Jessie & Jon | August 14, 2010 | Engagement Party / Wedding & Reception | SURPRISE

I first met Jessie & Jon a few months ago when she contacted me about photographing her “Engagement Party”.  She informed me that they were going to have a Destination Wedding but wanted to throw a big Engagement party ahead of time instead of a reception afterwards.  Once she officially hired me as their photographer for the day she let me in on the BIG secret surprise that very very few people were aware of :

They were actually going to be getting married that day!

I was SO excited & pumped to be apart of such a fun event.  Both Jessie & Jon wanted to have a fun, low-key event that they could celebrate their love for one another amongst their closest friends & family.  I can’t believe they were actually able to hold this little secret in!

We started the day at Jessie & Jon’s house as they were putting on the final touches.  It was super sweet to capture those moments with the two of them prior to their wedding.  This opportunity doesn’t present itself very often, so when it does it’s a lot of fun!

We had almost 2 1/2 hours prior to the start of the festivities at Prairie Woods.  That allowed us some time to drive around in my Mini-Van (incognito) to a few different locations to shoot some amazing Bridal portraits!  Thanks for sweatin’ it out with us guys!

Also, who ever said Mini-van’s are just for soccer moms?  They come in handy when you want to hide your wedding clients from suspecting guests!

When we arrived at Prairie Woods Jessie & Jon immediately went into hiding downstairs while we waited up stairs with the guests.  It wasn’t long before people were starting to ask us if we had seen Jessie & Jon & the whispers started as to why they were late?  Where were they?

Approximately 6:00pm, the DJ announced that he had received a phone call from Jessie & Jon & that they decided to call of the Engagement…..

….Because they were getting married today!

At that moment everyone turned to the back & saw Jon & Jessie arrive on a golf cart & enter the reception!  The looks, sounds & remarks were priceless!  They did it, they pulled off the surprise & it was worth it!

Jessie & Jon then went directly into their wedding ceremony & the evening progressed into a fun wedding reception for all of their guests!

Thanks again Jon & Jessie for having us along to document this special day!  You were absolutely fabulous to work with!

Enjoy your sneak peeks & be sure to stop by our Natale Photography Facebook page to view the Wedding Fusion DVD Slideshow

s. {natale}

The beautiful Bride.

Jessie had told me on several occasions how much she LOVED caffeine.  She said, if she could she’d have it pumping into her through an iv.

How often does a Bride help get her future husband dressed on their wedding day?

The following two shots are from my fabulous second shooter :: Michelle b.  Absolutely love love LOVE this one.  Favorite of hers from the entire day.

{So glad we had her climb up top that steep hill to get these shots, totally worth it, great job MB!!}

Welcome to the Tallman House in Janesville.  In my opinion, it is an up & coming treasure.   I love the grounds & the inside is even more amazing.  Hoping that they will open up to host small weddings and receptions there soon.

The venue looked beautiful.  Check the old-fashioned microphone, love it.

Here is one of their first moments after the big SURPRISE was revealed to their guests

The Mom’s reactions ::

J & J, went right into their ceremony.  Overlooking the golf course.

Another fun capture from the fabulous Michelle B.

Cake shot + Pyscho face = fun twist on traditional wedding photograph

First dance as husband & wifey.

Vendors:

Venue :: Prairie Woods Golf Course

Flowers :: Floral Expressions

Brayton is so fabulous in front of the camera.  He always has a surprise waiting for me around the corner of the lens.  His eyes are crazy awesome.

His parents & I met a few years back at the Rock County Bridal Fair.  They own an amazing stationary store on Madison’s West side, called

The Paper Deli Store

If you haven’t had an opportunity to swing into their store, you have to.  They have fabulous unqiue gifts, cards & also drop dead gorgeous invitations.  So if you are getting married?  You’ve got to check them out.  {wow I’m like a commercial}  No seriously.  They have some great stuff, make sure & swing by the next time your in Madison.

Then even carry these :

HARVEYS Seatbelt Bags

Moving on, oh yes Brayton.

