Frozen Music Studios Photography

Engagement Session Favorites

Tis the season for engagement sessions!  I often have brides ask me for ideas of what to wear for the engagement session, so I thought I would put together some of my favorite and must-have items that add a little individuality to the photographs.

1. A fun, flirty dress that makes you feel like a million bucks.  Dresses always add a little romance, plus, it gives you an excuse to twirl around. Here's a pretty one from modcloth.com.  (And if dresses just aren't your thing, break out your favorite sassy jeans.)

2. A pretty headband adds whimsy and flare no matter what your hair type.  Check out Etsy for many styles, or the one shown here from BeSomethingNew.

3. Umbrellas save the day when raindrops come.  Doesn't hurt if you get a super cute one like this one from Target.

4. A pretty pair of shoes can make your outfit pop.  They're also a great way show off your unique  style.  These purple beauties are from zappos.com.  Note:  If you're planning to wear super-high stilettos, you might want to bring a second pair of shoes to the shoot. (Leave the dirty flip flops at home.)

5. I love chunky, bold jewelry.  It adds color and personality to any outfit.  Added bonus if it's vintage like these beads from SmittenVintage.

6. Whenever you're planning to have your photo taken, apply your makeup a hint more boldly than your regular daily application... but don't overdo it.  If you're not confident in your makeup skills, ask a competant friend or better yet, have it done professionally before the shoot.  (In either case, be sure to do a practice run beforehand.)

7.  What's cooler than a pair of glamorous shades?  If sunglasses are a part of your signature style, bring them along for a few shots.  This pair was found at oldnavy.com. 

8. In Minnesota, it's jacket weather about 9 months out of the year.  So if your shoot doesn't happen to fall on the warmest of days, a favorite tailored jacket can add some style (and warmth!) to your outfit. (We MN girls have to find ways to be stylish in the cold months too!) Here's a bold red jacket from modcloth.com.

9. Add a little mystery with a hat.  (Especially great if you didn't get in to touch up those roots!)  Love this fedora from Anthropologie.

10. Manicure those nails!  Make an appointment at the salon and pamper yourself before the session, or just give them a good clean and file at home.  It's a good idea for an engaged woman have well groomed hands and nails... since everyone is always wanting to check out that ring!

Instax Fun

For Christmas this year, Josh got me a Fuji Mini Instax camera.  It's been fun to have a film camera to play with this winter!  Here are just a few of my favorites from the first roll of film.  Can't wait to take it everywhere with me this summer!

Story of Love: Personalize Your Ceremony

 
Recently while reading Melissa Jill's blog (a lovely and talented Arizona wedding photographer), I came across the love story of Kindra and Michael, which Kindra artfully composed for their wedding ceremony.  Kindra used her storytelling talents to personalize her wedding ceremony in a way that is more meaningful than the colors chosen for the dresses, the flavor of the cake, or fancy champagne served at the reception. 

The best part, and the reason I'm sharing this with you, is that Kindra has decided to offer her storytelling services to other couples!  I know my brides are always looking for ways to make their wedding day personal to them, and I think what Kindra can offer would be an awesome addition to any wedding. 

Go to Kindra's blog for information on how to contact her, and the process of putting your unique love story into words to be shared with friends and family on your wedding day.  You can also read examples of her work (including Kindra and Michael's story) to get a feel for Kindra's writing style.

I highly encourage brides to check her out!

(Sidenote:  In the process of emailing Kindra this week, we found out that she and I went to college together.  Small world!)

North Shore Weekend

Last weekend Josh and I got to spend some time on the north shore of Lake Superior... one of our favorite places.  It is so gorgeous there... summer, spring, fall or winter!  This time we got to go skiing in Lutsen, which is the best place to ski in the Midwest, according to me. :)  We spent some time in Duluth on our way up, stopped at Gooseberry Falls, and saw over 100 deer hanging out near the road between Two Harbors and Lutsen, no joke.  The weather was sunny and warm and we had a great time skiing and relaxing.   These are just a couple photos from the weekend... the lower two taken with my phone.

Can't wait for our next trip.  Maybe in the summer next time?

Winter at the cabin

 
It is rare that we get a chance to go down to the cabin during the winter.  This weekend though, Josh and my brother got to go ice fishing, and I got to sleep in, relax, spend some time with my dad and step mom, and take some photos.  I was planning to load up the pup and my camera in the car and go for a little photo safari around the country roads, but I ended up sticking around the cabin.  As I was photographing pretty things around me, I was also training Asher to stick close while off leash (and wishing I had snowshoes!  That snow was deep!).  And he did very well, so we're excited to let him have a little bit more freedom at the lake this summer.

Here are just a few snapshots from a beautiful winter day in lake country. 

Purple skates on my door

Aren't these cute?  My mom made a few pairs of these for Christmas gifts this year and I just got mine last weekend and had to share them with you all.  I love the purple!  They're even more special because they used to by MY skates.  (Confession:  When I do ice skate, I use hockey skates now!)  

Want some pretty skates for your home?  I'm trying to get my mom to open up an Etsy shop. :)

Bohemian Rhapsody: Muppet Style

Because it's Monday.  Because I'm going a little nutty with so much editing.  Because I finished my last holiday card order for the season.  Because it's really freakin cold outside.  Because I love the Muppets.

Happy Monday from me to you!

 (HT: Mashable)

Wildflowers Salon

Something I always look forward to is going to the salon.  I love having my hair washed, getting a new hair cut, and even changing up my hair color.  And I also love my stylist, and friend, Carrie!  Carrie Johnson and Stacy Link own Wildflowers, an Aveda salon on South University in Fargo, ND.  They are having their annual holiday open house today, and all products are 20% off!  So, if you're in need of some Aveda goodness, go check them out!

 

All of the ladies at Wildflowers are awesome!  They do hair, nails, facials, and body waxing too!  I just had my first facial yesterday morning... it was wonderful!  Their new esthetician, Candice, is having a special this Tuesday, December 8th:  1/2 off facials and body waxing... so Tuesday would be a great day to give it a try if you haven't pampered yourself like that before!

 

P.S. They don't pay me to say these things... I just like them! :)
 
 

My Favorite Place on Earth: MN North Shore

Last weekend we had the opportunity to spend some time on Lake Superior's North Shore in Minnesota.   It was a wonderful little vacation... a weekend to get away from work and home improvement projects and just relax and have fun.  It is so totally gorgeous up there, especially in the fall!  I haven't been up that way in the fall since I was a teeny little kid, so this was wonderful.  And, oh, the colors!  They're amazing!  What an incredible display.  I think I need to move there. :)

We started the weekend hanging out in Duluth, checked out Gooseberry Falls, got some pie at Betty's Pies, and arrived at Caribou Highlands in Lutsen.  Saturday we wandered around Grand Marais for a while, of course spending some time drooling over the art we'd like to buy at Sivertson Gallery.  Then we took the gondola up to the top of Moose Mountain and hiked the Superior Trail...for a while.  Later we took some pictures around Lutsen Lodge, and had dinner at Sven & Ole's.  Sunday we had to begin the LONG trek back home, but it was so worth it.

Here are some photos of the gorgeousness that is the North Shore.   Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mona Laura

Soon I will be sharing some pics from the fantastical fun of the MN State Fair this weekend.  But for now, I leave you with this picture.  This was in front of the Fine Arts building.  Who could resist?  

This is my best attempt at that mysterious smirk.  Pretty good, right?   :)