Happy Holidays 2009 from Miroslavich Photography

Happy Holidays!! We are just about to take a little blogging vacation (would that be called a "blog-cation?") but before we do, we thought we would share with all of you some holiday cheer courtesy of our very cooperative kids who indulge us every year as we think of something new for them to do for us for our holiday greetings! The Miroslavich girls (ages 6 and 3) and the Ashton boys (ages 8, 6 and 4) all got together at the studio a few weeks ago so Melissa could photograph them for our studio holiday card. During this process, she managed to capture some video which proved to be quite entertaining! We wish you all a very happy holiday and we look forward to returning to the blog in early 2010 to continue to share with you all things wonderful at Miroslavich Photography!!!

"Ju-Ju Bean" turns one!!

It is hard to believe that this first image of Julia (aka Ju-Ju Bean...how cute is that?!?!?) was taken over a year ago when she was just days old!! The second image was at 6 months when sitting up by herself was a new development! Although very shortly after this, Julia began walking around on her own at age 9 months!! That's what having two big brothers does to you!! You need to learn to walk early!!!

Now Julia is a big girl at age one and the rest of the images are from her very fun one year old photo session last month! What a sweetheart!!! We so love seeing this family on a regular basis and find it hard to believe that they will be back in the summer when big brother Henry turns 5!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Ju-Ju Bean (best little nickname ever!!)

Announcing our Double Dollar Day!

Cool Yule Surprise! Just in time for the holidays,
we are offering double dollar gift certificates for the very first time ever!

Amounts available are $100, 250, and 500. Here's how it works: buy a gift certificate for 250 and it's worth 500, buy a gift certificate for 500 and it's worth 1000. How cool is that?!

Available ONLY Tuesday, December 15th, 9:30am to Noon.

A limited number of double dollar gift certificates will be available for each amount. Call or stop by the studio during this time for your double dollar gift certificate and have it to gift wrap and hide under the tree! 651.343.4823

Here's the rules:
Can be used towards your portrait order only, and does not include the creation fee
Can only be used for upcoming sessions
Session must be completed by July 31st, 2010
Not valid with any other offers. For example, double dollars cannot be used in conjunction with baby collections, toddler collections, diva parties, silent auctions, or other gift certificates.
Has no monetary value and is non-transferrable
Have wonderful, merry, joyful, comforting, bright holiday and happy new year!
Miroslavich Photography is a full service boutique photography studio located in St. Paul, MN -- where eyes dance, dimples dip, and hearts skip. We specialize in relationship portraiture of babies, children, families & pets. For the most up-to-date information check out our blog at www.miroslavichphotography.blogspot.com or give us a call. We love to chat!

Introducing the one, the only....ZED!!!!

Meet Zed, the rock star!!! We are not kidding...he is a star! Zed is the top French Bulldog in the country....he won the Speciality Show and the Top Twenty invitation in Boston in October. And now, on to Westminster! Can't you just tell he is top dog? The way he carries himself, the way he can pose, the look in his eyes?!?!! He has fame written all over him! We had so much fun with him in the studio...we couldn't resist the chalkboard drawing! All the best, Zed!! We look forward to following your successes! And don't forget about us when you are rich and famous!!!

Steph - Class of 2010

We heart seniors!!! Check out this super cool video (if we do say so ourselves!!) of Steph's senior session with us! We have so enjoyed meeting and getting to know Steph and her family!! Younger sister, Laurel, popped into the session and we captured some "sisters" moments, too. And of course, one of their dogs, Owen, also joined in! Next time we photograph them, Richard the dog has been promised to be included!

We know good things are in store for Steph in the future! Can't wait to see what adventures are awaiting her...who knows, we may have just photographed the future president of the United States!!!

It's all in the eyes!!

