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Saturday, November 21, 2009

This seemed like a perfect title for today's blog post!  I had big plans for getting things done today.  Stacey and the kids had left for Wausau for a couple days and I was going to tackle the world.  Well that was the plan anyway.  I woke up and got some images ready for a slideshow that Tonia and Matt had wanted to show at their reception back here after their destination wedding in Mexico.  I had everything burned to a CD and off I went.  Well that is where the technology bug got in the way.  First off, they were using a PC, which I am not as familiar with some of the functionality as my Mac.  For the life of us we could not get the images to play full screen from the PC to the TV.  We tried everything but were literally lost.  Then we tried my Mac with the same hookups that I use at the studio and the TV wasn't accepting it.  Anyway, we found a work around, but Matt and I kind of looked at each other with this stumped look for a decent part of the afternoon. 

After that I had a meeting with a potential client for next fall.  The soon to be bride's mother and sister were in town and it worked out great because I was able to meet them along with her and her fiance.  They had just come from picking out the all important wedding dress!  It left me thinking what it must be like for a mother to watch her daughter come out in "the dress".  It must be a rush of emotions!  I think she was happy that her mom and sister were able to make it from Milwaukee for the weekend and help. 

My day ended with meeting my Dad and some other family members for a fish fry at a LONG TIME family friend's house.  This happens to be one of my Dad's absolute best friends through his life and he was always a fun guy to be around as I was growing up.  Unfortunately he is fighting cancer right now.  The fish fry was a great way for him to be around his friends and family members while hopefully temporarily taking his mind off what he is going through.  On my drive home, I left thinking about how easy it is to get "lost in a moment" for a variety of reasons.  It might be because we are mad, sad, happy, etc.  It just reminded me that despite our intentions, life can take a detour and we occasionally need to step back and take in life's moments.  It made me remember this awesome video short about life being a series of moments and events.  

And since all posts are better with an image, here is a picture of Tonia and Matt getting lost in their own little moment!

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ohana photographers says:

this shot is stunning man!

(11.28.09 @ 09:38 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Lost In A Moment . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://stajastudiosblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/57

Since Stacey and I are soaking up a few rays, we wanted to share a few images from the fire-dancing show that took place the first night we were here for Tonia and Matt's destination wedding. 

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Time to go lose a bunch of golf balls in the jungle, while Stacey is relaxing at the spa :)

Hasta Luego!

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Chelsea Madsen says:

NO FAIR!!! looks awesome

(10.27.09 @ 09:42 PM)
ohana photographers says:

now these are awesome! lovin the color and movement!

(11.12.09 @ 08:19 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Fire Dancing | Destination Wedding Cancun, Mexico . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://stajastudiosblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/48
Saturday, October 3, 2009
What do you get when you take a fall night, an ATV, and two lovely ladies?  A recipe for either a cat fight, or some cool images! 

Despite some cruddy weather and a late start, Stacey and I had a blast today hanging out with Aly and Lacie.  For those of you who think Aly looks familiar, it's because we just recently had the pleasure of shooting her wedding.  As for Lacie, she is the driving force behind Pearls and Lace!  Plus, not only did Lacie do the flowers for Aly's wedding, she was in it.  Wait until you see the creations she came up with for today!

Recently when we were talking, they both thought it would be a lot of fun to do a Trash The Dress style session today.  They both went out and got dresses just for the shoot, and we were all excited as the week crept along.  Needless to say the weather didn't get the memo and could have been a little more cooperative!  Despite a late start and little time to work outside, we did get some cool shots as the fall night was coming to life!  We will be posting some additional images from the shoot in the future, but wanted to leave you with a sneak preview!  Thanks again ladies, we can't wait for part two and hopefully some nicer weather!

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Before we sign off, Stacey and I just wanted to take a moment to let Annie, Chad, and their families know that we are thinking of them.  If it weren't for Annie's aneurysm, today would have been their wedding.  It sounds good that Annie might be getting out of the ICU within the next week.  We have to commend you all for your strength during this difficult time.  Annie, we can't wait for you to get out of the hospital, regain your strength, and be able to look toward your future wedding with Chad!

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Susan Austin says:

You guys are CRAZY creative! Let me know if you ever need a hand with any of these outings!
Love you both!!

(10.04.09 @ 11:06 AM)
Lacie says:

ok so if this is a preview I can not wait to see the rest of them. give me more :) thanks so much for this it was amazing. I encourage all brides to do a photo shoot after their wedding. Was the best time ever. Thanks again Stacey and Jason. Can't wait for the Sping Session.

