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Dave and Maria

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:29:00 +0000

I have been getting my fare share of Alterra coffee this fall. We actually met up at the one in the third ward in downtown Milwaukee. I love the historic third ward! We took a little tour of the board walk on the river, and headed over to the water and my favorite park. So anyway, take a look at these lovely pics...

What a sweet old truck we found behind an old building.

Maria can be pretty serious!

I totally dig silhouettes.

Maria and Dave's Engagement Session

Jason and Kara

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:32:00 +0000

I sure am getting a lot of use out of the old gps these days! I got to visit the Suring, Wisconsin area to hang out with this awesome couple...who, by the way, drove up from Chicago to do this shoot. We visited some local fields, the local campground, and a local cabin...Jason's parents to be exact. I think these are pretty sweet...hope you enjoy them.

A series in silhouette . . .

I love the farm background.

I like the casual portrait.

This arm wrestling thing is a full blown engagement shoot ritual now.

Oh yeah, they have a super sweet dog.

Another amazing sunset

Jason and Kara's Engagement Shoot

Jesse and Kerri

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Who out there knows where Pipe, Wisconsin is? Well it's on the east coast of lake Winnebago, and there is a super cool park with a lookout tower. We toured the local marina and a nice little bar/restaurant. Oh yeah...let's not forget Putt Putt the puppy...very cute. Putt Putt was the deliverer of the ring to Kerri. Not only did she get a ring, but also a brand new puppy. What a guy!

So of course we had to get a shot of the handsome ring bearer . . .

This is how he delivered the ring.

These two are a lot of fun together.

An old crane provided a great photo op.

The rugged Jesse

The stunning Kerri

Love this one

They did a remarkable job launching in unison and getting some air.

After the park, we checked out a sweet bar in the town of Pipe. This is Kerri's drink of choice.

A sunset really doesn't get prettier than this. Probably one of my favorite silhouettes.

Kerri and Jesse's Engagement Shoot

Maddy "Part 1"

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:01:00 +0000

What can we say about this girl! People ask us every weekend at various weddings--who has your kids? Most of the time they are in the care of Maddy. Maddy and her family regularly take care of Syd and Riley. They are my kids home away from home. They make so much of what we do possible. Maddy's graduation is going to be bittersweet! She is super smart and heading to Virginia for college next fall. We can't thank her enough for being the best babysitter ever and giving so much to our family. Check back for part 2 sometime this winter when the snow flies.

Love these detail shots

laid back for sure

Hopped aboard some trains to get some cool pics

Love Maddy's unique sense of style. My girls are always coming home with interestingly colored fingernails.

Converse complete with gum on the bottom.

Love this one

We are so proud of you, and we love you lots. Enjoy the slideshow.

Maddy's Senior Session

Chris and Christine

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:28:00 +0000

I Love Milwaukee! We took off to Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon to hang out with one of our January wedding couples. These two are taking my wife and I down to Mexico with them to shoot an awesome wedding on the Riviera! Needless to say...we're super stoked! We really did get a good tour of Milwaukee on this shoot. See for your self!

There is a sailboat way out there on the lake...crazy people!

This was a super cool tree, but I could not figure out what kind it was!?

Super sweet lighthouse!

This would normally be a reject because of no flash on the couple...but I like it.

On the break wall with the art museum in the background.

We went down to the historic third ward, and did some alley shots.

Chris and Christine's Engagement Session

Justin and Jenni

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:50:00 +0000

In spite of rainy forecasts for this past Saturday, Jenni and Justin got a gorgeous wedding day. We were up in Peshtigo for the ceremony and Marinette for the reception, and lots of interesting stuff happened in between. These two did a great job not sweating the small stuff, and enjoying their wedding day.

Lovin' the dress in the nice window light.

Jenni looking out getting ready to walk down the aisle.

I love the smile on Justin's face as he watches Jenni come down the aisle.

So after the ceremony, the wedding party piled into the bus and was planning on heading to Marinette to hang out by the water and go to Murray's which is a really classy bar across from the marina. Unfortunately, the bus had other plans. A bus breakdown landed the party at a country bar in the middle of . . . well . . . the country.

