A few weeks ago I had the spunk in me to ask two of my favorite creative friends to collaborate on a project....it came as a random idea of something fun to do in the dead of winter and turned into something so much more that I had ever expected. Bethany from b*spoke, whom I have known since college and traveled across the oceans with, along with Dena, another friend from college and all around crafty girl who is an unbelievable graphic designer, both decided to help me on this wild endeavor that I had casually suggested via e-mail one afternoon. Little did I know that the combination of our three creative brains would be so much fun and rewarding! :)
We got together one afternoon to brainstorm, think and try and see if this was even possible to pull off in the matter of 2 weeks! And man did our brains start to spin. Beth posted some behind-the-scenes photos and thoughts on her blog today of where, why and how to this little Valentine weekend of fun came together!
This styled shoot, much to our surprise, got posted on Style Me Pretty earlier this week with raves coming from many many people. It was overwhelming. And awesome. Getting encouragement from people you don't know, people you have just met and having the feeling that you are doing something worth while in your life is so rewarding. I am not trying to argue that styling a shoot is my life's goal, but rather living with creativity, laughing with friends and doing what I love is becoming more evident to me as time passes.
I have to say a GINORMOUS shout out to the amazing vendors that helped us, loaned us items and gave us some trust to come along side us:
Event Design: Bethany Hway
Photography: Emily Steffen Photography
Styled by: Bethany Hway, Dena Swenson and Emily Steffen
Paper Elements: Dena Swenson
Floral: Ginger Floral Design
Bouquets: Jillians Etsy Store
Bridal Attire and amazing fur shawl: Che Bella
Grooms attire: second hand/vintage
Hair and Makeup: Lindsay Schlotte
We got together one afternoon to brainstorm, think and try and see if this was even possible to pull off in the matter of 2 weeks! And man did our brains start to spin. Beth posted some behind-the-scenes photos and thoughts on her blog today of where, why and how to this little Valentine weekend of fun came together!
This styled shoot, much to our surprise, got posted on Style Me Pretty earlier this week with raves coming from many many people. It was overwhelming. And awesome. Getting encouragement from people you don't know, people you have just met and having the feeling that you are doing something worth while in your life is so rewarding. I am not trying to argue that styling a shoot is my life's goal, but rather living with creativity, laughing with friends and doing what I love is becoming more evident to me as time passes.
I have to say a GINORMOUS shout out to the amazing vendors that helped us, loaned us items and gave us some trust to come along side us:
Event Design: Bethany Hway
Photography: Emily Steffen Photography
Styled by: Bethany Hway, Dena Swenson and Emily Steffen
Paper Elements: Dena Swenson
Floral: Ginger Floral Design
Bouquets: Jillians Etsy Store
Bridal Attire and amazing fur shawl: Che Bella
Grooms attire: second hand/vintage
Hair and Makeup: Lindsay Schlotte
8 comments so far
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Vintage Valentine
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...AND I about peed my pants when I found out the our Vintage Valentine styled shoot got featured this afternoon on the amazing blog, Style Me Pretty! :) The ever-so-awesome Dena Swenson and Bethany Hway of b*spoke and I put our heads together a few weeks ago to do something "fun" this dead winter season....and THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED! I guess when you dream big and have fun in the process amazing things can happen!
I wish share more later this week but for now, check out the blog post and leave a little love for Abby at Style Me Pretty!!!
I wish share more later this week but for now, check out the blog post and leave a little love for Abby at Style Me Pretty!!!
4 comments so far
Dawn Marquart says:
Emily, saw your awesome photography on StyleMePretty! I never knew Mom's and Grandma's dishes could look so beautiful. The memories that they brought back were wonderful. I so love how you see ordinary things through your artists eyes and make them a thing of beauty to treasure. Blessings. Dawn Marie
(02.22.10 @ 3:59PM)
Melissa Bart says:
You and your entourage are spectacular! I checked out all the links you provided above. You all should be very proud. I am forever in love with your style.
Congratulations on the recognition. You deserve it!
(02.23.10 @ 9:56AM)
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Im doing the happy dance....
