Twin Cities Wedding Photographers | Staja Studios Blog, specializing in MN Weddings http://stajastudiosblog.com/ The blog of Minneapolis wedding photographers, Staja Studios. International wedding photographers who specialize in MN weddings and Minneapolis wedding photography. en Copyright 2013 Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:32:34 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Karolina & Forrest - Winter Wedding The University Club - Downtown
Florals:  Pearls and Lace

Karolina and Forrest picked a classic theme for their elegant winter wedding.  Although they live in Boston, they were surrounded by guests from all over.

Karolina was a beautiful bride in a gorgeous gown and Forrest donned a classic sharp tuxedo.  After a ceremony in front of the grand fireplace at the University Club, guests were treated to a winter wonderland in the ballroom. 

We loved that we were able to capture your wedding Karolina and Forrest!  Thanks for letting us be a part of it.  Please enjoy some of our favorite images from this Winter Wonderland!

If you like the images, we would love it if you swung by our Facebook Page and "liked" us.  We communicate a lot of our latest news there.  Lastly, if you would like to be alerted when all of the pictures are available to view and order, you can get to Karolina and Forrest's online gallery by using this LINK.  If you register before the event is released, (right now) you are eligible for a $5 gift certificate!



Contact Staja Studios | View The Portfolio of Staja Studios, Minneapolis Wedding Photographers | Follow Staja Studios on Facebook


]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2013/01/karolina_forrest_-_winter_wedding.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2013/01/karolina_forrest_-_winter_wedding.html Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:32:34 -0600 A Southern Boy and A Mid-western Girl Simply Elegant Bridal Consulting
Dress:  Rush's Bridal
Hair/Make-up:  Lisa Reinhardt and Alexa French
Florals:  Munster Rose
Stationary:  Kelly Johnston with 79 Designs
Hotel:  St. James Hotel
Ceremony/Reception:  Little Log House Pioneer Village
Catering:  Deco Catering
DJ:  Instant Request
Furnishings:  Antique Door Vintage Rentals

Our day began in Red Win, MN at the beautiful St. James Hotel.  Caitlin and her 11 bridesmaids spent the morning together preparing for her amazing MN Fall wedding that was about to be.  As a wedding planner for Simply Elegant Bridal Consulting, and owner of Antique Door Vintage Rentals, Caitlin paid close attention to every detail of her wedding day.  From the cowgirl boots to the rustic candy buffet, this was basically a wedding photographer's dream come true!

The ceremony and reception were held at a venue new to us.  The Little Log House and Pioneer Village in Hastings, MN.  The venue allowed for cool and unique photographs, that we could have easily stayed for two days and STILL found new and fun locations to shoot.  Dan is a southern gentleman.  As is customary in the south, since he does not have a brother, Dan asked his dad to be his best man.

The warm wooden walls, adorning pumpkins, and fall colors made their reception super cozy and inviting. 

We loved every part of your wedding Caitlin and Dan!  Thanks for letting us be a part of it.  Please enjoy some of our favorite images from the marriage of "A Southern Boy and A Mid-Western Girl".

If you like the images, we would love it if you swung by our Facebook Page and "liked" us.  We communicate a lot of our latest news there.  Lastly, if you would like to be alerted when all of the pictures are available to view and order, you can get to Caitlin and Daniel's online gallery by using this LINK.  If you register before the event is released, (right now) you are eligible for a $5 gift certificate!




Contact Staja Studios | View The Portfolio of Staja Studios, Minneapolis Wedding Photographers | Follow Staja Studios on Facebook


]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/11/a_southern_boy_and_a_mid-western_girl.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/11/a_southern_boy_and_a_mid-western_girl.html Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:51:46 -0600 Raquel & Derek Wed Peace Lutheran Church
Reception:  Great Hall - University of WI, Stout

What an amazing day for a wedding!  The weather was so gorgeous and the leaves provided a wonderful fall backdrop.  Raquel and Derek were a great couple to work with and so appreciative which only makes our day that much more enjoyable! 

Even from the first time we met this couple, it was apparent that Raquel was just giddy for the big day to arrive.  She couldn't wait to get into her gown and walk down that aisle.  Derek was the epitome of a calm, cool, and collected groom.