We had a wonderful morning shooting Brayton’s 3 1/2 year session.  They picked me up early a.m. so we could scope out locations together & what sweet clients, there was a Starbucks Latte waiting for me.  {thanks}

Enjoy the Sneak Peek

s. {natale}

ms. Katelynn recently celebrated her big O-N-E birthday.

It has been such a fun year watching her grow up & capture her at a variety of stages.  She is such a cute, sweet smiley baby! Which makes our jobs as photographers a lot easier.

We decided to do her 1 year session back where we started, at home.  We shot Katelynn’s newborn session at their home & I loved the light, the windows & the decor of their home.

Some of you may actually remember the image that was published on the cover of Tots Trends Weekly last year at this time.  That was little miss Katelynn, during our newborn session :

And here she is now :

I fell in love with this framing & the bright blue sky!

One year prior ::

K & her buddies

Enjoy the sneak peaks & be sure to check out Natale Photography Facebook page for a special fusion video of this session!

s. {natale}

Recently I had the opportunity to photograph Brian, a soon to be Senior @ Milton High School.

We shot a variety of locations, downtown Janesville area & a bit outside of town for his running/biking shots.

Brian loves to run & bike & so we wanted to make sure & encorporate that into his session.

I had a great time chatting ‘photog stuff with you Brian, best of luck!

Enjoy the sneak peak

s. {natale}

{personal}

This has been a crazy past few weeks full of sessions, engagement parties – turned weddings & getting ready for my little guy to start Kindergarten. (whaa?)

We actually received their backpacks today in the mail & OMgosh simply adorable.

mr. gabe = kindergarten

miss. lucy = first year of preschool

I can not believe how fast they grow up, geesh.

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{links}

There have been a lot of useful articles and/or links circulating recently & I thought it would be helpful to do a small BLOG post with this links all in one location.

Are Digital Files Included in My Baby Photography Session?

10 Reasons Professional Photographers Charge What They Do

Utterly Engaged : A new online Wedding Magazine

How to have the Perfect Newborn Photography Session

This particular link is written by the wonderful & talented Mandie Haberman from Red Gecko Studio

How To Be a Great GWC :: {guest with camera}

If you are a photographer & don’t know who Jeff & Allison Rodgers are you have been living under a rock .  Sorry it is true.  They are fabulous & offer some amazing things for photographers, check out lbobi : the little blog of big ideas

Here is a fun debate :: Messy or Tidy workspace ??

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{networking}

Photogs, Photogs & MORE Photogs

Being a part of this industry not only means that we get to meet & photograph amazing clients but we as Professional Photographers also get to meet, work with, laugh with & bounce ideas off from other fabulous photographers.

This past year, this area has really expanded & I’m very grateful for all of the new friends both in person & online (for those that live too far away).

I think that sometimes people in this industry get too caught up in competition & worry about sharing information.  I truly believe in the exact opposite.  When you open yourself up to share, & learn from each other the possibilities are endless!

xoxo

Pictured below :

Rebecca Eby :: Studio Noveau

Mandie Haberman :: Red Gecko Studio

Cammie Holterman :: Red Gecko Studio

Amanda Reseburg :: Type A Images

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{business}

I received such a SWEET SWEET gift this afternoon from my UPS man.  He delivered a Thank-You gift  sent from my Bride & Groom {Jessie & Jon} that had a fabulous  Engagement Party/Wedding Reception this past weekend!  Thanks SO much J & J for the gift.  Thank YOU for allowing us to share in your day & document the amazing surprise!  Look for the BLOG post very soon!

Here is a picture of my yummy treat

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{business – announcements}

FALL PORTRAIT DAYS

Stay tuned for the release of the Fall Session dates.  We’ve done these for the past 4 years & will continue to schedule a day both @ Beckman Mill & probably another location, perhaps in Evansville.  One day will be in September & the other will be in October.  Spots WILL be limited to 5 each day.  Please contact the studio if you are interested in the information.  Hoping to roll out the details early next week

SCHEDULE CHANGE

More information to come, but starting January 2011, Natale Photography will have more set weekday hours & will be limiting the weekend availability.
Very excited about this new change!

