Milwaukee Wedding Photographers | the Clevelands

Milwaukee Wedding Photographer | Engagement Session | Beth and Mark

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

A few weeks ago we met Beth and Mark at Marquette University for their engagement session. They both attend graduate school and since it's where much of their time was spent as they were falling in love, it was the perfect place for their engagement session.

Beth and Mark grew up in this area and met through friends at church. Mark is a writer and when he decided to ask Beth to marry him, he began by writing her a dear, sweet poem. He took her to a special spot at the beach and he gave her the poem. She read it and got teary-eyed. She said "no one has ever done something like this for me before." As Mark was telling us this sweet story of their engagement, he got a twinkle in his eye and told us he thought to himself, "and now I'm about to do something I don't think anyone else has done for you before either." So SWEET!!!

As you can see from these images Mark shows his love for Beth with his big, wide smile, and Beth shows her love with big, beautiful eyes that just light up when she looks at him. We toured the campus with Beth and Mark and stopped in all the places that were special to them and the beginning of their life together. (A big thank you to the library patrons for tolerating our camera shutters and a bit of giggling while you were studying for your finals!)

Beth and Mark, we enjoyed our time getting to know you! We hope you enjoy your images as a memory of this time in your life that is so special and precious! Your lives will never be the same as in this moment, but our hope for you is that you never forget where you began your love, and that you never ever lose this special gift of each other that you were given!

Take Care,
Jan

Here are some of our favorite images from the day.

To be notified when Beth and Mark’s image are online and available for viewing and purchasing, sign up for their online gallery here.

Orten Family | Grafton, Wisconsin | Family Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Cleveland) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Hi everybody! I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. We did...it’s always such a great way to start that “family” time of year!!

The word “Family” brings a lot to mind, all kinds of thoughts, feelings and memories. These are the people you spend your entire life with. We spend a lot of our days and nights with the other people in our lives, but we spend all of our years with our family. They are there for the joys and the sorrows, the wins and the losses. Good or bad, they are where we came from, they are partly responsible for why we are the way we are, and they will be there wherever we end up in life. Looking around at our Thanksgiving table this year I realized that we all have been through so many different seasons of life together. We’ve had good years, and great years, and some not so good. But we are still a family. And I’m grateful that no matter what, they are mine.

So in honor of families everywhere, I would like to introduce you to the Orten Family. They chose to meet at the beautiful Lyme Kiln Park in Grafton for their family photo shoot. This happened to be what was to be one of the very last beautiful fall days in Wisconsin.

I love doing family shoots,. To me it’s an honor to be invited to share a secret view into who this family is and how they work. Always by the end, after meeting each sibling, meeting who they married, and getting to spend a little time with their kids, I get a picture of my own. Seeing them all together at the end, all smiling natural smiles (by this time they’ve realized we are harmless and they have relaxed into themselves), always makes me happy. Here is another family, like my own. All different, yet all have something that ties them together. Forever. Good and bad. Joys and sorrows.

So Orten family, we hope you enjoy your photos as much as we enjoyed spending the afternoon with you!! Happy Holidays!!

Happy Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0000

This week Jeff and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary! Five years have passed in the blink of an eye but at the same time so much has happened in our marriage, our lives and our kids’ lives! Five years later though, I still know every single day that I am fortunate to have married THE most perfect person in the world for me, and I couldn’t be happier!

There are so many great things about being married in general, and being married to Jeff in particular. When I got married, in many ways my life became easier and better. I got a lawn guy. Someone to share the bills and the chores. My own personal photographer. My own personal chef. Tech support for my tech-challenged self. A second car and driver. Someone to help me take care of the kids, the house, the dog. Someone to talk to about the kids, the house and the dog. Oh and flowers…I got the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen the other day! I could go on and on, but you get the point. Jeff is a hard worker, a great co-parent, an awesome spouse!

Possibly my very favorite thing about being married is that I get to come home every night to the person who has the same loving look in his eyes, no matter how his day has been, no matter what kind of mood I am in, no matter what has happened in our lives. And I breathe a sigh of relief. I get to close my eyes and sleep peacefully knowing that the person next to me not only loves every little quirky thing about me (even the things I don’t love about myself!) but at the same time inspires me, motivates me and even pushes me to be the best Jan that I can be. I would take that quality any day!

Happy 5th Anniversary Jeff! Thank you for coming up with this great idea five years ago to travel through life together!

Image courtesy of Spottswood Photography

"There is no reason not to follow your heart."

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Cleveland) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Most of you know that I'm not only a wedding photographer but I also work in an Apple retail store. And if you pay any attention to the news you probably also know that Steve Jobs, one of the founders and most definitely the face of Apple, passed away this week. He died due to complications from a rare form of pancreatic cancer.

I heard the news in a text message from a co-worker. For the next couple hours I kept Twitter open on my laptop and kept reading tweets filled with inspirational quotes that were attributed to this visionary leader or things people were saying about him. Two stood out to me that night. The first spoke to the impact his life work has had on the world. It was from a statement issued by President Obama and read, "The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented." That was in fact how I had heard the news. And over the next twenty-four hours I kept hearing others share how true that statement was.

The second quote is a statement that I can't get out of my mind. It has had a profound impact on me this week and I want to share it with you here. This is from a commencement speech he made at Stanford University on June 12, 2005. I'm not going to comment or attempt to add to it. But I hope it inspires you the way it has inspired me.

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

Steve Jobs
1955-2011

Jeff

Spotts Family | Hartford, Wisconsin | Family Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Pike Lake, early autumn and the super-cute Spotts family were a perfect way for Jeff and I to spend an afternoon!