After a beautiful ceremony, we headed off to the Red Cedar State Trail for pictures of the bridal party and the lovely couple.  The sun shining through the fall colors provided amazing opportunities for some gorgeous portraits. 

The day concluded at The Great Hall within the University of Wisconsin, Stout.  As photographers, we were thrilled to see the striking purple up-lighting behind the head table.    We can't stress enough how much even a small amount of professional lighting can add elegance to a scene!

We wanted to show some highlights from the day, but couldn't stop at a few, so please take a look below!

If you like the images, we would love it if you swung by our Facebook Page and "liked" us.  We communicate a lot of our latest news there.  Lastly, if you would like to be alerted when all of the pictures are available to view and order, you can get to Raquel and Derek's online gallery by using this LINK.  If you register before the event is released, (right now) you are eligible for a $5 gift certificate!




]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/10/raquel_derek_wed.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/10/raquel_derek_wed.html Weddings Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:26:31 -0600 Tuyet & John Wedding
Reception:  Cedars Hall
Catering:    Shuang Cheng

We just LOVED shooting Tuyet and John's wedding!  Besides having wonderful personalities, it was fun to shoot a wedding with so much tradition and emotion.

The day started at Tuyet's parent's house where she got ready and they prepared for the first tea ceremony.  This is where John, his groomsmen and family showed up.  They came bearing gifts and the first tea ceremony was underway.  The room was crowded but full of plenty of laughs, smiles, and tears! 

From there, we proceeded to John's parent's home for a tea ceremony with his side of the family and enjoyed an amazing feast!  Just as the rain decided to make an appearance, we were off to the church. 

After a beautiful ceremony, we grabbed the bridal party and headed out for some portraits. 

We closed the night at Cedars Hall where the couple was joined by a crowded room full of family and friends.  The guests were treated to an amazing dinner by Shuang Cheng, which John's dad owns!  Stacey and I were so excited, as we used to eat there every Sunday when we lived nearby! 

Needless to say, everyone had a great time, and the group was definitely MERRY!  

We wanted to show some highlights from the day, but couldn't stop at a few, so please take a look below!

If you like the images, we would love it if you swung by our Facebook Page and "liked" us.  We communicate a lot of our latest news there.  Lastly, if you would be interested in purchasing any images from Tuyet and John's wedding, you can visit HERE. 



Contact Staja Studios | View The Portfolio of Staja Studios, Minneapolis Wedding Photographers | Follow Staja Studios on Facebook


]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/09/tuyet_john_wedding.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/09/tuyet_john_wedding.html Weddings Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:04:03 -0600 Tuyet & John Engagement
I love so many images from the session and have posted a few of my favorites!  I hope you enjoy looking through them.






]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/08/tuyet_john_engagement.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/08/tuyet_john_engagement.html Engagements Wed, 22 Aug 2012 20:11:57 -0600 Evolution Of A Photographer Cassie & David's blogpost.  As I was looking at the image, it reminded me of one I took last year.  What it reminded me of is how far I think we have come as photographers. 

Looking back at when we started, we began our career during the peak of "wedding photojournalism".  Although our style definitely still leans to those roots of capturing "moments", we have evolved in the discovery that our role goes beyond just capturing.  We are also there to understand how to capture those moments beautifully.  We feel that It is our job as a photographer to know when to add suggestions and provide guidance.

The following two images are examples of using our knowledge to make a normal part of the day, a stunning result.  Every bride is going to have to put on her shoes or have someone put them on.  If we can suggest that she puts them on in a beautiful location in the room vs. being surrounded by clutter and not so great light, why not?  Anyway, here are two of my favorite images because they display how elegant and beautiful a common event can be portrayed!

Cassie

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Katie

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]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/07/evolution_of_a_photographer.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/07/evolution_of_a_photographer.html Behind The Veil Miscellaneous Weddings http://stajastudiosblog.com/JasonWed_WebImage_004.jpg Sat, 14 Jul 2012 13:21:42 -0600 Cassie And David The Woods Chapel
Reception:  Lafayette Club

We just LOVED shooting Cassie and David's wedding!  Besides being totally adorable with one another, they had such a beautiful mix of natural and elegant touches.

