This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in a fabulous event,

EngagedMilwaukee | Milwaukee’s Wedding Planner & Guide Show

It was the first year under new management & I think Brian & Jes did an outstanding job in less than 5 months that they had to get this off the ground!

The event took place @ the Frontier Airline Center in Milwaukee & was on Saturday & Sunday.

The ever fantastic David Tutera from My Fair Wedding was there on Saturday & I had the pleasure of meeting him & photographing both the presentation & the autograph signing afterwards.  I can not say enough wonderful things about him.

What a sweet man that truly loves what he does & the people he works with.

It was also my pleasure to be the official show photographer, thanks Jes & Brian again for the opportunity!

Looking forward to our Summer show @ the Pritzloff building!

The branding was just top notch.  Loved the logo, loved the colors.  Everything came together perfectly.

These were the stickers the Bride & Grooms wore when they arrived.  Pink for ladies, Grey for the men.

So much better than the stickers that say “I’m the Bride”

My full page ad inside this year’s book

My booth this year, came together just as I had envisioned.

So many people to thank!  The husband for one who helped load & unload & put together everything you see here.  Couldn’t have done it with out him.

Also Michelle, my 2nd shooter for driving down in the snow to deliver brand new prints & albums that were just delivered, you are the best, truly.

Also some of the items in my booth were rented from

A la Crate Vintage Rentals in Madison, Wisconsin

They are AMAZING.  Working with Sarah was fabulous.  Such a sweet lady & a lovely business.

A la Crate Vintage Rentals :: Website

A la Crate Vintage Rentals :: Facebook Page

Note : If you are planning a wedding & looking for unique, recycled, refurbished, props with a vintage feel, you must check them out.

Brian & Jes, moments before David Tutera went on stage.

Job well done guys, job well done!

David you were adorable from the get go.  Your smile, your enthusiasm for helping others is amazing & is an inspiration to everyone in the wedding industry!

Thank  you for an amazing show & for taking the time to great all of your fans, every last one of them.

Melissa was David’s personal helper that day while he was at the show & she had the pleasure of doing his introduction, great job Melissa.

Loved these shots as David came to stage.  {Thank-you Michelle B}

Loved this moment between Brian & Jes during the show.  All this hard work, paid off.  A sigh of relief perhaps!

David was so intent on answering questions & helping others

Absolutely adorable.  Your smile is contagious.

Getting ready to meet his fans & sign autographs.

The show provided the photographs for David to sign, everyone loved it!

Janelle from evenement {event design & consulting}

Scott & Cathy from Ambiance Studios

Mia from MiaS Photo LLC

The fabulous Michelle B & David

Yours truly.

These little girls came up at the end, they were there for a birthday party.

Dad brought them all out {I believe they were around 9 years old} to meet David Tutera

SO cute!

The fabulous EngagedMilwaukee team!

Now to say that Melissa loves David, is an understatement

…and this shot really says a lot about who David is.

100% completely genuine.

So honored to be able to meet him & spend some time with him.  I’m now fully addicted to his show!

Adorable couple that was there the entire weekend for entertainment in the main lounge area.  They were so lovely.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios supplied dancers who danced through out the weekend, demonstrating what a Bride & Groom’s first dance could be like if they took lessons from their studio.  Makes me want to take lessons!

Thanks again Brian & Jes!  It was a great event!

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{the deets}

Amanda Therese {Paralegal, from Sterling Heights, MI}

Robert Edward {Special Education Teacher Aide and Coach, from Naperville, IL}

Date you met {May 16, 2008}

First Date {Rob cooked me chicken fajitas at my apartment and we watched Bull Durham}

Date you were engaged {September 14, 2011}

Three words to describe your proposal story {All the firsts}

Favorite Date you went on {with your fiancé}

He took me on a ‘Mandy date’ about 2 months into our relationship because I told him no guy really actually had treated me like I was supposed to be treated.  He brought me flowers and we went to Harry Carays steakhouse in Lombard, because it was a fancy restaurant with a sports theme.  We then went to a musical called ‘Curtains’ because he knew I liked mysteries.

Three words that describe your Fiance

Rob for Mandy : Compassionate, Beautiful, Exciting

Mandy for Rob : Funny, thoughtful, dorky

Looking forward to the wedding because

All of our friends and family from around the country get to celebrate with us.