We first photographed this family when Jayda was a newborn. Now just a year later we were honored to be asked to create their family photos. Jayda is a happy, cute little girl with bright blond pigtails and full of personality. She just loved watching AND learning from her older brothers. Micah and Noah are busy, active boys, in constant motion. I think they found every stick on the hill at Pike Lake during our shoot! After trying to photograph just the five of them, we finally gave in and included sticks in most of the photos.

You could see how happy they all were together by the kind of smiles that appeared whenever Jamie or Chris looked at one of their kids. That's what I love about family portraits; not only the "smile for the camera" shots, but I especially enjoy catching the glimpses that members of a family save just for each other. It's priceless!

Jamie and Chris, thank you once again for sharing a glimpse of your family life with us! We love seeing you and your great kids, and catching up on all that's going on in your lives. We hope you enjoyed our afternoon together as much as we did, sticks and all! Here are some photos from our afternoon together. We hope you enjoy them!

Take care,
Jan

Seriously! How cute is Jayda?!?!?!

Noah and Micah are pretty cute too!

Posing with their favorite sticks of the day.

I think Jayda is daddy's girl!

Speaking of cute!

Why We Want You to Have Engagement Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0000

OK, so you’re getting married! And next on your list is hiring a wedding photographer and you’re meeting with us to see if we’re the right ones for you. We all know the economy is bad, money is tight, and if you’re like the rest of us when we planned our weddings, you are over-budget and are looking to cut corners.  The question we sometimes get at this point in getting to know our clients is this - can we cut corners somewhere? How about taking out that engagement session? After all, you say, we’ve been engaged for a while and we have a lot of photos of us as a couple already. Or maybe you’ve even had engagement pictures taken, so you feel like you don't need them.

Well, our answer is usually no, and for a number of well thought out reasons. And whether you hire us or not, we'd like you to know why we love and almost insist on shooting an engagement session for all of our wedding couples.

We think it’s a really great way to get to know your photographers. We actually call it a "Get to Know You" Session. On your wedding day, you will likely spend as much if not more time with your photographer than almost anyone else! So the "Get to Know You" Session is a really good time for all of us to get ready for that day. You will probably start out nervous but be able to become comfortable around us and our equipment as you learn how we work. You'll learn more about what you want from your wedding images, we can see how the two of you are with each other, and even learn some do's and don'ts about how to photograph you. This helps us photograph you in the best possible way on your very best day. Your photographs will be so much better, more personal and more authentic because you will be looking at and smiling for a friend holding a camera, not some stranger.

Having an engagement session will also ensure you have some truly meaningful photos of a very special time in your life, one that will never be this way again. The time right before your wedding. The way you look on your wedding day will be gorgeous, happy, stunning - all those things. But the way you look in your engagement images is a little different - the look of anticipation, love, hope and excitement is priceless.

Our goal as your wedding photographers is certainly to get great images on your wedding day. An engagement session is an important part of that.

Happy wedding planning!!

Take care,
Jan

Crystal and Alex from the very first engagement session we did.

Danielle and Paul's session on the beach in Racine turned out beautiful.

Lisa and Keran's at Pike Lake wasn't too shabby either.

Alicia and Marc's at the University of Chicago was so fun because the place was so meaningful to them.

Sarah | Port Washington, Wisconsin | Senior Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Meet Sarah, Port Washington High School senior!

A couple of weeks ago she invited us to her home on the bank of the Milwaukee River in Saukville, and I could immediately see why she chose this amazing location for her senior shoot! It was beautiful and peaceful there, and Sarah's bright smile just made it THE perfect place.

Sarah is cute and sweet and funny. She has a gorgeous smile and her eyes light up when she talks to you. You can't help but feel warm and welcome. She was nervous for all of two minutes, and then just seemed to relax and enjoy being the center of attention.

Sarah LOVES the old majestic trees in her yard, and really wanted some of her photos taken around them. She is a musician and plays four different instruments as well as leading her high school band as Drum Major. I asked her if she was excited about her senior year, and she told me that after visiting colleges, she wishes she could just skip this year and go to college already, like TODAY! (…a feeling that seems pretty common among seniors!).

Sarah, it was so much fun to get to know you, and it was an honor for us to capture this moment in your life! You are beautiful inside and out. You are at an exciting time in our life and we hope you enjoy every minute of it!

Enjoy a few of the images from your senior shoot, and we will see you very soon!!!

Take care,
Jan

Milwaukee Wedding Photographer | Lisa and Keran

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago we photographed the wedding of Lisa and Keran. What we quickly learned about them was that it seemed life had taught them to recognize and honor what matters most in life. This was how they not only planned their wedding day, but how they enjoyed it. It's so easy to get caught up in details and a bit of chaos, but Lisa and Keran seemed to love every minute of their day. They planned their day around two things: "How do WE want to spend our wedding day, and what would honor our families and friends." And they accomplished both.

Lisa started her day early at the Well Spa in the Pfister Hotel by treating herself and her bridesmaids to some pampering. She was calm and so happy as she got ready. The jewelry she wore had been worn by the brides on her side of the family dating back at least 4 generations. Her father, though he passed away several years ago played a part in the dress Lisa wore. It meant the world to her that he would be there in spirit. (Ok AND her dress was GORGEOUS!)

Though the couple decided to enjoy a private moment together for a "first look", the ceremony was quite emotional and personal, filled with tears and lots of sweet glances between the bride and groom. Father Timothy Kitzke of St Hedwig's Catholic Church who had been a friend of Keran's for years, had a wonderful and emotional message to this couple who had obviously become dear to him. Weddings are joyous occasions, but in this room on this day you could feel the love and the joy surrounding these two. And to add to the emotion a bagpiper led the newly married couple out of the church. (I kept taking photos, but my eyes became a little misty!)