We went across the street from the bar where a farmer was kind enough to let us take some pictures on his farm.

Love this detail of Jenni

The cute couple

The bridal party managed to have some good times while the bus was getting fixed.

When we got moving again, we were able to make our intended destination right at sunset.

cake

cake feeding

the aftermath

first dance

Jenni and Justin's Wedding

Jason and Kristy

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:05:00 +0000

So we are getting a little closer to catching up our blog to reflect all the shooting that we have been doing lately to catch those last brief moments of fall foliage extraordinaire. Mark hurt his knee on the last engagement shoot, so I came along to back him up?! We met up with Kristy and Jason down at Doty Park in Neenah. It was a gorgeous day. We really couldn't have payed for better color and light. I am so glad I could tag along on the shoot and get a chance to know these two who are tons of fun together. Mark is such a baby!

I have this fondness of weeping willow trees and Doty park is filled with them.

I can almost feel the sunshine.

Love this one of Jason

Kristy is going to be one beautiful bride.

some ring bling . . .

Cute . . .

After the park, we visited the big town of Neenah for a little variety.

Kristy and Jason's Engagment Slideshow

Adrianne and Ryan

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:31:00 +0000

We'll it's back to Appleton this past Sunday. We started off in our old standy Copper Rock, and took to the streets. We walked to down to the park below College Ave. , and then down to the river. We ended up at Peabody Park down river. Adrianne and Ryan were a blast to shoot, and I hope it shows.

This is where the two were engaged.

I love this black and white series.

Got to love the hairlight?

We were shooting this over a open grate above the fox river. Needless to say Adrianne was a bit nervous. It was all okay.

Nice.

Ryan and Adrianne's Engagement Slideshow

Nick and Lauren

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:35:00 +0000

Blue Skies!!! We had a great day with Lauren and Nick at Heritage Hill, then at the reception at the Bemis Center on SNC campus. The colors were great, the family and friends were awesome, and the food was excellent. What an awesome day...I LOVE MY JOB!

This is the Bridal room at Heritage Hill.

Kell pulled off this awesome shoe shot!

What can I say?

Nick is generally a happy guy, but seeing Lauren made that smile a little bigger!

That's not hair on his arm, it's a tat!

Can you see the tears?!

Laurena and Nick's Wedding

Josh and Jackie

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:23:00 +0000

I could write a whole lot here, but this is a photo blog not a reading blog! Jackie is a great friend that heads up the events over at Heritage Hill here in Green Bay. When she got engaged not to long ago, I got a phone call. This shoot was a lot of pressure because I had a shoot earlier in the day, and I wanted Jackie and Josh to have awesome images...let me know how I did.

This is probably my favorite photo location in the world. It always produces.

The last leaf.

Not too shabby Josh!

This whole shoot had great light.

What can you say about this shot?

I had never beek to Captains Walk winery, but this place is super cool. They also have these rooms you can "rent", for a party or business, by buying a couple of bottles. Here is a shot in the barrel room.

This is in one of the cool rooms upstairs.

Jackie and Josh's Engagement Slideshow

Aaron and Shannon

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:39:00 +0000

There's something romantic about a winery in the fall. We spent the afternoon in northern Door County...touring the Simon Creek Winery and a local show and tell Dairy Farm. We had a great shoot, and even got Mimsy (Aaron's dog) in a few shots. It is tough to get a bad picture of these two. Can't wait for their wedding in January.

Ahh, grapes.

Rolling down the hill at the winery. Nutty kids.

A cornfield maze at the dairy farm made for some really cool shots.

Nice.

Aaron and Shannon's E-session

Aaron and Franny

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:56:00 +0000

Would you drive 600 miles for a photo shoot...well this crazy couple did. Omaha, Nebraska; that's where the wedding is...but I'm flying, not drivin'! So everything worked out perfect to do this shoot in Appleton on Sunday...a little brisk, but nice.
We rocked it out for a couple of hours all over the downtown area, and then just as quick as it started...it was over. Hope it was worth it!

