Laura Siivola- Blographer

Rikki | Senior Portrait Session

2011-05-14T13:42:00.006-07:00

Can you say stunning? :0)

Rikki was so cute; she kept going between serious and laughing... which made for some awesome pictures!

And my absolute favorite from the day!!

Thanks Rikki!!! Off to tag you on facebook! hehe

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Phoenix Wedding Photographer | Bride's Choice Awards 2011

2011-05-11T09:56:00.002-07:00

WOOT WOOT!!!!

2nd year in a row- I feel so cool!!!!! ;0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Melanie & Jay's Wedding - Brophy Chapel & Grayhawk Golf Club

2011-03-16T10:32:00.006-07:00

Had a completely awesome wedding on Saturday and what a great way to get back into blogging!!! Melanie & Jay got married at Brophy Chapel which is completely gorgeous and then we all headed over to Grayhawk Golf Club for the reception. They picked two beautiful venues so how could they go wrong???

Just a few for a teaser and a slideshow to come soon. Thank you Melanie and Jay! :0)

And a huge thanks to my second shooter for the day Tawnya Hood- she took this awesome image below!

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photographer | Favorite Boutonniere

2010-03-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned I love simplicity??? :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Phoenix Baby Photographer | Favorite Teddy :0)

2010-03-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

awwww :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding | Rie & Scott

2010-03-18T12:35:00.001-07:00

Had an awesome time shooting for Kristie Ottinger at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. I love it there! :0)

Rie and Scott were so cute. And Kristie was so funny- we saw David Spade by the pool while we were taking Rie & Scott down for a few fun images. Kristie snapped a pic of Spade's butt!!! hehe We had a laugh over that. :0)

Anyhow!! :0P

Kristie grabbed this one (above) while I was shooting the image below! Fun! :0)

Can I just say one thing about this cake??? YUM!

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Pinetop Wedding Photographer | Favorite Table

2010-03-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

From a gorgeous wedding up in Pinetop! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Wedding Auction!

2010-03-03T13:44:00.004-07:00

For the brides-to-be out there I thought I might give you an in! :0)

I have a friend who's working for the TLC Network and she wrote me about this auction... well, anyhow- here's what she has to say!

Hey, Sistah - My company is having a "wedding" auction this weekend; it's being filmed for our nationwide "behind-the-scenes" TV program on the TLC network. Thought I'd send the info along....need young brides to attend and fill the audience....

here's the linky for ya-
http://bids.auctionandappraise.com/cgi-bin/mnlist.cgi?asaa5/category/ALL

and here's the low down! hehe :0)

Auction Date -- Sunday March 7, 2010 at 1pm (MST)
Item Inspection -- Friday March 5, 2010 from 10am-2pm, and Auction Day from 12-1pm
Auction Location -- 1231 W. Warner Rd., Tempe, Az. 85284
Auction Description -- A once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire beautiful Wedding, bridesmaids, & flower girl dresses, tiaras, albums, pillows, and accessories.
Information: Live attendees bidding on clothing will be bidding on the style only. The correct size & color will be ordered by the winner of the item after the auction. Final auction price does not include alterations.

Phoenix Wedding Photographer | Favorite Henna

2010-03-02T11:16:00.004-07:00

I absolutely love all the colors in an Indian wedding! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Phoenix Wedding Photographer | Favorite Groomsmen

2010-02-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Love this- just having fun with it!

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photographer | Favorite Bling!

2010-02-11T10:40:00.003-07:00

Oh the money dance- have fun with it!! :0)

Shot for Kristie! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Ember | Phoenix Band Photography

2010-02-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I've mentioned how much I love shooting bands and musicians- I always have fun!

And it's great to get creative with a shoot! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photographer | Favorite Laugh

2010-02-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this image!!! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Bride's Choice Award | Scottsdale Wedding Photographer

2010-02-02T10:41:00.001-07:00

Woot! I get to toot my own horn! hehe :0) I just got this from weddingwire.com. It basically means that my brides (and grooms!) have rated me and I don't suck! haha

But really- it is pretty cool! So thanks to my awesome couples who left me rave reviews!!!

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Britney and Matt's Wedding at The Sancturay on Camelback

2010-02-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

This blog will hereby be known as the massive post! hehe But really, Britany & Matthew's wedding had so much eye candy and of course Britany was completely stunning! :0)

They were married at The Sanctuary Resort (I love it there!) and shot with Joe & Kadie Pangbun who I also love- so it was a great day! :0)

The flower girls had the cutest little skirts with these flowers on them :0)

Did I happen to mention that Britney is goh-orgous?!! :0P

awesome table settings!

fun DJ

and fun guests!

Awesome! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photographer | Favorite Invitation

2010-01-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Baby Nicholas | Scottsdale Baby Photographer

2010-01-25T08:55:00.002-07:00

Now I get to blog all my sessions from before the holidays- it always gets super crazy for holiday cards! :0)

Nicholas has the biggest blue eyes! Here are a few of my favorites...

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photographer | Favorite Ceremony Smile :)

2010-01-21T12:44:00.001-07:00

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Phoenix Wedding Photographer | Favorite Tie!

2010-01-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photographer | Favorite Veil

2010-01-07T12:38:00.003-07:00

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Katie and Mike's Wedding at Troon North, Scottsdale

2010-01-04T11:00:00.001-07:00

I shot this one for O Grace at Troon North in Scottsdale. Gretchen Wakeman and Robin Dean were aso fun to work with!

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Omar and Tesha The Castle at Ashley Manor, Chandler

2009-12-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Omar and Tesha had one of the most fun weddings! They got married at Ashley Manor- which is really a beautiful setting. I think my favorite part was when Omar as a surprise, sang that song from the movie The Wedding Singer- Grow Old with Me! It was so cute!! :0)

I shot this with Rachel Priddy who was a little under the weather but was still on top of her game- as always!!! :0)

little peeks :0)

I love details! (Can you tell???) And I just couldn't decide which ring shot I like better- so here they both are!

so hip! hehe

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photographer | Favorite Engagement Sunflare

2009-12-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Sunflare, smiles and all :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

John and Rosie's Wedding in Phoenix and Scottsdale!