The celebration continued with a harbor cruise on what was a perfect Milwaukee summer afternoon! It was really quite an awesome way to follow up the ceremony! Everybody could breathe and relax and celebrate the moment. After that Lisa and Keran hosted an intimate dinner for their wedding party and closest family members at the Milwaukee Ale House, and then on to the Grace Center in Milwaukee for the reception.

Keran gave a most beautiful and humble speech to his new wife. You just couldn't help but smile at their happiness. They are a couple that make your heart melt when you see the way their eyes light up when they look at each other. They danced the night away at their reception, obviously enjoying the company of every one of their guests.

Lisa and Keran, we wish you continued joy and happiness in your marriage! We thank you for inviting us to share your day with you, and we hope you enjoy the story we have to tell of your day. Here is a sneak peak of your images!

Take care,
Jan

Lisa, you are a beautiful bride.

The flowers were beautifully done by Studio 83 Designs.

The first look didn't go as planned but I still loved their reactions.

Yes, they were led out of the church by a bagpiper!

These two were even cute cutting the cake.

Lisa changed into such a cute dress shortly after the first dance.

To be notified when Lisa and Keran’s image are online and available for viewing and purchasing, sign up for their online gallery here.

Leah | Port Washington, Wisconsin | Senior Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Studio photos are often stunning and beautiful and perfect. But there is something special about photographs taken in a meaningful place. Last year we photographed my parents and the photo of them walking beneath their old willow tree not only brings me back to THAT very moment, but a thousand other moments that came before (I can remember way back to my pink bicycle), and I already realize, not enough moments ahead.

Meet Leah, a high school senior at Port Washington High School! She decided she would like her photos to be taken at a place that was special to her. A place her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins gather every summer for a week to reconnect, celebrate the joys and share the heartaches that come with family life. Leah told her mom this place held a lot of memories, and it would mean something to her to have her photos taken there. (I LOVE that she thought of all that!)

So we gladly made our way to a little cottage in Holland, Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Michigan for Leah's shoot. This person whom I first met when she was about eight years old has grown into such a confident, kind and thoughtful person. She looked stunning on the beach, so relaxed and natural in this setting. Almost like she belonged here!

Leah, we really enjoyed sharing with you this special time in your life! You did a fantastic job, and you looked so beautiful! We hope you enjoy your photos, and we hope they will not only remind you of this special time in your life, but of all the precious memories this place holds for you. Enjoy your senior year, and we can't wait to see all that you will do in your future!

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Engagement Session | Alicia and Marc

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Jeff has known Alicia for a very long time so we were so excited when she told us she was engaged to Marc. And we were very honored that they asked us to photograph them at this very special moment in their lives.

It always amazes me how impossible it seems and how lovely it is when two peoples' paths cross at just the right moment to make true love happen. This seems so true for Alicia and Marc. She grew up in Indiana and he grew up in Texas. Among other places, Alicia spent two years in Africa in the Peace Corps and then they found each other in graduate school. Now they are not only continuing their ambitious careers in Washington DC, but they are planning the next path their lives will take, this time together!

Alicia and Marc decided they would like their photo session to take place where their relationship began: the University of Chicago. More specifically IN the library. This was their favorite place. The place they spent the most time early on after finding each other (if these walls could speak, right?). Alicia and Marc took us on a tour of this gorgeous campus while we photographed them in some of their favorite places, even in what appeared to be some of their favorite poses. They are both very funny, quirky sometimes, and easy to be with. Jeff and I love photographing people who love being around each other. We loved hearing about their college days, and it was easy to imagine them here on this gorgeous campus, surrounded by stacks of books and a determination to study, yet distracted by that special person sitting next to them.

So Alicia and Marc, here is some of what Jeff and I saw of you and your relationship that day. We hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did. Thank you for letting us in on your special moment, and we can't wait to see what you will do next in your lives, this time together!!!

Take care,
Jan

Karl | Port Washington, Wisconsin | Senior Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Recently Jeff and I were invited to share an evening with Karl so that we could take his senior photos. It was such a beautiful evening in Port Washington where Karl will be a senior at Port Washington High School. We started by the lakefront, and while the weather was hot, just looking out over beautiful Lake Michigan can refresh you in a second. We already knew Karl's family but had never met him. We learned he is in the band where he plays the baritone. And we quickly learned that while he would gladly participate in this photo shoot, he was very anxious to save some time for us to watch and photograph him doing his favorite thing. Once reassured we would definitely do that with him, he seemed to relax. I always enjoy seeing anyone doing something they LOVE LOVE LOVE to do, whether it's a sport, an occupation, or a hobby. And when it's a high school senior we're photographing, the photos are always easy to take.

So we made our way around parts of the lake front and then headed to Karl's back yard for a lesson on forging. All through the evening he was very nice, a little shy, funny and easily told us about his college plans. But when he was working with his forge, he looked like he had come into his own. That is fun to see, especially for a high school senior.

So Karl, and mom and dad too, we hope you enjoy your senior pictures! Thank you for sharing this experience with us! We really enjoyed the glimpse you gave us into your life. Best wishes in your senior year! I hope you enjoy every moment.

Take care,
Jan

Hartford Wisconsin Wedding Photographer | Engagement Session | Lisa and Keran

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

We met Lisa and Keran not quite two weeks ago. The had come to our home to talk about their wedding plans, About three minutes after we sat down, Jeff and I both knew we would love hanging out with these two. Keran has a quick sense of humor; nothing really seems to get by him. (I'm sure his three kids just adore that about him!) Lisa is so sweet, has a beautiful smile, and she has the greatest laugh, especially in response to Keran's antics. I love the look on her face when Keran makes her laugh. Besides laughing a lot, Jeff and I both got a little misty-eyed when Keran became very serious and told us how much better his life is with Lisa in it, and what a happier person he is because of her. (Don't you just LOVE that?)

