Katrina Hannemann - St. Louis Park, MN - Blurbits

Vintage Wedding

Tue 02 Mar 2010 16:02:34 GMT

I recently teamed up with a vintage wedding dress shop, a fabulous antiques store, and a florist, Ashley Fox, that embraces all things vintage for a photo shoot. Our goal was to show how you can have a modern wedding with vintage flare, and I'm so happy with how the images turned out! To see more of the images, go to our blog www.stulagu.bigfolioblog.com.

Successful Family Portraits

Thu 18 Feb 2010 18:27:21 GMT

It takes quite the equation to create a fabulous family portrait. When little children are involved, the equation is even more difficult, but when done well, the results are amazing. I wrote an entry on my blog www.stulagu.bigfolioblog.com that gives the run down of the elements of successful children's portraits, the biggest point? Don't put pressure on the children! Let them be kids =) Here are a couple images that are truly candid moments that were taken in a recent snow storm. More images are on the blog!

Image Montage

Mon 15 Feb 2010 21:23:01 GMT

I love putting multiple images into a montage. Parents love that they can see the personalities of their kids and, lets be honest, you get a ton of prints for the price of one. Whenever I photograph children, I always have a montage in mind. And it is fun to shoot this way because you can really interact with the subject and get some great shots. Here is a fun example. I also do this Brady Bunch style with my wedding parties, it makes a great gift for the bride and groom!

Giving to Haiti

Fri 22 Jan 2010 22:12:53 GMT

I was so blessed to be a part of a fundraiser for Haiti. I personally know a few of the board members of this charity, and gave all I could, knowing the money will go directly to the people helping at ground 0. To view images of the event, and get more information on how to give, follow this link! http://stulagu.bigfolioblog.com/category/1672

Wedding Wire Award

Wed 20 Jan 2010 07:04:46 GMT

Studio Laguna Photography has been chosen to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards^™ 2010. This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.

We're so proud of our high ratings and satisfied clients!

Little Evie in the Rain

Sat 31 Oct 2009 02:02:27 GMT

Today started off with beautiful blue skies and whispy clouds. As it got closer to my family portrait session, it started to drizzle, and when I arrived at Minnehaha Falls, it was pouring. Luckily, the family I was photographing decided to brave the rain. I was mainly there to get lifestyle portraits of their daughter, Evie. She had so much fun splashing in puddles and picking up leaves. She has the most amazing blue eyes and the cutest smile! I loved following her around, though I was soaked by the time our session was done. I'm so happy with how these images turned out.

See more images at http://stulagu.bigfolioblog.com/category/5144

Artsy Senior Portraits

Thu 29 Oct 2009 18:07:50 GMT

I am not a fan of the typical senior portraits, but I love when clients are into artistic and exciting portraits. These seniors not only embraced being unique for their senior pictures, but they're twins! I truly enjoyed creating these images for them. More can be found on my blog www.stulagu.bigfolioblog.com.

DIY Tips

Tue 27 Oct 2009 20:27:27 GMT

I am all about DIY. I make a lot of things, and John does as well. And we also both mess up projects and get frustrated. Over the years, we have found what works and what doesn't for DIY. Some things, like electrical, John has studied up on and does well (and passes inspection!). Other things, like tiling...I can do, but it is so time consuming, I'd rather hire out. And yet others, snaking a sewer pipe, for instance, really needs to be left to the professionals (there is nothing like a flooded basement to calm the nerves). I'm using home projects as examples because the do-it-yourself movement is HUGE in this arena, and I think it segways nicely into weddings.

I've noticed a trend in bridal magazines and shows that promote the do-it-yourselfer. You can save SO much money! Its fun! Its unique! It is also difficult. Have you TRIED to do a Martha Stewart craft? Sure, it looks easy on tv or in the magazine, but just like tiling a bathroom, it can be easier on your wallet and sanity to just hire a professional.

There needs to be some education with DIY and some smart choices when you're approaching this for your wedding. Time is just as valuable as materials. As is your sanity. Even though you may be able to do things yourself, it doesn't mean you should. Is it worth being stressed up until you walk down the aisle? Do you want to be folding 200 programs after you get home from your rehearsal dinner? Here are a few thoughts...

Do It Yourself
invitations, placecards, other stationery goods and favors
gifts for your bridesmaids
rehearsal dinner
overall wedding planning

Do NOT Attempt
reception decor - do you want your mom hanging tule two hours before your wedding?
your dress
your photography - this is the one artistic record of the day, do it right!
your cake
your music - Ipods are NOT djs!

Of course, there are exceptions. Though we don't recommend having a family member be a vendor for your wedding (trust us, it is a lot of unwanted drama) if you need to save some money and have an aunt that is a floral designer, this can work out well. Just be sure to set parameters ahead of time and pay fairly so there are no hard feelings. Don't assume that since they're family, they will do it for free.

Be very realistic. If you have a small wedding budget, try other options than simply doing everything yourself. Having a small guest list and atypical venues that don't need a lot decoration will save your wallet and sanity a lot more than a lot of DIY projects. Also, give yourself twice as long to do something than you think it will take. Cushion your time and do one project at a time to keep the stress levels down. And keep things simple! You want to be glowing and happy and stress free on your wedding day...your health is a DIY project that is important as well.

All in the Details

Thu 22 Oct 2009 02:03:18 GMT

Photographers LOVE details! They enable us to have a theme to our images, tell a story and show the ambiance. Every insight we have into our wedding couples is one more way we can taylor our images to that particular couple. When planning your wedding, having a cohesive theme and thought to detail really takes your wedding from everyday to unique. Here are a few detail shots we took of a recent wedding. Notice how the bride's bouquet ribbon is the same color as her shoes! Their color scheme was a light pink and sage green, and they achieved a beautiful downtown chic wedding.

Summer Nights

Tue 20 Oct 2009 21:17:40 GMT

I just finished editing Gabe and Tyler's wedding and had to give props to their reception site, Old Arizona Studios. It is eye candy for a photographer. There were so many textures and different spaces with interesting things to see in every corner. Pair this location with a balmy summer night and Chowgirls Killer Catering and you get a recipe for a fabulous reception.

Here are a couple shots that I just love. These images show more of our event coverage. We capture the vibrancy and energy of a space, so you can look back and remember exactly how that night was. We also LOVE to photograph food, and have a taste as well =)