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Erica & Matt - Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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What an awesome couple, and what an amazing shoot. On my drive from Milwaukee, I could tell the day was going rock; and it was entirely evident from the moment we began shooting, this couple is totally in love. That makes my work SO much easier. LOL
Erica was really into having a portion of her engagement shoot at a winery, so I set it up at the charming Cedar Creek Winery in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. A must stop if you're in the area. The old world stone structure and the large oak barrels provided the perfect setting, and our hosts graciously gave us carte blanche to the entire cellar. But then again there is only so much you can do in 20 minutes, as the wine tasting tours were about to begin. Drink UP! :)
From Cedarburg, we headed east towards Lake Michigan, made a few nature inspired stops with resplendent golden light, then hit the high dramatic slopes overlooking Lake Michigan just as the sun was beginning to set. I LOVE that time of day — long shadows and rich colors. It was jaw-dropping gorgeous.
I'm so looking forward to Erica and Matt's Wedding in Lake Geneva next week. YES!!!! It's next week already. SWEETNESS!!!!
Much love,
c
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Shoot With Beckstead - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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I'm the type of photographer that loves to push myself and grow. Any chance I get at a workshop, I'm jumping in with an open mind — I'm like a sponge. Seriously! Where was this verve in High School? LOL ...So far in 2009 I've attended the Digital Wedding Photographers Forum Convention in Carefree, Arizona. In April I attended celebrity wedding photographer Joe Buissink's seminar. In May I joined a group of Milwaukee wedding photographers for a little Milwaukee wedding photography shootout. In June I ventured to Red Wing, Minnesota for a border war wedding photography shootout; and that brings me to September, 2009.
This past weekend I attended an intensive three day photography workshop from world acclaimed wedding photographer, David Beckstead. And by intensive; yes, it was intensive. On Monday night I was up until 3 am editing and working on the day's captures. Tuesday we had a six hour critique session, then we all went out again and shot until 9 pm. Lord knows why I put myself through this for my brides; but with every fiber of my being, I entirely believe it's worth it. :)
This was my second "Shoot With Beckstead" workshop, first being in Minneapolis in May of 2008. Dave's philosophy seems to be a bit different in that he wants each photographer to develop their own style. He'll set up a scene, explain what he's doing, then shoot the scene his way. Then he releases the photographers to shoot the scene their way, thinking about rules of composition; when to use them, when to break them. He really forces photographers to see their surroundings differently. This Milwaukee workshop took place at Milwaukee Art Museum, in the Santiago Calatrava Quadracci Pavilion, downtown Milwaukee in the historic Third Ward, and on Tuesday night we wandered into the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. In a word, all I can say is "WOW"!
I absolutely love the way Dave's workshops force me out of my "comfort zone" and push my creativity. I can't wait to see where this past workshop takes my photography. I have to give a special shout out to the host, Wendy Gunderson and her amazing Sunday night fiesta, the totally auspicious David Beckstead, and our gorgeous models; Elena Altoro, Angela Altoro and Rachel Jacques. Thank you so much for making this workshop possible.
Enjoy!
c
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Jennifer & Nick - Haven, Wisconsin
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This post has been a long time coming....well....a few weeks, anyway. And to say this was one of the most difficult weddings to edit down to a manageable number would be an understatement. It was literally a couple of days of agony. After I finished my first edit, I had to walk away for the rest of the day. Then I went through a second edit....and a third. My process has never yielded a third edit for any wedding. But there were so many amazing moments and incredible photos from this wedding, it was too difficult to whittle down in two edits.
Not only are Jen and Nick blessed with wonderful friends and family, they were blessed with good luck. A little drizzle started the day, which had me buggin' because I forgot my rain gear, then a nice soft cloud cover graced the ceremony. By the time we left Whistling Straits, and made our way to the The Bull at Pinehurst Farms, the sun broke through the clouds. The light was so amazing we spent an additional 30-minutes shooting portraits. And you should know me by now, I can't put anyone in short grass. It's too boring. I had the wedding party in grasses up to their waists, and we flat-out killed it!
It was an incredible journey from beginning to end, and I feel entirely privileged to have spent an entire day with you and your families.
Much love and many blessings,
c
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Rachel & Robert - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Ceremony: St. John's Military Academy Nobel Victory Memorial Chapel
Reception: Palms Bistro & Bar
You may remember the first part of this story from back in April, when Rachel and Robert were officially married in Madison, during a small wedding at the Dane County Courthouse. Now fast forward to August 21st in Delafield, Wisconsin, where Rachel and Robert were married in a wonderful ceremony at St. John's Military Academy. Delafield is easily one of my favorite locations in southeast Wisconsin. It's quite close to Milwaukee, yet feels worlds away. Case in point, the Nobel Victory Memorial Chapel has a traditional old English stature, add the overcast sky with a light sprinkling of rain, and POOF! you're whisked away to another time and place. It was easy to lose myself in those surroundings.
The reception was held at the Palms Bistro & Bar, in Milwaukee's Third Ward; which felt like an english pub in and of itself, albeit with a modern flair. And since I love working with Rachel & Robert, heading outside to the Milwaukee Riverfront was easy-peasy for an amazing portrait session. Above all, the day was filled with love and laughter. These two are surrounded with such amazing family and friends, and I feel entirely blessed to have photographed their wedding. ........again. :)
Much love,
c
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