Since being invited to take part in the Grace Ormonde/Thirst Relief Benefit Shoot in Tanzania, Africa during the summer of 2009, Thirst Relief has remained a cause that Stacey and I have been very involved with. 

Fast forward to this past year and I was asked by the founder of Thirst Relief, Jim Davis-Hicks, if I would help plan their WPPI Benefit Shoot.  The concept was to piggy back off the success of the Tanzania trip while adding an educational component.  We brought together some world class instructors (David Becstead,  Mike Colon, David and Luke Edmonson, JVS, and Richard Sturdevant).   In addition, we had local designer Foat Design, make two gowns.  Brandi Brownlee stylize the event, head pieces by Preston & Olivia, and Pixels2Canvas sponsored dinner!  Needless to say it came together very well. 

This year one of the things we really wanted to do was increase exposure and we accomplished this with the help of Junebug Weddings.  Junebug was so gracious to agree to publish some highlights from the event.  This was fantastic because it helped bring exposure to the entire wedding community.  Plus I am happy to say that they chose a couple of my images to feature in the post. 

One of the things that I like about Junebug is that they place a high importance on photography!  This makes sense as it was started by three former photographers :).  If you are looking for some wedding inspiration, you should check them out.  

 

If you are interested in learning more about Thirst Relief, I encourage you to look into how $5 can help provide a family with a long-term sustainable clean water solution.  And, since no post is as cool without pictures, here are some of my favorite images that I took from the day!

I have some very exciting news to share!  As our clients have started their lives together, some of them have started families.  We have wanted to stay a part of their lives and capture these new special moments.  In addition, Stacey has had the itch to expand her focus beyond weddings.  With that in mind, we are thrilled to share the beginning of Life Stories Photography.  Although we have been pulling everything together for awhile, Stacey officially launched the blog today!  The focus of Life Stories will be on families, children, and high school seniors.  Although I will be involved behind the scenes, Stacey will definitely be the face of Life Stories.  Please don't worry, this doesn't mean she will no longer be a part of Staja Studios.  She will still be actively involved! 

As I mentioned, the first official step was launching the blog!  She has some really great ideas for it, and I'm personally excited to see them come to life.  If you or someone you know is looking for portraiture with a lifestyle twist, I encourage you to check the new blog out.  If nothing else, please swing by and leave a comment wishing Stacey the best on the new venture.  While you are at it, we would love it if you "liked" Life Stories on Facebook!

Hey Everyone, I am so excited writing this post, as it has been a long time coming!  Stacey and I along with the unbelievable help of our newest Staja Team member, Ryan S. Johnson, have been working very hard on some new projects.  Although we love to write, we thought we would record a video message for the new announcements!

Staja Studios: Introducing Staja Cinema and "Behind The Veil" from Staja Studios on Vimeo.

With that as an introduction, please take a peek at our first episode of "Behind The Veil" with Lacie Swartzendruber of Pearls and Lace!

Behind The Veil - Pearls & Lace from Staja Studios on Vimeo.

We hope you enjoyed this first episode and be sure to check back for more, as we are busy getting new episodes ready for you.  We would love it if you would help spread the word to anyone getting married who you think might be interested in a new type of resource!

In closing, we would like to thank all our wonderful clients, family, and friends who have supported us and Staja Studios!  We truly wouldn't be here if it weren't for you!

This weekend, I was helping Macy's Bridal out with a trunk show they were having for the new up and coming designer, Jorge Pérez!  While helping out, I had the chance to interview Pérez for an upcoming ongoing feature Stacey and I are pulling together called "Behind The Veil".  If you check back later this week, you will be able to see our first episode!  We are so excited about how this may help brides planning their wedding. 

Cuban-born, Perez, commented that he draws a lot of his inspiration from his grandmother, who sketched and created intricate gowns for family members.  One could say that his style has a "1950's Havana feel".  Although many of Pérez's gowns have a vintage and timeless appeal, you will find others with a bit of sass and style.  I encourage you to stay tuned for the full interview which will be featured in an upcoming episode of "Behind The Veil".  

As I concluded the interview with Pérez, I left touched by his humbleness and generosity of time.  If interested, you can check out his designs at Jorge Pérez - de la Habana.
 

Venue:  Semple Mansion
Cordination:  Fab.You.Lous Event Design & Cordination

Jenna + Greg - Wedding from Staja Studios on Vimeo.

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