2009-12-14T11:00:00.004-07:00

Wow- John and Rosie had an incredible wedding and reception! I love smaller ceremonies because they are so intimate. :0)

They got married at St Simon & Jude Cathedral in Phoenix and had the reception at Maggiano's in Scottsdale. In between they decided to go to Scottsdale Civic Center for the bridal party pictures. I think it was the most driving around I've done for a wedding! hehe

On to the pictures!!!!!! :0)

Thanks again you guys- It was fabulous!!!! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Brad and Katie's Wedding at Ascension Lutheran

2009-12-12T23:18:00.004-07:00

Ok , So I am blogging this wedding from TONIGHT just for a sneak peek because I just couldn't possibly wait to check out these images!!!

Since I'm about to go right to bed, I'm gonna shut up and let the images talk!

But... can you stand it??? Katie is so cute and I simply adore this image!!!! :0)

Brad and Katie- thank you! You guys are so sweet and I wish you every happiness! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Ashley Manor Photographer | Favorite Cake

2009-12-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

While the cake is awesome it looks way more impressive here at Ashley Manor don't you think??

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Phoenix Wedding Photographer | Favorite Bouquet

2009-12-03T12:06:00.001-07:00

Simple... love it :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Baby Photographer | Favorite Toes

2009-11-26T11:42:00.001-07:00

just look at the wittle towes! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Melissa and Matt's Wedding at The Westward Look Hotel

2009-11-24T09:53:00.002-07:00

Well, this post has been a long time coming! I had a great time shooting alongside Sergio last spring and I'm so glad I drove down because he is a lighting guru!! :0)

The ceremony took place at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and the reception at The Westward Look Hotel

I'm posting these in no particular order and since I was helping Sergio with the light stick you'll notice there's no reception photos from me. It was great doing something different for a change. Thanks for having me!

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photographer | Favorite Parasols

2009-11-19T11:35:00.002-07:00

Need I say more? As shot for the always fun Kristie! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Brad & Andrea's Wedding at DC Ranch in Scottsdale

2009-11-17T11:53:00.002-07:00

Brad and Andrea had a super relaxed wedding at DC Ranch in Scottsdale- it was a brunch type of deal and that left of tons of time to take the fun bride and groom shoots I love!

I shot this with Kadie Pangburn, an awesome photographer down in Tucson- I love Kadie!! :0)

The Girls got ready at Dolce Salon in Scottsdale- sooo colorful, I love it!

The food was so pretty!!! I think I must have taken a million shots of the appetizers alone!

I just love Jewish weddings because of all the tradition and of course the Jewish reception for all the fun dance shots of the hora you can get! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Green Saturday- Eco Wedding Dresses

2009-11-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sure there are tons out there in your own neck of the woods, but I just found this site for used wedding dresses!

Love this idea because it's not only green but it's way cheaper to buy used! (Especially on something high dollar like the dress) :0)

check this store out!

http://www.encorebridal.com/index.php

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photography | Favorite Shoes

2009-11-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok... favorite underneath of the shoes! :0P

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Green Saturday- Eco Friendly Defined

2009-11-07T09:22:00.001-07:00

I was shopping around for a recycled DVD option for when I give my clients a CD of images and came across this, which I thought was a great blurb about what some of the recycled jargon means!

(FYI, I took it straight from this site- http://www.ideareplication.com/eco_DigiPak.shtml)

What does it really mean?

Post-consumer waste:

This is waste from paper or board products that have completed their usefulness as a consumer item and have been collected through recycling programs. From an environmental perspective, the more post-consumer waste a recycled product contains, the better.

Recycled paper or board:

This contains wood fiber from paper or board that has been used before and recuperated. It can be a combination of pre-consumer waste (scraps and trimming from the paper manufacturing process), post-consumer waste and virgin fiber.

Biodegradable:

A biodegradable product that decomposes naturally, broken down by other living organisms such as fungi, algae or bacteria.

Unfortunately I'm not finding any options for recycled DVD cases out there on a consumer level. So if anyone hears anything let me know!!! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale Wedding Photographer | Favorite First Kiss

2009-11-05T11:23:00.001-07:00

Just decided to keep up with my blogging in a new way. :0)

However much I want to put all my favorite images on my website I can't fit them all!!! So I'm going to do it on my blog. I mean I am a photographer and not much of a writer. So be on the lookout for more faves and less text!! hehe

And without further ado...

Favorite First Kiss :0)

As shot for Kristie! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Green Saturday- Eco Friendly Favors!

2009-10-31T10:17:00.001-07:00

There are so many great ideas for green favors, but I have to share this one with you!

Tree Seedling Wedding Favors

They even have a do it yourself favor package to buy. I'm not sure I like how they come (in a plastic little tube) but it looks like they have other options as well! Check them out if you're thinking about ways to go green for your wedding! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Green Saturday- Eco Friendly Wedding Rings

2009-10-17T11:16:00.005-07:00

Just getting back into the swing of things and here I am talking about eco-friendly wedding ideas again!

I found this very cool site- Brilliant Earth and you can design your own engagement ring online! Of course they are all conflict free but they take it a step further and use renewed metals~ isn't that awesome!??

And of course I get to use this post to show off this image as shot for Kristie- my most favorite recent ring shot!

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Zach and Lilian's Mesa Wedding

2009-10-13T16:49:00.004-07:00

Zach and Lilian were married at the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple so you may know that I won't have any images from their ceremony- but as you can see that didn't mean we didn't have a blast with lots of fun pictures afterward!!! :0)

I think I may have mentioned this previously about your engagement photos but you guys really are stinkin' cute!!! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Paul and Leesa's Phoenix Wedding Photos

2009-09-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

Woot! I know it's been a while but now I'm back in the swing of things and here are the long awaited photos from Paul and Leesa's wedding!

