy Wisconsin 30.  Their courage paid off as we got the opportunity to create the perfect winter engagement photos including hot cocoa, a vintage sled and a cozy wool blanket.  We are looking forward to Nikki and Tom’s wedding coming up this fall; Congratulations you two!

Personal Post: Pieper’s "Adoptiversary"

Yesterday was one year since we picked up the tiny six pound puppy Pieper at the PetSmart branch of the Humane Society here in Green Bay.  We had stopped there the day before to look at a puppy my brother was interested in, but couldn’t resist the tiny little black and white mix who looked so melancholy wandering around quietly in her kennel.  Ben had never wanted a dog - he hadn’t grown up with pets and saw a dog only as an inevitability (since he decided to marry me) but something he could hold off on until he was ganged up on by his wife and future children.  When he held little Pieper in his arms and she wriggled her way right in, he had this change of expression, and I knew we were getting a puppy.

When we picked Pieper up, she was named Brianna and we were told she was a rat terrier/husky mix and would be a medium size dog... we were in for a surprise.  As the weeks wore on, she got longer, and longer, and longer, but barely any taller.  We had her in puppy classes where she started as the biggest dog in class (being a few weeks old than the other puppies) and by the end of those six weeks, she was by far the smallest.  Now, fully grown, she is just over 16 pounds.  I never thought of myself as a small dog person, but I don’t think Pieper knows her size; she is one tough little dog.

Yesterday Pieper and I celebrated one year together with a trip back to PetSmart for some goodies and a visit with her teacher, then headed over to the Howard dog park for a hike on the trails and some play time with other doggies.  Happy Adoptiversary, Pieper; we’re glad to have you as part of our family!

Camilla Turns Two!

Camilla is so fun to have in the studio simply because she is the best dressed little girl we’ve seen.  She always comes in with bright, colorful new outfits and accessories carefully selected by mom.  (Check out the satin snow-white-colored dress!)

With Camilla’s Birthday so close to Christmas, we spent a little time capturing some holiday shots of the two of them together.  We were very excited to use our new linen backdrop and tiny tree garlands; Camilla was very excited about our glitter-covered tree with the shiny star topper.  She’s a girl who knows what she likes. ;)  Happy Second Birthday, Camilla!

The { M } Family’s Portraits

Getting a big group together for family photos, makes for the most special images.  It is always difficult to combine schedules and choose a location, but when you make it happen the result is a group of photos that can be treasured as a family timepiece.

We just recently photographed new baby Ryan as he came into this world to the most loving family; now we have had the opportunity to gather together with not only his mom, dad, brother and sister, but also is grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle and cousin.  Everyone was in high spirits as they arrived for the session - laughing and joking and preparing to join together as a group.  It could not be more obvious that we were only days from the Christmas holiday!

Last year, we brought my family together for an afternoon of group photos similar to these and I cannot explain how much I treasure the photo that hangs on my wall from that session.  It is everyone I love standing side-by-side; something to remind me of the special times we share and all the memories we have built together. <3

{ Rachel + John = ENGAGED ! }

This engagement session was a particular joy to us not just because it was in Door County (where I’m from) and done in fall (my favorite time of year), but because Rachel is one of my closest friends. Rachel and I became friends 15 years ago, and though we went to separate colleges and fate moved her out to the southwest, each time we talk it’s as though no time has passed. While living in Arizona she met John; together love was easy - natural, relaxed and meant-to-be. Their relationship was tested when he was stationed (though the Air Force) in Korea. But they made it work, even falling asleep next to each other over Skype. <3 They knew they had found the one person out there meant for them, and being smart people, they wouldn’t be silly enough to let that go. Rachel and John flew in for their engagement session and to plan other details for their wedding that will take place in Door County this summer. We had a perfect fall day for photos - bright colors, cloudy sky - a photographer’s dream. The entire afternoon was relaxed and playful - a wonderful chance to catch up with good friends and make photos that told their love story. Congratulations, Rachel and John; we are really looking forward to your wedding day!

Winter Sweetpea’s Promotional Photoshoot

It’s that time again! Our seasonal promotional photoshoot for Sweetpea’s Clothier in De Pere. We had such a blast with this session!  Usually we don’t do Sweetpea’s photoshoots with just a boy model, but around Christmastime there are so many amazing outfits to turn tiny tots into mini sharp-dressed-men.

Elliot did a great job posing for us and was certainly our most excited model so far.  In the first outfit he is wearing a shirt by Tooby Doo, pants by Tea, (amazing) high-tops by Old Soles, and a jacket by American Widgeon.  The furry friend that matches his jacket is by Jellycat.  In his second outfit he is wearing a sweater and hat by Axel & Hudson, and pants by Appaman.  All of these goodies and more are available at Sweetpeas in De Pere.  They have six shopping days left until Christmas and no shortage of options, so now is a great time to stop in.

Mara Turns Three!