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Hattie and Dave COULD NOT have asked for a more perfect February day to celebrate their vows! The sky was clear (most of the day that is) the sun was partially out and the temps hit a balmy 20 degrees....a good day, in my mind, for a Minnesota wedding! :)
Their intimate wedding ceremony led way to a larger party upstairs at the St. James hotel as guests were greeted with hugs from the bride and groom and a tower of delish cupcakes at the reception! Hattie's details were wonderful with her purple, ivory and brown color palette and custom truffle boxes for guests as they left the party! She was even thrifty enough to find her designer Sophia Tolli wedding gown on craigslist for half the price of retail! :) I was impressed! :)
Every guest grinned ear to ear as they got greeted by Hattie and Dave at the reception doors---their love was contagious and their personalities perfect for each other! :)
Their intimate wedding ceremony led way to a larger party upstairs at the St. James hotel as guests were greeted with hugs from the bride and groom and a tower of delish cupcakes at the reception! Hattie's details were wonderful with her purple, ivory and brown color palette and custom truffle boxes for guests as they left the party! She was even thrifty enough to find her designer Sophia Tolli wedding gown on craigslist for half the price of retail! :) I was impressed! :)
Every guest grinned ear to ear as they got greeted by Hattie and Dave at the reception doors---their love was contagious and their personalities perfect for each other! :)
My *favorite* part of the night is when we went over (across the hall) to Jimmy's Pub where Hattie and Dave had their first date almost 2 years ago to the day! :) We just HAD to snap a few at "the table" where they first laid eyes on one another! :)
Hattie and Dave's amazing vendors! :)
Reception and Ceremony site: St. James Hotel in Red Wing, MN
Hair and Makeup: Indigo Salon
Dress: Sophia Toli
Florist: Ardesign
Cupcakes: Hanisch Bakery
Reception and Ceremony site: St. James Hotel in Red Wing, MN
Hair and Makeup: Indigo Salon
Dress: Sophia Toli
Florist: Ardesign
Cupcakes: Hanisch Bakery
6 comments so far
Anonymous says:
We love these pictures, they look great!! We can't wait to see the rest of them.
(02.14.10 @ 2:38PM)
Amy Hoyer says:
Great Pictures, absolutely beautiful!
(02.15.10 @ 8:21AM)
brenda plote says:
the most bueatiful bride ever the pics r wonderful what a perfect day
(02.15.10 @ 11:36AM)
Meta A Baylor says:
What a stunning couple! Well documented and stylishly put together with a fantastic format! Well done!
(02.18.10 @ 3:22PM)
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Red Wing Wedding Photographer . St James Hotel . Hattie & Dave
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Alright friends, I realize I have been MIA from the blogging front for awhile and I promise I have a reason for that! :) Not only was I in Chicago for a week (more to come on that later), but I ventured off to the wonderland of Southern California to meet up with some of the most stylish, rad and down-right nicest peeps in the wedding industry. Chenin Boutwell along side with the Wedding Chicks hosted, what I wholeheartedly believe, to be the best workshop on the planet. Not only were they laying all the cards on the table to answer our deepest, darkest questions, but they brought encouragement, education and tons of clarity to me! :) And for that I am sooo soo thankful! Be prepared to see some great changes from me in 2010....changes that will rock! Guaranteed! :) If any of you had been watching the news last week you have heard the sheer mess of rain that So Cal was getting......and despite my best efforts to chant to the sun gods for their golden rays to come out...it wasn't happening. It was friggin' El Nino producing tornado like winds and dumping monsoon amounts of rain on the poor state. None-the-less we rocked out a shoot with a bride and groom as soon as the clouds parted and also "OOooo'ed and awwweee'd" over the awesome reception set up that Angel Swanson poured over!
The details were *off the charts* for the reception set up! I LOOVEED this....
Chenin, Amy, Jocey, Doug and anyone and everyone else that had a hand in this rockstar experience I give you a giant HIGH FIVE and a virtual hug! So Cal is my new friend! :)
And another high five award goes out to these awesome vendors! :)
Styled by: Angel Swanson
Stationary: Wiley Valentine
Floral Design: The Treasured Petal
(the amazing) Dress Designer: Joan Shum
Makeup and hair: All Made Up Team
Desserts (mmmm): Vanilla Bakeshop
And another high five award goes out to these awesome vendors! :)
Styled by: Angel Swanson
Stationary: Wiley Valentine
Floral Design: The Treasured Petal
(the amazing) Dress Designer: Joan Shum
Makeup and hair: All Made Up Team
Desserts (mmmm): Vanilla Bakeshop
10 comments so far
kristine atienza says:
That was so much fun!! lol! I'm about to blog my too!! Gladys and I should def. come visit you and Anda in *wisco* just so we can eat again! oh and of course play with photography!! it was soooo great meeting you!!