Leesa looked Ah-mazing (need I say more?...)

the boys showing off their skills! hehe

gotta get those details :0)

and if I haven't mentioned they are just an eeety bit of Cardinal fans :0P

da rings ( they don't day da cardinals, do they? hmmm...)

I was soooo hoping this image would turn out at a smaller size like this, and it did!!! You can see the tear running down her cheek & she was so darn cute!!

They had a completely fun reception!

And then I had to take them outside for just a bit so I could get some of those classic nighttime shots :0)

Thank you for letting me be a part of your day- it was awesome!!!!! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

A Completely Brilliant Summer! :0)

2009-08-27T10:38:00.003-07:00

At the beginning of the summer I was so busy but I kept thinking... I haven't blogged, I haven't blogged! But I made a decision. Why worry about blogging when I'm having such a great summer with my kids!?! So I decided I'd have a brilliant summer and worry about blogs some other time. :0)

So what did we do???

Played in the sprinklers of course!

and chased rainbows...

found quite a few bugs!

we even jumped for joy! (why not!!)

and look, I'm even IN one picture!!!!

It was awesome! ...And I don't feel bad one tiny little bit! :0)

Phoenix Band- Hillside photos

2009-06-05T07:53:00.003-07:00

...or is it Echos of Fall?? I checked out their myspace page for the second time so I could link them to you but I guess I missed the other page last time. So which is it guys???

Anyhow- I really had fun with these guys because they were singing odd songs and had cracking me up the whole time. :0)

Anyhow, I'm off to Pinetop for the weekend (yea!!!!) But I had to post this before I left because I LOVE it!!! I'll be working on more and will share next week when I get back!

And on a side note I really have to get the commercial side of my site up and going! I have so many images that I'm not even sharing because they don't really fit in with my weddings or portraits. Now who here is gonna hold me accountable for doing it?!! :0P

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Green Saturday- Eco Friendly Wedding Idea

2009-05-30T20:52:00.001-07:00

I'm just starting to write about some ideas I'm finding on how to have an earth friendly wedding and I found the coolest idea I think I've heard of yet! You can actually get your wedding invitations printed on plantable paper! Check out these awesome invitations :0)

They actually have seeds in the paper that will grow into wildflowers! Now that takes recycling to a whole new level! I saw some where you can have a picture printed on it too! Wouldn't that be great for a thank you card?

They do so much more too- I'll be checking them out for my Christmas cards... that is if I get around to sending them this year! :0P

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Rachel and Kirk's wedding at Tapatio Cliffs, Phoenix

2009-05-26T09:37:00.007-07:00

I love shooting with Rachel- she is so fun to work with! :0)

It was kinda funny to work with a bride with the same name (although I'm sure it wasn't the first time for her!) Rachel and Kirk were married at A Different Pointe of View Restaurnt at The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs. A totally awesome setting!

On to the photos!!!

I am in love with these bouquets and boutonnieres!!!!!

cute cute!

just having some fun :0)

And one last shot- it was so windy that none of us lasted long!

All in all simply a great evening!

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Scottsdale/Phoenix Green Photographer

2009-05-20T14:20:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it- I'm actually announcing that I'm going greeeeeeeeeen!!!

For any of you that already know me this probably comes as no surprise at all! hehe But I've been reluctant to call myself green. So why the hybrid driving, CFL bulbing, (that's not even a word- I know it. :0P) garbage composting (why yes, I do have corn carpet!) and pretty much environmentalist freak won't call myself green?

Because I always want to do MORE!

For some reason I didn't feel that being green in my personal life translated to my business. What kind of business practices do I do differently to qualify me to be green? It got me thinking…

It's hard to be environmentally friendly as a photographer. I want my products to last forever! I want your grandchildren to hang your portraits in their hallways and laugh over how the people in your wedding album dress so funny! But being eco-friendly is absolutely about the material and product choices I make- those that won’t need replacing. But I, in good conscience couldn't call myself green until I had even MORE green business practices in place.

I work from home (no wasted gas!)
I turn off all my computers and equipment each night. (This is great on two levels- it saves energy and lengthens the life of all my gadgets!)
I have this awesome programmable thermostat that I have set to turn the A/C & heat off automatically when I’m out for even a little bit like taking the kids to school each day.
Although I do tend to book most of my clients via email, when we do meet up it’s in my most favorite car ever- my hybrid! :0)
I only buy 100% post consumer recycled paper and of course recycle the waste.
I use rechargeable batteries.
My product information and pricing are all digital so no trees were harmed in the process! :0P
I shoot all digital- unlike film, no more chemicals are used!
Offer only matte papers for printing. (Most lustre and gloss papers contain petroleum products.)

The more I think about it the more I realize this *is* my life... and my business. :0)

So be on the lookout for more posts from me about how to have a greener wedding. Also I’ll be reviewing green options for photographers. Hopefully this will help others in their pursuit of greeness! (Yep, another non-word, but this one will catch on, I’m sure of it!!!) hehe

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Peter and Jill's wedding at The Sanctuary Resort

2009-05-09T12:05:00.002-07:00

Jill and Peter had the perfect brunch wedding at The Sanctuary Resort.

They decided to meet before hand and we got lucky- this gorgeous house was not occupied and one of the staff drove us up! :0)

The guys hanging out...

The awesome music set the mood perfectly, you have to check this guy out! :0)

Love the little details!

And I have to say that the cake was the best by FAR! It was made by a friend of Jill's and it was incredible!

And thanks for inviting me to stay you two, the meal was absolutely wonderful and your guests were pretty cool too~! hehe :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Zach and Lilian- Mesa Engagement Photography

2009-04-28T13:40:00.009-07:00

Zach and Lilian are so stinkin' cute!
I even emailed them just to say that once I got home with these images! :0)

We went to the Mesa Arts Center, a great place with lots of diverse backgrounds.

