Belgium!

 Belgium is one of my most favorite places to visit in the world! I am a little biased because I got the opportunity to live there as an exchange student....we won't say how long ago! But here are some pictures I took at a local garden exhibition in Melin. Melin is known for it's beautiful gardens and white stone houses. Fortunately one of the families I lived with as a student in Belgium lives in Melin, so I got to live it this beautiful village!

 My husband really wanted to visit some breweries while in Belgium, so here he is at Rochefort and Hoegaarden. Rochefort is a Trappist brewery so we only got to see the chapel, as the monks don't allow tourists within the brewery. I also lived in Hoegaarden as a student and the brewery is right down the street from my house. Sometimes my husband went for a 'bike ride' and I'm pretty sure that's where he ended up!

 The whole reason for our trip to Belgium was to see my Belgian sister, Caroline, get married. I didn't take near as many pictures as I should have, since I was busy being a guest. If you are in the wedding party it is a long day! We woke up a 7am to go get our hair done, went to the venue to start taking pictures, then headed to the church. After the church ceremony we went back to the reception venue for the afternoon reception. Oh but it does not end there! After the reception is an 8pm, several course, sit down dinner with the biggest desert bar I've ever seen.... Nope still not done. Then they throw a huge soiree with all their friends which lasted until about 3:30am. And let me tell you it was a party! I had the best time!!! Caroline's brother is getting married next summer so I get to go back and do it all over again. Can't wait!

 While I was in Belgium I got to take portraits of my Belgian niece and nephew, Louise and Estaban. They are the cutest kids ever! And so sweet. Louise loves to give big hugs and kisses. I took these images right behind their house.  Love those kids!

My Belgian mom from Melin, Anne,  is also a very gifted sculptor. She's started doing a lot of sculpting in the past few years and here are a few of my favorites. I think I might have her commission one for me soon!

California Flowers

My brother is opening up a new dental office soon and he wanted flower images for all of this operatories. So that has been my latest quest. I went out to Cali earlier this month to photograph the infamous poppies of the California hillside, but if you didn't know...wind and poppies don't mix! Poppies close up! So I went to the botanical gardens instead at Palos Verdes. This has been a fun hobby the last month, taking flower photographs. So here are some of my labors....
If you would like to see the rest of the images that made the final cut you can view them on my website:
http://studiosphotography.zenfolio.com/p876204813

Marybeth and Gillian

My sister-in-law and niece came out to visit us a week ago. It was their first time to Colorado so we did a lot of exploring. I definitely think the rockies were their favorite! I also go the opportunity to take their portraits while they were in town. Here's a few of my favs!

Herman Family

I just got the opportunity to shoot April and Matt Herman and their three kids at East Lake Park in Thornton. They are one of the Studio S Model Families for 2011, so you will probably be seeing a lot of them. All my model families are getting their pictures done this month, so you'll be seeing beaucoup families at Studio S!

Engagements!

It's that time of year again!  When the weather in Colorado finally warms up, wedding season is around the corner, and it's time to celebrate some engagements!

Jessica and Todd will be tying the knot this Saturday!! My first wedding of the summer season! Jessica and Todd really enjoy the outdoors so we went to Lookout Mountain to take these images. Stay tuned for wedding images....

Lisa and Robert are having a beautiful Colorado fall wedding this October. They are definitely city people and Robert is a HUGE Bronco's fan. So we took their engagement images in LoDo. Check out my client viewing to see Robert and Lisa in their Bronco's paraphernalia! http://studiosphotography.zenfolio.com/lisaandrobert

I love these images so much I made a new studio sample engagement album so I can share them with all my new clients! Kristin and Jordan are also huge sports fans, so we did a number of pictures at Coor's Field in Rockies jerseys. These images were taken in front of Union Station.  Check out their engagement album! http://studiosphotography.zenfolio.com/p811018675

Cale and Elianna Street

Here's a few images from some pictures I took this weekend of my niece and nephew. They are getting so big and so cute! Check out all their images at: http://studiosphotography.zenfolio.com/p609428291
There's a few really classic ones of Elianna screaming and Cale looking like 'I am done yet'. It's hilarious. Gotta love kids!