One word comes to mind when I see these images: HANDSOME! This little guy was as sweet as he looks in his portraits! Isaac is 6 years old (although, holy cow, is he a tall guy for 6 years old!!) and he captivated us with his gorgeous eyes and sunny smile! He was very excited to show Melissa his wooden box of "collections" which included an awesome collection of shark teeth (as seen below proudly displayed on his feet!) We know he makes his mom and grandma very proud!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and is able to spend time with family. We wanted to let everyone know we have selected the recipient of our Thanks & Giving give-away. First I want to thank the clients & friends who took the time to nominate; there were so many different stories of families experiencing very tough times. We knew it was going to be a very hard decision, but I don’t think either Robin or I was prepared for how hard it actually was. Each family had a poignant story, that was heartfelt, and shared by a loving, caring friend or family member. The thing that impressed me most about each nomination is that along with hardship, each family was also described with strength and a willingness to try, try, and try some more. It brought tears to our eyes. Initially Robin and I each read through the nominations separately, and when we came together realized we were unanimous in our decision for the family that has been selected to receive our gift of $2000 in custom photography. We have also decided that the personal situation is not ours to tell, especially on the internet. Instead we have decided to ask the recipient if their story can be shared in the coming weeks. We want to thank Vicki for the selected nomination, and let everyone know she has been contacted as of this morning and is aware her nominated family is the recipient of our give-away.

If anything Thanks & Giving has, as one client pointed out, “(reminded us) of what the upcoming season is supposed to be about.” We hope it has given pause and inspired others to give of their own talents and strengths this year too.

I am off to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade with the girls and make twice baked sweet potatoes. It’s a new recipe I am trying out on the extended family (maybe I can bring the wine next year?). I don’t have a prayer that it will be better than my brothers deep dish pumpkin pie. But we are thankful that he is here with his wife this year! I am thankful to Amy for introducing me to allrecipes.com. I am also thankful to my family and friends for their love and support. And last but not least, I am thankful to Matt at Fitness Together for saying that Thanksgiving is only one day year, so enjoying all the fruits (and pie, turkey, stuffing) it has to offer. I admit I added the pie, turkey and stuffing in my head, but I think that was the essence of the advice. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

jane & gunnar 8.28.09

We fell in love with Jane and Gunnar the first time we met with them! Of course, their new puppy, Ellie, sealed the deal for us! After months of planning and preparing for the big day, everything went perfectly on their wedding day! Even down to the pink tutu for Ellie (complete with the Just Married sign). Even Gunnar, who was somewhat skeptical of the tutu, had to admit it was pretty darn cute! Congratulations! What a great family you make!

Enjoy the video (get some tissue because both Melissa and I cried when we watched it all the way through for the first time!)! We wish Jane and Gunnar much love, happiness and good health!

Thanks & Giving

We are so pleased to report that we have received great nominations of families for our Thanks & Giving gift of custom photography over the past couple of weeks. Melissa and I have been reading each heartfelt nomination and it is going to be a tough decision. Nominations close next Wednesday November 25th and the winner will be chosen on Thursday November 26th, Thanksgiving Day.

Just to review, we want to know who they are, and want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography. $2000 worth to be exact. Whether it's canvas or a book or multiple wall prints, it's in your power to give them the artwork and heirlooms they deserve this holiday season. The person who nominates the winner will receive $500 in portrait credit! What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

The Rules: You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. The nominee must be able to come to St. Paul for a studio or location session. Tell us who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve a gift of photography. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself. Please put "Thanksgiving Giveaway" in the subject line and email the full story to: melissa@miroslavichphotography.com

We can't wait to read the entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season - and thanks for giving us the opportunity to open ours!

Fabulous sisters!!

Seriously, could this family be any cuter? Alexandra and Isabella were totally rocking their Matilda Jane outfits! And then, for the grand finale during the photo session, they changed into the "piece de resistance"-outfits made by mom (Doodle Dot Designs! we will feature them on the blog as soon as their website is up and running)-check out the tutus and fun shirts! Unbelievably cute! Not sure when mom has the time to do all of this...and stay so cute herself!! We can't wait to see her next creations and designs!!

Going, going...(almost!) gone!!

It is hard to believe that we are booking into our 2010 calendar but it is true!! As of today, we only have 6 photo sessions left for 2009! Crazy! Sessions have been booking up fast as people want to get these sessions done before the end of the year! If you have been thinking about it, call us soon because before we know it, they will be gone. (now if only I could get my holiday shopping to be done!!)