They didn't have any trouble at all posing ;0)

Thanks, I had fun guys! And I am so in love with these images!! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Laura and Kwame's wedding at Gainey Ranch

2009-04-11T18:27:00.010-07:00

I just had to post because I had such a fun time second shooting with Kristie! We had never met but have so much in common- we are even making sure to get our little girls together this summer!!! :0)

So- on to the pictures!!! Kwame and the guys were so easy going!

The best part about their wedding was most definitely the pictures- they were everywhere, even in the cuff links!

The ceremony was held at Gainey Rach Golf Club in Scottsdale. What a gorgeous setting!

After the ceremony we wandered around and found some cool places to do the photography!

Gotta get one of Laura with this awesome sky!

Sometimes the background isn't as important as the moment :0)

And did I mention the pictures????? :0)

They really got creative with them everywhere!

And one last outting at sunset :0)

So thanks to Kristie for having me and thanks to Laura and Kwame for letting me be a part of your day! :0)

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Sarah and Mikel's wedding in Chandler!

2009-03-19T11:52:00.005-07:00

Sarah and Mikel had the most beautiful wedding!

It was a rainy week but luck held out and it was a gorgeous day. Alisha with La Ruche Event Planning was the most fun and organized wedding planner ever- she even got on the dance floor later in the evening! And Robert with Just Weddings DJ had everyone gettin' their groove on all night :0)

Sarah's dress was AH-mazing...

Sparkles was the word of the day! hehe

Mikel is a photographer too, (which made me feel extra special that he and Sarah chose me!!) so he had the ceremony site set up perfectly for the lighting!

I love this shot!!

The details were all Sarah... wait, now that I'm writing this I'm not sure if Mikel helped or not but well, let's just say they have Sarah's name written all over them! :0)

And of course, my favorite- the fun bride and groom shots!!!

One of Sarah's friends made the cake- doesn't it look tempting!!

Have I mentioned Sarah is a dancer? She planned a surprise belly dance for Mikel!!!

I think he liked it... ;0)

Thank you Sarah and Mikel- you had such a memorable day and years of happiness ahead of you!!! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Carrie and John's Wedding at SunRidge Canyon

2009-03-03T12:50:00.013-07:00

Woo Hooo!!!!! Carrie and John got married! :0)

And for those of you who don't know it, Carrie is one of my very bestest friends!

I wanted to photograph the wedding but what can you do when you're in the bridal party? Hire one of the very bestest photographers of course!! Rachel Priddy was absolutely awesome and fun to work with, although I already knew that. :0)

Here's one Rachel took of all the girls. I'm to the right of the bride for those of you searching!

While I don't have any of the ceremony to show off (since I was in it!) Rachel and I worked out a great way for us to both shoot the fun newlywed images we photographers love to take!

Nibble her ear John! ...I <3 being able to direct the love scenes! hehe

So I got Carrie to myself while Rachel was with John. This is a fun trick I learned from my friend Michelle- it gets everyone laughing. It's the swoosh! :0)

Here's one Rachel caught of me while I was shooting! Check out the very stylin' slippers Carrie bought all her bridesmaids! It was perfect because it was so chilly!!!

And I juts had to show this off because it was my very favorite of Rachel's from the shoot.

Love it chicka!!! :0)

The wedding was at Sunridge Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills, and it was simply a gorgeous setting, don't you think??
No kissing... ohhh- John you cheated!

So by the end of the grand introduction we said ado to Rachel and I got to have some more fun photographing the reception!

The toasts were so sweet :0)

so was Carrie and John's first dance :0)

And they even included a family dance too!

some reception fun!

So at the end of the night I programed in my settings and started handing my camera off so I could be in some pictures too! I told Carrie someone had to get a picture if my one and only dance move! hehe

This is my serious look... Give me my camera back Chris!

Carrie got one look at that image on my LCD and said- BLOG! (She knows me too well!)

Carrie and John your wedding was beautiful and you two are absolutely perfect for each other! You guys are blessed! I'm so glad I was a part of your day :0)

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Contest winners Sarah and Mikel

2009-01-20T10:02:00.005-07:00

Since I'm going in order and the holidays got the best of me I am just now getting to Sarah and Mikel's engagement session!

If you remember, they're the couple who won my engagement session contest. The votes were so fun to watch come in! If you're curious, here's the slideshow. But of course I have to post my favorites below :0)

Having a little fun with the scarf...

I kept trying to get Mikel to laugh but Sarah was the giggly one!

Finally we ended up at the fabulous house they'll be getting married at- look at this awesome stained glass!

Thank you so much for letting me really get to know you two. I loved it!!! :0)

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Venuesela!

2009-01-06T10:59:00.010-07:00

I hardly have any time these days but I have to show off some images from my Venezuela trip! I had such an incredible time and met some fabulous people too! :0)

So before I get into it, if you want to see the slideshow check it out here!
Phoenix photographer Laura Siivola (moi!) at Sally and Hansel's beach wedding on Margarita Island, Venusela- WOOT!

This is Darcy (a 'la Audrey Hepburn!) We all went on a jeep trip our first night there and it took us all over the island!

We stopped at sunset to admire the view and have a few drinks! This is Cristen who amazingly can sleep sitting up while hanging onto a crowded, moving and speeding jeep! Impressive!!

We had an awesome home cooked dinner and just a few ahem... rum and cokes around a bonfire. This is where I declared that I am a camera snob and can't seem to take a "point and shoot" anywhere! hehe- but you already knew that didn't you?!!

