Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Stacey and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and spread some holiday cheer. Looking back on 2006, we can't help but acknowledge our wonderful family, clients, and friends for making it such a great year. We want to thank you all for your continued confidence and support, and look forward to seeing you in 2007.

Thanks again everyone!

- Jason & Stacey Thon
Staja Studios

Mmm Mmm Cake Is Good!!!

What can we say about our little girl? I think she is letting us know that she likes cake. We are hoping to put up a slideshow from her birthday parties (the lucky girl had two), but couldn't wait to put this up ahead of time. She is getting bigger by the day, which is kind of sad, but at the same time so darn cute. Needless to say, it is hard to believe that she is already two.

Guilty As Charged

Hey everyone,

I plead guilty! I am long overdue on catching everyone up on the blog. At any rate, I posted a picture of multiple santas earlier in the month and asked if anyone knew the event. The event was called "Running of the Santas" put on by the MMLA (Mid Minnesota Legal Aid). We heard about it from a friend of mine who was running. Needless to say, it was a pretty funny sight. Stacey and Lauren came along and Lauren was so cute watching all of the Santas. After the run we did some Christmas shopping and stayed for the Holidazzle Parade. It ended up being a great way to spend an evening during the Christmas Season!

Santas on Parade



My Friend John And His Son Cole



The TCF Snowman (Mascot of the Holidazzle)



The Marching Band and Angel



A Pirates Treasure Anyone?



Who's Been Naughty and Nice?




My Lovely Girls!!!!!



Stacey, Lauren, and I hope you all have been enjoying your holidays!!

Life is Good!!!

Hey Everyone,

I had a couple free seconds so I thought I would just say hello. Stacey, Lauren, and I have been in Wausau the past two days. We had a great opportunity to shoot pictures for a production of the Nutcracker. I haven't seen a lot of ballet in the past, but it was simply beautiful! We will be sure to post some images as soon as we get home. If anyone is in the central WI area, I strongly encourage them to go check it out. The show is playing at the Grand Theatre in Wausau through Sunday, December 3.

In addition, while we were here, we are celebrating Lauren's birthday with Stacey's family. I can't hardly believe it, our little baby is going to be TWO!! It is so hard to describe the smile she can put on your face.

Hopefully the past couple days have been as good for everyone else as they have for us.

Season's Greetings

Hey Everyone,

Stacey, Lauren, and I just had a blast today. We spent a seasonal afternoon/early evening in downtown Minneapolis having a great time. I will be posting more pic's from the day later on, but couldn't help but get this one up.



Trivia Question of the day: At what event did we take this picture?

Be sure to check back for the answer in our next post (plus there will be more pictures).

We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving

Stacey & I wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. We hope you and your families had a wonderful day!

Mary & James

What a fun wedding!! Mary is originally from Minnesota, but she and James now live in Miami, FL. Due to where everyone was from, they had the wedding here (We know, Miami was sounding awfully nice). The wedding was held on October 28th in the Wabasha Street Caves. With it being Halloween weekend and all, we thought it was pretty cool to have it in a (supposedly haunted) cave! We started the day off at Como Park where the lovely bride and excited groom met. From there, the rest of the day was spent at the caves, including the ceremony. It was a small, intimate event, but very fun to be a part of. Everyone was easy to work with and very cooperative. Once again, the weather was down right chilly; however, the area provided some unique features to work with outside, and we got some beautiful light on top of it. We had a great time, and thoroughly enjoyed the entire day and working with Mary and James.

Be sure to check out the slideshow of the day's highlights.

We hope you are enjoying the fun and sun in FL. We will be thinking of you while we are freezing this winter :) !!!

- Jason and Stacey

Kate & Eric

Starting off, we have to thank Kate for her willingness to deal with the cold! It wasn't January weather in MN, but it was by no means nice and warm. We told Kate and Eric if they could hold out for a little bit, they would be happy with the results. In retrospect, we couldn't be more pleased they were willing to go along. Despite the chilliness, there are a lot of cool (no pun intended) shots that couldn't have been done indoors.