Holiday Boutique this Friday, November 13th

Please join us on Friday, November 13 11am - 2pm and 5pm - 8:30pm for a holiday shopping extravaganza. Your shopping experience will include...fresh, funky, fun clothing & accessories for women and children, purses, magnet boards, canvas art, vinyl lettering, holiday & home decor, jewelry galore, scented candles, gourmet food & treats, photography, scrapbook goodies, beauty products, gifts for mom & baby and much, much more! Featured companies: doodle dot designs, tastefully simple, arbonne, bumbles watches, a bug on the wall, silpada, southern living at home, miroslavich photography, uppercase living. Need extra spending money? Bring in your unwanted gold items and we will buy them from you. Help those in need this holiday season by bringing a non-perishable food donation or toiletry item and a receive a free gift. Tell your friends! gift wrapping available* select vendors. It's going to be super fun! The boutique is being held at: 2373 Golf View, Woodbury, MN 55129. We will be offering 50% off our regular creation fee. Cool huh! See you there!

A Glimpse of summer....

We're back!!! We apologize for our recent lapse in blog posts....not only are we hopping busy at the studio, both Melissa's and my family have been hit with the nasty flu bugs that are circulating around here. Combine that with husbands travelling and it makes a crazy few weeks!! However, we have been busy photographing at the studio and on location, creating stunning holiday cards and preparing for 2010! Whew! We have lots to share with everyone so check back often!

This beautiful family session took place this past summer and since we are experiencing above normal temps here in Minnesota this weekend, I thought it would be fitting to share their images. What a fun family! We spent a gorgeous summer morning together at a local park. These siblings were darling with each other and their parents. It has been a pleasure getting to know them .... and now that the weather is going to turn cold, I think we will be seeing a lot of them in the arena as hockey season now begins!!!

Thanks & Giving!

Last year a fellow photographer put the challenge out to give the joy of photography to a family in need for the holiday season.
This year we have accepted the challenge, and now it is your turn to do your part. If you are a client or friend, please join us by nominating someone in need. You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, has someone in their family that is terminally ill or someone who is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

We want to know who they are, and want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography. $2000 worth to be exact. Whether it's canvas or a book or multiple wall prints, it's in your power to give them the artwork and heirlooms they deserve this holiday season. The person who nominates the winner will receive $500 in portrait credit! What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

The Rules: You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. The nominee must be able to come to St. Paul for a studio or location session. Tell us who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve a gift of photography. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself. Please put "Thanksgiving Giveaway" in the subject line and email the full story to: melissa@miroslavichphotography.com
The winner will be announced on Thanksgiving Day ... get nominating!! We can't wait to read the entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season - and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine!

Howl-O-Ween

I was invited to be a part of the Howl-O-Ween event at Park Grove Pet Hospital on Halloween. They had a fabulous party Saturday, and I was thrilled to be a part of it. Just wish Joey (my springer spaniel) had better manners so he could have come with and participated in the howling contest. He'd have a howling good time! Also, I am SO glad I brought a camera because there was no way to resist all the adorable "trick or treaters" in costume. Check it out, see if you can guess my favorites, and pick a fav for yourself. (It's a toss up between the big chicken ... iguana ... dragon ... shark ...hot dog, well you get the picture!)...

The perfect fall evening!

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of wonderful fall evening photo session with Sonia and Grace; and their beautiful horses, Vic and Love. All of the elements and "stars" were aligned and we had a perfect evening to photograph....overcast skies, no wind, warm air and lovely subjects! As you can see, Vic and Love are stunning horses and I think we captured each of their own spirits and personalities. In addition, we photographed Grace for her senior portrait in a setting that she loves the most! It was wonderful to witness the mother-daughter bond between Sonia and Grace; and to be a part of their lives that means so much to them. Thank you for letting us capture these moments for your family!

Parker, the Diva!

Can male dogs be divas? Hmmm, not sure?! If so, then Parker certainly is becoming one!! Many of you will recognize Parker from his Twin Cities Live debut this week. We posted the segment earlier this week and we have had so many requests for more images from this session, we decided to add more to the blog! Parker, you are becoming a well-known pup! You can see that we had fun with Parker and his owner/"sister" Melissa! Parker was a star....and before long he may need his own manager to look after his career in film!! Way to go, Parker!!