The next day was kinda funny because we did this snorkeling tour- some of the girls stayed behind but I insisted on going! I mean, how many chances do I get to do something like this when I live in Arizona?!! So here a picture of the colorful beach. We had to wade out this inner tube boat thing (I'm sure there's a word for it, I just don't know it!) to get to the bigger boat. It was very windy and the water was choppy and to be completely honest I ended up yacking off the side of the boat. Ugh! haha So I don't have many pictures to show you from that day. But I did get off the boat and into the water a little bit and I was able to appreciate how gorgeous it was there to be sure. Everyone was soooo nice to me too- trying to help me out and asking how I was! And I still have to say that I'm glad I went. :0)

So on to the wedding day! Sally and Hansel decided to do thier ceremony after dark because people still wander the beach up until sunset and I think they wanted to have something kinda private. Apparantly people will crash about any party they can! hehe So I asked them to meet up before hand and I am so happy they did- check out what a fun time they had!!!

Found this very cool wall :0)

I haven't told you yet about the jewlerymakers that were everywhere! You walk down the beach and they will just put things on you. I bought a couple of braclets for the kids and Andy. This guy was pretty nice and asked Sally to get a picture of her wearing a ring. We were laughing and of course she said yes. :0)

Hansel bought me a Sabores to try but Sally ended up drinking it because it was soooo sweet!

and of course I had to get one of their sandy feet!!

A few from the ceremony...

And a bunch from the reception!!!

more sandy feet...

Nurse Sally!!!

And last but not least my favorite from the whole time! Hansel kept pulling his arm away so Sally would fall just a little and they were laughing and having fun. I caught this when he was pulling her back up again and I guess I just love how they are looking at each other. :0)

So the running joke was when I would ask someone if they wanted a picture Sally (or somebody!) always would say "that's not organic!!!" And we all got a big laugh out of it! hehe

But Sally and Hansel- I was more than happy to be your organic photographer! :0)

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

I'm Back Baby!

2008-12-17T15:00:00.003-07:00

Hope you don't mind the Seinfeld euphemism (I couldn't resist!) :0)

I can't believe it's been one month exactly since I last wrote! December is always a crazy month and this year is no different! I've had lots going on and while I want to tell you all about my trip to Venezuela I have to start with the beginning! That is- before I left!

I had a great shoot with a few of the pastors from The Living Word Bible Church.

Tom and Maureen were so fun- and it was awesome to see how much they are so in love and make each other laugh!

I just kept thinking to myself- this cutie is a grandma??? :0)

And here's Scott- he was so easygoing and we had a great shoot. I love these images because he looks so natural, like he wasn't in front of a camera at all!

Thanks you guys!!! :0)

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Jason Rich Redoux

2008-11-17T15:16:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post before I pick up the kids! I had to show you my second shoot with Jason Rich- we did a way more serious session here and went over to the Mesa Arts Center. It's a great setting because it has so many cool backgrounds in one place!

So here are a few... :0)

And I think this is my favorite from the whole day right here...

Thankfully it was much much cooler out this time around so I hope you enjoyed your stay! I told him next time he'd have to bring his girlfriend because all I heard about was Bailey!!! hehe

Love it!!! :0)

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

And the Winner Is...

2008-11-05T10:26:00.002-07:00

I'm so happy to announce that the winner of the engagement session is...

Sarah and Mikel!

WOOT! Congratulations guys! I've really enjoyed getting the comments that keep coming in. The way everyone is talking about your energy and love I can't wait to shoot your engagement session!!!

Leesa and Paul aren't going to be left out either, for sure. I'll be shooting their engagement session too! :0)

But Sarah and Mikel swooped up the grand prize! So here I am putting on my best game show voice...
Tell them what they've won!

A complimentary engagement session and a custom designed guestbook! But wait there's more!

And an online slideshow to share with close personal friends and members of your family!

Thanks to everyone who voted- it was so fun! :0)

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Engagement Contest Finalists :0)

2008-10-28T11:58:00.004-07:00

Ok guys! I'm feeling all better after a touch of the flu and I finally get to post the finalists for the free engagement session!!!

So get ready to vote for your favorite couple simply by posting a comment with the couple's name!

I'm so excited to introduce you to (drum roll?).......

Leesa and Paul!

and...
Sarah and Mikel!

Here are their stories! :0)

Leesa and Paul
Leesa and I first met our freshman year at Central High school in phoenix. Our first class together was 2nd period photography with Mrs. Meiners. I had a high school crush on Leesa, but I was always too shy to ask her out. After high school, we did not keep in touch with each other, so 15 years went by until we were both matched on Eharmony.com. I did not know it was the same Leesa from high school, I just thought she looked familiar. It was shortly after I first e-mailed her that I saw her same picture on classmates.com. Since first re-connecting, we haven't looked back. She is my perfect match and I am hers.

So we were in Oahu on vacation. after a morning of snorkling with the sharks, I drove her to an isolated beach on the north shore where we had a picnic and then I popped the question. I got it on video. you can see it at www.myspace.com/fuzzzie1 (click on the video tab)

Sarah and Mikel

Mikel and I met for the first time in 2004. We were at a performance by the band Traveler. I, being new to belly dancing, was trying my hand at dancing to live music, and he was there taking photographs for the band. Over the course of the next 3 years, our paths crossed at various dance and music shows, where I was performing, and he was shooting photos for the event. I would always wonder if he would be at the shows, and liked it when he was. At the time, I did not recognize this as for what it was, as my life was in a very different place then. I would realize it years later that those feelings were my soul recognizing its future mate.

Then, in December of 2006, my dance troupe leader, Gazelle, hired Mikel to take photographs of our troupe. I remember that day clearly. I remember walking into Gazelle’s home and seeing Mikel. And, once again, I felt glad to see him there. The shoot ended up being a blast. And afterwards I sat and talked with Mikel for quite some time. I found my self talking to him about things I wouldn’t normally talk to anyone about. My brain would scream, “Don’t tell him about how much time you have been spending alone!!!”, but my mouth went on talking. I believe it was the universe making things as they should be because it was this giving of too much information on my part that gave Mikel the opening to invite me to attend a happy hour with his social group MEETin.