The Wedding took place at Pax Christi Church in Eden Prairie, with the reception following at Oak Ridge in Chaska. At the end of the reception, the Groom's family invited everyone over to their place for some post-reception festivities. All in all, it was a fun wedding to be a part of.

Be sure to check out a slideshow of the day's highlights.

We wish the two of you the best, and look forward to seeing you soon!

Thanks -

Jason & Stacey

Happy Halloween

I know it's early, but Happy Halloween everyone!!! Today was a busy day. We got back late last night from a wedding that we shot in the Wabasha Street Caves (pictures to follow soon). After waking up this morning, we had a meeting with a couple that is getting married next August. It sounds like a fun outdoor wedding with the reception at an apple orchard! After that, we had lunch with my Dad and pretty much spent the rest of the day with various family members. We finished the day at a pumpkin carving party my Aunt had for the family. In "light" of the festivities, we had to put up a picture.

We hope you all had fun at any Halloween parties and wish everyone a safe and fun night of tricks and treats!

Be sure to check back for pictures from the wedding (they say the cave is haunted) and our little "Prima Ballerina".

Mom Couldn't Wait For Halloween

Hi everyone,
I got a little excited when Lauren's Halloween costume came the other day, so we just had to try it on and prance around the front yard! When we asked her what she wanted to be for Halloween this year, there was zero hesitation, BALLERINA! So off I went in search of a beautiful, pink tutu. It's not as easy as it sounds...the ones I found were so scrawny and limp no self-respecting baby ballerina would be caught dead in one. Anyway, next stop was the internet where I found the best tutu store ever. It's called Lily Anna for Girls.
They have the cutest baby tutus and all the fixins for fairy princesses too, plus they ship really fast.
Lauren loved her new dress and was quite happy being a girly girl for a little while. Don't let the tutu fool you though, she's got a mean streak of tomboy in there. She was pretty much done with the tutu by the last image.

Here are some shots of my pretty prima :)

-Stacey

The Wild West

Hey Everyone,

In an earlier post, we mentioned that we had taken a trip to Las Vegas for the 2006 WPPI Conference. At the same time, we decided to make a little detour to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon. We had promised some pictures, but have been a little tardy in delivering. In order not to bore everyone with them all at once, we will sprinkle them throughout a handful of posts. We don't shoot much for landscapes, but the Grand Canyon was so awe inspiring that it was hard not to keep shooting. For those of you who have been there, hopefully it does your memory justice. For those of you who haven't been there, hopefully it may inspire a trip! In either case, we hope you enjoy.

In the depths of the Hoover Dam. These turnbines sure can create some electricity.


The Grand Canyon at the beginning of sunset.


Check out how colorful everything gets as the sun is setting. Simply amazing!


Be sure to check back for the sunrise!

What's The Best Part Of Your Job?

We couldn't help but post this question after a great e-mail we received today.

When we are taking pictures at a wedding, we are often asked, "What is the the best part of your job?". The other one we often get is, "Do you have fun doing this?".

There are times when things can be difficult, but we couldn't think of a better job.

#1) From a creative standpoint, there aren't many other types of photography where you are allowed so much creative freedom to capture an image. There's not a lot of creativity allowed in shooting a plate of mac-n-cheese, ask Stacey, she's been there.

#2) We get to meet and work with so many wonderful people and build great relationships over time. We may shoot their wedding and then in a couple years take pictures of a new baby (Hi Kerri!).

#3) There is one reason that stands out above all though. Nothing is more rewarding than the feedback you receive from a job well done. We would like to share the following e-mail we just received from Sarah & Todd after they saw their slideshow.

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Wow-speechless! You're making me cry! I wanted to Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the help you gave us through the entire wedding process, you are both such wonderful people who are incredibility talented. We are so grateful that we had you there that day!

Sarah & Todd



- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When you get an e-mail like that, you know you have a truely wonderful job. Sarah and Todd have had to go through some tough stuff during their engagement that we could easily relate to. After getting to know their story, knowing that we were able to help make their day easier is the best feeling.