Franny has several smiles...this is the real one.

Aaron has an awesome smile too, but this is the way I see him.

Again, natural smile.

Yellow light...mmmmmmmm good.

Okay, so there was this office chair sitting by a door; so we borrowed it to do a physics lesson with Franny being the object propelled. She ended up on the cement. Physics sucks.

Still smiling after being thrown from the chair.

This is a good use of flash.

Nice.

More Nice.

This is the tat the Aaron got the night before the shoot.

Nice horizontal!

Franny and Aaron's Shoot

Makayla

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:37:00 +0000

This little cutie just celebrated her one year old birthday on Friday. My girls love Makayla who Riley affectionately calls "Kaya." Her older brother and sis have been featured on the blog a few times so it is about time that Makayla makes her debut. Lots of love, hugs, and best birthday wishes from Mark, Kelly, Sydney, and Riley.

Makayla playing in her kitchen set.

Love the smile complete with eye wrinkles!

Just chillin' out.

I love this face.

And this one. Those cheeks are so kissable.

Curiosity . . .

Those eyes are gorgeous.

Pucker up.

Makayla's Baby Session

Jason and Olesia

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:53:00 +0000

I learned some Russian!!! Kinda...okay, I sorta learned the word "congratulations"in Russian. I wanted to tell my bride and groom congrats as they were coming to the back of the church, but I kinda murdered it. Anyway, the Guba family is from Russia; and I got schooled. The wedding was another great Heritage Hill wedding, with a Rock Garden reception.

Love the hanging the dress outside.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes...

Grrrroooooooom.

Beautiful Bride.

Allah.

Slava...Olesia's dad.

Nice.

When I called for the Guba family photo, this is what magically appeared before my very eyes. I did no arranging or ordering around...they are just that good.

It was cold.

The Voyager Park hill...long time no see.

This was behind Brew Moon coffee in DePere.

Bernie does it again.

Jason and Olesia's Wedding

Ben and Danielle

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:55:00 +0000

I had a super sweet shoot out in Clintonville in the RAIN!!! All the way there, I was questioning our decision to go ahead with the shoot, but as you can see...we rocked it out. I really did enjoy exploring the Clintonville downtown area.

This was in a car wash...no joke.

This is a super cool bridge at the local park.

Nice!

You gotta love silhouettes...they're just cool.

Yup...an acorn shell.

Nasty old seat from a van...soaking wet = prime shooting material.

This was some private property we decided to use...which I think belonged to a police officer since the car was parked around the barn.. it was just to good to pass up.

A great way to end a great engagement session.

Ben and Dani's E-session

Katy's Family

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

It is always fun to get to see a couple and their family a few years after the wedding. We have very fond memories of Katy and Kelley's wedding from a few years back and getting to know their families. Well, Katy's family have been wanting to get some family photos for some time so Mark met up with them at Bayshore this past Sunday. And of course it was a crazy windy, rainy, and chilly Wisconsin day. But everyone braved the weather, and here is a peak at some of the pictures.

Katy's grandparents

A nice portrait of the two of them. My own grandparents are about to celebrate their 60th. I love to see couples who have been together for many years.

Speaking of . . . Here are Katy and Kelley just two years after the wedding looking great as ever.

So after a while they headed over to Katy's aunt's house to get a break from the wind and open a bottle of wine. Here are a few family portraits of the different families.

Josh and Mandy

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Mark and I just had a fantastic time at the wedding on Saturday in the wonderful town of Wausau. Wausau just has one of my favorite downtowns to visit. It has tons of character. Every time I head to Wausau, I try not to miss a stop at one of my favorite shops, Evolutions. Evolutions did the florals and centerpieces for the wedding which I loved. It was evident that Mandy and Josh put a lot of thought into all the details of the wedding. These two are an awesome couple who just had a beautiful baby boy named Brayden. I don't think I have ever seen so many adorable kids at one wedding, but Mandy comes from a big family and has lots of nieces and nephews.