Our first get together, (it was not really a date), we met at a MEETin happy hour at Jillians. I remember threading through the crowd of people. I remember it being a bit overwhelming as I am, by nature, a bit on the shy side in big crowds. He introduced me to his friends, who were all very welcoming. Once we settled into our seats, we began to get to know each other. Later that night after Jillians, we went to another MEETin event at Chuy’s for Karaoke night. No we didn’t sing... I remember a girl asking me if I was Mikel’s date. My response was, I don’t know... How funny it seems now, looking back. It would take another week and a half or so for us to go on our official first date...

From that moment on, we were inseparable. We had many wonderful adventures over the next year. Then, in October of 2007, we took a trip to Rocky Point with our friends. It was nearing sunset as we were lounging on the beach. Mikel jumped up and handed his camera to a friend and asked her to take our picture with the sunset. I remember posing with him, for what seemed like a long time. He was fumbling around with something. I said “hurry, the sunset is going away”, all the while holding my pose for the “picture”. (To find out later she was shooting a video the whole time). The next thing I knew, Mikel had a ring in his hand and said, “Will you marry me?” In that moment, time seemed to stop, as I tried to comprehend what had just happened… I looked at Mikel, with his eyes shining and the biggest smile on his face… The only thing I could think to say was, “Are you serious?” It seems silly now, but I was so shocked at that moment. Very shortly after that, it seemed like time became normal again, and I knew, without a doubt, what my answer would be. “Yes!” I said… knowing as I said it, that things were as they should be. As I looked into Mikel’s eyes, a great sense of peace overcame me as I thought about the life we will share together.

http://sarahandmikel.ourweddingday.com/index.aspx

Thank you to everyone!! Now go spread the love and vote your favorite! :0)

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Re: Zound photos!

2008-10-20T09:23:00.004-07:00

Before I go on about what an awesome shoot we had, I just wanted to give a little shout out for my win a photo session contest! About a week left to go-so if you know anyone who's getting married tell them to check it out! :0)

So last week I had a great time shooting Re:Zound! You have got to check out their music because it's just so good and because... well- I said so! :0P

On to the fabulous pictures! (...am I allowed to say that?) But seriously- look at this yummy color! His eyes just pop out with this cool toned reflection!

We went to the Mesa Arts Center and when we called up they were incredibly nice and even let us shoot in the lobby. Thanks!! (because it was still kinda hot outside) :0P

I think this is my new favorite image!!

So on we headed to the Living Word Bible Church for the rest of the shoot. I had never been there before and can I just say- WOW! Simply incredible!!

Just havin' some fun with these... flip you hair again!!!

Well, let me just ask you- does it look like I'm shooting inside a church???

The group is going on a mission trip to India in January and I just know they'll have an amazing time!

Ok, I admit it, I'm a little jealous! hehe

I can't wait to hear about the trip, you guys rock!!!

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Did I mention...

2008-10-16T10:34:00.004-07:00

That I went to California... a month ago! I've been keeping so busy I've barely blogged at all!

So without any further ado let me tell you about my fun trip!! :0)

Pictage's Partner Con was great- it really made me think about my business in different terms. The funniest thing happened while I was there thinking and toiling over my love for photography and how to make not just a business but a successful business...

I ran into this guy in the elevator going up and we were joking around and stuff. Well 20 minutes later I came back down and he hopped on the elevator again! Talk about serendipity! We started talking and I asked why he was in town- he said that he was in the music industry and he was here for a photo shoot. I just started laughing and told him I was a photographer and had just started shooting musicians. He had to laugh too now because he was saying how hard it had been to find a photographer and here I tell him I'm at a photography conference and well, he couldn't say much but 'get out!' hehe

So Kyze was totally cool and invited me to this shoot they were doing the next day with Nikki Smith at Chad Hill's studio. It's funny because I didn't really want to buttinski on someone's shoot so I wasn't gonna go but I bumped into Kyze for A THIRD TIME!!! Crazy! So my friends told me I had to go- as Rachel said, 'It's kismet!'

Chad was very cool and we started talking shop as soon as we had a second! We even traded websites we enjoyed for inspiration. Here's one of him shootin'!

So thanks to Kyze and Chad and Nikki too! You've given me some much needed inspiration- I've been shooting more musicians lately and I absolutely love the creativity it affords me!! :0)

So since we had pretty much been all work and no play a group of us decided to go to The Wherehouse for dinner and it was soooo yummy!

Kadie and I ordered this ginormous drink but neither of us could make a dent in it...

So I got a little help from Rachel :0)

AND a little more help from Betsy and Michelle!!! hehe

Then when we got back to the hotel I had possibly the best desert ever! A flourless chocolate volcano cake. I had never heard of it but woah momma I'm glad I ordered it even though I couldn't finish!!! :0P

So the next morning on our way home Rachel let me (or had to, however you wanna look at it!) and Kadie tag along on an engagement shoot of hers on the beach! Well, for us Arizona photographers it's a treat!

And here's one of Kadie- we both decided to get in the water!!

I had an awesome time!!!

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

My Little Firestarters!

2008-10-07T08:33:00.003-07:00

Just got back from a weekend trip with the Boy Scouts! Every year our troop gets together at our Fall Family Campout and man was it chilly this time- it was wet and muddy and the kids enjoyed every last speck of dust!

I just had to share these images where the kiddos had the chance to make their very own fire (supervised of course!) hehe

Any of the families who want to check out the rest of the images just click here for the gallery. It's password protected but anyone who was there should know the secret code!

Jacq even borrowed the camera and took a bunch of pictures this weekend too so enjoy them!! :0)

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Engagement Session Contest!!!

2008-10-01T08:58:00.006-07:00

I’ve been plotting in my head all year about how I wanted to do a contest for Valentine’s Day but you might have seen my last post which gave me a kick in the pants. Why not do it now!?!!

So here’s the deal… if you’re getting married or have a friend who is send me a picture (of the couple!) and a story. Make me laugh or make my heart sing- we all need inspiration and giggles sometimes! I’m hoping to have some serious fun with this! :0)

Rules? We don’t need no stinking rules!?!!