The day started at The Woods Chapel venue in Orono and concluded at the Lafayette Club.  Their style and personality were on beautiful display and were a treat to capture.  They looked after their guests by providing lemonade and snacks before the ceremony and a wonderful dinner afterward.

We wanted to show some highlights from the day, but couldn't stop at a few, so please take a look below!

If you like the images, we would love it if you swung by our Facebook Page and "liked" us.  We communicate a lot of our latest news there.  Lastly, if you would be interested in purchasing any images from Cassie and David's wedding, you can register HERE to be alerted when their site is live.  
]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/07/cassie_and_david.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/07/cassie_and_david.html Weddings Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:45:07 -0600 Kali & Dustin - Bloomington Hilton Wedding Christ Presbyterian Church
Reception:         Bloomington Hilton


We recently had the pleasure of photographing Kali & Dustin's wonderful wedding!  Their day started off at Christ Presbyterian Church and was followed at the Bloomington Hilton.

Kali and Dustin have a fantastic relationship and were surrounded by their wonderful family and friends.  With some hilarious speeches and a fun bridal party, there were plenty of laughs to be had throughout the night!

We had a fantastic time and would like to wish Kali and Dustin the absolute best on their new life together.

We encourage you to take a peek at some of the highlights from their wedding below.  We have also posted some additional images on our FB page, which we would love if you took a look and "liked" us while you are there.  Lastly, if you would be interested in purchasing any images from their wedding, you can register HERE.






]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/04/kali_dustin_-_bloomington_hilton_wedding.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/04/kali_dustin_-_bloomington_hilton_wedding.html Weddings Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:52:42 -0600 Behind The Veil Featuring A Milestone Paper Co.


Here are a couple of images of the laser cut invitation Sarah had mentioned:

Milestone_Paper_001.jpgMilestone_Paper_002.jpg

Here are some additional images of Sarah's beautiful work!
 


If you would like to contact Jessica, here is her information:

Milestone Papers Website
Email Sarah With Milestone Paper
Milestone Papers Telephone Number: 651.492.6977


Contact Staja Studios | View The Portfolio of Staja Studios, Minneapolis Wedding Photographers | Follow Staja Studios on Facebook


]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/04/behind_the_veil_featuring_a_milestone_paper_co.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/04/behind_the_veil_featuring_a_milestone_paper_co.html Behind The Veil Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:22:17 -0600 Wedding Album - Book or Heirloom?
As a studio, we LOVE albums.  Why you may ask?  They are the tangible story of the wedding all wrapped up in a beautiful piece.  In a digital age, people sometimes forget about the "story" and how it's told.  With the rate of change in technology, who knows if that CD is going to be able to be accessed in 5 years, but you can bet that you can hold that album!  One of my favorite things about the album process is when the bride's mom will talk about how that same bride would crawl up in her lap and look at her wedding album.  These aren't just books with pretty pictures, they are lasting memories!  It's a chance for you to show your children how your life started as a family.  A chance to show them how much fun you had and what if felt like to be there. 

Looking back, I wish someone would have taken the time to explain this and show us more options.  We have a wedding album with about 10 or 15 individual pictures.  I love that I can look back and see what Stacey and I were like on that day, but unfortunately it's missing "the story".  At this point, I would LOVE to be able to show our daughter and son more about what our day was like.  About how my Father In Law's steps got slower and slower the closer he and Stacey got to the end of the processional.  The story of how we had our first dance taught to us as a surprise to the guests.  In short, our individual story! 

Anyway, when you are planning your wedding, we encourage you to think about how you want to remember that day!  How you want it captured and then how you want the story told.  As the years go by we don't think you will ever regret choosing a professionally designed and finished album to remember the day!

Here are a few images from today's albums!