All the girls had ribbons on their shoes

Here is the little best man Brayden's tux.

Mandy looking gorgeous.

Josh is a brown county deputy. I think this photo captures that police officer tough guy look.

The rings in some nice light

These three are triplets and they have 3 older sisters!! They told some interesting stories. Mandy's sister Megan on the left is due to have a baby in less than a month.

The bridal party hanging out

During the cocktail hour, there was a polka band. These guys were awesome and very entertaining. Mandy's dad is an accordian player and they grew up with a lot of polka in the house. He even joined in singing a few songs.

Not only is it fabulous to look at but I think if it is possible, it tasted even better. This was a cheesecake and traditional cake. Artistic Cakes and Cookies out of Kimberly, WI

Some dancin'

The grand march was quite entertaining with a police inspired theme.

Josh's parents

Mandy's parents

Mandy and Josh went outside for a few shots on the city streets. This is in front of the Jefferson Street Inn.

Mandy and Josh's Wedding Slideshow

Teryn and Brent

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:19:00 +0000

You may remember these two a few weeks back jumping off a cliff during their engagement session. Well, they made it to their wedding day this past Saturday. And a great day it was. This was a beautiful wedding. The details were fabulous. I have lots to say about those throughout the post. Peggy from Seize the Day Events helped with the planning and did a fantastic job.

The ceremony was at St. Francis Cathedral

There was a funeral going on inside the church when we got there so we snuck the dress outside for some pics.

Brent and Teryn decided to see each other before so they had a little more time for pictures. I think the real reason was so there was more time for partying in between the ceremony and reception. Isn't this church amazing?

Brent chillin' with the guys

I love this moment where Teryn's dad is putting her hand in Brent's and the look between dad and his soon to be son-in-law.

The bridal party at Jimmy Seas

A little kissing in the trolley

The reception was at Thornberry so we got a few pics before the reception started.

Thornberry looked absolutely amazing. I must say Jerad from Buds n' Bloom rocked the florals!

The grandmas were having some good times.

Dads have a way with daughters.

One of the big hits of the evening was the candy bar. Delicious and beautifully done.

Sweet moment on the dance floor.

Brent and Teryn's Wedding

Steve and Mehgan

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:36:00 +0000

I knew that Meghan and Steve's wedding would be tons of fun cause that is just how these two are and I was not disappointed. Meghan has tons of style and a unique take on things which I totally love. The girl's were all done up with feathers in the hair when we got there. The ceremony was at the gardens in Appleton and the reception was at the Bridgewood Resort. The wedding party came from all over--Germany, Seattle, North Carolina, etc.

Some sweet getting ready details

Meghan's ring on a cool old Martin. Meghan's aunt and uncle were amazing musicians. They played guitar and sang.

This shot of Steve in the limo bus I love.

Meghan looking amazing.

Hill shot + silhouette = awesome

Love this one of the newlyweds in the garden.

Meghan and her grandma

Lovin' the birdcage veil

We hit a nice industrial area in Appleton for some cool photos after the garden.

shoe shot

The bobblehead cake topper was so making me smile. The cake even more so. The Cake Guru from Oshkosh did the cake. Check it out in the slideshow.

Meghan and Steve out on the golf course of the Bridgewood in some really gorgeous light.

some dancin'

Meghan and Steve are big Brewers fans. Steve surprised Meghan by inviting the "sausages" to come to the wedding. They were a big hit and it was one fun party.

Steve and Mehgan's Wedding

Ryan and Bridgette

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:12:00 +0000

This weekend we were in Milwaukee for a gorgeous wedding at a gorgeous church. It was a gorgeous day, and guess what...pretty much every aspect of the entire day was...gorgeous.

I love these kinds of black and whites.

This is a super crazy sweet dress shot.

The flower girl Faith and the ring bearer Max are brother and sister...sweet.

Dad was a little emotional.

I love getting the grooms perspective of what's going on.

The priest having a little chit chat with the b & g.

I was going to grab a shot of the bouquets and Faith just happened to get in the way.

