Studio Noveau Blog

Wow.  When I announced the photo session giveaway contest, I didn’t expect that choosing a winner would be so difficult!  Thank you to everyone who entered.  There were 22 comments entered, and it was difficult narrow it down to even the top five entries!  But… I did it.  Drumroll, please!

The winner is… Angela and Ben!  Here is Angela’s entry:

• I think it could be awesome to do a high fashion photo shoot at a Christmas tree farm.  Ben in a full Tuxedo (along with bow tie) carrying an axe and chopping down a tree. I would be in a formal evening gown… I’m thinking black satin and lots of sparkles! I’d wear a lot of over the top accessories and jewelry, a faux fur coat, and faux fur boots. We’d bring our dogs, and we’d stomp around in such a juxtaposition that I think the pictures could be awesome! I keep thinking this could be great for our Christmas card this year! And we’d probably get some really awkward looks romping around in formal attire, followed by a photographer, and chopping down a tree.

As I was reading her entry, I kept thinking how fun this particular session sounded, and getting all these great visuals in my mind of what the pictures would look like.  Congratulations, guys!

Because there were so many great entries, I decided I couldn’t give away just one session.  Though it was hard, I narrowed down the list to four additional sessions that really showed some creativity.  This is where you all enter the picture.  Please vote on the “People’s Choice” award by leaving a comment below.  The entry with the most comments below will win a free session as well!

So?  What do YOU all think?  Please comment below with the name of the girl you think should win the People’s Choice session!

Thanks again to everyone who entered. This was an extremely difficult decision and so many of you had wonderful ideas!

With wedding season winding down for the year, I’m looking for a unique portrait session idea.  Hoping to get an engagement session scheduled?  Want to put on your dress for a Trash the Dress session?  Want to get a little Sassy Boudoir?  Looking for an updated family portrait? Need a photo for your website/promotional materials?

To enter the contest: Leave a comment below.  That’s it!  You must comment on an idea you have for a fun, unique portrait session. The sky is the limit… get creative! I’ll choose the winner based on the awesomeness of the idea.  :)

Two rules:
1) Must take place between November and April

2) Location should be in Wisconsin or Eastern Iowa

If you don’t want to enter the contest, but have a great idea for a session, feel free to add your comment and note that you aren’t entering the contest.

Madison Wisconsin Dells Wedding Photographer

From the moment I met Cathy and Chris, I knew their wedding would be fun. So many things about them were awesome: great sense of humor, goofy moments between them, and an incredible sense of style. This wedding was very classy!

Ceremony: St. Sebastian, Milwaukee
Reception: Hotel Metro, downtown Milwaukee
Wedding Day Coordinator: Dorothy of Blush Planning

Special thanks to Jen, my fabulous second shooter, who made the trip with me to Milwaukee. We started out at a local park for some family formals. While we were there, we stopped by this amazing stone bridge for a few images of Cathy and Chris. You may remember this location from the “behind the scenes” video I posted a while back.

I even did some minor rock climbing, risking my life (well, maybe just my cameras!) to get this next shot. I love it!

One of my favorite fun facts about this couple was how long they dated. They hold the record for any of my clients… 13 years! And one of my favorite things about this wedding was their theme. They had lots of beautiful damask. Hmm, not sure if you can tell, but I adore damask. I mean, just check out my logo, blog, album packaging, ect. Love it. Here is their program:

The incredibly gorgeous cathedral they were married in, St. Sebastian’s:

I love this little moment between them:

And this one…

Their priest was great! I love when the officiant is both fun and delivers a meaningful ceremony. He asked the entire congregation to raise their hands to bless the couple. This image taken by Jen:

The kiss!

Once we got to Hotel Metro, we headed upstairs to take a few shots at Zen on 7, their rooftop bar. We only had a few minutes before a private party started, but we got a couple fun shots with downtown Milwaukee in the background.

Two of my favorite shots of the day were actually completely unplanned while on the way back to the reception. This was the reception area outside the elevator, then inside the elevator. Fun!

The reception:

In case you missed the table detail:

They had these fantastic jazz musicians. I love jazz.

Jen captured this shot during their first dance:

And of course, what would I be thinking if I didn’t post one of my famous ring shots?

Chris and Cathy, thanks for a great day! Congratulations on FINALLY allowing those pigs to fly.

Once upon a time lived a girl named Amanda. And she fell in love with a boy named Ross. They got married. I was lucky enough to be able to be there and take pictures of their day. It was wonderful.

Ceremony: St. Mary’s in Viroqua
Reception: Pedretti’s Party Barn, Viroqua

I started out the day with the girls as they got ready at the church. My awesome second shooter, Jen, joined me and started out with the guys. While the girls were doing this:

The boys were doing this:

(Two above photos taken by the amazing Jen.)

We did some separate group shots. While we did some at the altar of the church, I just really liked these ones with the stained glass window:

I love this one of Amanda and her parents, and of Father Cook at the altar. (Next two taken by Jen, the rest by me.)

We headed to the park and local jail for pictures. No, it wasn’t a currently functioning jail… it was the historic (very cool looking) jail building that is currently used as offices. But I still liked it.



Here’s that jail! Notice the bars on the windows…

After a quick stop at Chaser’s for a celebratory cocktail, we all headed out to Pedretti Party Barn. I love this place… cool old barn, vineyards, and good times for all.

I love cool ring shots, and every wedding I try to get something fun and different. What do you think?

Does this shot look familiar? It’s the color version of the image that won third place in the recent “Best of Wedding Day” contest.

Don’t forget, for first-hand sneak previews of sessions and weddings PLUS special promotion announcements, make sure to join Studio Noveau Photography on Facebook!