Though their wedding is coming up very soon, this busy couple took the time to invite us out for an evening cruise on their boat. It was a perfect night to be out on Pike Lake in Hartford Wisconsin. The skyline was beautiful. The air was warm with a cool breeze. The clouds reflected all the beauty of a summer sunset. And the water was as smooth as glass. It was the kind of evening that ends too soon, the kind that makes you breathe deeply and relax. The kind that makes you appreciate the moment, even in the busyness of life.

To add to the fun of this evening, we brought along our cameras for Lisa and Keran's "Get to Know You" Session. It was so easy and fun to photograph these two. Despite us having our cameras with us, they were so relaxed and comfortable, and graciously made sure we enjoyed our evening as well. Here are some images of our evening together. Lisa and Keran, thank your for the relaxing night out! We are looking forward to spending your wedding day with you later this month!

Take care,
Jan

Yeah, I'm pretty sure he loves her.

And this is why he looks at her this way - Lisa, you're so beautiful.

They were pretty much this cute all night!

What you can't see is all the people in the park watching them dance. They didn't seem to mind at all.

And this is how we ended our evening together.

To be notified when Lisa and Keran’s image are online and available for viewing and purchasing, sign up for their online gallery here.

Wedding Tips | Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Planning your wedding is like the most fun and challenging scavenger hunt you will ever go on! You will begin with a very long list. Some things will be easy to find and some will take more effort. Some details won't matter that much while others will require that you absolutely make the perfect decision (for instance, the groom…but that is another topic for another blog post!). You will have to find the perfect date, church, reception site, caterer, and photographer. Then there is the dress…of ALL the dresses in ALL the bridal shops, you will have to find the perfect one with your name on it! Then there's the guest list, the wedding party, the flowers, the colors, jewelry, hair and makeup. On and on…and on!

Somewhere on the list is shoes, and what woman doesn't LOVE shoe shopping? There are so many styles and so many colors to pick from (they don't have to be white anymore, in case your mom asks). Your shoes can be anything you want them to be, but after having watched a fair number of brides (and from my own experience as a bride) my best advice is that you spend some time and money finding shoes that are cute AND comfortable! If you try them on in the store and they are not comfortable, STOP! If you think you can wear them for at least 8 hours without pain, purchase them, but keep your receipt. You may want to purchase a couple of pairs (feel free to tell the groom it was my idea). Don't put them in their pretty box in your closet, keep them out. Put on your comfortable jeans and wear your new gorgeous shoes around the house…up and down the stairs, get in and out of your car. Do the laundry. Just imagine how hot you'll look washing dishes in your new pretty shoes! If this goes well, and you don't have blisters and you're pretty sure you love them, wear them outside, walk around the block, walk across the grass - all things you'll need to be able to do on your wedding day. Walk by a store-front with a big window and see what you look like walking in them. Do you look graceful…or not so much? You do not want to be the beautiful bride clomping down the aisle because you can't walk in your shoes. You want to be elegant and graceful, spending your entire wedding day smiling, dancing, walking, twirling, even skipping, completely undistracted by your feet!

Your wedding day should be your best day, the day that celebrates the beginning of a brand new life for you and husband-to-be. It should be the day that you not only look your very best, but the day that you feel your very best in every way…head to toe, especially your toes! And you just can't do that when your feet hurt! So my best advice, spend some money and some time on the shoes. Don't skimp. Know that comfortable can also be pretty.

Take care,
Jan

Addli | Westfield, Massachusetts | Baby Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Cleveland) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Nine days ago I took a quick trip to Massachusetts. My brother, two sisters and I surprised our parents to be there on the last Sunday they would be at their church before they retired. (If you remember my dad is the pastor of the church he started in Westfield, Massachusetts in July of 1979.) We managed to keep it a secret until we arrived (we thought for sure our sister Angi would ruin the surprise) and they couldn't believe we were there. The weekend flew by and I was so glad I was able to be there with them as they closed this chapter of their lives. (Five minutes before arriving at the airport to return home it struck me that I don't really have any reason to return to this place where I grew up. A couple tears rolled down my cheeks as until that moment I hadn't realized how this change in their lives would affect me.) I'm so proud of my mom and dad for dedicating their lives to something they believed in. The weekend flew by but I'm so glad I was there.

I was able to spend a couple minutes during the weekend capturing a few images of my niece, Addli. She has grown so much since Jan and I photographed her this past winter in Tennessee. She was quite a bit more active this time (I had more than a few out of focus shots trying to keep up with her) and she was just as cute as could be. Here are a few of my favorites.

Jeff

Racine Wedding Photographer | Danielle and Paul | Slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Cleveland) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:22:00 +0000

Danielle and Paul's Wedding from Jeff Cleveland on Vimeo.

Milwaukee Wedding Photographer | Jodi and Jordan

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Cleveland) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0000

I had the privilege of photographing the Intercontinental Hotel wedding of Jodi and Jordan with Pamela Strohl of Pamela Strohl Fine Art Photography. The time I spent at the beginning of the day with the guys was a lot of fun - filled with the laughing and joking that normally accompanies this situation. The ceremony was such a personal and meaningful celebration of Jody and Jordan and their families. The room was decorated beautifully, the food was delicious and the celebration was as energetic as only a Jewish celebration can be. But my favorite part of the day was when Jodi and Jordan spoke at the reception. They spoke of family and friends and love and each other. Though I had a camera pressed to my face I realized that they knew what really mattered. It wasn't the beautiful cake or the amazingly talented band. It was family and friends. I felt honored to capture that moment.

Jodi and Jordan - I wish you the best in your marriage. Here are some of my favorite images from the day.

Jeff

While Pam worked with the Jodi and the bridesmaids I took the groomsmen.

This was about three minutes after he saw her and Jordan still couldn't stop looking at Jodi.