Framed Prints

New Framed Prints are included in all Studio S Photography Portrait Collections! I just got in all the sample frames today. 28 custom frames to choose from! Here are a few of my favorites.

Studio S 2011 Model Family Promotion

If you are looking for amazing photography and free prints then you might want to check out this promotion! Ends February 20, 2011.

Model Families will become the official face of Studio S Photography for 2011. Your images will be featured on the Studio S Website, Facebook Page, Blog and Promo Materials!

What's in it for you!
Studio S Model Families will receive 2 PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS throughout the year including 10 Facebook images from each session, 1-8x10 and 2-5x7s from each session, 50 custom designed Holiday Cards, and your favorite image from 2011 in an 11x14!!

How do you sign up!
E-mail your favorite, most creative, funny, spunky, adorable, lovable, spectacular, amazing...(you get the idea) image YOU have taken to Studio S Photography. Your image will be posted on the Studio S Photography Facebook Page. ALL ENTRIES will receive a 15% off coupon to use on a photography package. The top 10 images that receive the most 'likes' will win %50 off a 'Classic Photography Session' and are entered into the drawing to become a 2011 Model Family. FOUR Model Families will be chosen for 2011.  

Model Family Responsibilities
Model Families must post and share their Facebook images after each photography session, pass out 30 customized discount cards to friends and family, and write a testimonial for Studio S Photography. Model Families will also have the opportunity to earn Studio S Cash to use towards any products such as canvas, albums, and framed prints!

Rules!
Facebook Image Contest ends February 20th at 10pm. Model Families will be chosen and contacted on February 21, 2011. One image per family will be accepted. The image must be taken by the individual or family entering the contest. NO professional images please! Images can be of your kids, a pet, landscape, your favorite sunset, vacation spot, etc.  Please email images with your name, number of family members including ages and an image caption or title.  All image entries will receive a 15% off coupon to be used towards a Studio S Photography package.  'Likes' on Facebook will be counted one per individual. Please e-mail or call Studio S Photography with any questions!

Studio S Photography . 303 956 7141 . shelley@mystudio-s.com

Winter Wonderland

Well this was a winter wonderland wedding even if it was 10 degrees outside! This was a beautiful wedding in Colorado Springs on New Year's Eve! What a celebration! Congratulations to Alyson and Dan Gioia! They were so great to work with...and believe it or not they're the ones that pulled me outside for the wintery pictures. The images turned out amazing!

The Best Christmas Present Ever!

Lindsey and Jim decided to celebrate their engagement with a holiday photo shoot in downtown Denver. It was a little cold...but we had an awesome time photographing this session. The Christmas lights, decorations, and general happy holiday bustle made this a great start to the holiday season! Oh and Jim proposed to Lindsey right in front the the Union Station building where the top image was taken....adds a little story to the pictures! Stay tuned for their wedding images...coming summer 2011.

Celebrating Families!

I'm not sure what else to say except...how cute is this guy!! Shafer Menlove recently joined us and here are some of his first portraits. I narrowed it down to these favorites!

These guys had so much energy and loved being outside! These are the ever so cute grand kids, Ethan, Xavier, Hazel and Henry of Mark Foster from Fort Collins. Mark won this photo shoot at the annual silent auction held at High Plains Scuba to raise money for local military families. Thank you to all who selflessly serve our wonderful country!

This portrait of the Haas family was taken on a sunny day in December, just warm enough to let us get outside and snap some great pictures. These are my favorite images of the day!

Fall Weddings!

Love this FALL WEDDING!  The leaves turned out the most beautiful shade of yellow just in time for Robyn and Dustin to tie the knot at The Pines at Genesee.  The color of the dresses down to the smallest details were perfect for a this time of the season. Flowers were designed by Cindy Haas from Chalet Floral in Genesee.  Robyn and Dustin also had a really amazing live band that kept everyone on the dance floor all night.  From little girls to grandparents, it was the best dance party I've seen in a while! Check out Class Act from Moment's Notice Entertainment of Denver.