A good example of how good Kelly is getting these days.

This was taken at the botanical gardens where we did the engagement shoot

Rings on the putting green.

I think the father daughter dance is probably the most important dance. It's a pretty emotional few minutes.

The country club had a gazebo type setup on the roof, so we went up there to hang out and watch the sun set.

The dancing was nutz!

Can you tell who the crazy one is. Good luck you guys and have a good time in Mexico!

Bridgette and Ryan's Wedding

April and Steven

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:50:00 +0000

This post is going up a little late due to a very unhappy encounter with food poisoning. On the contrary, it was one great big happy celebration on Saturday with April and Steven. April was fourteen when she started dating Steven so after six years, it was time to make it official. In spite of the rainy, chilly forecast, it was a great wedding. We met up with April at Perkins and then I went off to do some lingerie shopping with the girls, and Mark went to do some grand march shopping with the guys.

Some cool shoe and dress detail

Giving Grandpa a smooch!

Pilgrim Congregational is such a beautiful church to photograph in.

These two being serious at the exact same moment was such a rarity so this one kind of makes me smile.

There was a lot of wild partying going on.

Kissing under their umbrellas. April was prepared and bought black and pink umbrellas for the whole wedding party.

April watching her sister's toast.

Sweet moment on the dance floor.

That is the bride and groom doing the polka--they were quite good!

Grand march.

This is April's impression of Steven's dance toward her to get the garter. Pretty good I'd say.

Super suave.

Steven and April's Wedding Slideshow

Matt and Laura

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:10:00 +0000

This wonderful couple flew all the way from San Fran CA to have me photograph their summer bliss in the big town of Ephraim, Wisconsin. Not Really. They did do a little wedding planning on the side between long walks on the beach. I wish you guys luck with the rest of your planning! I also hope you enjoy the larger blog images.

Laura and Matt's E-session

Brent and Teryn

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:16:00 +0000

We had an awesome shoot on Sunday evening in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Back in the sticks on High Falls flowage, I got an education in romance in the woods. Wherever we turned there was good light (and good subject matter). We ended the shoot on a pontoon boat ride, and these two jumped off a cliff...literally.

Can't wait to shoot their wedding in a few weeks. I think it is going to be some good times.

So you are driving along in the middle of nowhere (the Crivitz countryside), and you come to an intersection, and their are somewhere around 100 signs. Great photo op.

The big jump!

Big splash

Grandpa captained the pontoon boat.

The fam.

Brent and Teryn's E-session

Jed and Lexie

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Why is it that the tough guy marries the sweet innocent girl. Jed comes across as pretty tough, but I think a got a unique view of his "softer" side. Check out these super sweet pics.

Comfy Slippers.

Check out this super awesome shot that Kelly pulled off.

I think Dave Jackson is starting to rub off on me.!

Kids...Kids...Kids...

I loved the colors.

I love grandparents with spunk.

Nice.

Okay, this is what it looks like every time I turn around...all day long.

I never do a black and white cake...here it is.

What would a wedding be without the dancing?

Lexie and Jed's Wedding

Matt and Alicia

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Hawkins) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:24:00 +0000

We had been really looking forward to this wedding, and of course we were not disappointed. Matt is brother and brother-in-law to Katie and Chad who got married a couple years ago now and just had a beautiful baby boy named Max. It was fun spending the day with Matt's family again and getting to know Alicia's as well. Matt and Alicia together are such a perfect couple. The wedding was at Our Saviour Lutheran and the reception at the Rock Garden. Thanks to you both for letting us share in your special day.

Gorgeous dress!

Matt reading Alicia's card before the ceremony.

Alicia reading Matt's card before the ceremony

Getting dressed.

One of my favs. I just love this shot in the limo.

Cool detail.

This was out at St. Norberts. These two took their shoes off and dangled their feet over the water.

Some partying at Fox Harbor

adorable

The first dance song was "The Luckiest." Before the ceremony, one of the things that Alicia kept saying is how thankful she was to have found Matt.

Matt and Alicia's Wedding