This was the second wedding I've been to that Rabbi Shapiro led. He always provides a meaningful ceremony.

Ringbearers don't really get much cuter than this.

This couple couldn't make it to the dance floor but that didn't stop them from sharing this special moment.

Racine Wedding Photographer | Danielle and Paul

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Did you ever meet someone that made you wonder, "If I got to know them - would we be friends?" It happens to me all the time but there's almost never the time or the opportunity at this point in life to do much about it. Then a couple years ago Jeff and I started our wedding photography business. The big day never gets old to me...everyone's wedding is special and unique, filled with emotion, and joy and hope. And it's fun…a lot of work, but still fun. But last fall when Danielle and Paul stepped into our lives and decided to hire us to be their wedding photographer, our business took on a bigger meaning. We didn't just add a client to our business, we added two special people to our lives. Through the process of planning for their wedding we have gotten to know them, who they are, what they enjoy, what they hope to do with their lives. By the time their wedding day came, we felt like honored guests not just people they hired to do a job. So when we hugged them goodbye at the end of the night I smiled just a little bit bigger when I realized I was congratulating friends.

Danielle and Paul made it known that while this day was THEIR wedding and it meant the world to them, they were also celebrating the joining of their two families. Their parents and even their brothers had become good friends, and this was a day everyone was excited about becoming part of a bigger family!

Helping Danielle get dressed were not only her dear friends, but the two “moms”. I loved the way they worked together on everything, as if they had been doing this for years. They even passed their glasses back and forth as they took turns with the tiny buttons on Danielle’s dress! I got to hear stories about their first meetings and It seemed that early on everybody “just knew” these two would be together! So much laughter, and even some tears in this room getting ready, and all before the wedding even started!

The ceremony took place at Grace Church in Racine and the reception was held at the lovely Racine Country Club. Throughout the day there were lots of little, soft, meaningful touches that made the day even more special. I loved watching Danielle and Paul and how they looked at each other and treated each other. They held hands, they greeted their guests together, they danced and talked and enjoyed their day together. When Paul would look up at Danielle even later in the evening he had that same look of love and joy that he had when he first saw her walking down the aisle. And Danielle, your beautiful smile became a little bigger and your eyes a little more radiant when you would look over at Paul.

Danielle and Paul, you are an amazing and inspiring couple. You are warm and generous, and it showed in the kind of wedding day you shared. We are honored by the trust you placed in us to photograph this special beginning of your marriage. We wish you much joy and happiness, and that what you felt on your wedding day will live in your hearts forever!!

Here is a preview of your Wedding Story. We hope you enjoy them!

With Love,
Jan and Jeff

Danielle made her own gorgeous bridal bouquets, and her mom added this special touch.

Paul's brother, Joel, chauffeured them in a beautiful Buick Eight.

Paul might've been nervous but he looked as cool as a cucumber. (Why do we say that phrase?)

I loved the emotion in these two as soon as the ceremony ended.

I know, I know. How could the images not be beautiful with Danielle as the bride.

Seriously! How cute are they?!?!?!

Like I said - their tenderness toward each other lasted all day long.

To be notified when Danielle and Paul’s image are online and available for viewing and purchasing, sign up for their online gallery here.

Zach | Slinger, Wisconsin | Senior Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:00:00 +0000

It is always a special honor for Jeff and I to be asked to photograph a high school senior. Since we've had two of our own, it seems to have more meaning for us. I remember having my own senior photos taken, and at the time I didn't think it was a big deal. Now I have come to realize what a momentous occasion this is, not only for the graduate, but for the parents as well. It's that one moment in time where everything changes; it's the very brief split second (it seems) between being a kid and being an adult. And I love being a part of saving it with images in a way that is special and memorable, a way that means something to the senior and to his parents. I love trying to capture for a canvas or an album exactly what it "looks" like. Graduation from high school. Growing up. Becoming an adult. It's a rite of passage…a milestone. And I think it deserves to be remembered in a special way.

Zachary proudly became a 2011 Slinger High School graduate! A couple of weeks before graduation he decided he wanted his senior photos taken. The fact that it was so close to graduation day only made the event more special, a little more emotional (right mom?), and more real. I think it's never too late for senior photos…it's not about the albums or the wallet size photos to exchange, not even the yearbook picture (though those are definitely important too). But it's about recognizing what it looks like to go through this rite of passage, and to look back at the images and remember what that moment looked like. What it felt like back then.

So here are a few of the images of Zachary's photo session. I hardly recognized the young man that met us at the Hartford Airport that evening, as he was no longer the kid I remembered from long ago, the one with the big glasses and head to toe poison ivy. No, this person was tall and confident. He has worked hard to earn his high school diploma. He has learned a lot, not only about math and science, but about life, and ready or not he is heading into all that being an adult is about! Like every senior, every year, he is in the place of trying to figure out where his place in the world will be. What a "moment" that is!

Zach, we enjoyed spending that evening with you and your mom. Congratulations on all of your hard work! Thank you for sharing your "moment" with us. We wish you the very best in life, and we can't wait to see what you will do next!

Take care,
Jan

Happy Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Happy (belated) Father's Day to all you great Dad's out there and to anyone else who has ever provided special dad-services when needed…yesterday was your day too!

Today I want to honor the best dad I know…someone who continues to spend 24/7 fulfilling all the responsibilities (and more) that he took on 20-some years ago, while making it look easy.

Parenting is so great but it can also be SO difficult, especially when kids get to their teenage years and are trying desperately to live their own lives - WAY too soon. We have four of them in this phase right now so life can be a bit stressful.