In conclusion, if you are lucky enough to be doing something you love, persue it with everything you have. I know we are!!!

Sarah & Todd

Sarah & Todd truely are a great couple to work with. While working with them during the summer, it has become aparent that they both have warm personalities and really love each other. Even with a few hitches in their wedding plans (like the church deciding to remodel), everything went off smoothly. Despite the pesky remodel, the ceremony was held at a gorgeous traditional Catholic Church. Under the threat of potential showers all day, the weather couldn't have been more cooperative. We were treated to some beautiful sunshine for their pictures, and the wedding party couldn't have been easier to work with. In the end, it was a fabulous wedding for a fabulous couple!

Don't forget to check out the slideshow of the day's highlights.

We wish the two of you the best.

- Stacey & Jason

Sunday!!!

Now that things are slowing down a little, we are hoping to occasionally shed some light on who we are as people both behind the camera and in day to day life. Many of you know us, some are getting to know us, and some of you we probably haven't met. At any rate, we are hoping over time you will all get a better perspective of who we are.

With all of that said, How great are Sundays?

The day started off spectacular until about 3 minnutes left in the Vikings game when Chester Taylor fumbled the ball. Vikings lose to the Bears, but they are playing pretty good. If the offense would just click along a bit better.

We began our day with a nice relaxing cup of joe and the obligatory snack (I love weekends). With a happy belly, I took Lauren down to the park and she played on the swings and slides. It was at this point that we had that pesky little Vikings game I talked about earlier. After the game, Stacey and I needed to get a picture taken of us and sent off for an online bio we have with our lab. It was such a last minute thing, that we asked our neighbor (thanks Glenn) to take a few pics. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to use the fleeting sunlight from such a beautiful day.

Here is the picture that is going to the lab for our Pictage User Group (PUG) bio. Stacey and I are taking over as group leaders.


After a few pictures of the two of us, Lauren wanted to join the action.


Isn't she the cutest? We may be a bit biased, but that's what I think! With the smell of autumn in the air, I decided to go do a bit of grocery shopping for dinner. For those of you who don't know me, when I have the time, I lOVE to cook. We really enjoy having another couple or two over for a weekend dinner. However, we are usually so busy, that it frequently ends up as a party for two :) (as it did tonight). I made up some sirloin steaks with a mushroom wine sauce served over mashed potatoes, julienned carrots, and asparagus. YUMMY!!!!

Just in case your hungry, here is a picture.


Now that our bellies are full, it is time to snuggle in for some Despearte Housewives (isn't Tivo great). I couldn't think of a much better day to close off the weekend. I hope everyone else's Sunday was as good as ours.

Take Care Everyone!

- Jason, Stacey, and Lauren

Mary Beth & Mike

This was a fun wedding to be a part of. Between doing some shots on Mike's corvette and the great dancing, there was no shortage of fun. Mary Beth and Mike are part of a local swing club and WOW were there some good dancers at the reception. The ceremony was a small, intimate affair, followed by a larger and lively party. The Rockin' Hollywoods did a great job providing the entertainment, and the guests didn't let them down. Don't forget to check out the slideshow with some of the day's highlights.

Best Wishes Mary Beth and Mike.

Love Takes Flight

Eric and Kate are a fun couple who's wedding we are going to be photographing in October. Their story is interesting to listen to, but must have taken patience. When they met, Kate lived in Kentucky and Eric lived in Minnesota. At any rate, this required a fair share of time in airports and on planes. So, for their engagement session, they wanted to get some images at the airport. Well, it's not like you can just randomly walk anywhere and start taking pictures in an airport anymore. Needless to say, the four of us had a good time getting some fun shots without getting kicked out.

At The Airport


After wrapping up at the airport, we went to Lake Nokomis and the surrounding park area to continue the fun. We had a great time taking some pictures on the beach, getting ice cream, on the rickshaw, etc. After spending a few hours with the two of them, you can definitely tell they are in love.