(10.05.09 @ 09:29 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Wedding Dress Fun . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://stajastudiosblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/40
Monday, September 14, 2009
Hey everyone, Stacey and I are really going to be trying to make our blog a cooler place to come and visit.  We are hoping to bring a little more of who we are as people not just our images to the forefront.  In this attempt, we are rolling out some new features including (drum-roll please) - Monday's Bits and Bites.  You may be asking what the heck are bits and bites.  Who knows, we will see where it takes us.  However, what we envision is random tid-bits about our weekend, current events, scattered thoughts, and anything else our crazed heads may come up with.  Now for bites, we are going to be dedicating this to the lovely world of food and drink!  Stacey and I both love good food and the accompanying experience that goes with it.  It may be a tasty burger fresh off the grill, or a restaurant that we really enjoyed!  With that said, here we go:

1) WEEKEND RANDOMNESS -
This weekend was one of those fun, who knows what's going to happen type of weekends.  We left for a destination wedding weekend in the Minocqua area of Wisconsin.  Our first stop was the Big Bear Hideaway in Boulder Junction for the rehearsal dinner.  Despite a long day of travel, we originally planned on heading to Stacey's parents in Wausau, but the drive didn't sound enticing.  We had a great conversation with the owners of the Big Bear after the dinner was over.  We talked about all kinds of things including ways that they could improve the place for weddings (photographically speaking).  Long story short, we ended up staying at their accompanying place to the Big Bear. Another gorgeous location with a view that knocks your socks off!   Here is the sight we were treated to in the morning.

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This lake has to have as clear of water as I have ever seen.  Unreal!  Needless to say, we kicked off a great wedding weekend in style, met some awesome new friends, and are looking forward to heading back sometime soon!

2) FAVRE'S VIKING DEBUT -
As a Minnesota Viking season ticket holder, the weekend fun continued to roll on.  While making our way back home on Sunday, I was avoiding any source that may give away the Vikings score, due to the game waiting for me on DVR (which simply has to be one of the best technological inventions).  We got home, caught up with the kids, and then I nestled in for the game.  I have to say, it was weird seeing the old gray bearded QB in a purple 4 jersey for a game that actually counted.  Despite a slow and poor first half, I was impressed with the second half.  It was great to see a QB who knew how to read a defense and put his team in an appropriate set more than once!  I can't wait for the October 4th MN game against the Pack! 

3) KANYE WEST IS AN IDIOT - I shouldn't even bother because he's already gotten too much publicity for his recent rant, but despite being gifted musically, the guy is bankrupt in the class department!

4) THE TASTY BITE:  Spinach and Artichoke Aloutte Stuffed Pork - I love to cook and recently concocted a new recipe that should please your guests!  This is not an exact recipe, but after all, cooking is just as much art as science, right? 

Take some pork chops (no bone) and cut a slit into each one to create a pocket for for the Aloutte cheese.  Take a spoon and stuff the pork with the cheese (be careful to sccop out the amount you want to use ahead of time, you don't want the spoon to bring raw pork jive into the unused cheese).  Take a bag and fill with your favorite snack cracker (I think I used a wheat and buttercrisp mix).  Smash the crackers into crumbs, and then pour your crumbs onto a plate and season with your favorite seasoning (I used kosher salt, pepper, garlic and thyme).  Take another plate and cover with flour.  Crack and whisk up an egg in a bowl.  Dredge the pork in the flour, dip into the egg wash, and then roll in the breadcrumbs.  At this point you should have a pan with some oil ready on the stove.  Brown your pork for about four minutes or so on each side and then turn to a lower heat, cover, and let cook for about 4 more minutes.  Serve with your favorite accompanying sides.  This dish will go well with a nice Chardonnay.  With the pork, I personally prefer more of your standard California Chardonnay than French. 

We hope you enjoyed the first installment of Bits and Bites.  Bon Appetite and Enjoy!



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Monday, August 3, 2009
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania - All I can say is WOW!  This had to be about the biggest culture shock that I have come across.  After leaving the opulence of Dubai, I think we were all a little shocked when we arrived at the airport in Tanzania.  Let's just say the two airports could not be much more polar from one another.  When we went into what felt like a basement to get our Visas and clear customs, I knew we were no longer home. 

We all made our way to our bus and boarded for what was no doubt a life changing trip.  I literally sat on the bus for the whole ride to Kunduchi Beach just amazed at the sites.  I don't think I will ever forget that bus ride just taking everything in.  With that in mind, here are a few of the images that I shot through the window on our way to our first stop





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Laura Ivanova says:

Amazing imagery Jason. I can't wait to see more!

(08.05.09 @ 02:39 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Tanzania - Culture Shock . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://stajastudiosblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/20