Over the years I have had the privilege and joy, first as a friend, then girlfriend, and now as a wife to experience what kind of father he really is. He works hard, whether he is at work or at home. He has always had a job (or jobs), and was willing to do whatever it took to provide the best life he could for himself and his kids, and now for all of us. I have seen him carry on with grace and dignity and a calmness beyond what most of us are capable of even under circumstances that would send the strongest of us back under the covers for the day. When his life turned upside down and he became the dad whose kids primarily lived in another household, he managed to be there for his kids all the time, no matter the cost to himself. The years he spent single-parenting he not only was a great dad, he handled the mom-jobs with more skill than most mom's do.

I could list a thousand little and big things he has done over the years.

We got married four years ago, and blended into a family of six, but not without Jeff making sure this was exactly what was best for his kids as well as himself. Since then life has gotten easier, mostly because we are partners, not only sharing the joy but sharing the hard times. Being a step-parent is often less rewarding and more challenging than being a parent. Being one myself I know it's more difficult to unconditionally love a teenager when you haven't been there since the ultrasound! But as I sat next to Jeff at my son's high school graduation a couple of weeks ago, I saw in his eyes all of the things I felt in my heart about Alex. I've seen this many times before. That look in his eyes that happens often with Alex and Lizzy and with Sara and Chandler, reminds me how lucky I am to have found someone who not only loves me with his whole heart and soul, but loves all of his kids that same way.

So here's to you, Jeff! Thank you for being such a great dad! I have learned so much about parenting and about love just by living life beside you. Our kids are so very fortunate to have you in their lives, and while they sometimes don't say that in words, they say that in how they live their lives. We all love you very much!!!!!

Enjoy a few pictures of my "BEST DAD OF THE YEAR"!

From a hike we took in New Orleans

Finding Value

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:00:00 +0000

I grew up believing that I shouldn't spend a lot of money on things. I learned that you should either make it yourself or spend as little money as possible to get it. Many years of experience and sometimes learning about this the hard way has made me realize a couple things. This is often not true and more importantly, cheaper is often NOT better.

A few weeks ago, at the start of a busy wedding season, planning my son's high school graduation, and normal life busyness, my daughter asked if I would sew her a dress for her final middle school formal. My voice said “Yes, we could try honey”, while my heart sang “Yes, yes, YES! That would be SO fun!” (I love to sew, especially something extravagant like this. Plus what mom doesn’t love that her teenage daughter wants her to participate in ANY decisions about her clothes?) Her reason for wanting a “home-made” dress rather than buying one is she wanted something different than all the other girls might wear, something you couldn’t get anywhere else, something special. That made perfect sense to me. I love that!

So off we went to the fabric store. We paged through stacks of pattern books, dreamed and fantasized our way through rows and rows of colorful, soft, lush fabrics; we looked at zippers, thread, buttons, ribbons, you name it. As we stood in line to purchase our little pile of soon to be dress, Lizzy excitedly said to me “...and we’re saving money, right mom?”. The practical person in me wanted to turn and run, leaving behind our silky, satiny pile of goodness because I realized that while we might be saving money, this was going to cost us time, a LOT of time. But I composed myself, and smiled back at her excited face and thought, "Well, at least this will be fun."

So for the next couple of weeks I had “fun”. Late at night, all-by-myself-in-my-sewing-room kind of fun. I neglected my wife and mom duties, the house got a little neglected and the dog missed me. I also wondered how I was going to pull off this graduation party coming up! I went from wishing I had never started this dress, to planning a quick shopping trip to buy a dress, to bargaining, "Please God, if you help me finish this dress I will give up this madness and donate my sewing machine to, um, charity."

All this time I had to sew and think, think and sew. Why was I doing this when we had other options? This was a lot to invest in just a dress. I realized sometimes it's not "just" a dress. Sometimes it's about the process and about the finished product. Getting something that is different, something you can't get just anywhere, something special. This made it worth the increased cost, both in money and in time. I loved the investment because it meant something to me and to my daughter.

As the pile of fabric slowly transformed into a dress, I realized that the answers to "why am I doing this" are similar to why some of our photography clients invest in the photography our business provides. As with anything there is a cheaper way to get wedding photography. Saving money is good in theory but if it doesn't get you what you want and need, and most importantly, what you love, then it can be not only a waste of money but a disappointment. And when you are talking about someone's wedding day, one of the biggest events of their lives, it is not something we, as photographers will be cheap about. Jeff and I decided early on that we want to provide a special experience for our clients. We don't want to just show up and shoot your wedding. You deserve more than that and we have more than that to give. We have found that when we get to know our clients we are able to find out what they love and what they value and they find out what we love and what we value. Then we can spend their wedding day with them confident that we will put them at ease enough to enjoy the day and let us take care of capturing fantastic images. It is an investment, just like Lizzy's dress was an investment. But it pays off in the end. We have happy clients who enjoy their memories for a lifetime and they remember what a good experience they had with us. Sometimes we all deserve some extravagance in our lives. I have learned that when I value something I will spend my time and my money on it, and I have come to appreciate what I get in return, because it's often something special, something different, that I couldn't get anywhere else.

If you have a special event coming up, we would love to meet you and find out if we're the right photographers for you!

Take care,
Jan

So here's Lizzy's dress. When she put it on, I knew it was worth the cost. It was perfect, the fit and the style. She was so happy!

Waukesha Wedding Photographer | Katie and Tyson

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Cleveland) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:00:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of shooting Katie and Tyson's wedding with Nancy Jenkins of Jenkins Photography. We met in person for the first time a few hours before the wedding but that didn't stop us from having a great day shooting together. The wedding was at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Waukesha and the reception was at The Legend at Brandybrook - a beautiful, beautiful location for a reception. After raining for most of the morning the sun peeked out just when we needed it too and we were able to capture some great images. Some of my favorites are below. Nancy, thank you for the opportunity to shoot this wedding with you and Katie and Tyson, I wish you the best of luck as you begin your life as husband and wife.

