This Friday, January 26th 10am – 8pm

2820 Walton Commons Lane Suite 131 Madison, WI 53718

Photos by Heidi E Johnson

I am opening my doors to show off  my new space. Same building, opposite end. Great view (No more parking lot!),  a couple of sand hill cranes named Doug and Carrie and a lot more head space!

This is in celebration of the new year, but I am also celebrating 10 YEARS of being in business!!!!       

Yes, you heard that right. This summer will be my 10th year of running this bad boy. I am shocked at how fast time has gone and can’t believe it! I have gone through many ups and downs, trying to decide if this was my best path.  There have been extremely busy years, working too hard for too little money, or not working enough and having to find part time jobs. It took a long time to figure out how to be successful all year round being a wedding photographer in Wisconsin. Luckily, I really love shooting commercial work, boudoir and professional branding sessions! I’ve spent a few years just specializing in each area and I love it all so want to do it all!

Reflecting on the past decade.

It’s been quite the adventure but I do believe it was the right choice and wouldn’t change much. Even when my son asks me for a bigger and better house. I told him this morning when he asked for the 10th time, “would you rather be able to see me all the time or have a giant empty house and only see me on weekends?” Then he asked what kind of job he needed to have a big house like uncle Flynn. Boy, that kid keeps me on my toes. Well, first, you have to be able to read and write. So do your homework!

I get to work from home most of the time so get to have a nice balance of home life with my family and work. And, that is why my studio is so neat and tidy! Maybe I’ll share a photo of my chaotic desk at home…maybe not. It’s pretty bad. Just ask my husband. It’s controlled though! I can find most things I’m looking for if I look for a couple of minutes, lol.

Open House!!

So, back to this open house! Come on by and wish me a Happy New Year and Happy 10 Years and I’ll give you a cupcake (I put an order in with To Di For yesterday eeeekkk!). I am going to have some great deals on boudoir sessions, professional headshots, weddings and family mini session signups. After the open house, I’ll open up the sales to the public.

Tell your friends! Can’t wait to see you!

xo

Hillary

Sky and Andrew are getting married tomorrow! I loved their engagement session at their home and lovely farm. We get to go back for sunset on the wedding day too! Their daughter Sofia was so cute in  her little red boots. I can’t wait to see her all dolled up for the big day. And there is snow! Finally!

Time to plan ahead! Purchase your custom portrait photo session now and schedule it any time before November 15^th. This is an incredible deal! Families, maternity, newborn, couples, boudoir, individual, reunions, anything!

This full one hour session includes all of your high resolution images for only $299. This is a $675 VALUE!  I’ll meet you at any location in Dane County including my studio, one of the many beautiful parks, lakes, downtown area and even your home.  This offer expires April 1st so don’t hesitate.

Book Here!

Email: Hillary@azenaphoto.com  Or Call: 608-245-2797

Website: www.azenaphoto.com

I’ve been saving this blog post for today! Since it’s St. Patrick’s Day, what better wedding to show off than Josie and John’s Green Wedding!

Josie and John have a really beautiful and unique story. I was blown away by the deep feelings and love in the details she shared with me. They met and started dating in the 6^th grade! Though it was just a fun early stage romance, they always kept each other in their hearts. Both of them had rough teenage years. Josie was in a car accident due to hydroplaning, which resulted in two friends dying and in critical condition. John had some neuro issues due to a birth defect, was hanging out with some naughty kids and got into some trouble with the law. About 2-3 years later, they started dating which was 2010. They fell in love in their junior year of high school. John told Josie after three weeks of dating, he was going to marry her.

Later that same year, a neurological birth defect John was born with began to show symptoms again and over the next year and a half he had 10 surgeries’. The last surgery leaving him wheelchair bound for a year and a half. John learned to walk again after many medication trials, some successful and other’s failures leading to stuttering, tremors, etc. He first walked with bilateral knee high leg braces and two arm crutches. Today he walks with just bilateral knee high leg braces and has worked to kick the arm crutches to the curb. He worked so hard.

In May of 2014, at the end of Josie’s practical nursing pinning ceremony, John walked down the aisle, up the stairs with his leg braces on and one arm crutch and asked her to join him on stage. There he got down on one knee in front of family and peers and asked her to spend forever with him!  Melting heart over here!

Josie and John’s first dance was to “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran for the  significance of of the lyrics: “when your legs don’t work like they used to, and I can’t sweep you off of your feet” because John physically couldn’t while in the wheelchair.  How sweet is that? What a great love story! These two are such an inspiration and I am honored to be a part of documenting their beautiful day.

Vendors: Second Shooter: Melissa Austin  //  Ceremony: Korth Park, Lake Mills, WI //  Reception: Comfort Suites Johnson Creek, WI  //  Florist: Generations Wedding Flowers and Photography  //  Dresses: David’s Bridal  //  Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse  //  Cake: Aggie’s  //  Wedding Rings: Zales