  


]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/04/wedding_album_-_book_or_heirloom.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/04/wedding_album_-_book_or_heirloom.html Miscellaneous Weddings Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:29:27 -0600 Wedding Ideas - Bold Color
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]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/03/wedding_ideas_-_bold_color.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/03/wedding_ideas_-_bold_color.html Miscellaneous Weddings Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:32:09 -0600 Behind The Veil Featuring Jorge Perez and Macy's Bridal Jorge Perez.  He was kind enough to talk with us about his debut line and features for the direction of this years line.  I love that he puts an emphasis on lasting designs and not so much on trends.  In addition to a trunk show, the expo featured the work of some additional vendors like Apres, which we included some of their beautiful table settings below!

Jorge truly shared some great information about his thoughts on design as well as some great tips for picking out your dress!  If you are in the process of looking for a gown, be sure to go check out what Macy's Bridal has to offer, and Jorge's gowns particularly!

Be sure to check out some of the images and the embedded interview below!




If you would like to contact any of the above mentioned vendors or would like to set up a consultation to see one of Jorge's gowns or one of their other designers, here is her information:

Jorge's Website

Macy's Info
Macy's Bridal Telephone Number: (612) 375-2162
Salon Hours: M-Th 10-8, F-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6

Apres Website




]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/03/behind_the_veil_featuring_jorge_perez_and_macys_bridal.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/03/behind_the_veil_featuring_jorge_perez_and_macys_bridal.html Behind The Veil Miscellaneous Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:16:11 -0600 Amanda & Sunil - 2nd Shooting For Melissa Jill
About a month ago my friend and fantastic photographer, Melissa Jill, got in touch with me and said she was coming to Minnesota (from Phoenix) to photograph a wedding and wanted to know if I would be available to second shoot for her.  I met Melissa on my trip to Tanzania for Thirst Relief, and was thrilled that I would be available.  Not only would it be great to see Melissa again; but, I also really respect her and thought it would be great to work with her and see how she operates. 

Fast forward to this past weekend, and Stacey and I met with Melissa and her sister for dinner on Friday night and then I meet up with her at The Woods Chapel on Saturday for the wedding.  Shortly after arriving, I met Amanda (the beaming bride) and Sunil.  It was apparent from their first look on that they were so excited to be marrying one another and had a deep love for one another. 

It was a great time meeting them both and having the opportunity to help Melissa on this wedding.  The couple was so cute I had a hard time picking some of my favorites, but here they are!  Also, be sure to check out Melissa's post from the wedding here!






]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/03/amanda_sunil_-_2nd_shooting_for_melissa_jill.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2012/03/amanda_sunil_-_2nd_shooting_for_melissa_jill.html Weddings Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:43:07 -0600 Sara & Michael - Minikahda Club Wedding Ceremony:         Lake of The Isles Lutheran
Reception:         Minikahda Club
Floral Design:    Serendipity Flowers
Transportation:  Twin Cities Trolleys
Entertainment:   Jerry O'Hagen's Orchestra

We recently had the pleasure of photographing Sara & Michael's wonderful wedding!  Their day started off at Lake of The Isles Lutheran Church and was followed at the beautiful Minikahda Club which seemed to perfectly fit the mood and feel of their wedding. 

At the reception, guests were treated to an amazing view of Minneapolis and Lake Calhoun from the deck during the cocktail hour, fantastic food, and the swinging sounds of Jerry O'Hagen's Orchestra!

 We had a fantastic time and would like to wish Sara and Michael the absolute best on their new life together.

We encourage you to take a peek at some of the highlights from their wedding below.  We have also posted some additional images on our FB page, which we would love if you took a look and "liked" us while you are there.  Lastly, if you would be interested in purchasing any images from their wedding, you can register HERE.





Contact Staja Studios | View The Portfolio of Staja Studios, Minneapolis Wedding Photographers | Follow Staja Studios on Facebook



]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2011/07/sara_michael_-_minikahda_club_wedding.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2011/07/sara_michael_-_minikahda_club_wedding.html Weddings Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:35:52 -0600 Sara & Michael - Wedding Teaser
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]]> http://stajastudiosblog.com/2011/06/sara_michael_-_wedding_teaser.html http://stajastudiosblog.com/2011/06/sara_michael_-_wedding_teaser.html Weddings Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:23:33 -0600