We’re awesome because…

we compliment each other

Wedding Date & Location

August 4, 2012

Ceremony: First Presbyterian, Mt. Clemens, MI

Reception: MacRay Harbor, Harrison Twp., MI

They love love love LOVE baseball.  Probably more than any other couple I’ve every met.  Mandy’s goal is to make it all 30 stadiums before she turns 30 & I believe she only has 2-3 left.

Their wedding will consist of many baseball related things & considering on their first date they watched Bill Durham, I’d say it was a match made in heaven.

Michelle & I had a blast & we hope you enjoy all of your images!  Can’t wait to see you again in Michigan next year!

{stephanie natale}

Mandy & Rob | E-session | Chicago Illinois

Mandy & Rob met literally less than a block from Wrigley Field, so naturally it was a perfect setting to start our session.

We had one 1/2 hour inside Wrigley Field & had to work fast but we came away with some great images!

{If you want more information about having your session inside Wrigley Field, contact the management there}

This is Rob’s “Coach” shot.  The fabulous image to the left was shot by the wonderful Michelle Martin who accompanied me to Chicago for their e-session. Thanks again Michelle!

So I love this series of shots.  I often will tell my couples to cuddle in close & for the husband {or fiance} to gently lean over & appear as though he is sneaking a peek down her shit.

My hopes usually is that it is more a subtle, soft approach.  But Rob had his own idea & hey, we went with it.

Thanks Rob steppin’ it up a notch!

Our next stop after Wrigley Field was North Ave Beach, downtown Chicago.

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Chris & Crystal

Friday August 19 2011

Venue | Veteran’s Terrace, Burlington Wisconsin

Entertainment | Live band : Kind of a Big Deal

To view Chris & Crystal’s Chicago Engagement Session, click here.

One of my favorite places I’ve shot at this year has got to be the Veteran’s Terrace in Burlington Wisconsin.

C & C had thee absolute perfect day for an outside ceremony.

I can’t really put into words how cute these two are together.  Simply put, they make my job look easy.

C & C opted to have a first look which was just lovely & allowed us ample shooting time that afternoon before the ceremony & even a bit afterwards to head downtown Burlington to find a oh so fabulous BLUE wall.

The reception, was laid back, fun & was led by the boys from “Kind of a Big Deal” band out of Janesville.

WOW, they were amazing & it was a blast watching everyone enjoy themselves!

Chris & Crystal : best wishes to you as you start your life together, it was such an honor to be a part of your big day {stephanie}

The next two images were shot by my second shooter Michelle B.  {thanks again, you’re the best!}

This wonderful image was captured by my absolutely fabulous second shooter, Michelle B.  {thanks!}

This one too

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Megan & Andy Lewis

Saturday August 6, 2011

I can not say enough wonderful things about Megan, Andy & their families.

Really & truly it shows in their relationships & the guests that attended their wedding & everyone that knows this family.

It was so much fun to document & Megan & Andy had a beautiful August day to celebrate with everyone.

I just love love love M & A’s story.  They have literally known each other forever & dated long long ago in grade school & even went to a school dance together.

They went their separate ways & started dating again a few years later, and the rest as they say, is history.

This past year during our time together it has been such a pleasure to get to know Megan & Andy.

Thanks again for a wonderful day & keep in touch!

Also a big thank-you to the fabulous Andrea, from Andrea Paradowski Photography for second shooting with me that day, she did a fabulous job!

{s. natale}

Vendors

Ceremony Venue : St. William Catholic Church {Janesville, Wisconsin}

Reception Venue : Eclipse Center {Beloit, Wisconsin}

Hair|Makeup Salon : A Glo {Janesville, Wisconsin}

DJ : Juke Box Bandstand {Madison, Wisconsin}

Catering|Decorations : Best Events Catering {Janesville, Wisconsin}

Seeing her Dad for the first time, before he walks her down the aisle.

Wonderful image taken by the fabulous Andrea Paradowski Photography who second shot with me that day!

Ahh, Grandpa.  Loved your Bow Tie.

Megan & Andy went on their first date here @ this Mini-golf place.  It was a must for day-of portraits.

Seriously could you BE any cuter?

Another fabulous shot from Andrea {Thank-you!}

Love this one too, taken by Andrea

These two bouquet shots were taken by Andrea @ the reception with some of the decorative pillows.  Love how they turned out, Thanks Andrea!

One of the many beautiful tables @ the reception.

I must admit, one of thee most craziest Bridal Party entrances, the award goes to Megan’s sister Laura.  She was one brave girl to come in on his shoulders!