At The Park


To see some highlights of the day, be sure to check out their slideshow.

Good luck with the final preperations you two. We are looking forward to the wedding.

Thank you Dear

Well, what can I say, it's clear that I have the most wonderful husband. Thank you Sweetie for your nice words and for all the love and support you give me. I know that you are always there for me and I hope you feel the same.
How cool is it that we picked each other!?!

Here's a cute shot of Lauren and her daddy riding on the "neigh-neighs" at the zoo last Sunday.

Love you Bird,

Stacey

4th Anniversary

Today is our 4th Anniversary!

I wanted to take a moment to send a little message to my wonderful wife. Four years ago, I was lucky enough to have Stacey take my hand in marriage. In that time, we have been through a lot. A loss of a job, the start of a business, and the birth of a wonderful baby girl. Not only has she been a wonderful wife, but an exceptional mother! When I see the way she interacts with Lauren, it makes me realize how lucky we are to have her in our life. When you add balancing a business to all of that, she has done an exceptional job. All in all, I couldn't be a much luckier guy.

In closing, Happy Anniversary Stay-Bird. I love you!!!!!

- Jason

Lauren Mae

Well it has been too long since we have put any new pictures of Lauren up online. She has taken quite a liking to our neighbors garden. He is so nice for letting Lauren come and visit, and wander around in it. We are so amazed that at 20 months (tomorrow), she can pretty much tell you all of the vegetables that are planted. Tomato (Mi-mat), Broccoli, Dill, Onion, Bean, Rhubarb, Eggplant. Anyway, here's the little sweet-pea herself.

Our Future little Green Thumb


"Broccoli, Broccoli"


Daddy's Girl!!

Friday Night Lights

NFL Training Camp, the dog days of summer or the signal that fall is right around the corner? As some of you may know, I am a huge VIKINGS fan! I got the opportunity to go to a lot of games as a kid, and have stuck by the Purple ever since. Through the good (2004-beating the Packers in the playoffs at Lambeau) and the agony (1998-wide left, 2000-41 doghnut, and 2003-Paul Allen's infamous "NO"). Well to speed this up, I went to the Vikings/Chiefs practice last night in Mankato. It was a good time seeing some football again, even if it was practice, and I got to take some pictures which is always fun!

A nice one handed grab.


Koren Robinson bringing the ball in.


Big Wig and the tight ends running drills.


The new sheriff - Coach Childress.


The human side of the game - A father and his son.


I'm looking forward to the upcoming season and hope the Vikings do well.

A special thanks to one of our clients, Woodie, who was able to get me a pass so I could get some good shots at the end of the practice - Thanks!!!

Good Luck Vikes!

Alicia & Mark

Wow, what a fun wedding to have the opportunity to photograph. The ceremony was held at Mark's farm. It was so cool, because the site was among field grass which was mowed to form a hedge-like feeling surrounding the ceremony area. Guests were brought to the site via a horse pulled wagon, which was a really nice touch. The whole day was somewhat surreal because of this beautiful backdrop and the sky was a vibrant blue with big clouds.

From the ceremony we went to the Wausau Historical Society and took a few images in the accompanying house and garden. Alica and Mark both enjoy this time period and actually participated in a historical re-enactment of a vintage wedding (starring as the bride and groom).

The last stop of the day was the reception at the Grand Theatre in Wausau. Mark works there, so we were able to get a few cool pictures out front and in the theatre itself.

All in all it was a great day to be a part of. Be sure to check out the slideshow of the day's highlights.

Best wishes you two!

- Jason & Stacey

Life on the Lake

We just got finished going through Sarah & Todd's engagement session images. The two of them wanted to go around Excelsior for a slice of "Americana", which was a blast considering it was a beautiful day. Todd used to live near Lake Minnetonka and they got engaged on the lake. The town has an historic trolley that once brought people from the Twin Cities out to Excelsior, back when it was a summer vacation town. We all decided to hop on board which made for some fun images. I don't know who had a better time, us or them. It was great getting to know Sarah and Todd better and we can't wait for their wedding.