NEW OFFERING ::

Boutique Pet Photography, NEW in 2011

Stay tuned for details.

Here is an image of our newest addition, Violet.

I recently flew to Michigan for the day to photograph a fabulous family before they take off on their next adventure : Japan.

I met Beth & Andrew a few years ago when I started photographing their then newborn : Ruby.  They lived in Madison @ the time & we had the opportunity to photograph at their home as well as at the state capital for a super fun Christmas session.

A lot has happened for this cute family between then & now.  Janna & Gwyn arrived last August while they were temporarily living in Denmark & you may remember a BLOG post earlier this year from when I traveled to MI to photograph the Robinson clan while they were home visiting for the holidays.

Click here to see that session.

It has been my pleasure to work with you guys & watch the girls grow up & get more beautiful every time I see them!

Safe travels to Japan & looking forward to next time!

s. {natale}

——————-

Miss Janna {1 year}

Miss Gwyn {1 year}

Daddy & his girls

Happy FIRST Birthday Janna & Gwyn

Miss Ruby is so proud of her little sisters.

The next two images just melt my heart.

Janna & her cupcake

Gwyn & her cupcake

Janna & Gwyn, finishing up their yummy cupcakes – glad we saved this until the end of the session!

Kim & Kevin are expecting a little boy in a few short weeks & recently came into the studio for a maternity session.

I met Kim over 3  years ago.  She was the attending nurse for a birth I photographed at St. Mary’s.  I photographed her & Kevin’s daughters Jasmine & Tia, & was so excited to hear they were expecting baby #3 & it was a sweet little boy!

So excited to meet him @ his newborn session & enjoy your sneak peak!

s. {natale}

I know this shot has been done a million & one times, but I still get many couples who request it.  For some reason it really worked for me this time.  I love how this shot fell together for them!

So notice the band on Kevin’s hand.  On the flip side it says “It’s a boy” & he wears it every day, how CUTE is that?

Here is one of the big sisters :: Jasmine

Big Sister.

Lindsey & Eric were married on a beautiful Friday in the Wisconsin Dells, at the Wilderness Resort & Conference Center.  This was my first time shooting at the Wilderness & I was very very impressed.  It is a beautiful venue & things were very well organized.  You are able to have your ceremony & reception within a few feet from each other & the view is absolutely stunning!  Not to mention you are in the Wisconsin Dells, so spots for other shooting locations are endless!!

I had the very wonderful & talented Laura Zastrow along with me 2nd shooting.  It was our first time working together & I had a great time!  Make sure to check out her fabulous work! {thanks again Laura for your fantastic & creative ideas & all your hard work – especially with being preggo with bebe #3}

I think I said a million times that day, how perfect it was!  We had a relaxing morning/early afternoon of getting ready & prepared for an afternoon of shooting.  They had a late afternoon ceremony time & with them choosing to see each other before the ceremony we were able to hit a lot of fun pre-ceremony locations!  Thanks for being up for all of the ideas that Laura & I threw @ you guys – even some of them infested with mosquitos!

We had blast documenting your day & enjoyed working with your fabulous wedding party & family!

Enjoy your sneak peaks!

s. {natale}

Little powder anyone?

I’ve seen many different “Bridesmaid” shirts, but this one takes the cake!

Lindsey & Eric opted to see each other prior to the wedding.  I absolutely love love love LOVE it when B & G’s have that special moment beforehand.  I think the images we get are amazing & the emotion is so fresh & new.  This worked out perfect, especially because we ended up having the ceremony inside (due to the rain) but at least the first time they saw each other on their wedding day had this beautiful view!

I like to call this the mosquito dance.

This one makes me smile, A LOT.

Welcome to the random dirt/sand pile we found while scouting for locations

We did a similar shot like this @ L&E’s Engagement session outside my studio.  So when we found this spot the day of their wedding, I knew it was a must have!

