A beautiful fall afternoon walk at devil’s lake state park is even better

when you get to take photos of a fun and loving couple like Emily and Michael. These two share a great passion for the outdoors and hiking together in beautiful places like Devil’s Lake are one of the best ways for them to connect. Their willingness for adventure and to try anything make them such a great match. It was a joy to spend the afternoon with them checking out all the sights and getting to know them as a couple. Their wedding day is going to be so fun coming up this summer and I can’t wait to see what they have in store!

Kendra + Robert

I love hearing how love stories start out. This one all began with a swipe right on a familiar app we all know about. Fast forward to a wonderful life together and all the fun things they like to do (including the reason for the app in the first place, heehee)  with chickens, cats,  foster dogs and kayaking through Wisconsin! These two love the outdoors and enjoy the many hiking trails our gorgeous state has to offer. They are the ones who brought me up to Gibralter Rock earlier this summer. If you haven’t seen that post, go here!

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know these two! I think it shows in the photos how much they like to have fun, and get my jokes! And also my ideas for beautiful romantic portraits. Check out the one below of just Kendra! Oofda! Hot stuff! And their first look moment is so incredibly emotional and sweet. I think I almost cried myself!

We spent the afternoon at the Capitol and took some really lovely wedding party photos and then off to the Dorf Haus in Sauk City. October Fest!! It was quite the party. This venue is really cool and has  real authentic German decor and food. We couldn’t help shooting a lot of the awesome paintings and large deer/moose?/Elk? heads? I’m not sure. Anyway, it was truly a sight to behold. Make the trip up there and enjoy!

Here is a list of all the wonderful vendors who helped make this day so special:

Second Shooter: Heidi Johnson  //  Ceremony and Reception Venue: Dorf Haus  //  Floral: Rose Cottage  //  Hair: Anaala West, Erin Youngblood  //  Makeup:   Verena Hayes Wilde Beauty  //  Dress: David’s Bridal  //  Men’s: Men’s Wearhouse  //  Rings: Chalmers  //  Cake: Carl’s Cakes  //  DJ: C’Est La Vie Events-Brian  //  Officiant: Judge Marjorie Schuett  //  Limo: Gallant Knight Limo Services

It was a perfect day for a wedding out at Milford Hills for Abby and Chad. They had everything beautifully set up with rustic accents and lovely personalize signs and decor. I found Abby getting ready in the Trading Post with all her gorgeous ladies. The guys had just had a morning of trap shooting and were excited for the night. I loved the hand carved ring box with their initials and wedding date! I wish I could carve wood like that! All of the groomsmen had sweet hockey sticks they used for the grand march and the night ended with a fireworks show! Can’t get much better than that!

What a great team involved in putting together such an amazing day!

Venue: Milford Hills Hunt Club //  Wedding dress: Vera’s House of Bridals  // Groom’s Tux: Nedrebo’s  //  DJ: Boom’s Audio  //  Floral: B- Style Floral   //  Hair and Makeup:  Beauty at Large  //  Wedding Cake: Sweet Talking Treats  //  Second Photographer: Brittany Eitsert

 

This Friday, January 26th 10am – 8pm

2820 Walton Commons Lane Suite 131 Madison, WI 53718

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