Be sure to check out the slideshow of the day!

- Jason & Stacey

Sydney!

Hi, this is Stacey. I thought I would share some images of an adorable little girl named Sydney. Jason and I photographed her last year when she was turning one and now she's turning two already! Hard to believe how fast time flies. We all had a great time at the beach and of course stopping for ice cream was a big hit! Check out Sydney's slideshow and let me know what you think!

Stacey

Vegas Trash

What better to call this? I was going through some pictures we took while out in Las Vegas at WPPI and remembered taking this shot. I took it because I thought it was great symbolism for a certain aspect of Vegas. It's meant to be gritty, but if you look close, it's four "hooker trading cards" as we like to call them, on the top of a trash can. Don't get us wrong, we love Vegas and enjoy going there, but seeing this trash can littered with sex for sale next to these wonderfully maintained hedges was a funny paradox.

Stay tuned for its opposite - pictures of the grand canyon...

Lauren & Tony

What a great couple! We have had such a good time getting to know Lauren and Tony since we did their engagement session last summer. They are so relaxed and comfortable with each other, which makes working with them so fun and easy.

The wedding was held at Mt. Olivet in Minneapolis, with the reception following at The Wilds in Prior Lake. The whole day was great to be a part of. The weather even cooperated for the most part. All in all, everyone seemed to be have a great time (especially the groomsmen).

In closing, we had a wonderful time, and working with people like Lauren and Tony truely make this the most rewarding job a person can have. Be sure to check out the slideshow of wedding highlights.

We wish you guys the best!

- Jason & Stacey

Weddings and the News

We have recently come across a couple of articles in the news that we thought would be fun to share. Both stories are of interest to anyone with an upcoming wedding, or in the process of planning one (specifically a June wedding in Minnesota). We hope you enjoy the articles.

June is butin' out all over
This article is of particular interest for anyone planning an outdoor wedding in the month of June (the rainiest month in Minnesota). The article also features a local wedding cordinator, Jennifer Johnson, of Heartstrings Wedding and Event Planning.

Brides Gone Wild
This article is a real interesting look at the trends in photography geared toward preperation pictures. It is primarly talking about brides, and their changing taste's towards these pictures.

We would be interested in your thoughts.

- Jason & Stacey

Fun With Colors

Stacey and I were doing a baby shoot for a friend and really good client of ours. At any rate, after the shoot we were going over to their place to have a bar-b-que. On the way, I got stuck at a stoplight while I was talking to Stacey on the cell phone. I happened to look out the pasenger window and this wall was staring at me. I thought it was really cool, so I grabbed a quick shot and thought I would put it up.

- Jason

Nicole & Woodie

Wow, what a great wedding! This wedding was @ 317 on Rice in St. Paul. Everything was absolutely beautiful, especially the bride :) . The weekend started off with the rehearsal dinner at the Downtowner, which brought back some fun memories, as this is where Stacey's suprise birthday party was held this past February.

Both Nicole and Woodie's family were extremely nice and appeared to be enjoying the occasion. We could tell there is probably no shortage of good times and laughs that occur in their homes. As for the wedding, there was a gospel choir that sang at the service, which was very intimate and had a hard to decribe warmth and vibrancy to it. It was definately a memorable event. What was a real testament to the people in their lives was how far some had come. There were literally people from all over the US and a contingent of folks that came from Germany.

In closing, we had an absolute blast and as always, felt blessed to be able to capture this wonderful occasion for them. Be sure to check out the slideshow of wedding highlights.

Thank You, and we wish you the best Nicole & Woodie!

- Jason & Stacey

Mark & Alicia

These are a couple of images from a really fun engagement session that we shot in Wausau, WI. Mark & Alicia are getting married in July, in what sounds like a really unique wedding with a lot of personal touches.

Don't forget to check out the slideshow from their engagement session, and be sure to check back later for pictures from their wedding.