Ok, ok so I need a few rules! :0P
The couple must be willing to appear on my blog at… well here! You don't have to be from the Scottsdale area to enter, but you do have to either travel here for the session or pay for my travel expenses to get to your neck of the woods!

To enter just email me at laurasiivola@cox.net (Email Laura linky!) with:
- Name of both of you
- Picture of the two of you together
- Wedding Date
- A little story :0)
- Entries are due by October 25th
- If you are entering someone else make sure to include their email address so I can ask permission to post their image and your story on the blog!

I’ll post my favorites on the blog and let you- the readers decide! After the voting stage, the winning couple’s photo will be posted here! (WOOT! I’m starting to get excited!) :0)

The winner will receive:
- Complimentary engagement session (of course!)
- Custom designed 10x10- 20 page guestbook
- Online slideshow to share with your friends and family

Send this to all your friends and may the best couple win! :0D

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Bad juju... or something!

2008-09-26T10:12:00.003-07:00

I wanted to write about something that happened to me and my husband but I really wasn’t sure I wanted to share with you guys and let’s face it- everyone on the whole internet!

My husband Andy is an electrical contractor. Just this week a guy who has been working with him for years stole our debit card and drained out our bank account. What might almost be worse, he stole my son’s Boy Scout money off the shelf.

Why didn’t I want to share it with the world? I felt heartbroken for trusting someone that totally took advantage of us. And I felt stupid for allowing myself to trust someone that I had misjudged so plainly. I felt completely let down- not only by this person but by myself.

Then of course I go into some kind of weird spiral – I can’t trust anyone. -I have to trust people or life’s not worth it! –But believing in people will ultimately make me feel let down. Well, let’s just say it’s not pretty.

So… (and I just want to be completely honest here) I want to do something that will make me feel better. Yep I am selfish! I want to feel good again and stop this feeling hanging over me. And this might just be the weirdest reason behind why I’m doing something.

On the 1st I’m going to announce a contest for couples to win a free engagement session. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now and this scenario has given me the perfect shove I needed. I still need the few days to work out all the details but I’m already starting to feel better and get excited! :0)

Oh and on a side note, after ten years of marriage (or to be specific, ten years this coming May!) Andy’s achieved a first- he arranged a surprise date for us tonight. He just now called me up and said wear something sexy, think New Orleans, I’m taking us out to a jazz club. So I keep trying to think on the bright side. Who knows what this setback will spur us to do. Who knows-maybe any of these bad things that are thrown at us in life are put there to incite us to greatness.

Maybe I’m thinking too much…

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

A trip to the Woods :)

2008-09-24T16:30:00.003-07:00

Got away from the heat a little bit this last weekend with a trip up to Pinetop!

It really is gorgeous there :0)

Just a few of my kids hamming it up.

--
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Phoenix Business Workshop

2008-09-15T10:52:00.003-07:00

Have you heard about Liana's Business Boot Camp? If not, you have to check it out! I've heard nothing but awesome things about the workshop and now she's coming Phoenix! She'll be here October 19-21 so get a move on and sign up while there's still spots left!

I didn't think I'd be able to afford it but Liana just stared this new thing where you pay $99 a month for a year instead of the big chunk up front! (whew!) :0)

So check it out!

http://bananasedu.com/BBC/

---
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Singer Jason Rich :)

2008-09-12T11:44:00.009-07:00

Just got back from LA Pictage's PartnerCon late last night and I promise to blog about that next but I wanted to post about how much fun I had with Jason Rich and Tai Navares last Sunday!

I got to bust out my one light setup with my new radio poppers!

Jason went a little nutty with his Will Farrell and Zoolander impressions and had me and Tai cracking up! :0)

back to business now :0P

And one last kickin shot for the night...

---
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

First comes Love...

2008-08-28T13:57:00.005-07:00

Then comes marriage! and you know what comes next!!! :0)

the cutest family ever!

We almost left without doing the Love statue- *Gasp!* hehe

You guys were adorable and fun!!!! Thank you for letting me capture your family moments! :0)

---
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Old Town Scottsdale Engagement

2008-08-25T14:30:00.005-07:00

Do Carrie and John really need an introduction???? :0)

my best friends gettin maarrrried!!!!!

so we headed into Old Town...

where they first met!

sooo cute! I think this is the one I'll give out to your friends so they can print them on shirts to wear at your bachelor party John!!! (oops- did I just write that 'OUT LOUD'????) hehe

if ya wanna check out the slideshow it's right here!
Scottsdale Engagement Photos of Carrie and John :0)

---
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

The best picture ever!

2008-08-18T14:27:00.003-07:00

I had a shoot his weekend with The Patterson Family :0)

Soooo... I was sorting through my images I just had to share this with you!!!

I absolutely love it!!!!!! hehe :0)
...more to come!

---
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Textures in Images

2008-08-17T10:27:00.005-07:00

I just had to post these final images! Once Trevor picked the ones he wanted to run with I was really able to get funky! :0P

Before the texture:

and after!

If you're interested in how to apply this technique to your images just check out this textures tutorial I wrote on the DPChallenge website. (and if you're interested in photography I highly suggest you check out that site, it is so fun and addicting!)

And I didn't use any textures on this one but I thought I could show you a cool before/after shot. Just scroll down to the my previous post to check out the straight from camera image :0)

AWESOME!!!!

Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Phoenix musician- Trevor Pan! :0)

2008-08-13T13:27:00.007-07:00

Woot! Trevor and I had an awesome shoot and by the way, you've got to check out his music! He told me about how he's just finished recording a CD and he needed to get some images for the cover. Such an exciting time for him!

After we talked a little bit I suggested doing a shoot somewhere in the desert and can you believe it- he actually designed and built this bungalow up at Taliesin West! So incredible!!!

Of course we had to use it as a backdrop! :0)

The lighting turned out awesome!