Jeff

I love catching a bride trying to peek around the corner before the wedding.

How cute are these two?!?!?!

This one is my favorite!

Katie and Tyson gave us a few extra minutes and this is what I captured. Love, love, love!

Milwaukee Portrait Photographer | Jessie and Eric

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Cleveland) — Tue, 31 May 2011 09:00:00 +0000

In my non-photography jobs at Apple and before that Starbucks, I've hired so many great people. It was part of my job. And though it's been almost three years since I've been at Starbucks, I still consider so many of the people I worked with friends. It just so happens that the person I've stayed the most in touch with is also one of the very first people I hired. I knew in the interview that I would hire Jessie. When she walked out the door I actually wondered why I hadn't offered her the job on the spot! I was that impressed. We ended up working in at least three stores together and many of the best memories I have of Starbucks involve her in some way. When I needed to find someone to model for a group of photographers I meet with once a month, I immediately thought of her and her boyfriend, Eric. I was excited when she said "yes".

We met at Libiamo's Restaurant in Milwaukee with the goal of shooting in the dark to explore some new and creative ways of lighting. Our group had a fun time and Jessie and Eric were fantastic. It was fun to see how others in the group approached each situation and you can see some of their work here, here, and here. Below are some of Jan's and my favorites.

Jessie and Eric - thanks for braving the cold, windy alley so we could all experiment. Eric it was great to get to know you better. And Jessie - I'm glad we're friends.

Jeff

A New Menu

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 23 May 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Hi everyone! Happy Monday!

First of all, no photos today, the reason will be obvious in a moment.

All day every day when I'm at work (my nursing job) I put all of my energy and time into telling people how (and why) they should take care of themselves. It's ironic that I don't always take my own advice.

I see people all the time who make bad lifestyle choices and end up suffering as a result. And I see people who take care of themselves and become ill anyway. Jeff and I recently lost a dear Aunt and Uncle too early due to illnesses they couldn't prevent.

A month ago Jeff and I had the perfect storm (great movie, by the way) of circumstances to motivate us to change our ways. The recent losses in our family made us face our own mortality. That coupled with the realization that we have a lot, I mean A - L-O-T of living to do, especially after the kids are grown and gone (sigh), and the fact that our closets suddenly contain ill-fitting clothes was just what we needed.

So Jeff did the thing that he does and I constantly benefit from. He investigated some ideas, downloaded some books, and came up with a plan. I hate the word diet because it implies failure and deprivation. What he found we'll call a MENU change. Our new menu consists of slow carbs (beans, beans, beans), lots of protein (fish, chicken, eggs) and vegetables; no white stuff, no breads, no fruit, no dairy. Six days per week. On the seventh day - we call it "cheat day" - we get to eat anything we want. Yup, anything. Now there is some physiological explanation involving insulin production, sugar spikes, glucose exchange, etc that explains why this is not only fun, but is essential for the continued weight loss. I will read about that someday, but for now I'm just happy about it.

I can do anything for six days. I can skip bread (even Breadsmith's crusty, whole grain bread). I' thought I would miss cheese, but I'm OK without it. What makes it even easier, no actually what makes this menu even possible is the fact that I not only have an incredible partner to keep me honest, but he has done the vast majority of the grocery shopping and meal preparation. So it's been fairly easy to follow. For six days at a time.

Sometimes by Wednesday Jeff or I have a list of food we are planning on eating on cheat day. Usually for him it's a big cookie. I am eating my way through a bag of peanut butter Easter eggs, just one egg at a time.

We are still pretty new at this, but here are a couple things I've noticed in the past month.

I still have Easter candy in my house. I only eat one egg on Saturdays even though I'm technically "allowed" the whole bag. I usually only want the one.

Grocery shopping is SO much easier. OK, yes because Jeff does most of it (thank you honey!), but also because I have a list, and I can't waver from it. There are now aisles I just don't go down anymore.

I don't get as many headaches as I used to.

I don't miss bread. And if I do, I can have some next Saturday.

The grocery bill is smaller. No more crackers, cheese, bread, all the things I used to buy.

Meal planning is simpler. "Honey, what kind of beans do you want tonight?"

I DO miss tortilla chips….but Saturday comes around pretty quickly, and I usually have some.

Our clothes are starting to fit a little better. YAY!

Cheat day isn't the feeding frenzy you would think it could be.

So slowly but surely this is working for us. It takes time and planning as it's no longer easy to quick grab a breakfast and a lunch and head off to work. Going out to eat isn't impossible, but it is more difficult. I couldn't do this by myself, so I am so grateful for all Jeff has done to make this easy for me.

So here's to one month of healthy eating (actually 24 days of healthy eating and 4 days, well, not so much). We are 27 pounds lighter, and a couple of inches smaller than when we started. Yeah! Our next step is a fitness plan! (Jeff could you get going on this? Investigate some ideas, download something from the iBooks Store, come up with a plan for being our own personal in-house trainer?? I might start to feel like Oprah, with her own chef and trainer!!)

We'll keep you posted! We are motivated and we plan to keep it up. We just want to be healthy. Let me know if you've had struggles with weight and exercise issues, and what you did about it. I'd love to hear from you!

Take care!!

Jan

Racine Wisconsin Wedding Photographer | Engagement Session | Danielle and Paul

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 16 May 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Did you ever meet someone and maybe early on in your relationship you feel your heart whisper "ohh, it's YOU!"? That voice is sometimes quiet and subtle and sometimes very clear. It's almost like you recognize this person as someone you've known forever, though you've only just met. Jeff and I were both lucky enough to have heard that voice and then be able to tell each other about it years later, so one of the things we LOVE about being wedding photographers is that we get to hear other little stories like this.