Megan & Andy’s entrance.  Loved Andrea’s view here.  Andy’s a cop, which explains this shot perfectly.

Megan’s parents watching the slideshow as the surprise unfolds.

Megan & her sister & I put together a surprise ending to the day of slideshow shown @ the reception.

It consisted of images from her parents relationship because Megan & Andy were married on her parents’ anniversary.

Such a sweet sweet family!

Megan’s aunts had a HUGE surprise for her @ the reception.  They did a skit involving the “long lost” bridesmaids.

A bridesmaids through the years so to speak.

It was so hilarious & wonderful to watch Megan see this surprise unfold.

Outside for our traditional, end of the night shots.  Which was a much needed few moments of silence for the busy Bride & Groom before they went back in & joined their guests for the next few hours of their reception.

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Karen & Will

July 30, 2011

Lake Mills, Wisconsin

I’ve known Karen now for at least 5 years & it was such a pleasure to work with her & Will on their wedding day.

Karen : you were just simply stunning, the dress, the details, everything.  Fabulous job friend.

Will : your smile is just so dang contagious & I couldn’t help but smile every time you would look over @ your new wife

Lake Mills Golf Course gives way to many different opportunities for portraits & thanks to a few fabulous Golf Card drivers we were able to take advantage of them all!

K & W had a late afternoon/early evening wedding under a big flowing tree with the wind blowing from behind.

The day was full of laughter & special special moments, shared with friends & family.

Thanks for having me apart of your day K & W, enjoy all of your  images!

{s.natale}

A few moments before their first look.

The rings featured in the “Wedding Drink” of the evening, Martini.

Perfect photo bomb

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If you are planning a 2012 or 2013 Wedding {or know someone who is} be sure to make plans to stop by the

Quality Inn & Suites in Madison Wisconsin

Sunday October 16, 2011 for a fabulous {FREE} Bridal Show.

Please note that we are 1/2 booked for 2012 already & a few months are officially closed {August & September}.  If you are currently planning a wedding, consider booking early to reserve your date & make sure that it is available.

We are actively booked for 2012 dates, especially for the months of May-July as well as 2013.

Be sure to check out our Natale Photography Facebook page & stay up to date on availability & booked dates!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

s {natale}

Francine & Kyle

July 16, 2011

Ceremony | Rock Prairie United Presbyterian Church

Venue | Pontiac Convention Center

Catering & Decorations | Best Events

Hair | Robin’s Nest Salon

Video | Frogman Productions

Engagement Session | Kyle & Francine E-session {BLOG}

Francine & Kyle were married on a fabulous summer day, which I was so thankful for considering our E-session was a wee bit chilly that day.

They both come from farming families & so in planning for the portraits that day it was very important to both of them that we were outside.

We wanted the images to reflect them, who they were & what their relationship is about.

Luckily the ceremony was located at a Rock Prairie which is out in the country & surrounded by plenty of farm land, it was so perfect for F & K.

F & K are surrounded by large families & a great group of friends that care for them both & love them, which made our job that day, much easier.

We started out @ Robin’s Nest Salon in Milton for the girls’ hair & headed to Francine’s house to get ready.

We soon met Kyle @ the church where they had their first look prior to the ceremony.

I love it when couples choose this option because it allows us so much extra time for portraits.  We were able to do all Family & Bridal party portraits prior to the ceremony.

The reception was at the Pontiac Convention center in Janesville & looked so elegant decorated in the Black & White color theme they had chosen for their wedding.

So classic, so beautiful.

We had a blast documenting your day Francine & Kyle!

{s.natale}

Moments before their “First Look”

Perfect ring shot for a Bride & Groom that come from a long line of Farmers

F & K had a 50/50 raffle @ their wedding.

Girls sold the pink tickets & Boys sold the blue tickets

This little buddy, cracked. me. up.

The ever fabulous Traveling Photo Booth

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Andrea & Ryan

July 9, 2011

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Venue | Victorian Village Resort

Florist | Twig Flowers

Elkhart Lake was such a beautiful choice for a semi-destination wedding for Andrea & Ryan and their guests.

The scenery was perfect & the area offered a lot of options for family & friends during their stay.

I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a destination style wedding without all the additional travel.

From the beginning of the day I could tell that this family was very close, a lot of emotion & very special special relationships.

I love photographing people that are just so genuinely happy.

Enjoy all of your images Andrea & Ryan, it was our pleasure to work with you both & your families.