So serious! Erika and were trying to get him to laugh more...

Caught one! :0)

It was hot out there but it was so worth it! :0)

---
Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Karaoke anyone?

2008-08-11T09:32:00.002-07:00

Ok, so now you know it, I'm a total karaoke nerd! hehe No making fun!!! :0P

I just had to blog this because it was too funny! The other night when a big storm came through my freind Carrie and I decided to go sing karaoke at our favorite hangout- The Grapevine! We always have a great time and get up on to dance as much as we can. When we came in we moseyed on over to a table next to the dance floor (our favorite spot!) and the floor was soaking wet from the rain! Anyhow- about five minutes later the waitress posts this 'keep off...' sign up. Carrie and I just laughed because we knew it was on account of us!
Then about ten minutes later Carrie's fiancé looks at us ad said- that sign wasn't there when we came in was it? Then we really started laughing! We had to take this camera phone picture (it's all we had with us!) just for fun :0)

No worries! We just moved aside some chairs and danced on the carpet right next to it! :0)

---

Laura Siivola- Photographer.
Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Jenna and Cody's wedding in Pinetop!

2008-08-01T12:31:00.012-07:00

I had such a great time shooting with Kadie and Joe. Jenna and Cody were terribly cute and I love love loved their whole wedding!

While Kadie was shooting the girls getting ready, I snuck off and grabbed some detail shots!

Cody and Jenna (er... excuse me- Codenna! hehe) decided to meet before hand.

I love it when this happens! It give the bride and groom some alone time before the ceremony and everything seems to flow well. It eases nerves too! :0)

I have been dying to get a shot like this!

Ceremony time!

WOOT! Love it! :0)

Jenna was so fun twirling around in her dress :0)

So Thanks guys- I had an awesome time!!

---

Laura Siivola- Photographer. Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Purvi and Rohit at The Wigwam Resort

2008-07-22T11:00:00.008-07:00

I'll get back to the rest of my New Orleans trip next week but I couldn't wait another day to share these images!!! Purvi and Rohit's wedding at The Wigwam Resort was spectacular and so colorful. It was a joy to shoot! :0)

Ok, so here's one shot I took and processed it two different ways. I can't decide which is better! I love color but the black and white is so classic and it really makes the henna on her hands stand out. What do you think?

They were so fun!!

and Purvi had the most wonderful smile :0)

---

Laura Siivola- Photographer. Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Nola- Day One :0)

2008-07-15T09:23:00.009-07:00

I haven't had much time to post lately so you'll be seeing a bunch of images all at once! I hope you enjoy them!!

Working for The Windsor Court was awesome! Tara came up with this incredible itinerary that I never would have been able to put together (believe me- I tried!) Day one was jam packed with things to do- wait all the days were packed!!

Off to Cafe du Monde for a beignet and coffee... (OJ for me thanks!)

Walking around and trying to get used to the humidity was crazy, but it worked out great. Bruce and I would see things inside stores that grabbed our attention and went in like insane camera toting tourists! :0P

These alligators were EVERYWHERE!!! (kinda freaky if you ask me) so of course I had to buy my son one!!! ...He's seven and likes freaky haha

Some of my favorite things to do in New Orleans was to watch the craftsmanship going on! Painters, people making masks and there was a cool cigar shop where they made them right in the store- very fun to see :0)

I can't even tell you how many recommendations I got to go to Pat O'Briens!

Hurricane anyone?

And what a perfect way to end the evening of course- listening to a little jazz!

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Laura Siivola- Photographer. Organic photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

Aaaackkk!!

2008-06-19T16:04:00.003-07:00

I've been soooo busy! Just got back from the best assignment ever in New Orleans and had a wedding to shoot the day after I got in on Saturday (which was also awesome!) I can't wait to share the images from that one!
And now I'm traveling to Northern Arizona to shoot with Kadie Pangburn! Honestly, I'm a bit crazed but I love it when I'm this busy!

So I'll leave you with a favorite image of mine from the Nola trip and I'll make sure to take you on a day by day account of the fun times! :0)

this is just so 'Nawlins' to me!! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer. Organic photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

kelly!

2008-04-28T12:37:00.005-07:00

I had so much fun on Friday! Kelly was so awesome to work with and adorable too!

She just got signed on by a record company and called me up to do a shoot for her new album cover. :0)

We went to The Teeter House for an antique kind of setting. It's a cool tea room that has live Jazz on Saturday nights- very fun. But there was not too much space to work with inside so we decided to walk around and got loads of fun shots outside too!

Now, don't kill me Kelly, but I just had to link this! hehe

Kelly's cousin posted a video of her singing to her grandmother and I think her voice is simply awesome! You've got to check it out! HERE!!!

I think this is my favorite shot of the day!

If you want to hear more of Kelly, here's the 'official' site. Thanks Kelly!!! :0)

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Laura Siivola- Photographer. Organic wedding and portrait photography based in the Phoenix Arizona area.
laurasiivolaphotographer.com

My first...

2008-04-24T09:31:00.002-07:00

i pod! I know, I know- half of you will laugh because...

"you really don't have an i pod yet?"

and the other half (hi mom!) :0P

"now, what exactly is an i pod?"

It's so silly but I'm excited! I bought one with an LCD so I can play slide shows or movies too. Now I just have to wait for it to get to me!!!

The Birthday Girls!

2008-04-15T11:29:00.002-07:00

Yep, it's that time again! My birthday is today (yes, really- tax day!) and my daughters is a mere 4 days later! I've been running around getting crafts for the other birthday girls party- she is so excited!

I snapped this just as we were running out the door this morning :0)

Andy asked what I wanted to do today and I said- go to yoga! I think he wasn't so sure if I was telling the truth or not... (is this one of those super sneaky girl intricacies that I will be mad at him for later?) Nope, I promised him- I really could use a little down time after taxes and life in general catch up with me so frequently :0)

Thursday... karaoke!!!