De La Teja Studio

April 3, 2018 By Heidi & Gerry

Spring Senior Pictures with Danielle ~ Black Creek

I first met Danielle at a winter trade show and thats when she asked me to photograph her Senior Pictures. Since winters are long and cold in Wisconsin, we planned Danielle’s senior pictures on a clear 48° spring day. We started this amazing senior portrait session at her home in Black Creek. Danielle selected a darling blush lace dress keeping with the”country chic” theme. Her families vintage shed with was the perfect backdrop. As the breeze swept perfectly through Danielle’s hair all I could think of was what amazing senior pictures I was capturing! Danielle changed into a adorable fur camo coat for her 2nd senior portrait look. We roamed the downtown utilizing the quaint buildings, exposed brick and corrugated steel walls. I wanted to give Danielle the best selection for her Senior pictures and this was a nice balance between country and urban. Afterwards we scoped out at neighbors farmette for Danielle’s 3rd look to her senior portrait experience. Danielle was styling a earth tone boho styled poncho and knit hat. There were so many locations within the farm such as a field stone wall, washed barn doors but the charming rope swing was my fav! We shot through the golden hour for the most incredible senior pictures! Danielle wanted to include her horse “Rebel” in her senior pictures so we made her family barn the last stop to this phenomenal day. Danielle was a trooper because by this time the temp had dropped to 30° and my assistant and I had to wear our winter coats. Danielle said she was having so much fun taking senior pictures that the cold didn’t bother her! (unbelievable). She came out to the field wearing a black crushed velvet top and Ralph Lauren suede riding chaps. I knew this last set of senior portraits were going to be spectacular! We shot against the evening sky as Danielle enjoyed a little play time with her furry friend Rebel. After the session we warmed up in the house as I gave Danielle and her mom a sneak peek to the stunning Senior pictures that we had created together! Congrats Danielle, you have a beautiful soul! Thank you for choosing me, it was a pleasure getting to know you and documenting your once in a life time senior pictures!

March 1, 2018 By Heidi & Gerry

Top 10 ways to save $ for your wedding!

Create a wedding website and send creative e-vites to your guests. Most people do not save paper invites – decrease waste and design your beautiful on line invitations! This also saves on mailing fees. Average price for traditional invitations range from $650 to $3000.

2. Skip open bar (most will run $7,500+ and in 20 years no one will remember what they drank at your wedding) If you wish to treat your guests offer ~ a wine and beer selection. Don’t forget non-alcoholic options such as lemonade, ice tea, sparkling fruit infused water.

3. Cut back on large and expensive table centerpieces and go with simple elegant decor. Try illuminaries and hand made artisan items that flow with the theme of your day. Many designer table arrangements run $300+ per table which adds up to over $7500+ for an average size wedding of 250 people. (and about $20,000 if its all floral) Give the centerpieces away at the end of the night.

4. Go local for floral bouquets with fresh cut / in season options available at your local farmers markets – such as daisies, hydrangea, solidago, rice flowers, eucalyptus or baby’s breath. An average bridal bouquet is $300 – $1000+ (and they will be dead by the end of the night). Average cost of a fresh market bouquet / hand tied – about $30 (gift it to your personal attendant at the end of the night!)

5. Be comfortable and buy with a pair of dancing shoes instead of designer stilettos (that no one will notice them under your gown) Designer heals run $500- $1000 and since most are uncomfortable brides end up ditching them a after a couple hours. Try a Uber comfy pair of: Anne Klein I-flex, Bella Vita, Sledge pump, Comfort plus, Franco Sarto, Sole society, Easy spirit or Naturalizer and dance the night away!

6. No need to buy separate “plate” favors for each individual guest. Try a tasty- s’mores, popcorn or candy table. Everyone can grab a quick fix throughout the evening or take it home and to enjoy the next day. Food= happy people!

7. Offer cupcakes instead of wedding cake OR if you have decided on cake try serving sheet cake instead of purchasing a designer tiered wedding cake. Many designer cakes run over $1000+ and since many guests prefer an adult beverage over sweet cake at the end of the night – much of the cake will go to waste. If you’re not into cake serve your fav dessert such as pie or have an ice cream bar! It’s YOUR BIG DAY!

8. Create your own “Support Team” by selecting an on site wedding planner from your reception salon in combination with your maid of honor and personal attendant. As a Team you can divide up the work & planning without having to hire a separate wedding coordinator which would save you about $3000!

9. If your Ceremony and Reception are at the same place, skip renting a limo or bus. ( Many orlando limo companies change $1000+ for the afternoon and if you will not be able to enjoy the ride why spend the money) If you locations are less than 20 min apart ask your Groomsmen to drive your bridesmaids to your reception hall. *The best time to rent a limo or bus is if you are planning on bar hopping to avoid anyone drinking & driving!