Best Wishes

{s. natale}

How adorable are these flowers with the little name tags.  Their florist was simply outstanding. {Twig Flowers | www.twigflowers.com}

Daughter & Daddy, their first few moments together.

Three Cord part of the ceremony

I have to pause here for a moment on this image & offer a bit of insight on exactly how important our jobs are as photographers, the responsibility we have & the depth of that responsibility.

So many times, we as photographers get caught up with getting that “perfect shot”, that shot that will look amazing as a canvas for our clients, or on the cover of their wedding album.  More often than not we stress the importance of the Bridal Portraits {as they are quite important} but sometimes forget how precious simple Family Portraits can be & will be for years to come.  I have will admit, I’ve even used the term “boring family photos” when describing the timeline to my clients.  Explaining to them that we will zip right thru those “Family Portraits” so that we can move on to the “fun stuff”.

I look at things a lot differently now.

I received an e-mail from Andrea within a few weeks after their wedding telling me that their Grandpa wasn’t doing well & asked if I could get her some images of him on her wedding day soon, so she could print them off & show him.  I remember as I was reading that e-mail I cried, for her, for her family & all of the people that knew this man.  It was in that moment that I felt the heavy responsibility {more than ever before} that we as photographers carry every single weekend, every single session, to capture life, the way it is, right then & there.  To preserve those moments in time so that when those people are no longer with us, their memories & their smiles will live on forever.

It was so present that day, the love & closeness this family shared & it was truly my honor to document that for them & be able to give those images to Andrea to share with her family & her Grandfather.

So for me, this simple, yet beautiful image of Andrea & her Grandpa Lloyd & Grandma Lucille is that “perfect image”.

We enjoyed a beautiful ride out on the lake prior to the reception

We escaped out on the dock for a few night-time shots.

Daddy & Daughter dance

Anniversary Dance | Longest married couple

Grandpa Lloyd & his beautiful wife Lucille

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Wendy & Vinny

Saturday June 19 2011

Venue : The Paper Valley {Appleton Wisconsin}

W & V had an amazing day for a wedding.  It was beautiful & clear for portraits & the wedding in the afternoon.

The day was all about being laid back & celebrating W & V  and laughing along the way.  One of my favorite things about this couple & their families is that they love to laugh.

The love, the relationships & the bonds just shine through & well make my job, so much easier!  Thanks W & V for being beautiful peeps.

Thanks for having us apart of your day.  Thanks for e-mailing me back in the day & thanks for trusting your gut that I was a long lost sister.

Your family & friends were fabulous & a joy to photograph from begin to end.

I had along with me Second Shooting, the fabulous Michelle Martin, with Michelle Martin Photography.  Thanks so much, you were wonderful!

Even though W & V have seen their entire gallery of wedding images, I still wanted to {better late than never} do a BLOG post with some of my favorite images.

This summer has turned out to be much much busier than expected & I appreciate everyone’s patience as I take the appropriate time for each client to make sure their final galleries are a beautiful reflection of their day.

Enjoy the not so ’sneaky’ peeks

{s. natale}

W & V’s first look :

What a fabulous bridesmaid.  She wears Cat earrings in honor of the bride & her love for cats.  Way to step up your duties “Rita”.

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I had the pleasure this summer to attend a fabulous workshop in Chicago with the amazing photographer

Scott Robert Lim

This was the view from our room @ the Allerton Hotel in Chicago

I traveled with a few very talented  photographer friends of mine from the Madison area.

Michelle from Michelle Martin Photography

&
Mandie from Red Gecko Studio

This was Mandie & I on our “romantic” carriage ride the night before the workshop {image from my iPhone}

{Ok enough of the name dropping}

All in all we had a wonderful trip & learned a lot from Scott.  He is just full of knowledge, advice & gives so much of himself back to our community.

It was my first workshop with SRL & I look forward to more in the future!

Not to mention Chicago as a city is just lovely!

Necessary to credit these fabulous people who helped make the day happen

Dresses & Hair Accessories | Rebekah Jacobs Couture

Makeup | Barb Zanzig of BZ Artistry

Hair | Tony, owner of Hybrid Salon

These are a sample of the images taken that day, enjoy!

Thanks again Scott, it was a pleasure to spend the day with you!

A few pullbacks from how we were shooting

Love the Trolley @ Navy Pier

We ended our 12+ hour day with watching the fireworks from Navy Pier

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