The two fathers, moments before the ceremony

Love this end of ceremony shot!  They are ready to party!

Ok so the love between Eric & his mom was just TOO much.  Loved watching them together!

When all else fails, look in the bathroom for a great location for your ring shot

Vendor Props:

Ceremony & Reception Venue :: Wilderness Resort and Conference Center

Bridal Consultant :: Anna Powers & Nancy Wilcox {nannybydesign@aol.com}

Cake :: Anna Powers & Nancy Wilcox {nannybydesign@aol.com}

Music/DJ :: Juke Box Bandstand

Flowers :: Wild Apples Floral

Alterations :: Nonna’s Tailoring & Tuxes

Photographer Props ::

Many many many thanks to the wonderful

Laura Zastrow, from Laura Zastrow Photography {Madison Wis}

Teja turns 16!!

Recently I had the opportunity to photography Teja’s 16th birthday in Madison, Wisconsin.  It was at the Eagle Heights Community Center

It was a wonderful party, full of great friends, family & outstanding food.   I just absolutely love photographing families that are so friendly, outgoing & fun!

I was able to take Teja aside & do some shots of just her & also her family.  Thanks for having me, it was great getting to meet you all!

s.N

The proud Mom.

The Family

Enjoy the Sneak Peak

{S. Natale}

Liz & Tim were married on a warm but beautiful July saturday.

Everything went smoothly & it was SO MUCH fun to work with you both & your wonderful friends & family.

I was just tickled pink when Liz presented Michelle & I with a homemade bottle of wine as a “thank-you”  Seriously how cute is that?

Enjoy the Sneak Peak L & T!

{S. Natale}

We found these ducks (Liz love’s duckies) in her bedroom while taking other detail shots before the wedding.  They were perfect ring holders.

Liz – your dress was amazing.

L & T’s custom Chuck Taylor’s for the wedding.  I absolutely loved the “I heart Liz” on Tim’s shoe!

Absolutely stunning, Liz.

Almost show time, daddy.  {Michelle this was my FAVORITE shot of yours that day, way to go – amazing moment}

Ok, so the ceremony part requires a little back story ::

Liz & Tim had previously decided to see each other prior to the wedding, for many reasons.  One was to do some photos ahead of time & the other reason was to help relieve any nervousness/anxiety.  However, God had other plans that day.  As it turns out, we kind of ran out of time to see each other ahead of time & we decided that we would just change things up @ the last minute & the first time Tim was going to see his bride would be when they opened the doors to that church.  I was SO excited for this because a few days prior Liz had contacted me about getting a song from me that I have on my website {& it is royalty free so I knew I could share & not feel guilty about it}.  This was a SURPRISE to Tim, he loved this song & she wanted to surprise him & walk down the isle to that song.

So when we decided to move forward with not seeing each other before the wedding – I knew it was going to be an uber cool moment when Tim saw Liz for the first time…

I got chills.  So glad we made that call guys.

Married!

Who does not like a vintage old car on your wedding day?

Right as we started family photos, it was requested that we get a shot of Liz’s Grandparents, who will celebrate their 56th Wedding Anniversary this October.  Congrats to you Glen & Mary, how CUTE are you!

?!Fish Face?!

Funny to think in a few months I’ll be back here getting a Christmas tree…  Beautiful piece of land.

Seriously, you guys are adorable.

Reception :

MOH = Sister of the Bride = Speech = Lovely

Little Camel {from Afghanistan} in honor of L & T’s friend serving our country that couldn’t be there to celebrate that day.

FOB = Father of the Bride = Watching his sweet little girl, all grown up on her wedding

Can someone say Cookie Bar?

Fun games for the kids… and adults

So Tim & Liz are not Badger Fans by heart, so a few family members decided it was time to put on a little Badger pride & turn the newly wedded couple into UW Madison fans.  Did it work?

Ending our night outside with a few night-time shots

Vendors:

Church :: St. Jude Catholic Church

Reception :: Williams Tree Farm