Dasha and Adam took their engagement pictures in LoDo Denver. It seemed like the first day of fall with gray drizzling rain all day.  But sometimes what may seem like not ideal conditions for a photo shoot turn out with the best images.  Just my two cents. So between the rain, umbrellas, and coats we came up with some pretty fun shots.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Congratulations to Abby and Jeff who married at a family member's home in Castle Pines.  They had a very intimate terrace ceremony with close friends and family.  It was truly a day to remember with amazing food, beautiful flowers, and even better people. I really enjoyed shooting this wedding!

Babies

So babies are of course the theme of this post! Pretty darn cute I must say!!! I am proud to announce that the first image is of my most adorable and lovable little marshmallow and niece, miss Elianna!  She makes me smile every time I look at her. Check out Brooke in the next image with her huge angelic baby blues.....love them.  Next was a family portrait with Molly and her parents at the Botanical Gardens.  Last is newborn Jace already giving us some great facial expressions and even a smile.  Thanks buddy.  Congratulations to Kristin and Robby proud parents of baby Jace!

Lauren and Kyle

Lauren and Kyle had a beautiful summer wedding in the mountains at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Here are some of my favorite details.  The venue, details, the stunning dress, and of course the bride and groom made this an evening to remember.  Congratulations!!!!

Lindsay, Steve and a Fire Truck!

You might guess that Lindsay's now husband, Steve, is a fireman.  He was able to get an old fire truck to Mile High Station for pictures...which turned out amazing.  They had a awesome ceremony and reception at Mile High Station where the guests ate Belgian waffles and omelets with all the toppings for dinner.  They had cupcakes for dessert and also incorporated a photo booth, which made for some really great pictures.  If you want to see a video of their day check out Chris's  Sky Focus Pictures video.  If you are in need of a videographer I highly recommend you check them out!  Congratulations to Lindsay and Steve...it's been such a blast working with you!

Lindsay's Bridal Portraits

Lindsay's bridal portraits turned out phenomenal!  I am so elated with them.  You may look for her portraits in the new face of Studio S Photography as I am in the middle of a website makeover.  The setting, light, and of course the bride made these pictures really stand out.  I love working with Lindsay and was so excited she brought her sister, mom and mother-in-law to be to the photoshoot.  I actually have about 15 favorites of which here are four.

Anne's Sculptures

While visiting Belgium this summer I stayed at the home of a host family from when I was an exchange student there.....we won't say how long ago.  Anyways, my host mom, Anne, is a very gifted sculptor.  I love her work!!! Love it!  So I decided to take pictures of all the sculptures she's created.  Well all the ones I could find anyways...they are quite literally all over the house. Here are just of few of my very favorites. Anne has also just informed me that she is in the process of making a lot more sculptures for an exhibition coming up!  I am so happy for her.  She really is a great artist!

Clare and Matt's Wedding in Boulder

Clare and Matt tied the knot at Boulder's Millennium Harvest House this summer. They met at college in Boulder.  Clare's the outgoing, roller derby girl and Matt's the quiet, nice, always put together type...so naturally they hit it off right away! They had many friends and family there to celebrate their marriage.  It was a great party!  Congrats!

Misti and Levi's Wedding

Misti and Levi tied the knot in Estes Park soon after her bridal portraits.  It was a breath-taking outdoor ceremony filled with purple flowers and a stunning wedding party.  I know I say this a lot, but it truly was such an amazing experience photographing Misti and Levi.  They are so cute!  Just look at the images of them together!  It was such a wonderful day to be a part of.  Thank you! Congratulations!

Misti's Bridal Portraits

Misti and I went up to Estes Park to capture her bridal portraits. It was a beautiful day and we only had to wait about 15 minutes for the rain to pass over.  I would say that's pretty good considering it was mid-day summer in Estes Park, Colorado.  We got some amazing shots at Lily and Sprague Lake.  We also stopped by the Stanley for a few shots.  It was so much fun to photograph Misti.  She is so excited to be getting married and it really showed! A big thanks to Misti's aunt and cousin who joined us and helped out with everything!