Paul told us his. He and Danielle both grew up in Racine, a few miles apart. Their paths had crossed once, they both remembered, at a church youth function. Fast forward a couple of years and they bumped into each other again. They remembered each other (even last names…really?), but both played it pretty cool in the moment. Paul remembers at about this time he had declared to his friend that he knew deep down that he would always be single, and that was fine with him. Well, enter Danielle, and just three weeks later he found himself calling that same friend and saying, "I'm going to marry Danielle" (and when he's telling this story he has the cutest, sweetest look on his face, even a few tears in his eyes. Okay, so did we!).

Since then we've had the privilege of spending some time with this sweet couple, as they plan their wedding and their life together. We met last week on the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan for a photo shoot. If I could use just one word to describe Danielle, it would be beautiful, inside and out. But then I'd have to quickly add warm, loving, generous, and with a laugh that warms your heart. Paul is handsome and easy-going, a little bit crazy and fun to be with, but he's always checking to make sure everybody is ok. You can't help but glow a little bit after being with them. The way they look at each other and treat each other is so loving and respectful, but then knowing them you come to realize that is just the way they are, not just for each other.

So here are some of the images we captured from our day at the beach. Danielle and Paul, we are so grateful that you took time out of your crazy-busy pre-wedding lives to meet with us and share this very special moment in your life together, one that will never be quite like it is today but promises to grow even better and stronger with time. It was a joy to share this time with you, and every time I look at your images, I feel your joy, your contentment, and the love you share with each other.

Enjoy, and happy remembering. We can't wait to be with you at your wedding!!!

Take Care,
Jan

Paul, the adoring (and adorable!) husband-to-be. Danielle you're a lucky girl!

Paul has that "ahh I found YOU" look and Danielle looks pretty happy about it.

Isn't Danielle beautiful!

The light around them makes this my favorite. They look radiant!

To be notified when Danielle and Paul’s image are online and available for viewing and purchasing, sign up for their online gallery here.

The Story of the Bears

noreply@blogger.com (Jan Cleveland) — Mon, 02 May 2011 09:00:00 +0000

In last week’s post I told you about our daughter Lizzy and her bears and now I want to tell you how and why she started leaving them on my bed. Lizzy, now 14, has always been kind and gentle and thoughtful. Even when she was very little she was always taking care of something, whether it was an armful of her little babies, or a doll carriage filled with stuffed animals, or even the tiny frogs she and Alex used to catch in our back yard. Our dog Runner was well cared for and, um, well dressed! Little did I know Lizzy would be using her little skills and her little animals to take care of me when I needed it, and in a way that would come to mean so much.

When Lizzy was three her dad and I divorced. For the kids that meant they would have two homes, for me it meant there would be nights I would spend alone in my empty house. One of my first nights alone as I was crawling into bed I found Lizzy’s favorite puppy on my pillow. I felt bad for her, because I knew she would be searching her other home for this lost little puppy (she ALWAYS knows where her stuff is!), but it was late so all I could do was tuck him in next to me and go to sleep. The next night she was away I found another puppy on my bed. Then another, and another. Then one night there were two, and then more, sometimes many more. “Who” showed up on my bed always had a purpose. One night it would be just mom dogs and and their puppies. Sometimes the bunnies showed up...or the beanie babies. One night just the Arctic animals were there together. Always though, when I walked in I was surprised, and then I would feel that burning behind my eyes before the tears come when something has just deeply tugged at your heart...a little voice that I imagined was saying “I miss you mom, I love you, you’re not alone”.

We went through a lot of changes, and with each one I thought the appearance of Lizzy’s precious animals would be forgotten. We moved to a new house...the animals continued. Lizzy started school...she kept it up (I picture her rushing home from school to make her choices and place them on my bed before her dad arrived to pick her up!) Jeff came into the picture and the faces that appeared on the bed changed from favorite puppies and tigers to the Bear-ista’s (Starbuck’s theme teddy bears) that Jeff gave her as gifts. When Jeff and I got married I was sure it would be the end, she no longer needed to remind me I wasn’t alone. But, happily, when when we returned from our Honeymoon, the kids were gone but our bed was filled with bears. One night, and I don’t know what this meant, but our bed was c-o-v-e-r-e-d with stuffed animals. Jeff and I were SO tired, yet we had to make several trips to her bedroom with our arms loaded to return them, just so we could go to bed.

Now it has become a game. As you saw in the Easter Basket post, the bears are never just sitting. They have a purpose, depending on what is going on in life. Jeff and I try to figure out what they are doing. We’ve had swim meets on our bed, the theatre, an actual wedding, hide and seek, even a rock-climbing wall. Sometimes we reciprocate, but even if we don’t Lizzy never stops leaving them for us, and I never stop being taken by surprise. I find them when things are going well, and when they are not.

A few years ago I asked her why she started doing this. She simply said “I didn’t want you to be alone when me and Alex left”. Wow! That was it. She knew that even though I had a problem the size of a mountain that even I couldn’t fix there was still something her three-year-old little self could do that would make a difference. One tiny act of thoughtfulness mattered so much the first time, so imagine how much it touches my heart today, ten years later!

I do know that nothing lasts forever. I know that there will come a day when Jeff and I come home at night to an empty house...and no bears. Having four teenagers has taught me how to say goodbye to so many little things that I have loved but they have outgrown. I will miss the bears. I will miss the armloads of fur and stuffing and little eyes looking up at me as we make the trek down the hall to return them to Lizzy’s bed. We love getting the bears but we will always remember what’s in our daughter’s heart and what a difference her furry little message will always mean to me, to both of us. "I’m thinking about you, I love you, you are not alone." Sometimes, that is enough.

Take care,
Jan

P.S. Just imagine the scene we will come home to the day Jeff and I take Lizzy to college!! We’ll let you know!