Staja Style meets Stems and Vines

This past January I met a couple people with Stems and Vines in St. Paul and when I saw them taking pictures with a point and shoot, I offered to shoot some of their arrangements for them. They do some great work and everyone that we have met has been very nice.

We got a call a couple weeks ago and they were bumping up against a deadline and needed some images for an upcoming ad. They were wondering if they could use a couple that we took. They are going to be one of the florists that will be furnishing the arrangements for the Republican National Convention. I'm sure they will look gorgeous. Needless to say, we said it would be no problem and they were welcome to use the images, and we were glad that we could be of help. With that said, we haven't seen the ad, but here are the images. If you end up seeing it, please be sure to let us know how it turned out.

Daddy's Daughter

Last Friday Lauren's school held a "Daddy & Daughter" dance. Lauren was so excited to go she could hardly contain herself. Earlier in the week we took a family outing to buy a beautiful new dress for the occasion. She chose a darling blue dress with pink polka dots to match her cherished sparkly pink princess shoes. So the big day came, daddy arrived with a wrist corsage and we went outside for pictures. Lauren was not having it with the camera and decided that it would be much more fun to race with Dad.

As much as I wanted to sneak a peek at the dance itself, alas, I am the mother and Mom's were not allowed. Ian and I hung out with the neighbors instead. From all reports, it was a blast and will surely be an annual event!

Here are some shots that I managed to get before they left on their "date". Check out the new "big girl" haircut!

Stacey

My friend Fuzz

I have this great friend named Ami, that I've known since grade school. Somehow we have managed to remain close despite going to different colleges, and now living in different states. So many great memories we have collected together. Fuzz (her nickname from HS due to the hair) and I are road trip buddies. We have criss-crossed the country by car more than once and managed to not kill each other.

She's going to kill me for this though...


She is a tomboy in the true sense of the word. She grew up fishing her summers away with her grandparents in Northern Wisconsin. Her whole family are hardcore musky fisherpeople. Her license plate says, "esox luv"! (You'll have to look that one up.) Crazy, I know, but to each their own right?!;).

Anyway, like myself, Fuzz managed to hold out til the PERFECT person for her appeared. Carl is even more crazy about fish than Fuzz! What a score for both of them.

They got married a couple of summers ago and just two weeks ago became parents to sweet baby Carli. I happened to be in Wisconsin photographing a ballet the weekend she was born, so I headed up north after I was done to get a peek at the precious little thing. What a doll. I still can't believe that Fuzz is a mom. She's part of "the club" now and we can finally exchange baby stories! :)

I'm just so thrilled for you both and can't wait to see you again over Memorial Day. I know how fast they grow and I don't want to miss out on too much at a time!

Here are some pictures of the fishergirl at just three days old. Don't forget to check out Carli's SLIDESHOW.








Stacey

Welcome Priscilla

Staja Studios would like to welcome the new Priscilla of Boston salon to Edina! We read that their official opening was going to be today, so Stacey and I wanted to welcome them to the neighborhood the right way, with flowers and snacks of course. We called Pam at Edina Five O Florist which is located in the 50th and France area in the same building as the Priscilla salon. When Stacey talked to her, she thought it was a great idea and decided to give the bouquet some extra touches and walk it over with me. Pam did a fantastic job on everything and they looked wonderful in the new salon.

I highly encourage any brides to stop in and talk with one of their bridal consultants, and check out their gorgeous gowns. They carry the Vineyard, Priscilla of Boston, Melissa Sweet, and Platinum lines. In addition to the beautiful bridal gowns, they have options for your bridesmaids and flower girls. I'm sure you will not only love the gowns, but the salon itself has a great modern elegance to it and is very tastefully done.

Take a peek for yourself, I grabbed a few quick shots while I was there!


On that note, we would like to thank Pam at Edina Five O Florist for her help, and wish the newest Priscilla of Boston salon and staff the best of luck!

- Jason & Stacey

My Kiddos!!

Hey Everyone!

I have been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance to grab the camera and get a few pictures of Lauren and Ian being kids. It was a lot of fun to watch them enjoying the nice weather (yes, we actually did have a nice day) today! They both are growing so fast and Ian is starting get a little stronger in the legs. I had him in his exersaucer outside and he was loving it.

This Tastes Good

Hey Dad, Over Here

Lauren couldn't wait for the rain to sport her new rain gear that Mema got her, so low and behold, it rained leaves!

My Little Model

It was so great to be outside and enjoying our little ones. I know in a couple of years this time will seem so fleeting. On that note, I hope you and yours had a great day also!

- Jason

Not Your Grandma's Portrait

So, while I was in Arizona visiting my Dad a few weeks back, I ended up doing an impromptu photo shoot. My Dad and I had just finished going for a boat-ride and were enjoying a drink when I looked over and saw this woman. She had such a unique look to her that I couldn't resist asking if she minded if I took a few photos. I will try to post some more later on, but in the meantime, I thought I would leave you with this.



I have to honestly say this is one of my favorite images that I have ever taken. What I noticed right away were the kids playing on the beach. I wanted to include them in the picture, as it gave a balance between a perceived toughness and innocence. I hope you found it as fun as I do.

Cheers!

- Jason