Seeing our clients and their children each year as they grow is a wonderful thing. They come in a few inches taller, so much more talkative and with new skills and interests. Mara has come to us for pictures each year since her first Birthday and such is the case for her sessions. She is always smiley and playful - warming up after just a few minutes - and she is always SO good. She loves to show us her new outfits and shoes, try out our stools and chairs, and even in moments of stubbornness, she will suddenly spin around and flash us that bright, happy smile.  That is 100% Mara! Thanks for coming to visit us and letting us capture the beginning of your third year.  Happy Birthday, Mara!

Personal Post: Pieper’s First Birthday!

With such a busy fall season we haven’t had much of a chance to share with you the things happening in our personal lives. Over the next month, I’m hoping to catch up a bit on our blogging and share a few special milestones and little peeks into what we have going on outside of our photography business. Future highlights include our anniversary train trip to Albuquerque and progress on home renovation, but right now, I wanted to share a few photos from the little Birthday party we threw for our puppy Pieper.  :)

Pieper’s Birthday was October 22nd and we celebrated the first weekend of November. I made a few fall desserts for us humans to enjoy including pumpkin mousse and salted maple sugar cookies with cider glaze (thank you Martha Stewart). We also baked a tiny layer cake for Pieper made from whole grain flour, shredded carrots, peanut butter, applesauce, and various baking tidbits and frosted it with yogurt and cream cheese. I was certain the little Birthday hat I made her wouldn’t last a minute, but the moment she saw the cake, it didn’t matter - I could have put her in a scuba suit for all she cared.  She dove into the cake with gusto - a dog possessed.  The entire time she had this expression on her face that said ‘I better eat as much as I can before someone catches me and I get yelled at.’

Later on, with a belly full of cake we took her to the dog park to play with her puppy friends and hand out some homemade doggy biscuits.  Overall, she had a great Birthday with her favorite people.  Happy First Birthday, Pieper!

Treehaus Studio Branding Photoshoot

Working with other creatives is a passion of ours. We get the opportunity to toss ideas about with people who get just as excited as we do. Such was the case with Amanda Campbell and Marcia Schabel of Treehaus Studio here in Green Bay. When Amanda sent over the mood board to express the branding of their new venture, I loved the whole idea of it: earthy, grounded, natural. From here we got to develop the style of our session - something that could feel cozy like a favorite sweater and boots or a night around a campfire, but that could still show their clean, professional approach.  Needless to say, the entire session was everything we love doing.

Treehaus Studio is a local graphic design company owned by two women who were born to be designers - it’s just in the way they think.  They do web and print design as well as branding and social media: everything we business owners need.  They are everywhere, so check them out on their website, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest to get a taste of what they’re all about.

www.treehausstudio.com
www.facebook.com/treehausstudio

Welcome, New Baby Ryan!

Tomorrow is a day of Thanksgiving - a day to count our blessings, and nothing can quite get you in the mood for that as well as a newborn baby. Tiny toes, tiny fingers and a sweet little sleeping smile... there is just nothing like it. :)  Baby Ryan was a little older for his session than most of our newborns, but because he was an early arrival, it was just like photographing a week old baby. He was flexible, tiny and spent his entire session in a deep slumber.

 It is amazing to me how much he already looks like mom and dad; he spared no time in telling everyone that he is a part of the family.  Baby Ryan is lucky enough to come into this world with a brother and sister so excited to have him.  He arrived just in time to celebrate all the holidays with them and to be passed around the family so everyone can soak up the warmth and remember when their babies were that small.  Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and congratulations to the {L} Family!

{ Clarissa + Adam = ENGAGED ! }

I can’t even express what a sweet couple Clarissa and Adam are.  They both have a great sense of humor, a close relationship with their families, and there is this playfulness about their exchange that is immediately apparent when you meet them.  Clarissa and Adam met three years ago as coworkers.  At first they didn’t like each other, but then they became friends (even so close that she was giving him relationship advice regarding other girls) and then a couple.  Together they like to play bingo, chase around their doggy Bella, and spend time outside.  For their engagement session we combined the two sides of their families: the location was Adam’s family farm, and the super fun yellow truck we involved was recently restored by Clarissa’s grandfather.  The day itself was gorgeous - cloud cover and a hazy fog gently subduing the fall colors.  This made for such a wonderful day of shooting for us, giving us the opportunity to create soft, intimate photos for the couple.  Clarissa and Adam will be getting married next fall, the same weekend Ben and I said our vows three years prior (gotta love a fall bride!)

The { T } Family’s Fall Portraits

There is something so wonderful about outdoor family sessions in the fall.  It is as though the day becomes less about standing and smiling, and more about playing in the leaves and exploring a new place with little ones.  Evan and Jocelyn were just as sweet as could be for their session.  Evan was all energy, wanting to decide exactly where we were going and taking us there himself.  Jocelyn was sweet and cuddly and tough - we couldn’t believe how well she did with the chilly weather.  We created a collection of family photos as well as mommy and me and daddy and me photos and a few of the kiddos by themselves.  Near the end Evan was running out of steam and was ready to be held and warmed up by daddy and baby girl was falling asleep in mommy’s arms.  It was great getting to see this family again and getting to know the cute little tots who made them a family!