(01.26.10 @ 12:25PM)
gladys jem says:
today is the day to blog the workshop eh? because i'm working on mine too. but emilyyyyyy i love these! you are so awesome! so glad we had the chance to meet and eat together. lol. you sure are a talent. keep up the great work! we'll visit soon ;)
(01.26.10 @ 12:35PM)
Jennifer Ballard says:
Wowzers! Emily, so wicked rad! You did such an amazing job!
(01.26.10 @ 1:14PM)
Amanda Rae says:
Thank you for making Mike and I look absolutely fabulous!!! It was so nice meeting you!
(01.27.10 @ 10:56AM)
Amber Strickler says:
oh em! i heart them oh so much!!!!! your details shots are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! ***swoon***
(01.27.10 @ 11:18AM)
maren says:
These are breathtaking! So AWESOME!
(02. 4.10 @ 12:41PM)
Laura Biebl says:
These are awesome. I LOVE all the locations and the colors are fabulous!
(02.15.10 @ 9:20PM)
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Stylelab!!!
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Since tonight many of us will be popping the bubblie, wearing sparkly party hats and kissing someone at the official turn of the New Year I thought it was only appropriate to look back over our *AMAZING* 2009 wedding season!
I am going to take just a small moment to brag about how fabulously awesome our couples and clients are; and never has this been more evident than as I sit here looking through all of their beautiful smiles and recap just how perfect each and every wedding was this year! Not only is each couple totally in love and thrilled to be getting married but they are *hands down* the most fun, photogenic, and happy clients around! :)
I am going to take just a small moment to brag about how fabulously awesome our couples and clients are; and never has this been more evident than as I sit here looking through all of their beautiful smiles and recap just how perfect each and every wedding was this year! Not only is each couple totally in love and thrilled to be getting married but they are *hands down* the most fun, photogenic, and happy clients around! :)
Ceremonies make me teary eyed *every time*....every time......
I love little kiddos at weddings.....and Hadley had me giggling all afternoon...
My most favorite ring shot of the year!!!!
Our receptions this year could also have been nominated for parties of the year...live bands, bonfires, props, photobooths......our receptions were hoppin'.....
Our receptions this year could also have been nominated for parties of the year...live bands, bonfires, props, photobooths......our receptions were hoppin'.....
And *OF COURSE* I love me some sunset photos.......beware 2010 couples I will drag you outside kicking and screaming if I have to in order to get some good ol' sun-ray photos! I promise you will kiss me for it later! :)
And if we don't get sunset....there is always moonlight! :)
Happy New Year......I wish you all many smooches, hugs and new memories at Mr and MRS in 2010! :)
Happy New Year......I wish you all many smooches, hugs and new memories at Mr and MRS in 2010! :)
4 comments so far
Karri Skelly says:
The pictures look great Emily! I'm hoping to get my new website up and running in 2010, and hopefully get some more business. Congrats on all of your success this last year! I hope it continues for many years to come. :o)
(12.31.09 @ 4:13PM)
Shay says:
:) Thanks for making our 2009 SO memorable! I can't help but smile when I look back at all the photos from that day!
(12.31.09 @ 7:27PM)
Jennifer Ballard says:
Fantastic photos Emily! So great to meet you and see your work!
(01.20.10 @ 11:14PM)
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Best of 2009...weddings!
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Dancing, laughing, Ninja kicking, fake mustaches, sword fighting & feather masks were just the tip of the ice-burg at Kristine and James *amazing* wedding in their photobooth a few weeks ago. I dare you not to laugh out loud while looking through these photos........
Apparently it is hard to smooch with a giant schnoz like that! WHO KNEW!?!?!? :)
Happy Marriage you 2 love birds! You were both lovely and stunning and gosh-darn it MADLY in love and it was a joy to be at your wedding! :)
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Kristine and James photobooth
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BEAUTIFUL!!! WOW!
(02.24.10 @ 6:17PM)I know I already commented on these pictures elsewhere, but seriously, iI want this wedding to be real so I can go to it!!!!!
(02.24.10 @ 6:47PM)So amazing Emily! Wowzers!
(02.24.10 @ 6:56PM)Emily, this turned out amazing! Everyone that pitched in did an awesome job!!! love the details! Nice job in only 2 weeks!!! :)
(02.25.10 @ 7:56AM)Wow, Emily!!! These are SO SO awesome! Love everything about them. The wide shot of the four of them in front of the barn is killer.
(02.25.10 @ 9:43PM)Unbelievable - you're amazing!
(02.26.10 @ 6:07PM)amazing!!!! beautiful work!!!!
(03. 1.10 @ 11:36AM)seriously, amazing. call me next time and i will help too!
(03. 2.10 @ 10:49AM)