10. Consider heavy horderves instead of a heavy meal. Since most people attend weddings to socialize – spreading the appetizers out will allow guests to mingle and catch a bite when they feel like it. Horderves can be a mix of your fav goodies and served throughout the night! Average horderves are $8+ per person x 250 guests = $2000 + a wait staff, bartenders & tipping versus average plate fee of $30-50 in the mid-west which is about $7500 and up.

BONUS TIP ~ I’m all about YOU finding your dream gown. If you dont mind last seasons styles (which sometime is only a month or 2) simply ask the manager at the dress shop to show your their “Sample dresses.” Every store has an area they keep all of their gowns that are no longer orderable due to a strap, color or bead change. Their is nothing wrong with these gowns expect they have been tried on. If you find one that you love they are usually between $100 – $400…even with a dry clean fee you are still saving $.
Happy shopping ladies!!!

* All of my tips add up to saving about $35,000 – pick and choose what’s best for YOU!

September 11, 2017 By Heidi & Gerry

Destination Senior Session with Melissa ~ La Havana, Cuba

While touring the island of Cuba we stayed at an Air B & B in La Habana. During the week we met our wonderful neighbor Jenny. She noticed we were taking pictures and asked if we did Senior Graduation portraits. Jenny’s daughter Melissa was in need of having her high school graduation pictures taken. Their family was very curious to know all about us and where we were from in the U.S. (they loved Americans) We were delighted to step in and help. The Cuban people are the most generous and humble individuals I’ve ever met in all of my years of travel. After we met Melissa we were in awe of her natural beauty, fun loving spirit and blonde hair! Most people don’t know that Cuba is a blend of local islanders, black, and European since 1492. There are all walks of life there just as you would experience in any other big city such as Chicago. Melissa was very stylish and selected several modern outfits including her prom dress. We wanted to highlight Melissa’s true personality, her love of classic cars and the natural untouched beauty of La Habana. She selected a 1950’s look including a cropped pink sweater and hot pants to show off her youth and great tan from living in Cuba! We opted to shoot one hour prior to sunset for the best lighting. We covered the Malicon/ oceanside, nearby gorgeous abandon mansions, and the Melia Grad Hotel complete with a pink caddy. The longer we walked the more locations we found. I felt like a kid in a candy store! Any backdrop in Cuba is exquisite ~ overflowing with old world charm and packed with history. The mise-en-scene to Melissa’s senior portraits resemble “Pirates of the Caribbean”! Melissa’s Senior experience was exciting, adventurous, and heartwarming. Thank you for choosing us Melissa for your Senior pictures. It was a pleasure getting to know you and your family. We also look forward to seeing you all on our next trip to La Habana Cuba. Salud!

September 10, 2017 By Heidi & Gerry

Wedding Photography ~ a true art!

As professional full time wedding photographers we strive for excellence no matter how big or small the wedding. From Appleton to Greenbay, Milwaukee to Madison and Sheboygan to Sturgeon Bay, we travel everywhere. We love what we do and pour our hearts and souls into the craft of fine art wedding photography. AS leaders in the wedding business we don’t choose to copy what others wedding photographers have done in past, rather we pride ourselves in originality and giving our clients something out of the box! Many wedding photographers copy what is trending on Pinterest not considering that they are “cookie cutter” poses. (soon to be over used and outdated)

We have a timeless approach to wedding photography and provoke deeper feelings allowing you to reveal your true personality. We shoot a wide range of lighting styles and use lighting to convey an exact mood. We guide our brides to how our camera sees them, so together we explore movement that will express our brides panache. When our brides see their wedding images, they are touched with emotion because they see themselves in a compelling way, perhaps a way they have never seen themselves before. This is fine art wedding photography in action.

September 9, 2017 By Heidi & Gerry

Boudoir Photography ~ a magical experience!

Professional Boudoir photography is about making women feel good about themselves. Our goal with each boudoir session is to help our clients discover and embrace their own unique character and sexiness. We get pure artistic satisfaction from shooting boudoir and feel lucky to be able to express our creativity through photography.

How often are you professionally photographed and treated like a Super Model? Most women are over worked, under paid and spend much time balancing long hours at work while taking care of their family leaving little or no time for themselves.

As professional artists we cater to your needs and listen to your special requests! Boudoir sessions are offered in our exclusive boudoir studio, our boudoir loft or at the location of your choice. We offer sneak peaks as we’re shooting to show you the magic as it unfolds and how beautiful you are! We think every woman should fall in love with herself and celebrate her figure and thats why a boudoir session is quintessential! We look forward to capturing organic emotion and hidden moments for each of our clients and are ready to tell your story!